GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST
485BPOS, 1998-02-27
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<PAGE>
 
    
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
February 27, 1998     

1933 Act Registration No. 33-17619
1940 Act Registration No. 811-5349


                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D. C. 20549

                                 ____________

                                   FORM N-1A

                       REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                         SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 ( X )
    
                     Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 ( X )     

                                    and/or

                       REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
                     INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 ( X )
    
                            Amendment No. 44 ( X )     

                       (Check appropriate box or boxes)

                                  __________

                              GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST
              (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

                               4900 Sears Tower
                         Chicago, Illinois 60606-6303
                   (Address of principal executive offices)

                        Registrant's Telephone Number,
                       including Area Code 312-993-4400
                                 ____________

Michael J. Richman, Esq.                            Copies to:
Goldman, Sachs & Co.                                Jeffrey A. Dalke, Esq.
85 Broad Street - 12th Floor                        Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP
New York, New York 10004                            1345 Chestnut Street
                                                    Philadelphia, PA 19107
(Name and address of agent for service)

<PAGE>
 
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box)
    
( )  Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
(X)  On March 1, 1998 pursuant to paragraph (b)
( )  60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
( )  On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
( )  75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
( )  On (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of rule 485.     
    
Registrant has registered an indefinite number of its shares under the
Securities Act of 1933 pursuant to Rule 24f-2.  On January 26, 1998 Registrant
filed a Rule 24f-2 notice on behalf of its fixed-income funds for their fiscal
year ended October 31, 1997.     

<PAGE>
 
    
                              GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST
                            Institutional Shares of
                       GOLDMAN SACHS FIXED INCOME FUNDS     
                                ---------------

                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                           (as required by Rule 485)


PAGE A                            CAPTION
- ------                            -------
    
GOLDMAN SACHS FIXED INCOME FUNDS
- --------------------------------
Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration
Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund, Goldman Sachs
Government Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Core
Fixed Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund and Goldman Sachs High Yield
Fund     

<TABLE> 

<CAPTION> 
<S>  <C>                          <C>
1.   Cover Page                   Cover Page
   
2.   Synopsis                     Fund Highlights
   
3.   Condensed Financial
     Information                  Financial Highlights
   
4.   General Description of       Cover Page; Fund Highlights;
     Registrant                   Investment Objectives and Policies;
                                  Description of Securities; Risk
                                  Factors; Investment Techniques;
                                  Investment Restrictions; Portfolio
                                  Turnover; Reports to Shareholders;
                                  Shares of the Trust; Additional
                                  Information
  
5.   Management of the Fund       Management
  
6.   Capital Stock and Other      Dividends; Shares of the Trust;
     Securities                   Taxation; Additional Information
   
7. 
     Purchase of Securities       Purchase of Institutional Shares;
     Being Offered                Net Asset Value; Additional
                                  Information
   
8.   Redemption or Repurchase     Redemption of Institutional Shares;
                                  Additional Information
   
9.   Pending Legal Proceedings    Not Applicable
       
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PART B                            CAPTION
- -----                             ------------------------------------
<S>  <C>                          <C> 
10.  Cover Page                   Cover Page

11.  Table of Contents            Table of Contents

12.  General Information and      Not Applicable
     History

13.  Investment Objectives and    Other Investments and Practices;
     Policies                     Investment Restrictions

14.  Management of the            Management
     Registrant

15.  Control Persons and          Shares of the Trust
     Principal Holders of
     Securities

16.  Investment Advisory and      Management
     Other Services

17.  Brokerage Allocation and     Portfolio Transactions
     Other Securities

18.  Capital Stock and Other      Shares of the Trust
     Securities

19.  Purchase, Redemption and     Management; Net Asset Value
     Pricing of Securities
     Being Offered

20.  Tax Status                   Taxation

21.  Underwriters                 Management-Distributor

22.  Calculation of Performance   Performance Information
     Data

23.  Financial Statements         Financial Statements
</TABLE> 

PART C
- ------

Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the appropriate
Item, so numbered in Part C to this Registration Statement.

<PAGE>
 
    
                              GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST
                               Service Shares of
                     GOLDMAN SACHS FIXED INCOME FUNDS     
                                        
                                ---------------

                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                           (as required by Rule 485)


PAGE A                            CAPTION
- ------                            -------
    
Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------
Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration
Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund, Goldman Sachs
Government Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Core
Fixed Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund and Goldman Sachs High Yield
Fund     

<TABLE> 

<CAPTION> 
<S>  <C>                          <C>
1.   Cover Page                   Cover Page
     
2.   Synopsis                     Fund Highlights
     
3.   Condensed Financial
     Information                  Financial Highlights
     
     
4.   General Description of       Cover Page; Fund Highlights;
     Registrant                   Investment Objectives and Policies;
                                  Description of Securities; Risk
                                  Factors; Investment Techniques;
                                  Investment Restrictions; Portfolio
                                  Turnover; Reports to Shareholders;
                                  Shares of the Trust; Additional
                                  Information
     
5.   Management of the Fund       Management
     
6.   Capital Stock and Other      Dividends; Shares of the Trust;
     Securities                   Taxation; Additional Information
     
7.   Purchase of Securities       Purchase of Service Shares; Net
     Being Offered                Asset Value; Additional Information
     
8.   Redemption or Repurchase     Redemption of Service Shares;
                                  Additional Information
     
9.   Pending Legal Proceedings    Not Applicable

</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PART B                                          CAPTION               
- -------                           ------------------------------------ 
<S>  <C>                          <C> 
10.  Cover Page                   Cover Page

11.  Table of Contents            Table of Contents
     
12.  General Information and      Not Applicable
     History
      
13   Investment Objectives and    Other Investments and Practices;
     Policies                     Investment Restrictions

14.  Management of the            Management
     Registrant

15.  Control Persons and          Shares of the Trust
     Principal Holders of
     Securities

16.  Investment Advisory and      Management
     Other Services

17.  Brokerage Allocation and     Portfolio Transactions
     Other Securities

18.  Capital Stock and Other      Shares of the Trust
     Securities

19.  Purchase, Redemption and     Management; Net Asset Value
     Pricing of Securities
     Being Offered

20.  Tax Status                   Taxation

21.  Underwriters                 Management-Distributor

22.  Calculation of Performance   Performance Information
     Data
    
23.  Financial Statements         Financial Statements

</TABLE>



PART C
- ------

Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the appropriate
Item, so numbered in Part C to this Registration Statement.

<PAGE>
 
    
                              GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST
                      Class A, Class B and Class C Shares
                     GOLDMAN SACHS FIXED INCOME FUNDS     

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

                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                           (as required by Rule 485)


PAGE A                            CAPTION
- ------                            -------

    
Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------
Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration
Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund, Goldman Sachs
Government Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Core
Fixed Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund and Goldman Sachs High Yield
Fund    

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
<S>  <C>                          <C>
1.   Cover Page                   Cover Page

2.   Synopsis                     Fund Highlights
    
3.   Condensed Financial
     Information                  Financial Highlights
    
4.   General Description of       Cover Page; Fund Highlights;
     Registrant                   Investment Objectives and Policies;
                                  Description of Securities; Risk
                                  Factors; Investment Techniques;
                                  Investment Restrictions; Portfolio
                                  Turnover; Reports to Shareholders;
                                  Shares of the Trust; Additional
                                  Information

5.   Management of the Fund       Management

6.   Capital Stock and Other      Dividends; Shares of the Trust;
     Securities                   Taxation; Additional Information
    
7.   Purchase of Securities       How to Invest; Net Asset Value;
     Being Offered                Additional Information
   
8.   Redemption or Repurchase     How to Sell Shares of the Funds;
                                  Additional Information
                                  
9.   Pending Legal Proceedings    Not Applicable

</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PART B                                          CAPTION              
- -------                           ------------------------------------ 
<S>  <C>                          <C>
10.  Cover Page                   Cover Page

11.  Table of Contents            Table of Contents

12.  General Information and      Not Applicable
     History

13.  Investment Objectives and    Other Investments and Practices;
     Policies                     Investment Restrictions

14.  Management of the            Management
     Registrant

15.  Control Persons and          Shares of the Trust
     Principal Holders of
     Securities

16.  Investment Advisory and      Management
     Other Services

17.  Brokerage Allocation and     Portfolio Transactions
     Other Securities

18.  Capital Stock and Other      Shares of the Trust
     Securities

19.  Purchase, Redemption and     Management; Net Asset Value; Other
     Pricing of Securities        Information Regarding Purchases,
     Being Offered                Redemptions, Exchanges and Dividends
   
20.  Tax Status                   Taxation
    
21.  Underwriters                 Management-Distributor

22.  Calculation of Performance   Performance Information
     Data

23.  Financial Statements         Financial Statements
</TABLE>


PART C
- ------

Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the appropriate
Item, so numbered in Part C to this Registration Statement.

<PAGE>
 
    
                              GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST
                           Administration Shares of
                       GOLDMAN SACHS FIXED INCOME FUNDS     

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

                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                           (as required by Rule 485)


PAGE A                            CAPTION
- ------                            -------
    
Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------
Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration
Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund, Goldman Sachs
Government Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Core
Fixed Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund and Goldman Sachs High Yield
Fund     

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

<S>  <C>                          <C>
1.   Cover Page                   Cover Page

2.   Synopsis                     Fund Highlights

3.   Condensed Financial
     Information                  Financial Highlights

4.   General Description of       Cover Page; Fund Highlights;
     Registrant                   Investment Objectives and Policies;
                                  Description of Securities; Risk
                                  Factors; Investment Techniques;
                                  Investment Restrictions; Portfolio
                                  Turnover; Reports to Shareholders;
                                  Shares of the Trust; Additional
                                  Information

5.   Management of the Fund       Management

6.   Capital Stock and Other      Dividends; Shares of the Trust;
                                  Taxation; Additional Information
     Securities

7.   Purchase of Securities       Purchase of Administration Shares;
     Being Offered                Net Asset Value; Additional
                                  Information

8.   Redemption or Repurchase     Redemption of Administration
                                  Shares; Additional Information

9.   Pending Legal Proceedings    Not Applicable
</TABLE> 

<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PART B                                          CAPTION               
- -------                           ------------------------------------  
<S>  <C>                          <C>
10.  Cover Page                   Cover Page
   
11   Table of Contents            Table of Contents
   
12   General Information and      Not Applicable
     History
   
13   Investment Objectives and    Other Investments and Practices;
     Policies                     Investment Restrictions
   
14   Management of the            Management
     Registrant
   
15   Control Persons and          Shares of the Trust
     Principal Holders of
     Securities
   
16   Investment Advisory and      Management
     Other Services

17   Brokerage Allocation and     Portfolio Transactions
     Other Securities


18   Capital Stock and Other      Shares of the Trust
     Securities

19   Purchase, Redemption and     Management; Net Asset Value
     Pricing of Securities
     Being Offered

20   Tax Status                   Taxation

21.  Underwriters                 Management-Distributor
   
22   Calculation of Performance   Performance Information
     Data

23.  Financial Statements         Financial Statements

</TABLE>


PART C
- ------

Information required to be included in Part C is set forth under the appropriate
Item, so numbered in Part C to this Registration Statement.

<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS              GOLDMAN SACHS FIXED INCOME FUNDS
                            CLASS A, B AND C SHARES
March 1, 1998     
 
 
GOLDMAN SACHS ADJUSTABLE RATE       GOLDMAN SACHS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
GOVERNMENT FUND                        Seeks a high level of current income
                                       that is exempt from regular federal in-
                                       come tax, consistent with preservation
  Seeks a high level of current        of capital. The Fund invests primarily
  income, consistent with low          in municipal securities.
  volatility of principal. The
  Fund invests primarily in         GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FUND
  adjustable rate mortgage
  pass-through securities and          Seeks a total return consisting of cap-
  other mortgage securities            ital appreciation and income that ex-
  with periodic interest rate          ceeds the total return of the Lehman
  resets, which are issued or          Brothers Aggregate Bond Index. The Fund
  guaranteed by the U.S.               invests primarily in fixed-income secu-
  government, its agencies,            rities, including securities issued or
  instrumentalities or                 guaranteed by the U.S. government, its
  sponsored enterprises.               agencies, instrumentalities or spon-
                                       sored enterprises, corporate securi-
GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION           ties, mortgage-backed securities and
GOVERNMENT FUND                        asset-backed securities.
  Seeks a high level of current
  income and secondarily, in        GOLDMAN SACHS GLOBAL INCOME FUND
  seeking current income, may
  also consider the potential
  for capital appreciation. The
  Fund invests primarily in
  securities issued or
  guaranteed by the U.S.
  government, its agencies,
  instrumentalities or
  sponsored enterprises.
 
GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION           Seeks a high total return, emphasizing
TAX-FREE FUND                          current income and, to a lesser extent,
                                       providing opportunities for capital ap-
  Seeks a high level of current        preciation. The Fund invests primarily
  income, consistent with              in a portfolio of high quality fixed-
  relatively low volatility of         income securities of U.S. and foreign
  principal, that is exempt            issuers and foreign currencies.
  from regular federal income
  tax. The Fund invests             GOLDMAN SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND
  primarily in municipal
  securities.
 
GOLDMAN SACHS GOVERNMENT
INCOME FUND                            
                                       Seeks a high level of current income
                                       and secondarily, may also consider the
  Seeks a high level of current        potential for capital appreciation. The
  income, consistent with              Fund invests primarily in fixed-income
  safety of principal. The Fund        securities rated below investment
  invests primarily in                 grade.
  securities, including
  mortgage-backed securities,
  issued or guaranteed by the
  U.S. government, its
  agencies, instrumentalities
  or sponsored enterprises.
         
  This Prospectus provides information about Goldman Sachs Trust (the "Trust")
and the Funds that a prospective investor should understand before investing.
This Prospectus should be retained for future reference. A Statement of
Additional Information (the "Additional Statement"), dated March 1, 1998,
containing further information about the Trust and the Funds which may be of
interest to investors, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC"), is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and
may be obtained without charge from Goldman Sachs by calling the telephone
number, or writing to one of the addresses, listed on the back cover of this
Prospectus. The SEC maintains a Web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains the
Additional Statement and other information regarding the Trust.     
       
SHARES OF THE FUNDS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR
ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK OR OTHER INSURED DEPOSITORY INSTITUTION, AND ARE NOT
INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD
OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN A FUND INVOLVES INVESTMENT
RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                                                       (continued on next page)
<PAGE>
 
(cover continued)
 
  THE ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT, SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT
INCOME FUNDS' NET ASSET VALUES AND YIELDS ARE NOT GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT OR BY ITS AGENCIES, INSTRUMENTALITIES OR SPONSORED ENTERPRISES.
 
  THE CORE FIXED INCOME, GLOBAL INCOME AND HIGH YIELD FUNDS MAY INVEST IN
SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS AND FOREIGN CURRENCIES THAT ENTAIL CERTAIN RISKS
NOT CUSTOMARILY ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN U.S. DOLLAR-DENOMINATED FIXED-
INCOME SECURITIES. IN PARTICULAR, THE SECURITIES MARKETS OF EMERGING MARKET
COUNTRIES ARE LESS LIQUID, ARE SUBJECT TO GREATER PRICE VOLATILITY, HAVE
SMALLER MARKET CAPITALIZATIONS, HAVE LESS GOVERNMENT REGULATION AND ARE NOT
SUBJECT TO AS EXTENSIVE AND FREQUENT ACCOUNTING, FINANCIAL AND OTHER REPORTING
REQUIREMENTS AS THE SECURITIES MARKETS OF MORE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES.
 
  THE HIGH YIELD FUND INVESTS PRIMARILY IN HIGH YIELD, FIXED INCOME SECURITIES
RATED BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE THAT ARE CONSIDERED SPECULATIVE AND GENERALLY
INVOLVE GREATER PRICE VOLATILITY AND GREATER RISK OF LOSS OF PRINCIPAL AND
INTEREST THAN INVESTMENTS IN HIGHER RATED FIXED INCOME SECURITIES.
 
  INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTMENT IN A FUND
INVESTING IN FOREIGN AND/OR HIGH YIELD SECURITIES. THE FUNDS MAY NOT BE
SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS. SEE "DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES" AND "RISK
FACTORS."
   
  Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P. ("GSFM"), New York, New York, an
affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. ("Goldman Sachs"), serves as investment
adviser to the Adjustable Rate Government and Short Duration Government Funds.
Goldman Sachs Asset Management ("GSAM"), New York, New York, a separate
operating division of Goldman Sachs, serves as investment adviser to the Short
Duration Tax-Free, Government Income, Municipal Income, Core Fixed Income and
High Yield Funds. Goldman Sachs Asset Management International ("GSAMI"),
London, England, an affiliate of Goldman Sachs, serves as investment adviser
to the Global Income Fund. GSAM, GSFM and GSAMI are each referred to in this
Prospectus as the "Investment Adviser." Goldman Sachs serves as each Fund's
distributor and transfer agent.     
       
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                      PAGE
                                      ----
<S>                                   <C>
Fund Highlights......................   1
Fees and Expenses....................   8
Financial Highlights.................  12
Investment Objectives and Policies...  17
Description of Securities............  24
Risk Factors.........................  32
Investment Techniques................  35
Investment Restrictions..............  39
Portfolio Turnover...................  39
Management...........................  40
Reports to Shareholders..............  43
How to Invest........................  44
</TABLE>    
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
                         <S>                                  <C>
                         Services Available to Shareholders.   51
                         Distribution and Authorized Dealer
                          Service Plans.....................   54
                         How to Sell Shares of the Funds....   55
                         Dividends..........................   56
                         Net Asset Value....................   57
                         Performance Information............   57
                         Shares of the Trust................   58
                         Taxation...........................   59
                         Additional Information.............   61
                         Appendix...........................   62
                         Account Application
</TABLE>    
<PAGE>
 
 
                                FUND HIGHLIGHTS
    
   The following is intended to highlight certain information and is qualified
 in its entirety by the more detailed information contained in this
 Prospectus.     
 
 WHAT IS THE GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST?
 
   The Goldman Sachs Trust is an open-end management investment company that
 offers its shares in several investment funds (mutual funds). Each Fund pools
 the monies of investors by selling its shares to the public and investing
 these monies in a portfolio of securities designed to achieve that Fund's
 stated investment objectives.
 
 WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF THE FUNDS?
    
   Each Fund has distinct investment objectives and policies. There can be no
 assurance that a Fund's objectives will be achieved. For a further
 description of each Fund's investment objectives and policies, see
 "Investment Objectives and Policies," "Description of Securities" and
 "Investment Techniques."     
    
 WHO MANAGES THE FUNDS?     
    
   Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P. serves as Investment Adviser to the
 Adjustable Rate Government and Short Duration Government Funds. Goldman Sachs
 Asset Management serves as Investment Adviser to the Short Duration Tax-Free,
 Core Fixed Income, Government Income, Municipal Income and High Yield Funds.
 Goldman Sachs Asset Management International serves as Investment Adviser to
 the Global Income Fund. As of January 26, 1998, the Investment Advisers,
 together with their affiliates, acted as investment adviser or distributor
 for assets in excess of $140 billion.     
    
 WHO DISTRIBUTES THE FUNDS' SHARES?     
    
   Goldman Sachs acts as distributor of each Fund's shares.     
 
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                            EXPECTED
                                                           APPROXIMATE
                     INVESTMENT                           INTEREST RATE
  FUND NAME          OBJECTIVES            DURATION        SENSITIVITY    INVESTMENT SECTOR      CREDIT QUALITY
<S>             <C>                   <C>                 <C>           <C>                   <C>
ADJUSTABLE      A high level of       Target = 6-month    9-month note  At least 65% of       U.S. Government
RATE            current income,       to 1-year                         total assets in       Securities
GOVERNMENT      consistent with       U.S. Treasury                     securities issued or
FUND            low volatility        Security                          guaranteed by the
                of principal.         Maximum = 2 years                 U.S. government,
                                                                        its agencies,
                                                                        instrumentalities
                                                                        or sponsored
                                                                        enterprises
                                                                        ("U.S. Government
                                                                        Securities'')
                                                                        that are adjustable
                                                                        rate mortgage
                                                                        pass-through
                                                                        securities and
                                                                        other mortgage
                                                                        securities with
                                                                        periodic interest
                                                                        rate resets.
SHORT DURATION  A high level of       Target = 2-year     2-year bond   At least 65% of       U.S. Government
GOVERNMENT      current income,       U.S. Treasury                     total assets in       Securities
FUND            and secondarily,      Security plus                     U.S. Government
                in seeking current    or minus .5 years                 Securities
                income, may           Maximum = 3 years                 and repurchase
                also consider the                                       agreements
                potential for                                           collateralized
                capital appreciation.                                   by such securities.
SHORT DURATION  A high level of       Target = Lehman     3-year bond   At least 80% of       Minimum = BBB/Baa
TAX-FREE        current income,       Brothers                          net assets in
FUND            consistent with       3-year Municipal                  municipal securities.
                low volatility        Bond Index
                of principal,         plus or minus
                that is exempt        .5 years
                from regular          Maximum = 4 years
                federal
                income tax.
GOVERNMENT      A high level of       Target = Lehman     5-year bond   At least 65% of       U.S. Government
INCOME          current income,       Brothers Mutual                   total assets in U.S.  Securities; non-U.S.
FUND            consistent with       Fund Government/                  Government            Government
                safety of             Mortgage Index                    Securities, including Securities =
                principal.            plus or minus                     mortgage-backed       AAA/Aaa
                                      1 year                            U.S. Government
                                      Maximum =                         Securities and
                                      6 years                           repurchase 
                                                                        agreements      
                                                                        collateralized by
                                                                        U.S. Government 
                                                                        Securities.      
<CAPTION> 
FUND NAME      OTHER INVESTMENTS    BENCHMARK
<S>             <C>                 <C> 
ADJUSTABLE      Fixed-rate          6-month and                         
RATE            mortgage            1-year U.S.                         
GOVERNMENT      pass-through        Treasury Security                   
FUND            securities                                              
                and repurchase
                agreements
                collateralized by
                U.S. Government
                Securities.
SHORT DURATION  Mortgage pass-      2-year U.S.
GOVERNMENT      through             Treasury Security
FUND            securities and
                other securities
                representing an
                interest in or
                collateralized
                by mortgage loans.
SHORT DURATION  U.S. Government     Lehman Brothers
TAX-FREE        Securities          3-Year Municipal
FUND            and repurchase      Bond Index
                agreements
                collateralized
                by such securities.
GOVERNMENT      Non-government      Lehman Brothers
INCOME          mortgage pass-      Mutual Fund
FUND            through securities, Government/
                asset-backed        Mortgage Index
                securities and
                corporate
                fixed income
                securities.
</TABLE>    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                        EXPECTED
                                                      APPROXIMATE
                                                        INTEREST
                  INVESTMENT                              RATE
 FUND NAME        OBJECTIVES            DURATION      SENSITIVITY    INVESTMENT SECTOR     CREDIT QUALITY   OTHER INVESTMENTS
<S>          <C>                   <C>                <C>          <C>                   <C>                <C>
MUNICIPAL    A high level of       Target = Lehman    15-year bond At least 80% of       Minimum = BBB/Baa  U.S. Government
INCOME       current income        Brothers 15-year                net assets in         Average = AA/Aa    Securities and
FUND         that is exempt        Municipal Bond                  municipal securities.                    repurchase
             from regular          Index plus                                                               agreements
             federal income        or minus 1 year                                                          collateralized by
             tax, consistent       Maximum =                                                                such securities.
             with preservation     12 years
             of capital.
CORE FIXED   Total return          Target = Lehman    5-year bond  At least 65% of       Minimum = BBB/Baa  Foreign fixed-
INCOME FUND  consisting of         Brothers                        assets in fixed-      Minimum for        income,
             capital               Aggregate Bond                  income securities,    non-dollar         municipal and
             appreciation and      Index plus or                   including             securities = AA/Aa convertible
             income that           minus 1 year                    U.S. Government                          securities,
             exceeds the total     Maximum =  6 years              Securities,                              foreign currencies
             return of the                                         corporate,                               and repurchase
             Lehman Brothers                                       mortgage-backed                          agreements
             Aggregate Bond                                        and asset-backed                         collateralized
             Index.                                                securities.                              by U.S.
                                                                                                            Government
                                                                                                            Securities.
GLOBAL       A high total return,  Target = J.P.      6-year bond  Securities of U.S.    Minimum = BBB/Baa  Mortgage and asset
INCOME       emphasizing           Morgan Global                   and foreign           At least 50% =     backed securities,
FUND         current               Government                      governments and       AAA/Aaa            foreign currencies
             income, and, to       Bond Index                      corporations.                            and repurchase
             a lesser extent,      (hedged) plus                                                            agreements
             providing             or minus 2.5 years                                                       collateralized by
             opportunities         Maximum =                                                                U.S. Government
             for capital           7.5 years                                                                Securities or
             appreciation.                                                                                  certain foreign
                                                                                                            government
                                                                                                            securities.
HIGH YIELD   A high level of       Target = Lehman    6-year bond  At least 65% of       At least 65% =     Mortgage-backed
FUND         current income        Brothers High                   assets in fixed-      BB/Ba or below     and asset-backed
             and, secondarily,     Yield Bond Index                income securities                        securities, U.S.
             capital appreciation. plus or minus                   rated below                              Government
                                   2.5 years                       investment grade,                        Securities,
                                   Maximum =                       including U.S.                           investment grade
                                   7.5 years                       and non-U.S. dollar                      corporate fixed-
                                                                   corporate debt,                          income securities,
                                                                   foreign government                       structured
                                                                   securities,                              securities,
                                                                   convertible                              foreign currencies
                                                                   securities                               and repurchase
                                                                   and preferred stock.                     agreements
                                                                                                            collateralized by
                                                                                                            U.S. Government
                                                                                                            Securities.
<CAPTION>
 FUND NAME      BENCHMARK
<S>          <C>
MUNICIPAL    Lehman Brothers
INCOME       15-Year
FUND         Municipal
             Bond Index
CORE FIXED   Lehman Brothers
INCOME FUND  Aggregate Bond
             Index
GLOBAL       J.P. Morgan
INCOME       Global
FUND         Government Bond
             Index (hedged)
HIGH YIELD   Lehman Brothers
FUND         High Yield
             Bond Index
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
 
 WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS THAT I SHOULD CONSIDER
 BEFORE INVESTING?
 
   Each Fund's share price will fluctuate with market, economic and, with
 respect to the Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds,
 foreign exchange conditions, so that an investment in any of the Funds may
 be worth more or less when redeemed than when purchased. None of the Funds
 should be relied upon as a complete investment program. There can be no
 assurance that a Fund's investment objectives will be achieved. See "Risk
 Factors."
 
   Interest Rate Risk. When interest rates decline, the market value of
 fixed-income securities tends to increase. Conversely, when interest rates
 increase, the market value of fixed-income securities tends to decline.
 Volatility of a security's market value will differ depending upon the
 security's duration, the issuer and the type of instrument.
    
   Default Risk/Credit Risk. Investments in fixed-income securities are
 subject to the risk that the issuer could default on its obligations, and a
 Fund could sustain losses on such investments. A default could impact both
 interest and principal payments.     
    
   Call Risk and Extension Risk. Fixed-income securities may be subject to
 both call risk and extension risk. Call risk (i.e., where the issuer
 exercises its right to pay principal on an obligation earlier than
 scheduled) causes cash flow to be returned earlier than expected. Call risk
 typically results when interest rates have declined. Under such
 circumstances, a Fund may be unable to recoup all of its initial investment
 and will also suffer from having to reinvest in lower yielding securities.
 Extension risk (i.e., where the issuer exercises its right to pay principal
 on an obligation later than scheduled) causes cash flows to be returned
 later than expected. Extension risk typically results when interest rates
 have increased. Under such circumstances a Fund will suffer from the
 inability to invest in higher yielding securities. The investment
 characteristics of Mortgage-Backed Securities (including adjustable rate
 mortgage securities) and Asset-Backed Securities differ from those of
 traditional fixed-income securities because they generally have both call
 risk (also known as prepayment risk) and extension risk.     
    
   Tax Risk of Municipal Securities. Because of their tax-exempt status, the
 yields and market values of municipal securities may be more adversely
 impacted by changes in tax rates and policies than taxable fixed-income
 securities.     
 
   Risks of investing in non-investment grade fixed-income securities. Non-
 investment grade fixed-income securities (commonly referred to as "junk
 bonds") are subject to greater volatility and risk of loss and are less
 liquid than securities which are perceived to be of higher credit quality.
 Such securities, also referred to as high yield securities, are considered
 to be speculative by traditional investment standards. High yield securities
 are subject to increased risk of an issuer's inability to meet principal and
 interest payments. The High Yield Fund may invest in securities which are in
 default at the time of investment. The market for non-investment grade
 securities tends to be concentrated in a limited number of market makers,
 which may affect liquidity. In addition, the market price of such securities
 tends to reflect individual corporate developments to a greater extent than
 that of higher rated securities which react primarily to the general level
 of interest rates.
 
   Foreign Risks. Investments in securities of foreign issuers and currencies
 involve risks that are different from those associated with investments in
 domestic securities. The risks associated with foreign investments
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
 and currencies include changes in relative currency exchange rates,
 political and economic developments, the imposition of exchange controls,
 confiscation and other governmental restrictions. In addition, the
 securities markets of foreign countries are generally less liquid and
 subject to greater price volatility. To the extent that the Core Fixed
 Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds invest in emerging markets and
 countries, these risks may be heightened.
 
   Other. A Fund's use of certain investment techniques, including
 derivatives, forward contracts, options, futures and swap transactions, will
 subject the Fund to greater risk than funds that do not employ such
 techniques.
    
   Diversified and Non-Diversified Funds. Each Fund, other than the Global
 Income Fund, is a "diversified open-end management company" as defined under
 the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"). The Global
 Income Fund is a "non-diversified open-end management company" as defined
 under the Act and is, therefore, subject only to certain federal tax
 diversification requirements (to which the other Funds are also subject), in
 addition to the policies adopted by the Investment Adviser. To the extent
 that the Fund is not diversified under the Act, it will be more susceptible
 to adverse developments affecting any single issuer of portfolio securities.
 See "Investment Restrictions."     
        
 WHAT IS THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT?
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             MINIMUM
                                                   ----------------------------
                                                   INITIAL PURCHASE ADDITIONAL
    TYPE OF PURCHASE                                    AMOUNT      INVESTMENTS
    ----------------                               ---------------- -----------
    <S>                                            <C>              <C>
    Regular Purchases.............................      $1,000          $50
    Tax-Sheltered Retirement Plans and UGMA/UTMA
     Purchases....................................      $  250          $50
    Automatic Investment Plan.....................      $   50          $50
    403(b) Plans..................................      $  200          $50
</TABLE>
   
  For further information, see "How to Invest--How to Buy Shares of the Funds"
on page 45.     
 
 HOW DO I PURCHASE SHARES?
    
   You may purchase shares of the Funds through Goldman Sachs and certain
 investment dealers, including members of the National Association of
 Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD") and certain other financial service
 firms that have agreements with Goldman Sachs relating to the sale of shares
 ("Authorized Dealers"). See "How to Invest" on page 44.     
 
 WHAT ARE MY PURCHASE ALTERNATIVES?
    
   The Funds offer three classes of shares through this Prospectus (other
 than the Adjustable Rate Government Fund which does not currently, but may
 in the future, offer Class B or Class C shares). These shares may be
 purchased at the investor's choice, at a price equal to their next
 determined net asset value ("NAV") (i) plus an initial sales charge imposed
 at the time of purchase ("Class A shares"), (ii) with a contingent deferred
 sales charge imposed on redemptions within six years of purchase ("Class B
 shares") or (iii) without any initial or contingent deferred sales charge,
 as long as shares are held for one year or more ("Class C shares"). Except
 with respect to the Adjustable Rate Government Fund, direct purchases of $1
     
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
 million ($500,000 in the case of the Short Duration Government and Short
 Duration Tax Free Funds) or more of Class A shares will be sold without
 an initial sales charge and will be subject to a contingent deferred
 sales charge at the time of certain redemptions.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
     ADJUSTABLE RATE      MAXIMUM INITIAL                   MAXIMUM CONTINGENT
     GOVERNMENT FUND       SALES CHARGE                   DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
     ---------------      ---------------                 ---------------------
  <S>                     <C>             <C>
  Class
   A....                        1.5%                               N/A
<CAPTION>
      SHORT DURATION
    GOVERNMENT  FUND
      SHORT DURATION
      TAX-FREE FUND
    -----------------
  <S>                     <C>             <C>
  Class
   A....                        2.0%                           (See above)
  Class
   B....                        N/A                2% declining to 0% after three years
  Class
   C....                        N/A       1% if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase
<CAPTION>
  GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
  MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
  CORE FIXED INCOME FUND
    GLOBAL INCOME FUND
     HIGH YIELD FUND
  ----------------------
  <S>                     <C>             <C>
  Class
   A....                        4.5%                           (See above)
  Class
   B....                        N/A                 5% declining to 0% after six years
  Class
   C....                        N/A       1% if shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase
</TABLE>
    
   Over time, the deferred sales charge and distribution fees attributable
 to Class B or Class C shares will exceed the initial sales charge and
 distribution fees attributable to Class A shares. Class B shares convert
 to Class A shares, which are subject to lower distribution fees, eight
 years after initial purchase. Class C shares, which are subject to the
 same distribution fees as Class B shares, do not convert to Class A
 shares and are subject to the higher distribution fees indefinitely. See
 "How to Invest--Alternative Purchase Arrangements" on page 44.     
 
 HOW DO I SELL MY SHARES?
 
   You may redeem shares upon request on any Business Day, as defined
 under "Additional Information," at the net asset value next determined
 after receipt of such request in proper form, subject to any applicable
 contingent deferred sales charge. See "How to Sell Shares of the Funds."
 
 HOW DO I RECEIVE DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS?
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                INVESTMENT INCOME
                                                    DIVIDENDS
                                                ------------------ CAPITAL GAINS
     FUND                                       DECLARED    PAID   DISTRIBUTIONS
     ----                                       ------------------ -------------
  <S>                                           <C>       <C>      <C>
  Adjustable Rate Government................... Daily     Monthly    Annually
  Short Duration Government.................... Daily     Monthly    Annually
  Short Duration Tax-Free...................... Daily     Monthly    Annually
  Government Income............................ Daily     Monthly    Annually
  Municipal Income............................. Daily     Monthly    Annually
  Core Fixed Income............................ Daily     Monthly    Annually
  Global Income................................ Monthly   Monthly    Annually
  High Yield................................... Daily     Monthly    Annually
</TABLE>
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
 
   You may receive dividends in additional shares of the same class of the
 Fund in which you have invested or you may elect to receive dividends in
 cash, shares of the same class of other mutual funds sponsored by Goldman
 Sachs (the "Goldman Sachs Funds") or ILA Service Units of the Prime
 Obligations Portfolio or the Tax-Exempt Diversified Portfolio, if you hold
 Class A shares of a Fund, or ILA Class B or Class C Units of the Prime
 Obligations Portfolio, if you hold Class B or Class C shares of a Fund (the
 "ILA Portfolios"). For further information concerning dividends, see
 "Dividends."
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
 
                               FEES AND EXPENSES
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                    ADJUSTABLE RATE     SHORT DURATION                SHORT DURATION                  GOVERNMENT
                      GOVERNMENT          GOVERNMENT                     TAX-FREE                       INCOME
                        FUND/5/             FUND/5/                        FUND                         FUND/5/
                    --------------- ---------------------------   ---------------------------   ---------------------------
                        CLASS A     CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C   CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C   CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
                    --------------- -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------   -------
<S>                 <C>             <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES:
 Maximum Sales
 Charge Imposed on
 Purchases.........       1.5%/1/     2.0%/1/  none      none       2.0%/1/  none      none       4.5%/1/  none      none
 Maximum Sales
 Charge Imposed on
 Reinvested
 Dividends.........      none        none      none      none      none      none      none      none      none      none
 Maximum Deferred
 Sales Charge......      none/1/     none/1/    2.0%/2/   1.0%/3/  none/1/    2.0%/2/   1.0%/3/  none/1/   5.0%/2/   1.0%/3/
 Redemption
 Fees/4/...........      none        none      none      none      none      none      none      none      none      none
 Exchange Fees/4/..      none        none      none      none      none      none      none      none      none      none
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES:
 (as a percentage
 of average daily
 net assets)
 Management Fees
 (after applicable
 limitations)/6/...      0.40%       0.50%     0.50%     0.50%     0.40%     0.40%     0.40%     0.65%     0.65%     0.65%
 Distribution
 (Rule 12b-1) Fees
 (after applicable
 limitations)/7/...      0.00%       0.00%     0.60%     0.75%     0.00%     0.60%     0.75%     0.00%     0.75%     0.75%
 Other Expenses:
   Authorized
   Dealer Service
   Fees............      0.25%       0.25%     0.25%     0.25%     0.25%     0.25%     0.25%     0.25%     0.25%     0.25%
   Other Expenses
   (after
   applicable
   limitations)/8/.      0.13%       0.05%     0.05%     0.05%     0.05%     0.05%     0.05%     0.00%     0.00%     0.00%
                         ----        ----      ----      ----      ----      ----      ----      ----      ----      ----
 TOTAL FUND
 OPERATING
 EXPENSES (AFTER
 FEE AND EXPENSE
 LIMITATIONS)/9/...      0.78%       0.80%     1.40%     1.55%     0.70%     1.30%     1.45%     0.90%     1.65%     1.65%
                         ====        ====      ====      ====      ====      ====      ====      ====      ====      ====
<CAPTION>
                           MUNICIPAL                    CORE FIXED                      GLOBAL                
                            INCOME                        INCOME                        INCOME                
                             FUND                          FUND                          FUND                 
                    ----------------------------- ----------------------------- ----------------------------- 
                    CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C   CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C   CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C   
                    --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- 
<S>                 <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES:                                                                             
 Maximum Sales                                                                                                
 Charge Imposed on                                                                                            
 Purchases.........   4.5%/1/  none      none      4.5%/1/   none      none      4.5%/1/   none      none     
 Maximum Sales                                                                                                
 Charge Imposed on                                                                                            
 Reinvested                                                                                                   
 Dividends.........  none      none      none      none      none      none      none      none      none     
 Maximum Deferred                                                                                             
 Sales Charge......  none/1/   5.0%/2/   1.0%/3/   none/1/   5.0%/2/   1.0%/3/   none/1/    5.0%/2/   1.0%/3/ 
 Redemption                                                                                                   
 Fees/4/...........  none      none      none      none      none      none      none      none      none     
 Exchange Fees/4/..  none      none      none      none      none      none      none      none      none     
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES:                                                                               
 (as a percentage                                                                                             
 of average daily                                                                                             
 net assets)                                                                                                  
 Management Fees                                                                                              
 (after applicable                                                                                            
 limitations)/6/...  0.55%     0.55%     0.55%     0.40%     0.40%     0.40%     0.59%     0.59%     0.59%    
 Distribution                                                                                                 
 (Rule 12b-1) Fees                                                                                            
 (after applicable                                                                                            
 limitations)/7/...  0.00%     0.75%     0.75%     0.00%     0.75%     0.75%     0.21%     0.75%     0.75%    
 Other Expenses:                                                                                              
   Authorized                                                                                                 
   Dealer Service                                                                                             
   Fees............  0.25%     0.25%     0.25%     0.25%     0.25%     0.25%     0.25%     0.25%     0.25%    
   Other Expenses                                                                                             
   (after                                                                                                     
   applicable                                                                                                 
   limitations)/8/.  0.05%     0.05%     0.05%     0.05%     0.05%     0.05%     0.12%     0.12%     0.12%    
                    --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- --------- 
 TOTAL FUND                                                                                                   
 OPERATING                                                                                                    
 EXPENSES (AFTER                                                                                              
 FEE AND EXPENSE                                                                                              
 LIMITATIONS)/9/...  0.85%     1.60%     1.60%     0.70%     1.45%     1.45%     1.17%     1.71%     1.71%    
                    ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= 
<CAPTION>
                             HIGH
                             YIELD
                            FUND/5/
                    -----------------------------
                    CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C
                    --------- --------- ---------
<S>                 <C>       <C>       <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES:
 Maximum Sales
 Charge Imposed on
 Purchases.........   4.5%/1/   none      none
 Maximum Sales       
 Charge Imposed on   
 Reinvested          
 Dividends.........   none      none      none
 Maximum Deferred    
 Sales Charge......   none/1/    5.0%/2/   1.0%/3/
 Redemption          
 Fees/4/...........   none      none      none
 Exchange Fees/4/..   none      none      none
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES:
 (as a percentage
 of average daily
 net assets)
 Management Fees
 (after applicable
 limitations)/6/...  0.65%     0.65%     0.65%
 Distribution       
 (Rule 12b-1) Fees  
 (after applicable  
 limitations)/7/...  0.00%     0.75%     0.75%
 Other Expenses:    
   Authorized       
   Dealer Service   
   Fees............  0.25%     0.25%     0.25%
   Other Expenses   
   (after           
   applicable       
   limitations)/8/.  0.20%     0.20%     0.20%
                    --------- --------- ---------
 TOTAL FUND         
 OPERATING          
 EXPENSES (AFTER    
 FEE AND EXPENSE    
 LIMITATIONS)/9/...  1.10%     1.85%     1.85%
                    ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>    
- ----
   
/1/ As a percentage of the offering price. No sales charge is imposed on
    purchases of Class A shares by certain classes of investors. Except with
    respect to direct purchases of the Adjustable Rate Government Fund, a
    contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% is imposed on certain
    redemptions (within 18 months of purchase) of Class A shares sold without
    an initial sales charge as part of an investment of $1 million ($500,000
    in the case of Short Duration Government and Short Duration Tax Free
    Funds) or more. See "How to Invest--Offering Price."     
 
/2/ With the exception of the Short Duration Government Fund and the Short
    Duration Tax-Free Fund, a contingent deferred sales charge is imposed upon
    shares redeemed within six years of purchase at a rate of 5% in the first
    year, declining to 1% in the sixth year, and eliminated thereafter. With
    respect to Short Duration Government Fund and Short Duration Tax-Free
    Fund, a contingent deferred sales charge is imposed on shares redeemed
    within three years of purchase at a rate of 2.0% in the first year,
    declining to 1% in the third year, and eliminated thereafter. See "How to
    Invest--Offering Price--Class B Shares."
 
/3/ A contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% is imposed on shares redeemed
    within 12 months of purchase. See "How to Invest--Offering Price--Class C
    Shares."
 
/4/ A transaction fee of $7.50 may be charged for redemption proceeds paid by
    wire. In addition to free reinvestments of dividends and distributions in
    shares of other Goldman Sachs Funds or units of the ILA Portfolios and
    free automatic exchanges pursuant to the Automatic Exchange Program, six
    free exchanges are permitted in each twelve month period. A fee of $12.50
    may be charged for each subsequent exchange during such period. See "How
    to Invest--Exchange Privilege."
 
/5/ Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
   
/6/ The Investment Advisers have voluntarily agreed that a portion of the
    management fee would not be imposed on the Global Income and High Yield
    Funds equal to .31% and .05%, respectively. Without such limitations,
    management fees would be .90% and .70% of each Fund's average daily net
    assets, respectively.     
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
/7/ Goldman Sachs voluntarily has agreed not to impose the entire distribution
    fee attributable to Class A shares of each Fund, except Global Income Fund
    where Goldman Sachs voluntarily has agreed not to impose .04% of the
    distribution fee. Goldman Sachs has also voluntarily agreed not to impose
    .15% of the distribution fee attributable to Class B shares of the Short
    Duration Government and Short Duration Tax-Free Funds. Distribution fees
    for Class A and Class B shares would otherwise be payable at the rate of
    .25% and .75%, respectively, of average daily net assets.
   
/8/ The Investment Advisers voluntarily have agreed to reduce or limit certain
    other expenses (excluding management, distribution and authorized dealer
    service fees, taxes, interest and brokerage fees and litigation,
    indemnification and other extraordinary expenses (and transfer agency fees
    in the case of the Global Income and High Yield Funds)) to the extent such
    expenses exceed .05%, .05%, .00%, .05%, .05%, .06% and .14% of the average
    daily net assets of the Short Duration Government, Short Duration Tax-
    Free, Government Income, Municipal Income, Core Fixed Income, Global
    Income and High Yield Funds, respectively.     
   
/9/ Without the limitations described above, "Other Expenses" and "Total
    Operating Expenses" of the Funds would have been as set forth below. The
    information is for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997 with the
    exception of the Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Short Duration
    Government Fund, Government Income Fund and High Yield Fund which are
    estimated for the current fiscal year:     
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                        TOTAL
                                                              OTHER   OPERATING
                                                             EXPENSES EXPENSES
                                                             -------- ---------
<S>                                                          <C>      <C>
Adjustable Rate Government
  Class A...................................................   .13%     1.03%
Short Duration Government
  Class A...................................................   .32%     1.32%
  Class B...................................................   .32%     1.82%
  Class C...................................................   .32%     1.82%
Short Duration Tax-Free
  Class A...................................................   .83%     1.73%
  Class B...................................................   .83%     2.23%
  Class C...................................................   .83%     2.23%
Government Income
  Class A...................................................   .67%     1.82%
  Class B...................................................   .67%     2.32%
  Class C...................................................   .67%     2.32%
Municipal Income
  Class A...................................................   .57%     1.62%
  Class B...................................................   .57%     2.12%
  Class C...................................................   .57%     2.12%
Core Fixed Income
  Class A...................................................   .43%     1.33%
  Class B...................................................   .43%     1.83%
  Class C...................................................   .43%     1.83%
Global Income
  Class A...................................................   .20%     1.60%
  Class B...................................................   .20%     2.10%
  Class C...................................................   .20%     2.10%
High Yield
  Class A...................................................   .39%     1.59%
  Class B...................................................   .39%     2.09%
  Class C...................................................   .39%     2.09%
</TABLE>    
   
  In addition, for the year ended October 31, 1997, the Investment Adviser
waived and reimbursed certain fees and expenses such that "Other Expenses" and
"Total Operating Expenses" actually incurred by the Adjustable Rate Government
Fund were 0.09% and 0.74%, respectively. Without such limitations, "Other
Expenses" and "Total Operating Expenses" of the Fund would have been 0.12% and
1.02%, respectively.     
          
  For the year ended October 31, 1997, the Investment Adviser voluntarily
agreed that a portion of the management fee would not be imposed on the Short
Duration Government and Government Income Funds equal to 0.10% and 0.40%,
respectively. Without such limitations, management fees would have been 0.50%
and 0.65% of each Fund's average daily net assets, respectively. In addition,
the Investment Adviser reimbursed certain expenses such that "Other Expenses"
actually incurred by the Short Duration Government and Government Income Funds
for Class A, B and C shares were 0.05% and 0.00%, respectively and "Total
Operating Expenses" were 0.70%, 1.30% and 1.45% and 0.80%, 1.25% and 1.25%,
respectively. Without such limitations, "Other Expenses" would have been 0.32%
and 0.67%, respectively, and "Total Operating Expenses" would have been 1.32%,
1.82% and 1.82% and 1.82%, 2.32% and 2.32%, respectively.     
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
EXAMPLE
 
  You would pay the following expenses on a hypothetical $1,000 investment
(including the maximum sales charge) assuming (i) a 5% annual return and (ii)
redemption at the end of each time period.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
    FUND                                        1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
    ----                                        ------ ------- ------- --------
<S>                                             <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
Adjustable Rate Government Fund
   Class A Shares..............................  $23     $40     $58     $110
Short Duration Government Fund
  Class A Shares...............................   28      45      64      117
  Class B Shares
   --Assuming complete redemption at end of pe-
    riod.......................................   34      54      77      146
   --Assuming no redemption....................   14      44      77      146
  Class C Shares
   --Assuming complete redemption at end of pe-
    riod.......................................   26      49      84      185
   --Assuming no redemption....................   16      49      84      185
Short Duration Tax-Free Fund
  Class A Shares...............................   27      42      58      105
  Class B Shares
   --Assuming complete redemption at end of pe-
    riod.......................................   33      51      71      136
   --Assuming no redemption....................   13      41      71      136
  Class C Shares
   --Assuming complete redemption at end of pe-
    riod.......................................   25      46      79      174
   --Assuming no redemption....................   15      46      79      174
Government Income Fund
  Class A Shares...............................   54      72      93      151
  Class B Shares
   --Assuming complete redemption at end of pe-
    riod.......................................   67      82     110      170
   --Assuming no redemption....................   17      52      90      170
  Class C Shares
   --Assuming complete redemption at end of pe-
    riod.......................................   27      52      90      195
   --Assuming no redemption....................   17      52      90      195
Municipal Income Fund
  Class A Shares...............................   53      71      90      145
  Class B Shares
   --Assuming complete redemption at end of pe-
    riod.......................................   66      80     107      165
   --Assuming no redemption....................   16      50      87      165
  Class C Shares
   --Assuming complete redemption at end of pe-
    riod.......................................   26      50      87      190
   --Assuming no redemption....................   16      50      87      190
Core Fixed Income Fund
  Class A Shares...............................   52      66      82      128
  Class B Shares
   --Assuming complete redemption at end of pe-
    riod.......................................   65      76      99      149
   --Assuming no redemption....................   15      46      79      149
  Class C Shares
   --Assuming complete redemption at end of pe-
    riod.......................................   25      46      79      174
   --Assuming no redemption....................   15      46      79      174
Global Income Fund
  Class A Shares...............................   56      80     106      181
  Class B Shares
   --Assuming complete redemption at end of pe-
    riod.......................................   67      84     113      180
   --Assuming no redemption....................   17      54      93      180
  Class C Shares
   --Assuming complete redemption at end of pe-
    riod.......................................   27      54      93      202
   --Assuming no redemption....................   17      54      93      202
High Yield Fund
  Class A Shares...............................   56      78     N/A      N/A
  Class B Shares
   --Assuming complete redemption at end of pe-
    riod.......................................   69      88     N/A      N/A
   --Assuming no redemption....................   19      58     N/A      N/A
  Class C Shares
   --Assuming complete redemption at end of pe-
    riod.......................................   29      58     N/A      N/A
   --Assuming no redemption....................   19      58     N/A      N/A
</TABLE>    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
  The hypothetical example assumes that a contingent deferred sales charge
will not apply to redemptions of Class A shares within the first 18 months.
Class B shares convert to Class A shares eight years after purchase;
therefore, Class A expenses are used in the hypothetical example after year
eight.
   
  The Investment Advisers and Goldman Sachs have no current intention of
modifying or discontinuing any of the limitations set forth above but may do
so in the future at their discretion. The information with respect to the
Adjustable Rate Government Fund set forth in the foregoing table and
hypothetical example relates only to its Class A shares (the Fund does not
currently offer Class B or Class C shares); such information with respect to
the other Funds relates only to Class A, B and C shares. Each Fund also offers
Institutional and Service shares. The Adjustable Rate Government, Short
Duration Government, Short Duration Tax-Free and Core Fixed Income Funds, but
not the other Funds, also offer Administration Shares. Institutional,
Administration and Service Shares are subject to different fees and expenses
(which affect performance), have different minimum investment requirements and
are entitled to different services than Class A, Class B and Class C shares.
Information regarding Institutional, Administration and Service Shares may be
obtained from your sales representative or from Goldman Sachs by calling the
number on the back cover of this Prospectus. Because of the Distribution
Plans, long-term shareholders may pay more than the economic equivalent of the
maximum front-end sales charges permitted by the NASD's rules regarding
investment companies.     
   
  In addition to the compensation itemized above, certain institutions that
sell Fund shares and/or their salespersons may receive other compensation for
the sale and distribution of Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Funds
or for services to their customers' accounts and/or the Funds. For additional
information regarding such compensation, see "Management" and "Services
Available to Shareholders" in this Prospectus and "Other Information Regarding
Purchases, Redemptions, Exchanges and Dividends" in the Additional Statement.
    
  The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist investors in understanding
the various fees and expenses of a Fund that an investor will bear directly or
indirectly. The information on the fees and expenses included in the table and
the hypothetical example above are based on each Fund's fees and expenses
(actual or estimated) and should not be considered as representative of past
or future expenses. Actual fees and expenses may be greater or less than those
indicated. Moreover, while the example assumes a 5% annual return, a Fund's
actual performance will vary and may result in an actual return greater or
less than 5%. See "Management--Investment Advisers."
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
 
                             FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
         SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
   
  The following data have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
public accountants, as indicated in their report incorporated by reference
into the Additional Statement from the Annual Report to shareholders of the
Funds for the year ended October 31, 1997 (the "Annual Report"). This
information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
related notes incorporated by reference and attached to the Additional
Statement. The Annual Report also contains performance information and is
available upon request and without charge by calling the telephone number or
writing to one of the addresses on the back cover of this Prospectus.     
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                            INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS(N)           DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS    
                            ------------------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------
                                           NET
                                         REALIZED         NET
                                           AND         REALIZED
                                        UNREALIZED        AND
                                       GAIN (LOSS)    UNREALIZED
                                            ON        GAIN (LOSS)   TOTAL
                     NET               INVESTMENT,    ON FOREIGN    INCOME       FROM
                    ASSET     NET         OPTION       CURRENCY     (LOSS)       NET
                  VALUE AT  INVEST-        AND          RELATED      FROM      INVEST-
                  BEGINNING  MENT        FUTURES        TRANS-    INVESTMENT     MENT
                  OF PERIOD INCOME     TRANSACTIONS     ACTIONS   OPERATIONS    INCOME
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND                                                         
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>       <C>        <C>            <C>         <C>        <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-Institu-
tional Shares...    $9.83   $0.5914(a)   $0.0494(a)       --       $0.6408     $(0.5908)
1997-Administra-                                                            
tion Shares.....     9.83    0.5665(a)    0.0497(a)       --        0.6162      (0.5662)
1997-Service                                                                
Shares(m).......     9.84    0.3298(a)    0.0400(a)       --        0.3698      (0.3298)
1997-Class A                                                                
Shares..........     9.83    0.5662(a)    0.0500(a)       --        0.6162      (0.5662)
1996-Institu-                                                               
tional Shares...     9.77    0.5759(a)    0.0772(a)       --        0.6531      (0.5725)
1996-Administra-                                                            
tion Shares.....     9.77    0.5489(a)    0.0797(a)       --        0.6286      (0.5489)
1996-Class A                                                                
Shares..........     9.77    0.5481(a)    0.0806(a)       --        0.6287      (0.5489)
1995-Institu-                                                               
tional Shares...     9.74    0.5630(a)    0.0717(a)       --        0.6347      (0.5759)
1995-Administra-                                                            
tion Shares.....     9.74    0.5366(a)    0.0737(a)       --        0.6103      (0.5528)
1995-Class A                                                                
Shares(c).......     9.79    0.2721(a)   (0.0090)(a)      --        0.2631      (0.2697)
1994-Institu-                                                               
tional Shares...    10.00    0.4341(a)   (0.2455)(a)      --        0.1886      (0.4486)
1994-Administra-                                                            
tion Shares.....    10.00    0.4211(a)   (0.2572)(a)      --        0.1639      (0.4239)
1993-Institu-                                                               
tional Shares...    10.04    0.4397      (0.0376)(d)      --        0.4021      (0.4397)
1993-Administra-                                                            
tion Shares(e)..    10.02    0.2146      (0.0173)(d)      --        0.1973      (0.2146)
1992-Institu-                                                               
tional Shares...    10.03    0.5599      (0.0029)(d)      --        0.5570      (0.5470)
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 17, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,                         
- ---------------------------------------------------                         
1991-Institu-                                                               
tional Shares...    10.00    0.1531       0.0322(d)       --        0.1853      (0.1553)
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                              
                         DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                                                                        
                  --------------------------------------------------------                                                    
                                         IN EXCESS                                                                   RATIO OF 
                    FROM NET               OF NET                                                                      NET    
                    REALIZED              REALIZED                                                                   INVEST-  
                    GAIN ON      IN       GAIN ON                             NET                                      MENT   
                  INVESTMENT,  EXCESS   INVESTMENT,                         INCREASE    NET                RATIO OF   INCOME  
                     OPTION    OF NET      OPTION     FROM       TOTAL     (DECREASE)  ASSET                 NET        TO    
                      AND      INVEST-      AND       PAID   DISTRIBUTIONS   IN NET   VALUE AT             EXPENSES  AVERAGE  
                    FUTURES     MENT      FUTURES      IN         TO         ASSET     END OF    TOTAL    TO AVERAGE   NET    
                  TRANSACTIONS INCOME   TRANSACTIONS CAPITAL SHAREHOLDERS    VALUE     PERIOD  RETURN(K)  NET ASSETS  ASSETS  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND                                                         
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>          <C>      <C>          <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>      
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,                                                                                               
- -------------------------------                                                                                               
1997-Institu-                                                                                                                 
tional Shares...       --        --          --         --     $(0.5908)    $0.0500    $9.88     6.70%       0.49%    5.99%   
1997-Administra-                                                                                                              
tion Shares.....       --        --          --         --      (0.5662)     0.0500     9.88     6.43        0.74      5.73   
1997-Service                                                                                                                  
Shares(m).......       --        --          --         --      (0.3298)     0.0400     9.88     3.81(f)     1.05(b)   5.64(b)
1997-Class A                                                                                                                  
Shares..........       --        --          --         --      (0.5662)     0.0500     9.88     6.43        0.74      5.60   
1996-Institu-                                                                                                                 
tional Shares...       --      (0.0206)      --        --       (0.5931)     0.0600     9.83     6.86        0.45      5.85   
1996-Administra-                                                                                                              
tion Shares.....       --      (0.0198)      --        --       (0.5687)     0.0600     9.83     6.60        0.70      5.59   
1996-Class A                                                                                                                  
Shares..........       --      (0.0198)      --        --       (0.5687)     0.0600     9.83     6.60        0.70      5.59   
1995-Institu-                                                                                                                 
tional Shares...       --      (0.0287)      --        --       (0.6046)     0.0301     9.77     6.75        0.46      5.77   
1995-Administra-                                                                                                              
tion Shares.....       --      (0.0275)      --        --       (0.5803)     0.0300     9.77     6.48        0.71      5.50   
1995-Class A                                                                                                                  
Shares(c).......       --      (0.0134)      --        --       (0.2831)    (0.0200)    9.77     2.74(f)     0.69(b)   5.87(b)
1994-Institu-                                                                                                                 
tional Shares...       --        --          --        --       (0.4486)    (0.2600)    9.74     1.88        0.46      4.38   
1994-Administra-                                                                                                              
tion Shares.....       --        --          --        --       (0.4239)    (0.2600)    9.74     1.63        0.71      4.27   
1993-Institu-                                                                                                                 
tional Shares...       --      (0.0024)      --        --       (0.4421)    (0.0400)   10.00     4.13        0.45      4.36   
1993-Administra-                                                                                                              
tion Shares(e)..       --      (0.0027)      --        --       (0.2173)    (0.0200)   10.00     2.01(f)     0.70(b)   3.81(b)
1992-Institu-                                                                                                                 
tional Shares...       --        --          --        --       (0.5470)     0.0100    10.04     6.12        0.42      5.61   
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 17, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,                                                                           
- ---------------------------------------------------                                                                           
1991-Institu-                                                                                                                 
tional Shares...       --        --          --        --       (0.1553)     0.0300    10.03     2.14(f)     0.20(b)   7.31(b)
<CAPTION>
                                              RATIOS ASSUMING
                                               NO VOLUNTARY
                                             WAIVER OF FEES OR
                                                  EXPENSE
                                                LIMITATIONS
                                           ---------------------
                  
                                                       RATIO OF
                                                         NET
                                    NET                INVEST-
                                  ASSETS                 MENT
                                  AT END    RATIO OF    INCOME
                     PORTFOLIO      OF      EXPENSES      TO
                     TURNOVER     PERIOD   TO AVERAGE  AVERAGE
                      RATE(D)    (IN 000S) NET ASSETS NET ASSETS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>          <C>      <C>          <C>     <C>           
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-Institu-
tional Shares...           46.58%    $ 463,511    0.52%      5.96%
1997-Administra-       
tion Shares.....           46.58         2,793    0.77       5.70
1997-Service           
Shares(m).......           46.58(f)        346    1.08(b)    5.61(b)
1997-Class A           
Shares..........           46.58        43,393    1.02       5.32
1996-Institu-          
tional Shares...           52.36       613,149    0.51       5.79
1996-Administra-       
tion Shares.....           52.36         3,792    0.76       5.53
1996-Class A           
Shares..........           52.36        10,728    1.01       5.28
1995-Institu-          
tional Shares...           24.12       657,358    0.53       5.70
1995-Administra-       
tion Shares.....           24.12         3,572    0.78       5.43
1995-Class A           
Shares(c).......           24.12(f)     15,203    1.01(b)    5.55(b)
1994-Institu-          
tional Shares...           37.81       942,523    0.49       4.35
1994-Administra-       
tion Shares.....           37.81         6,960    0.74       4.24
1993-Institu-          
tional Shares...          103.74     2,760,871    0.48       4.33
1993-Administra-       
tion Shares(e)..          103.74(f)      5,326    0.73(b)    3.78(b)
1992-Institu-          
tional Shares...          286.40     2,145,064    0.55       5.48
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 17, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------------------------------------
1991-Institu-
tional Shares...          145.67(f)    239,642    1.02(b)    6.49(b)
</TABLE>    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS(N)                DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS  
                              --------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------------------
                                           NET REALIZED
                                               AND        NET REALIZED
                                            UNREALIZED        AND
                                           GAIN (LOSS)     UNREALIZED    TOTAL
                                                ON        GAIN (LOSS)    INCOME
                    NET ASSET              INVESTMENT,     ON FOREIGN    (LOSS)
                    VALUE AT     NET        OPTION AND      CURRENCY      FROM     FROM NET
                    BEGINNING INVESTMENT     FUTURES        RELATED    INVESTMENT INVESTMENT
                    OF PERIOD   INCOME     TRANSACTIONS   TRANSACTIONS OPERATIONS   INCOME
                    --------- ----------   ------------   ------------ ---------- ----------
                                            SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>       <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>        <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-Institu-
 tional Shares..     $ 9.83    $0.6412(a)    $0.0300(a)          --     $0.6712    $(0.6412)
1997-Administra-
 tion Shares....       9.85     0.6183(a)     0.0400(a)          --      0.6583     (0.6183)
1997-Service
 Shares.........       9.82     0.5904(a)     0.0401(a)          --      0.6305     (0.5904)
1997-Class A
 Shares(o)......       9.78     0.3121(a)     0.0883(a)          --      0.4004     (0.3004)
1997-Class B
 Shares(o)......       9.75     0.2787(a)     0.1011(a)          --      0.3798     (0.2698)
1997-Class C
 Shares (p).....       9.83     0.1185(a)     0.0225(a)          --      0.1410     (0.1110)
1996-Institutional
 Shares ........       9.82     0.6290(a)     0.0136 (a)         --      0.6426     (0.6326)
1996-Administra-
 tion
 Shares(h)......       9.86     0.3837(a)     0.0003 (a)         --      0.3840     (0.3940)
1996-Service
 Shares(i)......       9.72     0.3134(a)     0.1018 (a)         --      0.4152     (0.3152)
1995-Institu-
 tional Shares..       9.64     0.6652(a)     0.1666 (a)         --      0.8318     (0.6518)
1995-Administra-
 tion Shares....       9.64     0.2384(a)    (0.0433)(a)         --      0.1951     (0.2051)
1994-Institu-
 tional Shares..      10.14     0.5628(a)    (0.4592)(a)         --      0.1036     (0.5598)
1994-Administra-
 tion Shares....      10.14     0.5329(a)    (0.4539)(d)         --      0.0790     (0.5352)
1993-Institu-
 tional Shares..      10.16     0.5627       (0.0135)(d)         --      0.5492     (0.5627)
1993-Administra-
 tion
 Shares(e)......      10.23     0.2725       (0.0900)(d)         --      0.1825     (0.2725)
1992-Institu-
 tional Shares..      10.22     0.6703       (0.0600)(d)         --      0.6103     (0.6703)
1991-Institu-
 tional Shares..      10.00     0.8020        0.2200 (d)         --      1.0220     (0.8020)
1990-Institu-
 tional Shares..      10.07     0.8300       (0.0700)(d)         --      0.7600     (0.8300)
1989-Institu-
 tional Shares..      10.10     0.8800           --              --      0.8800     (0.8800)
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 15, 1988(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------
1988-Institu-
 tional Shares..      10.00     0.1800        0.1000 (d)         --      0.2800     (0.1800)
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                            
                             DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                                                                  
                    -----------------------------------------------------------                                             
                      FROM NET              IN EXCESS OF                                                                    
                      REALIZED              NET REALIZED                           NET                                      
                      GAIN ON                 GAIN ON                            INCREASE                         RATIO OF  
                    INVESTMENT,  IN EXCESS  INVESTMENT,    FROM       TOTAL     (DECREASE) NET ASSET                NET     
                     OPTION AND    OF NET    OPTION AND    PAID   DISTRIBUTIONS   IN NET   VALUE AT               EXPENSES  
                      FUTURES    INVESTMENT   FUTURES       IN         TO         ASSET     END OF      TOTAL    TO AVERAGE 
                    TRANSACTIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS CAPITAL  SHAREHOLDERS    VALUE     PERIOD    RETURN(K)  NET ASSETS 
                    ------------ ---------- ------------ -------- ------------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 
                                            SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND                                                   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>      <C>           <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,                                                                                             
- -------------------------------                                                                                             
1997-Institu-                                                                                                               
 tional Shares..           --          --          --         --    $(0.6412)    $0.0300     $9.86       7.07%      0.45%   
1997-Administra-                                                                                                            
 tion Shares....           --          --          --         --     (0.6183)     0.0400      9.89       6.91       0.70    
1997-Service                                                                                                                
 Shares.........           --          --          --         --     (0.5904)     0.0401      9.86       6.63       0.95    
1997-Class A                                                                                                                
 Shares(o)......           --          --          --         --     (0.3004)     0.1000      9.88       4.14(f)    0.70(b) 
1997-Class B                                                                                                                
 Shares(o)......           --          --          --         --     (0.2698)     0.1100      9.86       3.94(f)    1.30(b) 
1997-Class C                                                                                                                
 Shares (p).....           --          --          --         --     (0.1110)     0.0300      9.86       1.44(f)    1.45(b) 
1996-Institutional                                                                                                          
 Shares ........           --          --          --         --     (0.6326)     0.0100      9.83       6.75       0.45    
1996-Administra-                                                                                                            
 tion                                                                                                                       
 Shares(h)......           --          --          --         --     (0.3940)    (0.0100)     9.85       4.00(f)    0.70(b) 
1996-Service                                                                                                                
 Shares(i)......           --          --          --         --     (0.3152)     0.1000      9.82       4.35(f)    0.95(b) 
1995-Institu-                                                                                                               
 tional Shares..           --          --          --         --     (0.6518)     0.1800      9.82       8.97       0.45    
1995-Administra-                                                                                                            
 tion Shares....           --          --          --         --     (0.2051)    (0.0100)     9.63(h)    2.10       0.70(b) 
1994-Institu-                                                                                                               
 tional Shares..      (0.0438)         --          --         --     (0.6036)    (0.5000)     9.64       0.99       0.45    
1994-Administra-                                                                                                            
 tion Shares....      (0.0438)         --          --         --     (0.5790)    (0.5000)     9.64       0.73       0.70    
1993-Institu-                                                                                                               
 tional Shares..           --     (0.0065)         --         --     (0.5692)    (0.0200)    10.14       5.55       0.45    
1993-Administra-                                                                                                            
 tion                                                                                                                       
 Shares(e)......           --          --          --         --     (0.2725)    (0.0900)    10.14       1.74(f)    0.70(b) 
1992-Institu-                                                                                                               
 tional Shares..           --          --          --         --     (0.6703)    (0.0600)    10.16       6.24       0.45    
1991-Institu-                                                                                                               
 tional Shares..           --          --          --         --     (0.8020)     0.2200     10.22      10.93       0.45    
1990-Institu-                                                                                                               
 tional Shares..           --          --          --         --     (0.8300)    (0.0700)    10.00       8.23       0.45    
1989-Institu-                                                                                                               
 tional Shares..           --          --          --    (0.0300)    (0.9100)    (0.0300)    10.07       9.08       0.46    
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 15, 1988(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,                                                                       
- -----------------------------------------------------                                                                       
1988-Institu-                                                                                                               
 tional Shares..           --          --          --         --    (0.1800)      0.1000     10.10       3.30(f)    0.55(b) 
<CAPTION>
                                                          RATIOS ASSUMING
                                                        NO VOLUNTARY WAIVER
                                                            OF FEES OR
                                                        EXPENSE LIMITATIONS
                                                       ---------------------
                    
                      RATIO OF                 NET                 RATIO OF
                        NET                   ASSETS                 NET
                     INVESTMENT               AT END    RATIO OF  INVESTMENT
                       INCOME   PORTFOLIO       OF      EXPENSES    INCOME
                     TO AVERAGE TURNOVER      PERIOD   TO AVERAGE TO AVERAGE
                     NET ASSETS  RATE(D)    (IN 000'S) NET ASSETS NET ASSETS
                     ---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
                                            SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>      <C>           
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-Institu-
 tional Shares..        6.43%    102.58%     $103,729     0.82%      6.06%
1997-Administra-    
 tion Shares....        6.19     102.58         1,060     1.07       5.82
1997-Service        
 Shares.........        5.92     102.58         3,337     1.32       5.55
1997-Class A        
 Shares(o)......        6.05(b)  102.58(f)      9,491     1.32(b)    5.43(b)
1997-Class B        
 Shares(o)......        5.52(b)  102.58(f)        747     1.82(b)    5.00(b)
1997-Class C        
 Shares (p).....        5.52(b)  102.58(f)        190     1.82(b)    5.15(b)
1996-Institutional  
 Shares ........        6.44     115.45        99,944     0.71       6.18
1996-Administra-    
 tion               
 Shares(h)......        5.97(b)  115.45           252     0.96(b)    5.71(b)
1996-Service        
 Shares(i)......        6.05(b)  115.45         1,822     1.21(b)    5.79(b)
1995-Institu-       
 tional Shares..        6.87     292.56       103,760     0.72       6.60
1995-Administra-    
 tion Shares....        7.91(b)  292.56           --      0.90(b)    7.71(b)
1994-Institu-       
 tional Shares..        5.69     289.79       193,095     0.59       5.55
1994-Administra-    
 tion Shares....        5.38     289.79           730     0.84       5.24
1993-Institu-       
 tional Shares..        5.46     411.66       359,708     0.64       5.31
1993-Administra-    
 tion               
 Shares(e)......        4.84(b)  411.66        16,490     0.80(b)    4.74(b)
1992-Institu-       
 tional Shares..        6.60     216.07       277,927     0.69       6.36
1991-Institu-       
 tional Shares..        8.25     155.44       158,848     0.79       7.91
1990-Institu-       
 tional Shares..        8.62     173.21        68,995     0.95       8.12
1989-Institu-       
 tional Shares..        8.71     137.37        31,015     1.39       7.78
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 15, 1988(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------
1988-Institu-
 tional Shares..        8.55(b)  167.00(f)     39,052     1.42(b)    7.68(b)
</TABLE>    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 
 
                              INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS(N)
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                                         NET REALIZED
                                             AND        NET REALIZED
                                          UNREALIZED        AND
                                         GAIN (LOSS)     UNREALIZED    TOTAL
                                              ON        GAIN (LOSS)    INCOME
                  NET ASSET              INVESTMENT,     ON FOREIGN    (LOSS)
                  VALUE AT     NET        OPTION AND      CURRENCY      FROM
                  BEGINNING INVESTMENT     FUTURES        RELATED    INVESTMENT
                  OF PERIOD   INCOME     TRANSACTIONS   TRANSACTIONS OPERATIONS
                  --------- ----------   ------------   ------------ ----------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>       <C>          <C>            <C>          <C> 
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-Institu-
tional Shares...   $ 9.96    $0.4181(a)    $ 0.1091(a)      --        $ 0.5272
1997-Administra-
tion Shares.....     9.96     0.3924(a)      0.1100(a)      --          0.5024
1997-Service
Shares..........     9.97     0.3675(a)      0.1000(a)      --          0.4675
1997-Class A
Shares(o).......     9.94     0.1950(a)      0.1400(a)      --          0.3350
1997-Class B
Shares(o).......     9.94     0.1663(a)      0.1368(a)      --          0.3031
1997-Class C
Shares(p).......    10.04     0.0670(a)      0.0300(a)      --          0.0970
1996-Institu-
tional Shares...     9.94     0.4192(a)      0.0200(a)      --          0.4392
1996-Administra-
tion Shares.....     9.94     0.3944(a)      0.0200(a)      --          0.4144
1996-Service
Shares..........     9.95     0.3697(a)      0.0200(a)      --          0.3897
1995-Institu-
tional Shares...     9.79     0.4235(a)      0.1500(a)      --          0.5735
1995-Administra-
tion Shares.....     9.79     0.3989(a)      0.1500(a)      --          0.5489
1995-Service
Shares..........     9.79     0.3744(a)      0.1600(a)      --          0.5344
1994-Institu-
tional Shares...    10.23     0.3787(a)     (0.3575)(a)     --          0.0212
1994-Administra-
tion Shares.....    10.23     0.3537(a)     (0.3575)(a)     --         (0.0038)
1994-Service
Shares(j).......     9.86     0.0475(a)     (0.0700)(a)     --         (0.0225)
1993-Institu-
tional Shares...     9.93     0.3834         0.3000(d)      --          0.6834
1993-Administra-
tion Shares(j)..    10.16     0.1555         0.0720(d)      --          0.2275
FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 1992(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------
1992-Institu-
tional Shares...    10.00     0.0341        (0.0700)(d)     --         (0.0359)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-Class A
Shares..........   $14.36    $  0.91       $   0.29          --       $   1.20
1997-Class B
Shares..........    14.37       0.80           0.30          --           1.10
1997-Class C
Shares(p).......    14.38       0.17           0.22          --           0.39
1997-
Institutional
Shares(p).......    14.37       0.20           0.22          --           0.42
1997-Service
Shares(p).......    14.37       0.20           0.21          --           0.41
1996-Class A
shares..........    14.47       0.92          (0.11)         --           0.81
1996-Class B
shares(q).......    14.11       0.41           0.26          --           0.67
1995-Class A
shares..........    13.47       0.94           1.00          --           1.94
1994-Class A
shares..........    14.90       0.85          (1.28)         --          (0.43)
FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 10, 1993(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------------------------------
1993-Class A
shares..........    14.32       0.56           0.58          --           1.14
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-Class A
Shares..........   $14.37      $0.67          $0.62         --           $1.29
1997-Class B
Shares..........    14.37       0.56           0.63         --            1.19
1997-Class C
Shares(p).......    14.85       0.12           0.14         --            0.26
1997-
Institutional
Shares(p).......    14.84       0.15           0.16         --            0.31
1997-Service
Shares(p).......    14.84       0.14           0.15         --            0.29
1996-Class A
shares..........    14.17       0.65           0.20         --            0.85
1996-Class B
shares(q).......    14.03       0.27           0.34         --            0.61
1995-Class A
shares..........    13.08       0.67           1.09         --            1.76
1994-Class A
shares..........    14.64       0.73          (1.51)        --           (0.78)
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 20, 1993(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------------------------------------
1993-Class A
shares..........    14.32       0.22           0.32         --            0.54
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                   
                                      DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                                                                
                  ---------------------------------------------------------------------                                            
                               FROM NET              IN EXCESS OF                                                                  
                               REALIZED              NET REALIZED                          NET                                     
                               GAIN ON                 GAIN ON                           INCREASE                         RATIO OF 
                             INVESTMENT,  IN EXCESS  INVESTMENT,   FROM       TOTAL     (DECREASE) NET ASSET                NET    
                   FROM NET   OPTION AND    OF NET    OPTION AND   PAID   DISTRIBUTIONS   IN NET   VALUE AT               EXPENSES 
                  INVESTMENT   FUTURES    INVESTMENT   FUTURES      IN         TO         ASSET     END OF     TOTAL     TO AVERAGE
                    INCOME   TRANSACTIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS CAPITAL SHAREHOLDERS    VALUE     PERIOD   RETURN(K)   NET ASSETS
                  ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ------- ------------- ---------- --------- ----------- ----------
                                                           SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND                                            
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>        
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,                                                                                                    
- -------------------------------                                                                                                    
1997-Institu-                                                                                                                      
tional Shares...   $(0.4172)       --         --          --        --      $(0.4172)    $ 0.1100   $10.07      5.40%       0.45%  
1997-Administra-                                                                                                                   
tion Shares.....    (0.3924)       --         --          --        --       (0.3924)      0.1100    10.07      5.14        0.70   
1997-Service                                                                                                                       
Shares..........    (0.3675)       --         --          --        --       (0.3675)      0.1000    10.07      4.77        0.95   
1997-Class A                                                                                                                       
Shares(o).......    (0.1950)       --         --          --        --       (0.1950)      0.1400    10.08      3.39(f)     0.70(b)
1997-Class B                                                                                                                       
Shares(o).......    (0.1631)       --         --          --        --       (0.1631)      0.1400    10.08      3.07(f)     1.30(b)
1997-Class C                                                                                                                       
Shares(p).......    (0.0670)       --         --          --        --       (0.0670)      0.0300    10.07      0.97(f)     1.45(b)
1996-Institu-                                                                                                                      
tional Shares...    (0.4192)       --         --          --        --       (0.4192)      0.0300     9.96      4.50        0.45   
1996-Administra-                                                                                                                   
tion Shares.....    (0.3944)       --         --          --        --       (0.3944)      0.0300     9.96      4.24        0.70   
1996-Service                                                                                                                       
Shares..........    (0.3697)       --         --          --        --       (0.3697)      0.0200     9.97      3.98        0.95   
1995-Institu-                                                                                                                      
tional Shares...    (0.4235)       --         --          --        --       (0.4235)      0.1500     9.94      5.98        0.45   
1995-Administra-                                                                                                                   
tion Shares.....    (0.3989)       --         --          --        --       (0.3989)      0.1500     9.94      5.76        0.70   
1995-Service                                                                                                                       
Shares..........    (0.3744)       --         --          --        --       (0.3744)      0.1600     9.95      5.59        0.95   
1994-Institu-                                                                                                                      
tional Shares...    (0.3787)   (0.0825)       --          --        --       (0.4612)     (0.4400)    9.79      0.17        0.45   
1994-Administra-                                                                                                                   
tion Shares.....    (0.3537)   (0.0825)       --          --        --       (0.4362)     (0.4400)    9.79     (0.11)       0.70   
1994-Service                                                                                                                       
Shares(j).......    (0.0475)       --         --          --        --       (0.0475)     (0.0700)    9.79     (0.32)(f)    0.95(b)
1993-Institu-                                                                                                                      
tional Shares...    (0.3834)       --         --          --        --       (0.3834)      0.3000    10.23      7.03        0.41   
1993-Administra-                                                                                                                   
tion Shares(j)..    (0.1555)       --         --          --        --       (0.1555)      0.0720    10.23      2.28(f)     0.70(b)
FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 1992(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------
1992-Institu-
tional Shares...    (0.0341)       --         --          --        --       (0.0341)     (0.0700)    9.93     (0.34)(f)    0.05(b)
<CAPTION> 
                                         GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>        
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-Class A
Shares..........   $  (0.90)   $ (0.07)        --          --        --     $  (0.97)    $   0.23   $14.59      8.72%       0.50%   
1997-Class B                                                                                                                       
Shares..........      (0.79)     (0.07)        --          --        --        (0.86)        0.24    14.61      7.96        1.25   
1997-Class C                                                                                                                       
Shares(p).......      (0.17)        --         --          --        --        (0.17)        0.22    14.60      2.72(f)     1.25(b)
1997-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares(p).......      (0.20)        --         --          --        --        (0.20)        0.22    14.59      2.94(f)     0.25(b)
1997-Service                                                                                                                       
Shares(p).......      (0.19)        --         --          --        --        (0.19)        0.22    14.59      2.85(f)     0.75(b)
1996-Class A                                                                                                                       
shares..........      (0.92)        --         --          --        --        (0.92)       (0.11)   14.36      5.80        0.50   
1996-Class B                                                                                                                       
shares(q).......      (0.41)        --         --          --        --        (0.41)        0.26    14.37      4.85(f)     1.25(b)
1995-Class A                                                                                                                       
shares..........      (0.94)        --         --          --        --        (0.94)        1.00    14.47     14.90        0.47   
1994-Class A                                                                                                                       
shares..........      (0.85)     (0.12)     (0.02)      (0.01)       --        (1.00)       (1.43)   13.47     (2.98)       0.11   
FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 10, 1993(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------------------------------
1993-Class A
shares..........      (0.56)        --         --          --        --        (0.56)        0.58    14.90      8.03(f)     0.00(b)
<CAPTION> 
                                          MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>        
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-Class A
Shares..........   $  (0.67)       --         --          --        --        $(0.67)       $0.62   $14.99      9.23%       0.85%  
1997-Class B                                                                                                                       
Shares..........      (0.56)       --         --          --        --         (0.56)        0.63    15.00      8.48        1.60   
1997-Class C                                                                                                                       
Shares(p).......      (0.12)       --         --          --        --         (0.12)        0.14    14.99      1.75(f)     1.60(b)
1997-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares(p).......      (0.15)       --         --          --        --         (0.15)        0.16    15.00      2.10(f)     0.60(b)
1997-Service                                                                                                                       
Shares(p).......      (0.14)       --         --          --        --         (0.14)        0.15    14.99      1.93(f)     1.10(b)
1996-Class A                                                                                                                       
shares..........      (0.65)       --         --          --        --         (0.65)        0.20    14.37      6.13        0.85   
1996-Class B                                                                                                                       
shares(q).......      (0.27)       --         --          --        --         (0.27)        0.34    14.37      4.40(f)     1.60(b)
1995-Class A                                                                                                                       
shares..........      (0.67)       --         --          --        --         (0.67)        1.09    14.17     13.79        0.76   
1994-Class A                                                                                                                       
shares..........      (0.73)     (0.05)       --          --        --         (0.78)       (1.56)   13.08     (5.51)       0.45   
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 20, 1993(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------------------------------------
1993-Class A
shares..........      (0.22)       --         --          --        --         (0.22)        0.32    14.64      3.73(f)     0.00(b)
<CAPTION>
                                                        RATIOS ASSUMING
                                                      NO VOLUNTARY WAIVER
                                                          OF FEES OR
                                                      EXPENSE LIMITATIONS
                                                     ---------------------
                  
                    RATIO OF                 NET                 RATIO OF
                      NET                   ASSETS                 NET
                   INVESTMENT               AT END    RATIO OF  INVESTMENT
                     INCOME   PORTFOLIO       OF      EXPENSES    INCOME
                   TO AVERAGE TURNOVER      PERIOD   TO AVERAGE TO AVERAGE
                   NET ASSETS  RATE(D)    (IN 000'S) NET ASSETS NET ASSETS
                   ---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
                                                           SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>      
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-Institu-
tional Shares...      4.18%    194.75%     $ 28,821     1.23%      3.40%
1997-Administra-
tion Shares.....      3.91     194.75            77     1.48       3.13
1997-Service
Shares..........      3.66     194.75         2,051     1.73       2.88
1997-Class A       
Shares(o).......      3.81(b)  194.75(f)      4,023     1.73(b)    2.78(b)
1997-Class B       
Shares(o).......      3.31(b)  194.75(f)        106     2.23(b)    2.38(b)
1997-Class C       
Shares(p).......      2.60(b)  194.75(f)          2     2.23(b)    1.82(b)
1996-Institu-      
tional Shares...      4.21     231.65        34,814     1.01       3.65
1996-Administra-   
tion Shares.....      3.96     231.65            48     1.26       3.40
1996-Service       
Shares..........      3.74     231.65           695     1.51       3.18
1995-Institu-      
tional Shares...      4.31     259.52        58,389     0.77       3.99
1995-Administra-   
tion Shares.....      4.14     259.52            46     1.02       3.82
1995-Service       
Shares..........      3.87     259.52           454     1.27       3.55
1994-Institu-      
tional Shares...      3.74     354.00        83,704     0.61       3.58
1994-Administra-   
tion Shares.....      3.51     354.00         3,866     0.86       3.35
1994-Service       
Shares(j).......      4.30(b)  354.00           440     1.11(b)    4.14(b)
1993-Institu-      
tional Shares...      3.70     404.60       115,803     1.06       3.05
1993-Administra-   
tion Shares(j)..      3.32(b)  404.60           911     1.07(b)    2.95(b)
FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 1992(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------
1992-Institu-
tional Shares...      4.58(b)   31.19(f)     14,601     2.68(b)    1.95(b)
<CAPTION> 
                                         GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>      
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-Class A
Shares..........      6.38%    395.75%     $ 68,859     1.82%      5.06%
1997-Class B       
Shares..........      5.59     395.75         8,041     2.32       4.52
1997-Class C       
Shares(p).......      5.45(b)  395.75(f)      1,196     2.32(b)    4.38(b)
1997-              
Institutional      
Shares(p).......      7.03(b)  395.75(f)      1,894     1.32(b)    5.96(b)
1997-Service       
Shares(p).......      6.49(b)  395.75(f)          2     1.82(b)    5.42(b)
1996-Class A       
shares..........      6.42     485.09        30,603     1.89       5.03
1996-Class B       
shares(q).......      5.65(b)  485.09           234     2.39(b)    4.51(b)
1995-Class A       
shares..........      6.67     449.53        29,503     2.34       4.80
1994-Class A       
shares..........      6.06     654.90        14,452     2.86       3.31
FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 10, 1993(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------------------------------
1993-Class A
shares..........      4.87(b)  725.41(f)     12,860     4.00(b)    0.87(b)
<CAPTION> 
                                          MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>      
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-Class A
Shares..........      4.60%    153.12%      $64,553     1.62%      3.83%
1997-Class B       
Shares..........      3.74     153.12         1,750     2.12       3.22
1997-Class C       
Shares(p).......      3.24(b)  153.12(f)        130     2.12(b)    2.72(b)
1997-              
Institutional      
Shares(p).......      4.41(b)  153.12(f)        351     1.12(b)    3.89(b)
1997-Service       
Shares(p).......      4.24(b)  153.12(f)          2     1.62(b)    3.72(b)
1996-Class A       
shares..........      4.58     344.13        52,267     1.55       3.88
1996-Class B       
shares(q).......      3.55(b)  344.13(f)        255     2.05(b)    3.10(b)
1995-Class A       
shares..........      4.93     335.55        53,797     1.49       4.20
1994-Class A       
shares..........      5.28     357.54        47,373     1.55       4.18
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 20, 1993(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------------------------------------
1993-Class A
shares..........      5.15(b)   99.99(f)     30,166     2.42(b)    2.73(b)
</TABLE>    
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 
 
                             INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS(N)     DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS 
                           ----------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------
                                      NET REALIZED
                                          AND      NET REALIZED
                                       UNREALIZED      AND
                                      GAIN (LOSS)   UNREALIZED    TOTAL
                                           ON      GAIN (LOSS)    INCOME
                 NET ASSET            INVESTMENT,   ON FOREIGN    (LOSS)
                 VALUE AT     NET      OPTION AND    CURRENCY      FROM     FROM NET
                 BEGINNING INVESTMENT   FUTURES      RELATED    INVESTMENT INVESTMENT
                 OF PERIOD   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS TRANSACTIONS OPERATIONS   INCOME
                 --------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ----------
                                         CORE FIXED INCOME FUND                                                                   
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........  $ 9.85    $0.6431     $0.2282      $(0.0005)   $ 0.8708   $(0.6408)
1997-
Administration
Shares..........    9.84     0.6182      0.2380       (0.0005)     0.8557    (0.6157)
1997-Service
Shares..........    9.86     0.5937      0.2287       (0.0005)     0.8219    (0.5919)
1997-Class A
Shares(o).......    9.70     0.3059      0.3596       (0.0008)     0.6647    (0.3048)
1997-Class B
Shares(o).......    9.72     0.2686      0.3695       (0.0008)     0.6373    (0.2673)
1997-Class C
Shares(p).......    9.93     0.1118      0.1591       (0.0003)     0.2706    (0.1107)
1996-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.6448     (0.0704)          --       0.5744    (0.6438)
1996-
Administrative
Shares(/1/).....    9.91     0.4083     (0.0703)          --       0.3380    (0.4080)
1996-Service
Shares(l).......    9.77     0.3756      0.0898           --       0.4654    (0.3754)
1995-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.24     0.6423      0.7610           --       1.4033    (0.6433)
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 5, 1994(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------
1994-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.4648     (0.7617)          --      (0.2969)   (0.4648)
<CAPTION> 
                                           GLOBAL INCOME FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-Class A
shares..........  $14.53    $  0.59     $  0.50      $   0.27    $   1.36   $  (0.79)
1997-Class B
shares..........   14.53       0.72        0.36          0.20        1.28      (0.73)
1997-Class C
shares(p).......   14.80       0.16        0.19          0.10        0.45      (0.19)
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........   14.52       0.88        0.37          0.19        1.44      (0.87)
1997-Service
Shares(s).......   14.69       0.53        0.25          0.14        0.92      (0.52)
1996-Class A
shares..........   14.45       0.71        0.62          0.18        1.51      (1.43)
1996-Class B
shares(q).......   14.03       0.34        0.41          0.11        0.86      (0.36)
1996-
Institutional
shares..........   14.45       1.15        0.32          0.10        1.57      (1.50)
1995-Class A
shares..........   13.43       0.89        0.92          0.15        1.96      (0.94)
1995-
Institutional
shares(r).......   14.09       0.22        0.34          0.06        0.62      (0.26)
1994-Class A
shares..........   15.07       0.84       (1.37)        (0.12)      (0.65)     (0.22)
1993-Class A
shares..........   14.69       0.85        1.07         (0.42)       1.50      (0.85)
1992-Class A
shares..........   14.60       1.14        0.45         (0.36)       1.23      (1.14)
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 2, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------
1991-Class A
shares..........   14.55       0.25        0.23         (0.19)       0.29      (0.24)


<CAPTION>




                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                  
                          DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                                                                           
                 ----------------------------------------------------------                                                       
                                                                                                                                  
                   FROM NET              IN EXCESS OF                                                                   RATIO OF  
                   REALIZED              NET REALIZED                          NET                                        NET     
                   GAIN ON                 GAIN ON                           INCREASE                        RATIO OF  INVESTMENT 
                 INVESTMENT,  IN EXCESS  INVESTMENT,   FROM       TOTAL     (DECREASE) NET ASSET               NET       INCOME   
                  OPTION AND    OF NET    OPTION AND   PAID   DISTRIBUTIONS   IN NET   VALUE AT              EXPENSES    (LOSS)   
                   FUTURES    INVESTMENT   FUTURES      IN         TO         ASSET     END OF     TOTAL    TO AVERAGE TO AVERAGE 
                 TRANSACTIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS CAPITAL SHAREHOLDERS    VALUE     PERIOD   RETURN(K)  NET ASSETS NET ASSETS 
                 ------------ ---------- ------------ ------- ------------- ---------- --------- ---------- ---------- ---------- 
                                         CORE FIXED INCOME FUND                                                                   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>         
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,                                                                                                   
- -------------------------------                                                                                                   
1997-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --        --          --          --     $(0.6408)    $ 0.2300   $10.08      9.19%      0.45%      6.53%   
1997-                                                                                                                             
Administration                                                                                                                    
Shares..........       --        --          --          --      (0.6157)      0.2300    10.07      8.92       0.70       6.27    
1997-Service                                                                                                                      
Shares..........       --        --          --          --      (0.5919)      0.2300    10.09      8.65       0.95       6.00    
1997-Class A                                                                                                                      
Shares(o).......       --        --          --          --      (0.3048)      0.3599    10.06      6.94(f)    0.70(b)    6.13(b) 
1997-Class B                                                                                                                      
Shares(o).......       --        --          --          --      (0.2673)      0.3700    10.09      6.63(f)    1.45(b)    5.28(b) 
1997-Class C                                                                                                                      
Shares(p).......       --        --          --          --      (0.1107)      0.1599    10.09      2.74(f)    1.45(b)    4.84(b) 
1996-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........   (0.0806)      --          --          --      (0.7244)     (0.1500)    9.85      5.98       0.45       6.51    
1996-                                                                                                                             
Administrative                                                                                                                    
Shares(/1/).....       --        --          --          --      (0.4080)     (0.0700)    9.84      3.56(f)    0.70(b)    6.41(b) 
1996-Service                                                                                                                      
Shares(l).......       --        --          --          --      (0.3754)      0.0900     9.86      4.90(f)    0.95(b)    6.37(b) 
1995-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --        --          --          --      (0.6433)      0.7600    10.00     15.72       0.45       6.56    
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 5, 1994(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,                                                                             
- -----------------------------------------------------                                                                             
1994-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --        --          --          --      (0.4648)     (0.7617)    9.24     (3.00)      0.45(b)    6.48(b) 
<CAPTION> 
                                           GLOBAL INCOME FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>         
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-Class A
shares..........        --        --          --          --    $  (0.79)    $   0.57   $15.10      9.66%      1.17%      5.19%   
1997-Class B                                                                                                                     
shares..........        --        --          --          --       (0.73)        0.55    15.08      9.04       1.71       4.76   
1997-Class C                                                                                                                     
shares(p).......        --        --          --          --       (0.19)        0.26    15.06      3.03(f)    1.71(b)    4.98(b)
1997-                                                                                                                            
Institutional                                                                                                                    
Shares..........        --        --          --          --       (0.87)        0.57    15.09     10.26       0.65       5.72   
1997-Service                                                                                                                     
Shares(s).......        --        --          --          --       (0.52)        0.40    15.09      6.42(f)    1.15(b)    5.33(b)
1996-Class A                                                                                                                     
shares..........        --        --          --          --       (1.43)        0.08    14.53     11.05       1.16       5.81   
1996-Class B                                                                                                                     
shares(q).......        --        --          --          --       (0.36)        0.50    14.53      6.24(f)    1.70(b)    5.16(b)
1996-                                                                                                                            
Institutional                                                                                                                    
shares..........        --        --          --          --       (1.50)        0.07    14.52     11.55       0.65       6.35   
1995-Class A                                                                                                                     
shares..........        --        --          --          --       (0.94)        1.02    14.45     15.08       1.29       6.23   
1995-                                                                                                                            
Institutional                                                                                                                    
shares(r).......        --        --          --          --       (0.26)        0.36    14.45      4.42(f)    0.65(b)    6.01(b)
1994-Class A                                                                                                                     
shares..........     (0.16)       --          --       (0.61)      (0.99)       (1.64)   13.43     (4.49)      1.28       5.73   
1993-Class A                                                                                                                     
shares..........     (0.27)       --          --          --       (1.12)        0.38    15.07     10.75       1.30       5.78   
1992-Class A                                                                                                                     
shares..........        --        --          --          --       (1.14)        0.09    14.69      8.77       1.37       7.85   
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 2, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------
1991-Class A
shares..........        --        --          --          --       (0.24)        0.05    14.60      2.00(f)    0.38(f)    1.72(f)
<CAPTION>
                                           RATIOS ASSUMING
                                         NO VOLUNTARY WAIVER
                                             OF FEES OR
                                         EXPENSE LIMITATIONS
                                        ---------------------
                 
                                                    RATIO OF
                                NET                   NET
                               ASSETS              INVESTMENT
                               AT END    RATIO OF    INCOME
                 PORTFOLIO       OF      EXPENSES    (LOSS)
                 TURNOVER      PERIOD   TO AVERAGE TO AVERAGE
                  RATE(D)    (IN 000'S) NET ASSETS NET ASSETS
                 ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
                                         CORE FIXED INCOME FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........     361.27%      $79,230     0.83%      6.15%
1997-              
Administration     
Shares..........     361.27         6,176     1.08       5.89
1997-Service       
Shares..........     361.27         1,868     1.33       5.62
1997-Class A       
Shares(o).......     361.27(f)      9,336     1.33(b)    5.50(b)
1997-Class B       
Shares(o).......     361.27(f)        621     1.83(b)    4.90(b)
1997-Class C       
Shares(p).......     361.27(f)        272     1.83(b)    4.46(b)
1996-              
Institutional      
Shares..........     414.20        72,061     0.83       6.13
1996-              
Administrative     
Shares(/1/).....     414.20           702     1.08(b)    6.03(b)
1996-Service       
Shares(l).......     414.20           381     1.33(b)    5.99(b)
1995-              
Institutional      
Shares..........     382.26        55,502     0.96       6.05
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 5, 1994(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------
1994-
Institutional
Shares..........     285.25        24,508     1.46(b)    5.47(b)
<CAPTION> 
                                           GLOBAL INCOME FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>           
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-Class A
shares..........       383.72%     $167,096     1.60%      4.76%
1997-Class B         
shares..........       383.72         3,465     2.10       4.37
1997-Class C         
shares(p).......       383.72(f)        496     2.10(b)    4.59(b)
1997-                
Institutional        
Shares..........       383.72        60,929     1.04       5.33
1997-Service         
Shares(s).......       383.72(f)        151     1.54(b)    4.94(b)
1996-Class A         
shares..........       232.15       198,665     1.64       5.33
1996-Class B         
shares(q).......       232.15(f)        256     2.14(b)    4.72(b)
1996-                
Institutional        
shares..........       232.15        54,254     1.11       5.89
1995-Class A         
shares..........       265.86       245,835     1.58       5.94
1995-                
Institutional        
shares(r).......       265.86(f)     31,619     1.08(b)    5.58(b)
1994-Class A         
shares..........       343.74       396,584     1.53       5.48
1993-Class A         
shares..........       313.88       675,662     1.55       5.53
1992-Class A         
shares..........       270.75       588,893     1.62       7.60
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 2, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------
1991-Class A
shares..........        34.22(f)    388,744     0.44(f)    1.66(f)

</TABLE>    
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 
 
                             INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS(N)
                           -----------------------------------------------
                                      NET REALIZED
                                          AND      NET REALIZED
                                       UNREALIZED      AND
                                      GAIN (LOSS)   UNREALIZED    TOTAL
                                           ON      GAIN (LOSS)    INCOME
                 NET ASSET            INVESTMENT,   ON FOREIGN    (LOSS)
                 VALUE AT     NET      OPTION AND    CURRENCY      FROM
                 BEGINNING INVESTMENT   FUTURES      RELATED    INVESTMENT
                 OF PERIOD   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS TRANSACTIONS OPERATIONS
                 --------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ----------
                                            HIGH YIELD FUND                                                                         
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>          <C> 
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 1, 1997(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------
1997-Class A
Shares..........  $10.00     $0.17       $(0.03)       0.01       $0.15
1997-Class B
Shares..........   10.00      0.15        (0.03)       0.01        0.13
1997-Class C
Shares(p).......    9.97      0.14          --         0.01        0.12
1997-Institu-
tional Shares...   10.00      0.18        (0.03)       0.01        0.16
1997-Service
Shares..........   10.00      0.17        (0.03)       0.01        0.15
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                   
                                     DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                                                                 
                 ---------------------------------------------------------------------                                             
                                                                                                                                   
                              FROM NET              IN EXCESS OF                                                                   
                              REALIZED              NET REALIZED                          NET                                      
                              GAIN ON                 GAIN ON                           INCREASE                         RATIO OF  
                            INVESTMENT,  IN EXCESS  INVESTMENT,   FROM       TOTAL     (DECREASE) NET ASSET                NET     
                  FROM NET   OPTION AND    OF NET    OPTION AND   PAID   DISTRIBUTIONS   IN NET   VALUE AT               EXPENSES  
                 INVESTMENT   FUTURES    INVESTMENT   FUTURES      IN         TO         ASSET     END OF     TOTAL     TO AVERAGE 
                   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS CAPITAL SHAREHOLDERS    VALUE     PERIOD   RETURN(K)   NET ASSETS 
                 ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ ------- ------------- ---------- --------- ----------- -----------
                                            HIGH YIELD FUND                                                                         
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>         
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 1, 1997(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,                                                                               
- ----------------------------------------------------                                                                               
1997-Class A                                                                                                                       
Shares..........   $(0.17)      --         $(0.01)      --         --       $(0.18)      $(0.03)    $9.97     1.50%(f)     0.95%(b)
1997-Class B                                                                                                                       
Shares..........    (0.15)      --          (0.01)      --         --        (0.16)       (0.03)     9.97     1.31(f)      1.70(b) 
1997-Class C                                                                                                                       
Shares(p).......    (0.14)      --          (0.01)      --         --        (0.15)       (0.03)     9.97     1.46(f)      1.70(b) 
1997-Institu-                                                                                                                      
tional Shares...    (0.18)      --          (0.01)      --         --        (0.19)       (0.03)     9.97     1.58(f)      0.70(b) 
1997-Service                                                                                                                       
Shares..........    (0.17)      --          (0.01)      --         --        (0.18)       (0.03)     9.97     1.46(f)      1.20(b) 
<CAPTION>
                                                        RATIOS ASSUMING
                                                      NO VOLUNTARY WAIVER
                                                          OF FEES OR
                                                      EXPENSE LIMITATIONS
                                                     -----------------------
                 
                   RATIO OF                                       RATIO OF
                     NET                     NET                    NET
                  INVESTMENT                ASSETS               INVESTMENT
                    INCOME                  AT END    RATIO OF     INCOME
                    (LOSS)    PORTFOLIO       OF      EXPENSES     (LOSS)
                  TO AVERAGE  TURNOVER      PERIOD   TO AVERAGE  TO AVERAGE
                  NET ASSETS   RATE(D)    (IN 000'S) NET ASSETS  NET ASSETS
                  ----------- ----------- ---------- ----------- -----------
                                            HIGH YIELD FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>            
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 1, 1997(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------
1997-Class A
Shares..........       7.06%(b)   44.80%(f)  $325,911     1.57%(b)    6.44%(b)
1997-Class B
Shares..........       6.28(b)    44.80(f)     10.308     2.07(b)     5.91(b)
1997-Class C       
Shares(p).......       6.17(b)    44.80(f)      1,791     2.07(b)     5.80(b)
1997-Institu-      
tional Shares...       7.16(b)    44.80(f)          2     1.07(b)     6.79(b)
1997-Service       
Shares..........       6.69(b)    44.80(f)          2     1.57(b)     6.32(b)
</TABLE>    
          
(a) Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology.     
   
(b) Annualized     
   
(c) Class A share activity commenced on May 15, 1995.     
   
(d) Includes the effect of mortgage dollar roll transactions.     
   
(e) Administration share activity commenced on April 15, 1993.     
   
(f) Not annualized.     
   
(g) Commencement of operations.     
   
(h) Short Duration Government Fund Administration shares were redeemed in full
    on February 23, 1995 and re-commenced on February 28, 1996 at $9.86.     
   
(i) Service share activity commenced on April 10, 1996.     
   
(j) Administration and service share activity commenced on May 20, 1993 and
    September 20, 1994, respectively.     
   
(k) Assumes investment at the net asset value at the beginning of the period,
    reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of
    the investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no sales
    charges. Total return would be reduced if a sale charge for Class A shares
    or a contingent deferred sales charge for Class B and Class C shares were
    taken into account.     
   
(l) Administration and Service share activity commenced on February 28, 1996
    and March 13, 1996, respectively.     
   
(m) Service charge activity commenced on March 27, 1997.     
   
(n) Includes the balancing effect of calculating per share amounts.     
   
(o) Class A and Class B share activity commenced on May 1, 1997.     
   
(p) Commenced operations on August 15, 1997.     
   
(q) Class B shares commenced operations on May 1, 1996.     
          
(r) Institutional shares commenced operations on June 1, 1995.     
          
(s) Service Class shares commenced operations on March 12, 1997.     
       
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
 
                      INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
 
  The investment objectives and principal investment policies of each Fund are
described below. Other investment practices and management techniques, which
involve certain risks, are described under "Description of Securities," "Risk
Factors" and "Investment Techniques." There can be no assurance that a Fund's
investment objectives will be achieved.
 
  A Fund's duration approximates its price sensitivity to changes in interest
rates. Maturity measures the time until final payment is due; it takes no
account of the pattern of a security's cash flows over time. In computing
portfolio duration, a Fund will estimate the duration of obligations that are
subject to prepayment or redemption by the issuer taking into account the
influence of interest rates on prepayments and coupon flows. This method of
computing duration is known as "option-adjusted" duration. A Fund will not be
limited as to its maximum weighted average portfolio maturity or the maximum
stated maturity with respect to individual securities unless otherwise noted.
   
  A Fund will deem a security to have met its minimum credit rating
requirement if the security receives the minimum required long-term rating (or
the equivalent short-term credit rating) at the time of purchase from at least
one nationally recognized statistical rating organization ("NRSRO") including,
but not limited to, Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") and Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") even though it has been rated below the
minimum rating by one or more other NRSROs, or, if unrated, is determined by
the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. If a security satisfies a
Fund's minimum rating criteria at the time of purchase and is subsequently
downgraded below such rating, the Fund will not be required to dispose of such
security. If a downgrade occurs, the Investment Adviser will consider what
action, including the sale of such security, is in the best interest of a Fund
and its shareholders.     
   
  The Investment Adviser will usually have access to the research of, and
certain proprietary technical models developed by, Goldman Sachs and will
apply quantitative and qualitative analysis in determining the appropriate
allocations among the categories of issuers and types of securities.     
 
 ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high level of current income, consistent with low volatility of principal.
   
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be in a range approximately equal to that of a six-month to one-
year U.S. Treasury security. In addition, under normal interest rate
conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed two years. The
approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected to be comparable
to a nine-month note.     
   
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least
65% of its total assets in U.S. Government Securities that are adjustable rate
mortgage pass-through securities and other mortgage securities with periodic
interest rate resets. The remainder of the Fund's assets (up to 35%) may be
invested in other U.S. Government Securities, including fixed rate mortgage
pass-through securities, other securities representing an interest in or
collateralized by adjustable rate and fixed rate mortgage loans ("Mortgage-
Backed Securities") and repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S.
Government Securities. Substantially all of the Fund's assets will be invested
in U.S. Government Securities. 100% of the Fund's portfolio will be invested
in U.S. dollar-denominated securities.     
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
  CREDIT QUALITY. The Fund invests in U.S. Government Securities and
repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities.
   
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure and to seek to enhance returns. These
techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of financial futures
contracts, option contracts (including options on futures), mortgage and
interest rate swaps and interest rate floors, caps and collars. The Fund may
also employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as
lending portfolio securities and entering into mortgage dollar rolls,
repurchase agreements and other investment practices described under
"Investment Techniques."     
 
 SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide a high level of
current income. Secondarily, the Fund may, in seeking current income, also
consider the potential for capital appreciation.
   
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the two-year U.S.
Treasury security, plus or minus .5 years. In addition, under normal interest
rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed three years. The
approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected to be comparable
to a two-year bond.     
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at
least 65% of its total assets in U.S. Government Securities and in repurchase
agreements collateralized by such securities. Substantially all of the Fund's
assets will be invested in U.S. Government Securities. 100% of the Fund's
portfolio will be invested in U.S. dollar-denominated securities.
 
  CREDIT QUALITY. The Fund invests in U.S. Government Securities and
repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities.
   
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure and to seek to enhance returns. These
techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of financial futures
contracts, option contracts (including options on futures), mortgage and
interest rate swaps and interest rate floors, caps and collars. The Fund may
also employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as
lending portfolio securities and entering into mortgage dollar rolls,
repurchase agreements and other investment practices described under
"Investment Techniques."     
 
 SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high level of current income, consistent with relatively low volatility of
principal, that is exempt from regular federal income tax.
   
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the Lehman Brothers
three-year Municipal Bond Index, plus or minus .5 years. In addition, under
normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed
four years. The approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected
to be comparable to a three-year bond.     
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal conditions, at least 80%
of its net assets in fixed- income securities issued by or on behalf of
states, territories and possessions of the United States (including the
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
District of Columbia) and the political subdivisions, agencies and
instrumentalities thereof ("Municipal Securities"), the interest on which is
exempt from regular federal income tax (i.e., excluded from gross income for
federal income tax purposes) and is not a tax preference item under the
federal alternative minimum tax. Under normal circumstances, the Fund's
investments in private activity bonds and taxable investments will not exceed,
in the aggregate, 20% of the Fund's net assets. The interest from certain
private activity bonds (including the Fund's distributions of such interest)
may be a preference item for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax.
100% of the Fund's portfolio will be invested in U.S. dollar-denominated
securities.
   
  CREDIT QUALITY. The Municipal Securities in which the Fund invests will be
rated, at the time of investment, at least BBB or Baa by an NRSRO or, if
unrated, will be determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable
quality. Municipal Securities rated BBB or Baa are considered medium-grade
obligations with speculative characteristics and adverse economic conditions
or changing circumstances may weaken their issuers' capability to pay interest
and repay principal. The credit rating assigned to Municipal Securities may
reflect the existence of guarantees, letters of credit or other credit
enhancement features available to the issuers or holders of such Municipal
Securities.     
   
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure and to seek to enhance returns. These
techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of financial futures
contracts, option contracts (including options on futures), interest rate
swaps, floors, caps and collars. The Fund may also employ other investment
techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as lending portfolio securities
and entering into repurchase agreements and other investment practices
described under "Investment Techniques."     
 
  While the Fund, under normal market conditions, invests substantially all of
its assets in Municipal Securities, the recognition of certain accrued market
discount income (if the Fund acquires Municipal Securities or other
obligations at a market discount), income from investments other than
Municipal Securities and any capital gains generated from the disposition of
investments, will result in taxable income. In addition to federal income tax,
shareholders may be subject to state, local or foreign taxes on distributions
of such income received from the Fund. See "Description of Securities."
 
 GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high level of current income, consistent with safety of principal.
   
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the Lehman Brothers
Mutual Fund Government/Mortgage Index, plus or minus one year. In addition,
under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not
exceed six years. The approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is
expected to be comparable to a five-year bond.     
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least
65% of its total assets in U.S. Government Securities and in repurchase
agreements collateralized by such securities. The remainder of the Fund's
assets may be invested in non-government securities such as privately issued
Mortgage-Backed Securities, Asset-Backed Securities and corporate securities.
100% of the Fund's portfolio will be invested in U.S. dollar-denominated
securities.
   
  CREDIT QUALITY. The Fund's non-U.S. Government Securities will be rated, at
the time of investment, AAA or Aaa by an NRSRO or, if unrated, will be
determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality.     
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
   
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure and to seek to enhance returns. These
techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of financial futures
contracts, option contracts (including options on futures), mortgage and
interest rate swaps and interest rate floors, caps and collars. The Fund may
also employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as
lending portfolio securities and entering into mortgage dollar rolls,
repurchase agreements and other investment practices described under
"Investment Techniques."     
 
 MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high level of current income that is exempt from regular federal income tax,
consistent with preservation of capital.
   
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the Lehman Brothers
fifteen-year Municipal Bond Index, plus or minus one year. In addition, under
normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed
twelve years. The approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is
expected to be comparable to a fifteen-year bond.     
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least
80% of its net assets in Municipal Securities, the interest on which is exempt
from regular federal income tax (i.e., excluded from gross income for federal
income tax purposes). The Fund may invest up to 100% of its net assets in
private activity bonds, the interest from certain of which (including the
Fund's distributions of such interest) may be a preference item for purposes
of the federal alternative minimum tax. 100% of the Fund's portfolio will be
invested in U.S. dollar-denominated securities.
   
  CREDIT QUALITY. Under normal market conditions, the weighted average credit
quality of the Fund's portfolio will be equivalent to that of securities rated
AA or Aa by an NRSRO. All securities purchased by the Fund will be rated, at
the time of investment, at least BBB or Baa by an NRSRO or, if unrated, will
be determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. Fixed-
income securities rated BBB or Baa are considered medium-grade obligations
with speculative characteristics, and adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances may weaken their issuers' capability to pay interest and repay
principal. The credit rating assigned to Municipal Securities may reflect the
existence of guarantees, letters of credit or other credit enhancement
features available to the issuers or holders of such Municipal Securities.
       
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure and to seek to enhance returns. These
techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of financial futures
contracts, option contracts (including options on futures), interest rate
swaps, interest rate floors, caps and collars. The Fund may also employ other
investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as lending portfolio
securities and entering into repurchase agreements and other investment
practices described under "Investment Techniques."     
 
  While the Fund, under normal market conditions, invests substantially all of
its assets in Municipal Securities, the recognition of certain accrued market
discount income (if the Fund acquires Municipal Securities or other
obligations at a market discount), income from investments other than
Municipal Securities and any capital gains generated from the disposition of
investments, will result in taxable income. In addition to federal income tax,
shareholders may be subject to state, local or foreign taxes on distributions
of such income received from the Fund. See "Description of Securities."
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
 CORE FIXED INCOME FUND
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
total return consisting of capital appreciation and income that exceeds the
total return of the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index (the "Index").
   
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the Lehman Brothers
Aggregate Bond Index, plus or minus one year. In addition, under normal
interest rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed six
years. The approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected to be
comparable to a five-year bond.     
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least
65% of its total assets in fixed-income securities, including U.S. Government
Securities, corporate debt securities, Mortgage-Backed Securities, and Asset-
Backed Securities. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in
obligations of domestic and foreign issuers which are denominated in
currencies other than the U.S. dollar, 10% of which may be invested in issuers
in countries with emerging markets and economies. A number of investment
strategies will be used to achieve the Fund's investment objective, including
market sector selection, determination of yield curve exposure, and issuer
selection. In addition, the Investment Adviser will attempt to take advantage
of pricing inefficiencies in the fixed-income markets.
   
  The Index currently includes U.S. Government Securities and fixed-rate,
publicly issued, U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities rated at
least BBB or Baa by an NRSRO. The securities currently included in the Index
have at least one year remaining to maturity; have an outstanding principal
amount of at least $100 million; and are issued by the following types of
issuers, with each category receiving a different weighting in the Index: U.S.
Treasury; agencies, authorities or instrumentalities of the U.S. government;
issuers of Mortgage-Backed Securities; utilities; industrial issuers;
financial institutions; foreign issuers; and issuers of Asset-Backed
Securities. The Index is a trademark of Lehman Brothers. Inclusion of a
security in the Index does not imply an opinion by Lehman Brothers as to its
attractiveness or appropriateness for investment. Although Lehman Brothers
obtains factual information used in connection with the Index from sources
which it considers reliable, Lehman Brothers claims no responsibility for the
accuracy, completeness or timeliness of such information and has no liability
to any person for any loss arising from results obtained from the use of the
Index data.     
   
  CREDIT QUALITY. All U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities
purchased by the Fund will be rated, at the time of investment, at least BBB
or Baa by an NRSRO. The non-U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities in
which the Fund may invest will be rated, at the time of investment, at least
AA or Aa by an NRSRO or, if unrated, will be determined by the Investment
Adviser to be of comparable quality. Fixed-income securities rated BBB or Baa
are considered medium-grade obligations with speculative characteristics, and
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances may weaken their
issuers' capability to pay interest and repay principal.     
   
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure, to seek to hedge its exposure to foreign
securities and to seek to enhance returns. These techniques include, but are
not limited to, the use of financial futures contracts, option contracts
(including options on futures), forward foreign currency exchange contracts,
currency options and futures, currency, mortgage and interest rate swaps and
interest rate floors, caps and collars. Currency management techniques involve
risks different from those associated with investing solely in U.S. dollar-
denominated fixed-income securities of U.S. issuers. It is expected that the
Fund will use certain currency techniques to seek to hedge against currency
    
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
exchange rate fluctuations or to seek to increase total return. The Fund may
invest in custodial receipts, Municipal Securities and convertible securities.
The Fund may also employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance
returns, such as lending portfolio securities and entering into mortgage
dollar rolls, repurchase agreements and other investment practices, described
under "Investment Techniques."
 
 GLOBAL INCOME FUND
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high total return, emphasizing current income and, to a lesser extent,
providing opportunities for capital appreciation.
   
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the J.P. Morgan Global
Government Bond Index (hedged), plus or minus 2.5 years. In addition, under
normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed
7.5 years. The approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected
to be comparable to a six-year bond.     
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests primarily in a portfolio of high quality
fixed-income securities of U.S. and foreign issuers and enters into
transactions in foreign currencies. Under normal market conditions, the Fund
will (i) have at least 30% of its total assets, after considering the effect
of currency positions, denominated in U.S. dollars and (ii) invest in
securities of issuers in at least three countries. The Fund may also invest up
to 10% of its total assets in issuers in countries with emerging markets and
economies. The Fund seeks to meet its investment objective by pursuing
investment opportunities in foreign and domestic fixed-income securities
markets and by engaging in currency transactions to seek to enhance returns
and to seek to hedge its portfolio against currency exchange rate
fluctuations.
   
  The fixed-income securities in which the Fund may invest include: (i) U.S.
Government Securities and custodial receipts therefor; (ii) securities issued
or guaranteed by a foreign government or any of its political subdivisions,
authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or by supranational entities (i.e.,
international organizations designated or supported by governmental entities
to promote economic reconstruction or development, such as the World Bank);
(iii) corporate debt securities; (iv) certificates of deposit and bankers'
acceptances issued or guaranteed by, or time deposits maintained at, U.S. or
foreign banks (and their branches wherever located) having total assets of
more than $1 billion; (v) commercial paper; and (vi) Mortgage-Backed and
Asset-Backed Securities.     
   
  CREDIT QUALITY. All securities purchased by the Fund will be rated, at the
time of investment, at least BBB or Baa by an NRSRO. However, the Fund will
invest at least 50% of its total assets in securities rated, at the time of
investment, AAA or Aaa by an NRSRO. Unrated securities will be determined by
the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. Fixed-income securities
rated BBB or Baa are considered medium-grade obligations with speculative
characteristics, and adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances may
weaken their issuers capability to pay interest and repay principal.     
   
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure, to seek to hedge its exposure to foreign
currencies and to seek to enhance returns. These techniques include, but are
not limited to, the use of financial futures contracts, option contracts
(including options on futures), forward foreign currency exchange contracts,
currency options and futures, currency, mortgage and interest rate swaps and
interest rate floors, caps and collars. Currency management techniques involve
risks different from those associated with investing solely in U.S. dollar-
denominated fixed-income securities of U.S. issuers. It is expected that the
Fund will use certain currency techniques to seek to hedge against currency
    
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
exchange rate fluctuations or to seek to increase total return. While the Fund
will have both long and short currency positions, its net long and short
foreign currency exposure will not exceed the value of the Fund's total
assets. To the extent that the Fund is fully invested in foreign securities
while also maintaining currency positions, it may be exposed to greater
combined risk. The Fund's net currency positions may expose it to risks
independent of its securities positions. The Fund may also employ other
investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as lending portfolio
securities and entering into mortgage dollar rolls, repurchase agreements and
other investment practices described under "Investment Techniques."
   
  The Fund may invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of
corporate and governmental issuers located in each of Canada, Germany, Japan,
and the United Kingdom as well as in the securities of U.S. issuers.
Concentration of the Fund's investments in such issuers will subject the Fund,
to a greater extent than if investment was more limited, to the risks of
adverse securities markets, exchange rates and social, political or economic
events which may occur in those countries. Not more than 25% of the Fund's
total assets will be invested in the securities of issuers in any other single
foreign country.     
 
 HIGH YIELD FUND
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high level of current income. Secondarily, the Fund may, in seeking current
income, also consider the potential for capital appreciation.
   
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the Lehman Brothers High
Yield Bond Index, plus or minus 2.5 years. In addition, under normal interest
rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed 7.5 years. The
approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected to be comparable
to a 6-year bond.     
   
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least
65% of its total assets in high yield, fixed income securities rated, at the
time of investment, below investment grade. Non-investment grade securities
are securities rated BB, Ba or below by an NRSRO or, if unrated, determined by
the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest in all
types of fixed-income securities, including senior and subordinated corporate
debt obligations (such as bonds, debentures, notes and commercial paper),
convertible and non-convertible corporate debt obligations, loan
participations, custodial receipts, municipal securities and preferred stock.
The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in obligations of domestic
and foreign issuers (including securities of issuers located in countries with
emerging markets and economies) which are denominated in currencies other than
the U.S. dollar. Under normal market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 35%
of its total assets in investment grade fixed income securities, including
U.S. Government Securities, Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities and
corporate securities. The Fund may also invest in common stocks, warrants,
rights and other equity securities, but will generally hold such equity
investments only when debt or preferred stock of the issuer of such equity
securities is held by the Fund. A number of investment strategies are used to
seek to achieve the Fund's investment objective, including market sector
selection, determination of yield curve exposure, and issuer selection. In
addition, the Investment Adviser will attempt to take advantage of pricing
inefficiencies in the fixed-income markets.     
 
  CREDIT QUALITY. The Fund invests primarily in high yield, fixed income
securities rated below investment grade, including securities of issuers in
default. Non-investment grade securities (commonly known as "junk bonds") tend
to offer higher yields than higher rated securities with similar maturities.
Non-investment grade securities are, however, considered speculative and
generally involve greater price volatility and greater risk of loss of
principal and interest than higher rated securities. See "Description of
Securities." A description of the corporate bond and preferred stock ratings
is contained in Appendix B to the Additional Statement.
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
   
  For your information, set forth below is the average distribution of ratings
for the portfolio securities (including commercial paper and nonconvertible
bonds) held by the Fund during the most recent fiscal year:     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                   PERCENTAGE OF
                                                                   FUND'S ASSETS
                            CREDIT QUALITY                         -------------
     <S>                                                           <C>
     AAA/Aaa......................................................      1.3%
     AA/Aa........................................................        0%
     A............................................................        0%
     BBB/Baa......................................................      0.3%
     BB/Ba........................................................     13.1%
     Below Ba.....................................................     85.3%
     Not rated....................................................        0%
      Comparable to A.............................................        0%
      Comparable to BBB/Baa.......................................        0%
      Comparable to BB/Ba.........................................        0%
      Comparable to Below Ba......................................        0%
                                                                       -----
                                                                        100%
                                                                       =====
</TABLE>    
   
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure, to seek to hedge its exposure to foreign
securities and to seek to enhance returns. These techniques include, but are
not limited to, the use of financial futures contracts, option contracts
(including options on futures), forward foreign currency exchange contracts,
currency options and futures, currency, mortgage and interest rate swaps, and
interest rate floors, caps and collars. Currency management techniques involve
risks different from those associated with investing solely in U.S. dollar-
denominated fixed-income securities of U.S. issuers. It is expected that the
Fund will use certain currency techniques to seek to hedge against currency
exchange rate fluctuations or to seek to increase total return. The Fund may
also employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as
lending portfolio securities, and entering into repurchase agreements and
other investment practices described under "Investment Techniques."     
 
 
                           DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
 
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
 
  Each Fund may invest in U.S. Government Securities. Generally, these
securities include U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations issued or
guaranteed by U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored
enterprises which are supported by (a) the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Treasury (such as the Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie
Mae")), (b) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury (such as
securities of the Student Loan Marketing Association), (c) the discretionary
authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the issuer
(such as the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") and Federal
Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac")), or (d) only the credit of the
issuer. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide
financial support to U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored
enterprises in the future.
 
  U.S. Government Securities also include Treasury receipts, zero coupon bonds
and other stripped U.S. Government Securities, where the interest and
principal components of stripped U.S. Government Securities are traded
independently. The most widely recognized program is the Separate Trading of
Registered Interest and Principal of Securities Program.
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
 
  CHARACTERISTICS OF MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Mortgage-Backed Securities
represent direct or indirect participations in, or are collateralized by and
payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. Mortgagors can
generally prepay interest or principal on their mortgage whenever they choose.
Therefore, Mortgage-Backed Securities are often subject to more rapid
repayment than their stated maturity date would indicate as a result of
principal prepayments on the underlying loans. This can result in
significantly greater price and yield volatility than is the case with
traditional fixed-income securities. During periods of declining interest
rates, prepayments can be expected to accelerate, and thus impair a Fund's
ability to reinvest the returns of principal at comparable yields. Conversely,
in a rising interest rate environment, a declining prepayment rate will extend
the average life of many Mortgage-Backed Securities and prevent a Fund from
taking advantage of such higher yields.
   
  FIXED RATE MORTGAGE LOANS. Generally, fixed-rate mortgage loans pay interest
at fixed annual rates and have original terms to maturity ranging from 5 to 40
years. Fixed rate mortgage loans typically provide for monthly payments of
principal and interest in substantially equal installments for the term of the
mortgage note in sufficient amounts to amortize fully principal by maturity,
although certain fixed-rate mortgage loans provide for a large final "balloon"
payment upon maturity.     
 
  ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE LOANS ("ARMS"). The Adjustable Rate Government Fund
will primarily, and the Short Duration Government, Government Income, Core
Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may, invest in ARMs, which
are pass-through mortgage securities collateralized by mortgages with
adjustable rather than fixed coupon rates. ARMs generally provide for a fixed
initial mortgage interest rate for a set period. Thereafter, the interest
rates are subject to periodic adjustments based on changes to a designated
benchmark index.
 
  ARMs allow a Fund to participate in increases in interest rates through
periodic increases in the securities' coupon rates. During periods of
declining interest rates, coupon rates may readjust downward resulting in
lower yields to a Fund. Therefore, the value of an ARM is unlikely to rise
during periods of declining interest rates to the same extent as fixed-rate
securities. Interest rate declines may result in accelerated prepayment of
mortgages with the result that proceeds from prepayments will be reinvested at
lower interest rates. During periods of rising interest rates, changes in the
coupon rate will lag behind changes in the market rate. ARMs are also
typically subject to maximum increases and decreases in the interest rate
adjustment which can be made on any one adjustment date, in any one year, or
during the life of the security. In the event of dramatic increases or
decreases in prevailing market interest rates, the value of a Fund's
investments in ARMs may fluctuate more substantially since these limits may
prevent the security from fully adjusting its interest rate to the prevailing
market rates.
 
  U.S. GOVERNMENT GUARANTEED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Certain Mortgage-
Backed Securities are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its
agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. Such issuers include,
but are not limited to, Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. See "U.S.
Government Securities."
 
  PRIVATELY ISSUED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The Government Income, Core
Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may invest in Mortgage-Backed
Securities issued or sponsored by non-governmental entities. Privately issued
Mortgage-Backed Securities are generally backed by pools of conventional
(i.e., non-government guaranteed or insured) mortgage loans. Since such
Mortgage-Backed Securities normally are not guaranteed by an entity having the
credit standing of Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
Freddie Mac, in order to receive a high quality rating from the rating
organizations (i.e., S&P or Moody's), they normally are structured with one or
more types of "credit enhancement."
 
  MULTIPLE CLASS MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES AND COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
OBLIGATIONS. The Adjustable Rate Government, Short Duration Government,
Government Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may
also invest in multiple class securities, including collateralized mortgage
obligations ("CMOs") and Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit ("REMIC")
pass-through or participation certificates. CMOs provide an investor with a
specified interest in the cash flow from a pool of underlying mortgages or of
other Mortgage-Backed Securities. CMOs are issued in multiple classes, each
with a specified fixed or floating interest rate and a final scheduled
distribution date. In most cases, payments of principal are applied to the CMO
classes in the order of their respective stated maturities, so that no
principal payments will be made on a CMO class until all other classes having
an earlier stated maturity date are paid in full. A REMIC is a CMO that
qualifies for special tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code"), and invests in certain mortgages principally secured
by interests in real property and other permitted investments. The Funds do
not intend to purchase residual interests in REMICs.
   
  STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The Adjustable Rate Government, Short
Duration Government, Government Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and
High Yield Funds may invest in Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities ("SMBS"),
which are derivative multiple class Mortgage-Backed Securities. SMBS are
usually structured with two different classes: one that receives 100% of the
interest payments and the other that receives 100% of the principal payments
from a pool of mortgage loans. If the underlying mortgage loans experience
different than anticipated prepayments of principal, a Fund may fail to recoup
fully its initial investment in these securities. The market value of the
class consisting entirely of principal payments generally is unusually
volatile in response to changes in interest rates. The yields on a class of
SMBS that receives all or most of the interest from mortgage loans are
generally higher than prevailing market yields on other Mortgage-Backed
Securities because their cash flow patterns are more volatile and there is a
greater risk that the initial investment will not be fully recouped. A Fund's
investments in SMBS may require the Fund to sell certain of its portfolio
securities to generate sufficient cash to satisfy certain income distribution
requirements.     
 
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
 
  The Government Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds
may invest in Asset-Backed Securities. The principal and interest payments on
Asset-Backed Securities are collateralized by pools of assets such as auto
loans, credit card receivables, leases, installment contracts and personal
property. Such asset pools are securitized through the use of special purpose
trusts or corporations. Principal and interest payments may be credit enhanced
by a letter of credit, a pool insurance policy or a senior/subordinated
structure.
 
LOAN PARTICIPATIONS
 
  The High Yield Fund may invest in loan participations. Such loans must be to
issuers in whose obligations the High Yield Fund may invest. A loan
participation is an interest in a loan to a U.S. or foreign company or other
borrower which is administered and sold by a financial intermediary. In a
typical corporate loan syndication, a number of lenders, usually banks (co-
lenders), lend a corporate borrower a specified sum pursuant to the terms and
conditions of a loan agreement. One of the co-lenders usually agrees to act as
the agent bank with respect to the loan.
 
  Participation interests acquired by the High Yield Fund may take the form of
a direct or co-lending relationship with the corporate borrower, an assignment
of an interest in the loan by a co-lender or another
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
   
participant, or a participation in the seller's share of the loan. When the
High Yield Fund acts as co-lender in connection with a participation interest
or when the High Yield Fund acquires certain participation interests, the High
Yield Fund will have direct recourse against the borrower if the borrower
fails to pay scheduled principal and interest. In cases where the High Yield
Fund lacks direct recourse, it will look to the agent bank to enforce
appropriate credit remedies against the borrower. In these cases, the High
Yield Fund may be subject to delays, expenses and risks that are greater than
those that would have been involved if the Fund had purchased a direct
obligation (such as commercial paper) of such borrower. For example, in the
event of the bankruptcy or insolvency of the corporate borrower, a loan
participation may be subject to certain defenses by the borrower as a result
of improper conduct by the agent bank. Moreover, under the terms of the loan
participation, the High Yield Fund may be regarded as a creditor of the agent
bank (rather than of the underlying corporate borrower), so that the High
Yield Fund may also be subject to the risk that the agent bank may become
insolvent. The secondary market, if any, for these loan participations is
limited and any loan participations purchased by the High Yield Fund will be
regarded as illiquid.     
 
  For purposes of certain investment limitations pertaining to diversification
of the High Yield Fund's portfolio investments, the issuer of a loan
participation will be the underlying borrower. However, in cases where the
High Yield Fund does not have recourse directly against the borrower, both the
borrower and each agent bank and co-lender interposed between the High Yield
Fund and the borrower will be deemed issuers of a loan participation.
 
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
   
  GENERAL. Municipal Securities in which the Short Duration Tax-Free and
Municipal Income Funds and, to a limited extent, the Core Fixed Income and
High Yield Funds invest consist of bonds, notes, commercial paper and other
instruments (including participation interests in such securities) issued by
or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States
(including the District of Columbia) and their political subdivisions,
agencies or instrumentalities, the interest on which, in the opinion of bond
counsel for the issuers or counsel selected by the Investment Adviser, is
exempt from regular federal income tax (i.e., excluded from gross income for
federal income tax purposes but not necessarily exempt from federal
alternative minimum tax or from state or local taxes). Such securities may pay
fixed, variable or floating rates of interest. Municipal Securities are often
issued to obtain funds for various public purposes, including the construction
of a wide range of public facilities such as bridges, highways, housing,
hospitals, mass transportation, schools, streets and water and sewer works.
Other public purposes for which Municipal Securities may be issued include
refunding outstanding obligations, obtaining funds for general operating
expenses, and obtaining funds to lend to other public institutions and
facilities. The Core Fixed Income and High Yield Funds may also invest in
taxable Municipal Securities.     
   
  PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS. Municipal Securities include "private activity
bonds" or industrial development bonds, which are issued by or on behalf of
public authorities to obtain funds for such projects as privately-operated
housing facilities, airport, mass transit or port facilities and sewage
disposal. In addition, proceeds of certain industrial development bonds are
used for constructing, equipping, repairing or improving privately operated
industrial or commercial facilities. The Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal
Income Funds' distributions attributable to the interest income from private
activity bonds may subject certain investors to the federal alternative
minimum tax.     
 
  MUNICIPAL LEASES AND CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION. A municipal lease is an
obligation in the form of a lease or installment purchase which is issued by a
state or local government to acquire equipment and facilities. Certificates of
participation represent undivided interests in municipal leases, installment
purchase agreements or
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
   
other instruments. The primary risk associated with municipal lease
obligations and certificates of participation is that the governmental lessee
will fail to appropriate funds to enable it to meet its payment obligations
under the lease. Although the obligations may be secured by the leased
equipment or facilities, the disposition of the property in the event of non-
appropriation or foreclosure might prove difficult, time consuming and costly,
and result in a delay in recovering or the failure to fully recover a Fund's
original investment. To the extent that a Fund invests in unrated municipal
leases or participates in such leases, the credit quality rating and risk of
cancellation of such unrated leases will be monitored on an ongoing basis.
Certain municipal lease obligations and certificates of participation may be
deemed illiquid for the purpose of a Fund's limitation on investments in
illiquid securities.     
 
  PRE-REFUNDED MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. The interest and principal payments on
pre-refunded Municipal Securities are typically paid from the cash flow
generated from an escrow fund consisting of U.S. Government Securities. These
payments have been "pre-refunded" using the escrow fund.
 
  INSURED SECURITIES. "Insured" Municipal Securities are those for which
scheduled payments of interest and principal are guaranteed by a private (non-
governmental) insurance company. The insurance entitles a Fund to receive only
the face or par value of the securities held by the Fund. The insurance does
not guarantee the market value of the Municipal Securities or the net asset
value of a Fund's shares.
 
  AUCTION RATE SECURITIES. Auction rate Municipal Securities permit the holder
to sell the securities in an auction at par value at specified intervals. The
dividend or interest is typically reset by "Dutch" auction in which bids are
made by broker-dealers and other institutions for a certain amount of
securities at a specified minimum yield. The rate set by the auction is the
lowest interest or dividend rate that covers all securities offered for sale.
While this process is designed to permit auction rate securities to be traded
at par value, there is the risk that an auction will fail due to insufficient
demand for the securities. A Fund will take the time remaining until the next
scheduled auction date into account for purposes of determining the
securities' duration.
 
CORPORATE DEBT OBLIGATIONS
 
  The Government Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds
may invest in corporate debt obligations. In addition to obligations of
corporations, corporate debt obligations include securities issued by banks
and other financial institutions. Corporate debt obligations are subject to
the risk of an issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on
the obligations.
   
  The Government Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds
may also invest in trust preferred securities. A trust preferred or capital
security is a long dated bond (for example, 30 years) with preferred features.
The preferred features are that payment of interest can be deferred for a
specified period without initiating a default event. From a bondholder's
viewpoint, the securities are senior in claim to standard preferred stock but
junior to other bondholders. From the issuer's viewpoint, the securities are
attractive because their interest is deductible for tax purposes like other
types of debt instruments.     
 
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
 
  The Core Fixed Income and High Yield Funds may invest in convertible
securities, including debt obligations, and for High Yield Fund preferred
stock, of an issuer convertible at a stated exchange rate into common stock of
the issuer. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend
yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. As with all debt
securities, the market value of convertible securities
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
tends to decline as interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as
interest rates decline. However, when the market price of the common stock
underlying a convertible security exceeds the conversion price, the price of
the convertible security tends to reflect the market price of the underlying
common stock. As the market price of the underlying common stock declines, the
convertible security tends to trade increasingly on a yield basis, and thus
may not depreciate to the same extent as the underlying common stock.
Convertible securities in which a Fund invests are subject to the same rating
criteria as its other investments in fixed-income securities.
 
PREFERRED STOCK, WARRANTS AND RIGHTS
 
  The High Yield Fund may invest in preferred stock, warrants and rights.
Preferred stocks are securities that represent an ownership interest providing
the holder with claims on the issuer's earnings and assets before common stock
owners but after bond owners. Unlike debt securities, the obligations of an
issuer of preferred stock, including dividend and other payment obligations,
may not typically be accelerated by the holders of such preferred stock on the
occurrence of an event of default (such as a covenant default or filing of a
bankruptcy petition) or other non-compliance by the issuer with the terms of
the preferred stock. Often, however, on the occurrence of any such event of
default or non-compliance by the issuer, preferred stockholders will be
entitled to gain representation on the issuer's board of directors or increase
their existing board representation. In addition, preferred stockholders may
be granted voting rights with respect to certain issues on the occurrence of
any event of default.
 
  Warrants and other rights are options to buy a stated number of shares of
common stock at a specified price at any time during the life of the warrant.
The holders of warrants and rights have no voting rights, receive no dividends
and have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer.
 
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS
 
  FOREIGN SECURITIES. The Global Income Fund will, and the Core Fixed Income
and High Yield Funds may, invest in fixed-income securities of foreign issuers
denominated in any currency. However, the Core Fixed Income and High Yield
Funds will limit their investments in non-U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income
securities to 25% of their total assets. Investment in foreign securities may
offer potential benefits that are not available from investing exclusively in
U.S. dollar-denominated domestic issues. Foreign countries may have economic
policies or business cycles different from those of the U.S. and markets for
foreign fixed-income securities do not necessarily move in a manner parallel
to U.S. markets.
   
  Investing in the securities of foreign issuers involves risks that are not
typically associated with investing in fixed-income securities of domestic
issuers quoted in U.S. dollars. Such investments may be affected by changes in
currency rates, changes in foreign or U.S. laws or restrictions applicable to
such investments and in exchange control regulations (e.g., currency
blockage). A decline in the exchange rate of the currency (i.e., weakening of
the currency against the U.S. dollar) in which a portfolio security is quoted
or denominated relative to the U.S. dollar would reduce the value of the
portfolio security. In addition, if the currency in which a Fund receives
dividends, interest or other payments declines in value against the U.S.
dollar before such income is distributed as dividends to shareholders or
converted to U.S. dollars, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities to
obtain sufficient cash to pay such dividends. In addition, clearance and
settlement procedures may be different in foreign countries and, in certain
markets, such procedures have been unable to keep pace with the volume of
securities transactions, making it more difficult to conduct such
transactions.     
 
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
  The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may invest in an
issuer domiciled in one country yet issuing the security in the currency of
another country. The Funds may also invest in debt securities denominated in
the European Currency Unit ("ECU"), which is a "basket" consisting of
specified amounts in the currencies of certain of the twelve member states of
the European Community. The specific amounts of currencies comprising the ECU
may be adjusted by the Council of Ministers of the European Community from
time to time to reflect changes in relative values of the underlying
currencies. In addition, the Funds may invest in securities denominated in
other currency "baskets."
 
  Foreign issuers are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing
and financial reporting standards comparable to those applicable to U.S.
issuers. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign
issuer than about a U.S. issuer. In addition, there is generally less
government regulation of foreign markets, companies and securities dealers
than in the U.S. Foreign securities markets may have substantially less volume
than U.S. securities markets and securities of many foreign issuers may be
less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers.
Furthermore, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a possibility
of nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, imposition of
withholding or other taxes on dividend or interest payments (or, in some
cases, capital gains), limitations on the removal of funds or other assets of
a Fund, political or social instability or diplomatic developments which could
affect investments in those countries.
 
  FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High
Yield Funds may invest in debt obligations of foreign governments and
governmental agencies, including those of emerging countries. Investment in
sovereign debt obligations involves special risks not present in debt
obligations of corporate issuers. The issuer of the debt or the governmental
authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling
to repay principal or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such
debt, and a Fund may have limited recourse in the event of a default. Periods
of economic uncertainty may result in volatility of market prices of sovereign
debt, and in turn a Fund's net asset value, to a greater extent than the
volatility inherent in debt obligations of U.S. issuers. A sovereign debtor's
willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner
may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent
of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign
exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service
burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor's policy toward
international lenders and the political constraints to which a sovereign
debtor may be subject.
 
  EMERGING MARKETS. The Core Fixed Income and Global Income Funds may invest
up to 10% and the High Yield Fund may invest up to 25% of their total assets
in securities of issuers located in countries with emerging economies or
securities markets ("emerging markets"). Political and economic structures in
many emerging markets may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid
development, and emerging markets may lack the social, political and economic
stability characteristics of more developed countries. As a result, the risks
relating to investments in foreign securities described above, including the
possibility of nationalization, expropriation and confiscatory taxation, may
be heightened. In addition, unanticipated political and social developments
may affect the value of a Fund's investments in emerging markets and the
availability to the Fund of additional investments in such countries. The
small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain emerging
markets and the limited volume of trading in securities in those countries may
make a Fund's investments in such countries less liquid and more volatile than
investments in countries with more developed securities markets (such as the
U.S., Japan and most Western European countries). See the Additional Statement
for further information regarding a Fund's investments in emerging markets.
 
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
   
  FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. Because investment in foreign issuers by the
Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds will usually involve
currencies of foreign countries, and because the Funds may have currency
exposure independent of their securities positions, the value of the assets of
a Fund as measured in U.S. dollars will be affected by changes in foreign
currency exchange rates. A Fund may, to the extent it invests in foreign
securities, purchase or sell foreign currencies on a spot basis and may also
purchase or sell forward foreign currency exchange contracts for hedging
purposes and to seek to protect against anticipated changes in future foreign
currency exchange rates. In addition, a Fund may enter into such contracts to
seek to increase total return when the Investment Adviser anticipates that the
foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value, but securities
denominated or quoted in that currency do not present attractive investment
opportunities and are not held in the Fund's portfolio. When entered into to
seek to increase total return, forward foreign currency exchange contracts are
considered speculative. The Funds may also engage in cross-hedging by using
forward contracts in a currency different from that in which the hedged
security is denominated or quoted if the Investment Advisers determine that
there is a pattern of correlation between the two currencies. If a Fund enters
into a forward foreign currency exchange contract to buy foreign currency for
any purpose or to sell foreign currency to seek to increase total return, the
Fund will be required to place cash or liquid assets in a segregated account
with the Fund's custodian in an amount equal to the value of the Fund's total
assets committed to the consummation of the forward contract, or to otherwise
cover its position in a manner permitted by the SEC. A Fund will incur costs
in connection with conversions between various currencies. A Fund may hold
foreign currency received in connection with investments in foreign securities
when, in the judgment of the Investment Adviser, it would be beneficial to
convert such currency into U.S. dollars at a later date, based on anticipated
changes in the relevant exchange rate.     
 
  Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of
time causing, along with other factors, a Fund's net asset value to fluctuate.
Currency exchange rates generally are determined by the forces of supply and
demand in the foreign exchange markets and the relative merits of investments
in different countries, actual or anticipated changes in interest rates and
other complex factors, as seen from an international perspective. Currency
exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by the intervention of U.S.
or foreign governments or central banks, or the failure to intervene, or by
currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. To the
extent that a substantial portion of a Fund's total assets, adjusted to
reflect the Fund's net position after giving effect to currency transactions,
is denominated or quoted in the currencies of foreign countries, the Fund will
be more susceptible to the risk of adverse economic and political developments
within those countries.
 
  The market in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency swaps
and other privately negotiated currency instruments offers less protection
against defaults by the other party to such instruments than is available for
currency instruments traded on an exchange. Such contracts are subject to the
risk that the counterparty to the contract will default on its obligations.
Since these contracts are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a
default on a contract would deprive a Fund of unrealized profits, transaction
costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or force a Fund to cover its
purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price. A Fund will
not enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency swaps or
other privately negotiated currency instruments unless the credit quality of
the unsecured senior debt or the claims-paying ability of the counterparty is
considered to be investment grade by the Investment Adviser.
 
  The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds' use of foreign
currency management techniques in emerging markets may be limited. Due to the
limited market for these instruments in emerging markets, the Investment
Adviser does not currently anticipate that a significant portion of the Funds'
currency exposure in emerging markets, if any, will be covered by such
instruments. For a discussion of such instruments and the risks associated
with their use, see "Investment Objectives and Policies" in the Additional
Statement.
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
STRUCTURED SECURITIES
 
  The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may invest in
structured securities. The value of the principal of and/or interest on such
securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific
currencies, interest rates, commodities, indices or other financial indicators
(the "Reference") or the relative change in two or more References. The
interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may
be increased or decreased depending upon changes in the applicable Reference.
The terms of the structured securities may provide that in certain
circumstances no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, result in the
loss of a Fund's investment. Structured securities may be positively or
negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the Reference may produce an
increase or decrease in the interest rate or value of the security at
maturity. In addition, changes in the interest rates or the value of the
security at maturity may be a multiple of changes in the value of the
Reference. Consequently, structured securities may entail a greater degree of
market risk than other types of fixed-income securities. Structured securities
may also be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to accurately price
than less complex securities.
 
ZERO COUPON, DEFERRED INTEREST, PAY-IN-KIND AND CAPITAL APPRECIATION BONDS
   
  Each Fund may invest in zero coupon, deferred interest and capital
appreciation bonds. These are securities issued at a discount from their face
value because interest payments are typically postponed until maturity. The
amount of the discount rate varies depending on factors including the time
remaining until maturity, prevailing interest rates, the security's liquidity
and the issuer's credit quality. These securities also may take the form of
debt securities that have been stripped of their interest payments. Each Fund
may also invest in pay-in-kind securities which are securities that have
interest payable by the delivery of additional securities. A portion of the
discount with respect to stripped tax-exempt securities or their coupons may
be taxable. The market prices of zero coupon, deferred interest, pay-in-kind
and capital appreciation bonds generally are more volatile than the market
prices of interest-bearing securities and are likely to respond to a greater
degree to changes in interest rates than interest-bearing securities having
similar maturities and credit quality. A Fund's investments in zero coupon,
deferred interest, pay-in-kind and capital appreciation bonds may require the
Fund to sell certain of its portfolio securities to generate sufficient cash
to satisfy certain income distribution requirements. See "Taxation" in the
Additional Statement.     
 
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  INTEREST RATE RISK. When interest rates decline, the market value of fixed
income securities tends to increase. Conversely, when interest rates increase,
the market value of fixed-income securities tends to decline. Volatility of a
security's market value will differ depending upon the security's duration,
the issuer and the type of instrument.
 
  DEFAULT RISK/CREDIT RISK. Investments in fixed-income securities are subject
to the risk that the issuer could default on its obligations and a Fund could
sustain losses on such investments. A default could impact both interest and
principal payments.
   
  CALL RISK AND EXTENSION RISK. Fixed-income securities may be subject to both
call risk and extension risk. Call risk (i.e., where the issuer exercises its
right to pay principal on an obligation earlier than scheduled) causes cash
flow to be returned earlier than expected. Call risk typically results when
interest rates have declined.Under     
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
   
such circumstances, a Fund may be unable to recoup all of its initial
investment and will also suffer from having to reinvest in lower yielding
securities. Extension risk (i.e., where the issuer exercises its right to pay
principal on an obligation later than scheduled) causes cash flows to be
returned later than expected. Extension risk typically results when interest
rates have increased. Under such circumstances, a Fund will suffer from the
inability to invest in higher yielding securities. Certain types of U.S.
Government, Asset-Backed, corporate, foreign, Mortgage-Backed and Municipal
Securities have call and/or extension risk.     
 
  The investment characteristics of Mortgage-Backed Securities and Asset-
Backed Securities differ from those of traditional fixed-income securities
because they generally have both call risk (also known as prepayment risk) and
extension risk. Homeowners have the option to prepay their mortgage.
Therefore, the duration of a security backed by home mortgages can either
shorten (call risk) or lengthen (extension risk). Investors are exposed to the
fluctuating principal and interest payments associated with such securities.
In general, if interest rates on new mortgage loans fall sufficiently below
the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage loans, the rate of
prepayment would be expected to increase. Conversely, if mortgage loan
interest rates rise above the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage
loans, the rate of prepayment would be expected to decrease.
   
  ARMs also have the risk of prepayments, which will have a greater impact on
the Adjustable Rate Government Fund. The rate of principal prepayments with
respect to ARMs has fluctuated in recent years. As with fixed rate mortgage
loans, ARMs may be subject to a greater rate of principal repayments in a
declining interest rate environment. For example, if prevailing interest rates
fall significantly, ARMs could be subject to higher prepayment rates (than if
prevailing interest rates remain constant or increase) because the
availability of low fixed rate mortgages may encourage mortgagors to refinance
their ARMs to "lock-in" a fixed-rate mortgage. Conversely, if prevailing
interest rates rise significantly, ARMs may prepay more slowly. As with fixed-
rate mortgages, ARM prepayment rates vary in both stable and changing interest
rate environments. There are certain ARMs where the homeowner's payments do
not fully cover interest, so the principal balance increases over time. These
"negative amortizing" ARMs may be subject to greater default risk.     
 
  DERIVATIVE MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Because derivative Mortgage-Backed
Securities (such as principal-only (POs), interest-only (IOs) or inverse
floating-rate securities) are more exposed to mortgage prepayments, they
generally involve a greater amount of risk. Small changes in prepayments can
significantly impact the cash flow and the market value of these securities.
The risk of faster than anticipated prepayments generally adversely affects
IOs, super floaters and premium priced Mortgage-Backed Securities. The risk of
slower than anticipated prepayments generally adversely affects POs, floating-
rate securities subject to interest rate caps, support tranches and discount
priced Mortgage-Backed Securities. In addition, particular derivative
securities may be leveraged such that their exposure (i.e., price sensitivity)
to interest rate and/or prepayment risk is magnified.
   
  RISKS OF DERIVATIVE TRANSACTIONS. A Fund's transactions, if any, in options,
futures, options on futures, swaps, interest rate caps, floors and collars,
structured securities, inverse floating-rate securities and currency
transactions involve certain risks, including a possible lack of correlation
between changes in the value of hedging instruments and the portfolio assets
being hedged, the potential illiquidity of the markets for derivative
instruments, the risks arising from margin requirements and related leverage
factors associated with such transactions. The use of these management
techniques to seek to increase total return may be regarded as a speculative
practice and involves the risk of loss if the Investment Adviser is incorrect
in its expectation of fluctuations in securities prices, interest rates or
currency prices. A Fund's use of certain derivative transactions may be
limited by the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended
(the "Code") for qualification as a regulated investment company.     
 
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
   
  TAX RISK OF MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. The yields and market values of Municipal
Securities may be more adversely impacted by changes in tax rates and policies
than taxable fixed-income securities. Because interest income from Municipal
Securities is normally not subject to regular federal income taxation, the
attractiveness of Municipal Securities in relation to other investment
alternatives is affected by changes in federal income tax rates applicable to,
or the continuing federal income tax-exempt status of, such interest income.
Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can
significantly affect the demand for and supply, liquidity and marketability of
Municipal Securities, which could in turn affect a Fund's ability to acquire
and dispose of Municipal Securities at desirable yield and price levels.     
 
  RISKS OF INVESTING IN NON-INVESTMENT GRADE FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. Non-
investment grade fixed- income securities are considered predominantly
speculative by traditional investment standards. In some cases, these
obligations may be highly speculative and have poor prospects for reaching
investment grade standing. Non-investment grade fixed-income securities and
unrated securities of comparable credit quality (commonly known as "junk
bonds") are subject to the increased risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal and interest obligations. These securities, also referred to as high
yield securities, may be subject to greater price volatility due to such
factors as specific corporate developments, interest rate sensitivity,
negative perceptions of the junk bond markets generally and less secondary
market liquidity.
 
  Non-investment grade fixed-income securities are often issued in connection
with a corporate reorganization or restructuring or as part of a merger,
acquisition, takeover or similar event. They are also issued by less
established companies seeking to expand. Such issuers are often highly
leveraged and generally less able than more established or less leveraged
entities to make scheduled payments of principal and interest in the event of
adverse developments or business conditions.
 
  The market value of non-investment grade fixed-income securities tends to
reflect individual corporate developments to a greater extent than that of
higher rated securities which react primarily to fluctuations in the general
level of interest rates. As a result, a Fund's ability to achieve its
investment objectives may depend to a greater extent on the Investment
Adviser's judgment concerning the creditworthiness of issuers than funds which
invest in higher-rated securities. Issuers of non-investment grade fixed-
income securities may not be able to make use of more traditional methods of
financing and their ability to service debt obligations may be more adversely
affected than issuers of higher-rated securities by economic downturns,
specific corporate developments or the issuer's inability to meet specific
projected business forecasts. Negative publicity about the junk bond market
and investor perceptions regarding lower rated securities, whether or not
based on fundamental analysis, may depress the prices for such securities.
 
  A holder's risk of loss from default is significantly greater for non-
investment grade fixed-income securities than is the case for holders of other
debt securities because such non-investment grade securities are generally
unsecured and are often subordinated to the rights of other creditors of the
issuers of such securities. Investment by a Fund in defaulted securities poses
additional risk of loss should nonpayment of principal and interest continue
in respect of such securities. Even if such securities are held to maturity,
recovery by a Fund of its initial investment and any anticipated income or
appreciation is uncertain.
 
  The secondary market for non-investment grade fixed-income securities is
concentrated in relatively few market makers and is dominated by institutional
investors, including mutual funds, insurance companies and other financial
institutions. Accordingly, the secondary market for such securities is not as
liquid as, and is more volatile than, the secondary market for higher-rated
securities. In addition, market trading volume for high yield fixed-income
securities is generally lower and the secondary market for such securities
could contract under
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
adverse market or economic conditions, independent of any specific adverse
changes in the condition of a particular issuer. These factors may have an
adverse effect on the market price and a Fund's ability to dispose of
particular portfolio investments. A less liquid secondary market also may make
it more difficult for a Fund to obtain precise valuations of the high yield
securities in its portfolio.
 
  Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies are designed to evaluate the
safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities. They do not,
however, evaluate the market value risk of non-investment grade securities
and, therefore, may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In
addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a
rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the conditions of the issuer
that affect the market value of the security. Consequently, credit ratings are
used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality. Investments in
non-investment grade and comparable unrated obligations will be more dependent
on the Investment Adviser's credit analysis than would be the case with
investments in investment-grade debt obligations. The Investment Adviser
employs its own credit research and analysis, which includes a study of
existing debt, capital structure, ability to service debt and to pay
dividends, the issuer's sensitivity to economic conditions, its operating
history and the current trend of earnings. The Investment Adviser continually
monitors the investments in a Fund's portfolio and evaluates whether to
dispose of or to retain non-investment grade and comparable unrated securities
whose credit ratings or credit quality may have changed.
 
  OTHER RISKS. Floating rate derivative debt securities present more complex
types of interest rate risks. For example, range floaters are subject to the
risk that the coupon will be reduced below market rates if a designated
interest rate floats outside of a specified interest rate band or collar. Dual
index or yield curve floaters are subject to lower prices in the event of an
unfavorable change in the spread between two designated interest rates.
 
  Asset-Backed Securities present certain credit risks that are not presented
by Mortgage-Backed Securities because Asset-Backed Securities generally do not
have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable to
mortgage assets. There is the possibility that, in some cases, recoveries on
repossessed collateral may not be available to support payments on these
securities.
 
  FOREIGN RISKS. See "Foreign Securities" for a description of the risks of
investing in foreign securities and currencies.
 
 
                             INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
 
  MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLLS. The Adjustable Rate Government, Short Duration
Government, Government Income, Core Fixed Income and Global Income Funds may
enter into mortgage "dollar rolls" in which a Fund sells securities for
delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts with the same
counterparty to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and
maturity) but not identical securities on a specified future date. During the
roll period, the Fund loses the right to receive principal and interest paid
on the securities sold. However, the Fund would benefit to the extent of any
difference between the price received for the securities sold and the lower
forward price for the future purchase or fee income plus the interest earned
on the cash proceeds of the securities sold until the settlement date for the
forward purchase. Unless such benefits exceed the income, capital appreciation
and gain or loss due to mortgage prepayments that would have been realized on
the securities sold as part of the mortgage dollar roll, the use of this
technique will diminish the investment performance of the Fund . Successful
use of mortgage dollar rolls depends upon the Investment Adviser's ability to
predict correctly interest rates and mortgage prepayments. There is no
assurance that mortgage dollar rolls can
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
be successfully employed. The Fund will hold and maintain in a segregated
account until the settlement date cash or liquid assets in an amount equal to
the forward purchase price. For financial reporting and tax purposes, each
Fund treats mortgage dollar rolls as two separate transactions; one involving
the purchase of a security and a separate transaction involving a sale. The
Funds do not currently intend to enter into mortgage dollar rolls that are
accounted for as a financing.
   
  OPTIONS ON SECURITIES AND SECURITIES INDICES. Each Fund may write (sell)
covered call and put options and purchase put and call options on any
securities in which it may invest or on any securities index comprised of
securities in which it may invest. The writing and purchase of options is a
highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks
different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities
transactions. The use of options to seek to increase total return involves the
risk of loss if the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of
fluctuations in securities prices or interest rates. The successful use of
options for hedging purposes also depends in part on the ability of the
Investment Adviser to manage future price fluctuations and the degree of
correlation between the options and securities markets. If the Investment
Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of changes in securities prices or
determination of the correlation between the securities indices on which
options are written and purchased and the securities in a Fund's investment
portfolio, the investment performance of the Fund will be less favorable than
it would have been in the absence of such options transactions. The writing of
options could increase a Fund's portfolio turnover rate and, therefore,
associated brokerage commissions or spreads.     
 
  OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES. The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High
Yield Funds may, to the extent they invest in foreign securities, purchase and
sell (write) put and call options on foreign currencies for the purpose of
protecting against declines in the U.S. dollar value of foreign portfolio
securities and against increases in the U.S. dollar cost of foreign securities
to be acquired. In addition, the Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High
Yield Funds may use options on currency to cross-hedge, which involves writing
or purchasing options on one currency to hedge against changes in exchange
rates for a different currency, if there is a pattern of correlation between
the two currencies. As with other kinds of option transactions, however, the
writing of an option on foreign currency will constitute only a partial hedge,
up to the amount of the premium received. If an option that a Fund has written
is exercised, the 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; however, in the event of exchange rate
movements adverse to a Fund's position, the Fund may forfeit the entire amount
of the premium plus related transaction costs. In addition to purchasing put
and call options for hedging purposes, a Fund may purchase call or put options
on currency to seek to increase total return when the Investment Adviser
anticipates that the currency will appreciate or depreciate in value, but the
securities quoted or denominated in that currency do not present attractive
investment opportunities and are not held in the Fund's portfolio. When
purchased or sold to seek to increase total return, options on currencies are
considered speculative. Options on foreign currencies to be written or
purchased by the Funds will be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or over-
the-counter.
 
  FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. To seek to increase
total return or to hedge against changes in interest rates or securities
prices, or in the case of the Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield
Funds, currency exchange rates, a Fund may purchase and sell various kinds of
futures contracts, and purchase and write call and put options on any of such
futures contracts. Each Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale
transactions with respect to any such contracts and options. The futures
contracts may be based on various securities (such as U.S. Government
Securities), foreign currencies, in the case of the Core Fixed Income, Global
Income and High Yield Funds, securities indices and other financial
instruments and indices. A Fund will engage in futures and related options
transactions only for bona fide hedging purposes as defined in
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
   
regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission or to seek to increase
total return to the extent permitted by such regulations. A Fund may not
purchase or sell futures contracts or purchase or sell related options to seek
to increase total return, except for closing purchase or sale transactions, if
immediately thereafter the sum of the amount of initial margin deposits and
premiums paid on a Fund's outstanding positions in futures and related options
entered into for the purpose of seeking to increase total return would exceed
5% of the market value of a Fund's net assets. These transactions involve
brokerage costs, require margin deposits and, in the case of contracts and
options obligating a Fund to purchase securities or currencies, require the
Fund to segregate and maintain cash or liquid assets with a value equal to the
amount of the Fund's obligations or to otherwise cover the obligations in a
manner permitted by the SEC.     
   
  While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce
certain risks, such transactions themselves entail certain other risks. See
"Investment Techniques--Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts" in
the Additional Statement. Thus, while a Fund may benefit from the use of
futures and options on futures, unanticipated changes in interest rates,
securities prices or currency exchange rates may result in a poorer overall
performance than if the Fund had not entered into any futures contracts or
options transactions. Because perfect correlation between a futures position
and portfolio position that is intended to be protected is impossible to
achieve, the desired protection may not be obtained and a Fund may be exposed
to risk of loss. The loss incurred by a Fund in entering into futures
contracts and in writing call options on futures is potentially unlimited and
may exceed the amount of the premium received. Futures markets are highly
volatile and the use of futures may increase the volatility of a Fund's net
asset value. The profitability of a Fund's trading in futures to seek to
increase total return depends upon the ability of the Investment Adviser to
analyze correctly the futures markets. In addition, because of the low margin
deposits normally required in futures trading, a relatively small price
movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses to a Fund.
Further, futures contracts and options on futures may be illiquid, and
exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures contract prices during a single
day.     
   
  CURRENCY SWAPS. The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds
may enter into currency swaps for hedging purposes or to seek to increase
total return. Currency swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party
of their respective rights to make or receive payments in specified
currencies. Currency swaps usually involve the delivery of a gross payment
stream in one designated currency in exchange for the gross payment stream in
another designated currency. Therefore, the entire payment stream under a
currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will
default on its contractual delivery obligations. A Fund will not enter into
swap transactions unless the unsecured commercial paper, senior debt or
claims-paying ability of the other party thereto is rated either AA or A-1 or
better by S&P or Aa or P-1 or better by Moody's, or, if unrated by such rating
organizations, determined to be of comparable quality by the Investment
Adviser. The use of currency swaps is a highly specialized activity which
involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Investment Adviser is
incorrect in its forecasts of currency exchange rates, the investment
performance of a Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if this
investment technique were not used.     
 
  WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS. Each Fund may purchase when-
issued securities. When-issued transactions arise when securities are
purchased by a Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the future in
order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield to
the Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. Each Fund may also
purchase securities on a forward commitment basis; that is, make contracts to
purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond the customary
three-day settlement. A Fund is required to hold and maintain in a segregated
account with the Fund's custodian until three days prior to settlement date,
cash or liquid assets in an amount sufficient to meet the purchase price.
Alternatively, each Fund may enter into offsetting contracts for the forward
sale of other securities that it owns. The purchase of
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
securities on a when-issued or forward commitment basis involves a risk of
loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines prior to the
settlement date. Although a Fund would generally purchase securities on a
when-issued or forward commitment basis with the intention of acquiring
securities for its portfolio, a Fund may dispose of when-issued securities or
forward commitments prior to settlement if the Investment Adviser deems it
appropriate to do so.
   
  ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES. A Fund may not invest more than 15% of
its net assets in illiquid investments, which include securities (both foreign
and domestic) that are not readily marketable, certain SMBS, certain municipal
leases and participation interests, repurchase agreements maturing in more
than seven days, time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than
seven days, certain over-the-counter options and certain restricted
securities, unless it is determined, based upon the continuing review of the
trading markets for a specific restricted security, that such restricted
security is eligible for resale under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of
1933 and, therefore, is liquid. The Trustees have adopted guidelines under
which the Investment Adviser determines and monitors the liquidity of
portfolio securities subject to the oversight of the Trustees. Investing in
restricted securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A may decrease
the liquidity in a Fund to the extent that qualified institutional buyers
become for a time uninterested in purchasing these restricted securities. The
purchase price and subsequent valuation of restricted and illiquid securities
normally reflect a discount, which may be significant, from the market price
of comparable securities for which a liquid market exists.     
 
  REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with
dealers in U.S. Government Securities and member banks of the Federal Reserve
System which furnish collateral at least equal in value or market price to the
amount of their repurchase obligation. The Core Fixed Income, Global Income
and High Yield Funds may also enter into repurchase agreements involving
certain foreign government securities. If the other party or "seller"
defaults, a Fund might suffer a loss to the extent that the proceeds from the
sale of the underlying securities and other collateral held by the Fund in
connection with the related repurchase agreement are less than the repurchase
price. In addition, in the event of bankruptcy of the seller or failure of the
seller to repurchase the securities as agreed, a Fund could suffer losses,
including loss of interest on or principal of the security and costs
associated with delay and enforcement of the repurchase agreement. The
Trustees have reviewed and approved certain counterparties whom they believe
to be creditworthy and have authorized the Funds to enter into repurchase
agreements with such counterparties. In addition, each Fund, together with
other registered investment companies having management agreements with the
Investment Adviser, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint
account, the daily aggregate balance of which will be invested in one or more
repurchase agreements.
   
  TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS. Each Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes,
invest up to 100% of its total assets in (i) U. S. Government Securities or
(ii) repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government Securities. The
Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds may for temporary defensive
purposes depart from their stated investment objectives and invest more than
20% of their respective net assets in taxable investments. The High Yield Fund
may for temporary defensive purposes invest in investment grade securities.
    
MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES
 
  In addition to the techniques and investments described above, each Fund
may, with respect to no more than 5% of its net assets, engage in the
following techniques and investments: (i) portfolio securities lending, (ii)
mortgage swaps (other than Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds)
and interest rate swaps, caps, floors and collars, (iii) inverse floating rate
securities, (iv) yield curve options, (v) other investment companies, (vi)
custodial receipts and (vii) with respect to the Short Duration Tax-Free and
Municipal Income Funds, tender option bonds and standby commitments.
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
  In addition, each Fund may borrow up to 33 1/3% of its total assets from
banks for temporary or emergency purposes. A Fund may not make additional
investments if borrowings (excluding covered mortgage dollar rolls) exceed 5%
of its total assets. For more information, see the Additional Statement.
 
 
                            INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
   
  Each Fund is subject to certain investment restrictions that are described
in detail under "Investment Restrictions" in the Additional Statement.
Fundamental investment restrictions of a Fund cannot be changed without
approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of that Fund as defined in
the Additional Statement. Each Fund's investment objectives and all policies
not specifically designated as fundamental are non-fundamental and may be
changed without shareholder approval. If there is a change in a Fund's
investment objectives, shareholders should consider whether that Fund still
remains an appropriate investment in light of their then current financial
positions and needs.     
 
  The Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds' policies to invest,
under normal market conditions, at least 80% of their respective net assets in
Municipal Securities, the interest on which is exempt from regular federal
income tax, is fundamental and may not be changed without shareholder
approval. For more information on a Fund's investment restrictions, an
investor should obtain the Additional Statement.
 
  NON-DIVERSIFIED STATUS. Since the Global Income Fund is "non-diversified"
under the Act, it is subject only to certain federal tax diversification
requirements. Under federal tax laws, the Global Income Fund may, with respect
to 50% of its total assets, invest up to 25% of its total assets in the
securities of any issuer (except that this limitation does not apply to U.S.
Government Securities). With respect to the remaining 50% of the Fund's total
assets, (1) the Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the
securities of any one issuer (other than the U.S. Government), and (2) the
Fund may not acquire more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any
one issuer. These tests apply at the end of each quarter of its taxable year
and are subject to certain conditions and limitations under the Code. Since
the Global Income Fund is not diversified under the Act, it will be more
susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer. The
Adjustable Rate Government, Short Duration Government, Short Duration Tax-
Free, Government Income, Municipal Income, Core Fixed Income and High Yield
Funds are, in addition to these tax diversification requirements, also subject
to the diversification requirements arising out of their diversified status
under the Act.
 
 
                              PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
   
  Each Fund may engage in active short-term trading to benefit from yield
disparities among different issues of securities or among the markets for
fixed-income securities, or for other reasons. It is anticipated that the
portfolio turnover rate of each Fund will vary from year to year. The
portfolio turnover rate is computed by dividing the lesser of the dollar
amount of securities purchased or securities sold (excluding all securities
whose maturities at acquisition are one year or less) by the average monthly
value of such securities owned during the year. A 100% turnover rate would
occur, for example, if all of the securities held by a Fund were sold and
replaced within one year. The Investment Adviser will not consider the
portfolio turnover rate a limiting factor in making investment decisions for a
Fund consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and portfolio management
policies. A high rate of portfolio turnover results in increased transaction
costs to a Fund. The portfolio turnover rate includes the effect of entering
into mortgage dollar rolls. See "Financial Highlights" for a statement of each
Fund's historical portfolio turnover rates.     
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
 
                                  MANAGEMENT
 
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
 
  The Trustees are responsible for deciding matters of general policy and
reviewing the actions of the Investment Advisers, distributor and transfer
agent. The officers of the Trust conduct and supervise each Fund's daily
business operations. The Additional Statement contains information as to the
identity of, and other information about, the Trustees and officers of the
Trust.
 
INVESTMENT ADVISERS
   
  INVESTMENT ADVISERS. Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P., One New York
Plaza, New York, New York 10004, a Delaware limited partnership which is an
affiliate of Goldman Sachs, serves as investment adviser to the Adjustable
Rate Government and Short Duration Government Funds. Goldman Sachs Funds
Management, L.P. registered as an investment adviser in 1990. Goldman Sachs
Asset Management, One New York Plaza, New York, New York 10004, a separate
operating division of Goldman Sachs, serves as investment adviser to the Short
Duration Tax-Free, Government Income, Municipal Income, Core Fixed Income and
High Yield Funds. Goldman Sachs registered as an investment adviser in 1981.
Goldman Sachs Asset Management International, 133 Peterborough Court, London
EC4A 2BB, England, an affiliate of Goldman Sachs, serves as investment adviser
to the Global Income Fund. Goldman Sachs Asset Management International became
a member of the Investment Management Regulatory Organization Limited in 1990
and registered as an investment adviser in 1991. As of January 26, 1998, GSAM,
GSFM and GSAMI, together with their affiliates, acted as investment adviser or
distributor for assets in excess of $140 billion.     
 
  Under a Management Agreement with each Fund, the applicable Investment
Adviser, subject to the general supervision of the Trustees, provides day-to-
day advice as to the Fund's portfolio transactions. Goldman Sachs has agreed
to permit the Funds to use the name "Goldman Sachs" or a derivative thereof as
part of each Fund's name for as long as a Fund's Management Agreement is in
effect.
   
  In performing its investment advisory services, each Investment Adviser,
while remaining ultimately responsible for the management of the Funds, is
able to draw upon the research and expertise of its asset management
affiliates for portfolio decisions and management with respect to certain
portfolio securities. In addition, the Investment Advisers will have access to
the research of, and certain proprietary technical models developed by,
Goldman Sachs and may apply quantitative and qualitative analysis in
determining the appropriate allocations among the categories of issuers and
types of securities.     
 
  Under the Management Agreement, each Investment Adviser also: (i) supervises
all non-advisory operations of each Fund that it advises; (ii) provides
personnel to perform such executive, administrative and clerical services as
are reasonably necessary to provide effective administration of each Fund;
(iii) arranges for at each Fund's expense (a) the preparation of all required
tax returns, (b) the preparation and submission of reports to existing
shareholders, (c) the periodic updating of prospectuses and statements of
additional information and (d) the preparation of reports to be filed with the
SEC and other regulatory authorities; (iv) maintains each Fund's records; and
(v) provides office space and all necessary office equipment and services.
   
  ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT AND SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUNDS. The Funds'
portfolio managers are Jonathan A. Beinner, Richard C. Lucy, James B. Clark,
Peter A. Dion and James P. McCarthy. Their responsibilities include investing
in the particular types of securities the Funds may hold. Mr. Beinner is a
Managing Director of Goldman Sachs and Co-Head of GSAM's U.S. Fixed Income
Department. Mr. Beinner     
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
   
joined the Investment Adviser in 1990. Mr. Lucy is a Vice President of Goldman
Sachs and Co-Head of GSAM's U.S. Fixed Income Department. Mr. Lucy joined the
Investment Adviser in 1992. Mr. Clark joined GSAM in 1994 after working as a
senior trader at the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. Prior to that, he
was an investment manager at Travelers Insurance Company. Mr. Dion is a Vice
President of Goldman Sachs and joined GSAM in 1992. Mr. McCarthy is a Vice
President of Goldman Sachs. Mr. McCarthy joined GSAM in 1995 after working as
a bond trader at Nomura Securities.     
   
  GOVERNMENT INCOME AND CORE FIXED INCOME FUNDS. The Funds' portfolio managers
are Jonathan A. Beinner and Richard C. Lucy. See above for information about
Mr. Beinner and Mr. Lucy. Messrs. Beinner and Lucy each specialize in
investing in a particular type of security the Fund may hold. James Clark is
also a portfolio manager for the Government Income Fund. See above for
information about Mr. Clark.     
 
  SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE AND MUNICIPAL INCOME FUNDS. The Funds' portfolio
managers are Benjamin S. Thompson and Elisabeth Schupf Lonsdale. Mr. Thompson
and Ms. Lonsdale each specialize in municipal securities. Mr. Thompson's
responsibilities include developing investment strategy and structuring
portfolios. Ms. Lonsdale is also responsible for GSAM's municipal credit
research. Mr. Thompson worked in the institutional sales and marketing group
at GSAM until he joined the fixed-income team in 1993. Prior to joining GSAM
in early 1992, Mr. Thompson worked in the Structured Finance Group of the
Chase Manhattan Bank. Before rejoining Goldman Sachs in 1995, Ms. Lonsdale was
a Director of Fitch Investors Service evaluating the credit ratings of tax-
backed issues. Prior to that, she worked for ten years in the Goldman Sachs
Municipal Finance Department.
   
  GLOBAL INCOME FUND. The Fund's portfolio managers are Stephen Fitzgerald and
Andrew Wilson. Mr. Fitzgerald joined GSAMI in 1992 and is an Executive
Director and Chief Investment Officer for international fixed income. Mr.
Wilson joined GSAMI in 1995 and is Executive Director and Portfolio Manager
for international fixed income. Prior to joining GSAMI, he spent three years
as an Assistant Director at Rothschild Asset Management where he was
responsible for managing global and international bond portfolios, with
specific focus on the U.S., Canadian, Australian and Japanese economies.     
 
  HIGH YIELD FUND. The Fund's portfolio managers are Richard Buckholz,
Christopher Testa, Michael L. Pasternak and Andrew Jessop. Mr. Buckholz is a
Vice President of Goldman Sachs and is responsible for emerging markets fixed
income portfolio management. Mr. Buckholz joined GSAM in 1994. Prior to
joining GSAM, Mr. Buckholz was Head of Emerging Market Fixed Income Research
at Bear Stearns & Company and previously in a similar position at Citibank.
Mr. Testa is a Vice President of Goldman Sachs and Director of Credit Research
responsible for corporate bond research. Mr. Testa joined GSAM in 1994. Prior
to joining GSAM, Mr. Testa was a credit analyst with CS First Boston and prior
to that he was an analyst for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company investing in
private placements and public debt. Mr. Pasternak is a Vice President of
Goldman Sachs and is responsible for managing high yield assets. Mr. Pasternak
joined GSAM in 1997. Prior to joining GSAM, Mr. Pasternak spent eight years
managing high yield corporate bond and loan portfolios at Saudi International
Bank (an affiliate of JP Morgan) in London. Prior to that, he was an officer
of the bank in Eurocurrency Lending and Syndications and served as an
investment analyst in New York. Mr. Jessop is a Vice President of Goldman
Sachs and is responsible for managing high yield assets. Mr. Jessop joined
GSAM in 1997. Prior to joining GSAM, Mr. Jessop spent six years managing high
yield portfolios at Saudi International Bank in London. Prior to that, he
worked for the bank on the interest rate swap desk and served as an investment
analyst in New York.
   
  It is the responsibility of the Investment Adviser to make the investment
decisions for a Fund and to place the purchase and sale orders for the Fund's
portfolio transactions in U.S. and foreign markets. Such orders may     
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
be directed to any broker including, to the extent and in the manner permitted
by applicable law, Goldman Sachs or its affiliates. In effecting purchases and
sales of portfolio securities for the Funds, the Investment Advisers will seek
the best price and execution of a Fund's orders. In doing so, where two or
more brokers or dealers offer comparable prices and execution for a particular
trade, consideration may be given to whether the broker or dealer provides
investment research or brokerage services or sells shares of any Goldman Sachs
Fund. See the Additional Statement for a further description of the Investment
Advisers' brokerage allocation practices.
 
  As compensation for its services rendered and assumption of certain expenses
pursuant to separate Management Agreements, GSAM, GSFM and GSAMI are entitled
to the following fees, computed daily and payable monthly at the annual rates
listed below:
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                FOR THE FISCAL
                                                                YEAR OR PERIOD
                                                   CONTRACTUAL       ENDED
                                                      RATE*    OCTOBER 31, 1997*
                                                   ----------- -----------------
GSAM
- ----
<S>                                                <C>         <C>
Short Duration Tax-Free...........................    0.40%          0.40%
Government Income.................................    0.65%          0.25%
Municipal Income..................................    0.55%          0.55%
Core Fixed Income.................................    0.40%          0.40%
High Yield........................................    0.70%          0.65%
<CAPTION>
GSFM
- ----
<S>                                                <C>         <C>
Adjustable Rate Government........................    0.40%          0.40%
Short Duration Government.........................    0.50%          0.40%
<CAPTION>
GSAMI
- -----
<S>                                                <C>         <C>
Global Income.....................................    0.90%          0.59%
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
* The difference, if any, between the stated fees and the actual fees paid by
  the Funds reflects that the applicable Investment Adviser did not charge the
  full amount of the fees to which it would have been entitled for the year
  ended October 31, 1997. Effective March 1, 1998, the management fee for the
  Short Duration Government Fund and Government Income Fund will equal 0.50%
  and 0.65%, respectively. The Investment Advisers may discontinue or modify
  such limitations in the future at their discretion, although they have no
  current intention to do so.     
   
  The Investment Advisers to the Short Duration Government, Short Duration
Tax-Free, Government Income, Municipal Income, Core Fixed Income, Global
Income and High Yield Funds have voluntarily agreed to reduce or limit certain
"Other Expenses" of such Funds (excluding management, distribution and
authorized dealer service fees, taxes, interest and brokerage fees and
litigation, indemnification and other extraordinary expenses (and transfer
agency fees in the case of the Global Income and High Yield Funds)) to the
extent such expenses exceed 0.05%, 0.05%, 0.00%, 0.05%, 0.05%, 0.06% and 0.14%
per annum of such Funds' average daily net assets, respectively. Such
reductions or limits, if any, are calculated monthly on a cumulative basis and
may be discontinued or modified by the applicable Investment Adviser in its
discretion at any time.     
       
  ACTIVITIES OF GOLDMAN SACHS AND ITS AFFILIATES AND OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY
GOLDMAN SACHS. The involvement of the Investment Advisers, Goldman Sachs and
their affiliates in the management of, or their interest in, other accounts
and other activities of Goldman Sachs may present conflicts of interest with
respect to a Fund or limit a Fund's investment activities. Goldman Sachs and
its affiliates engage in proprietary trading and advise accounts and funds
which have investment objectives similar to those of the Funds and/or which
engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities,
currencies and instruments as the Funds. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates will
not have any obligation to make available any information regarding their
proprietary
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
   
activities or strategies, or the activities or strategies used for other
accounts managed by them, for the benefit of the management of the Funds. The
results of a Fund's investment activities, therefore, may differ from those of
Goldman Sachs and its affiliates and it is possible that a Fund could sustain
losses during periods in which Goldman Sachs and its affiliates and other
accounts achieve significant profits on their trading for proprietary or other
accounts. In addition, the Funds may, from time to time, enter into
transactions in which other clients of Goldman Sachs have an adverse interest.
From time to time, a Fund's activities may be limited because of regulatory
restrictions applicable to Goldman Sachs and its affiliates, and/or their
internal policies designed to comply with such restrictions. See "Management--
Activities of Goldman Sachs and its Affiliates and Other Accounts Managed by
Goldman Sachs" in the Additional Statement for further information.     
 
DISTRIBUTOR AND TRANSFER AGENT
 
  Goldman Sachs, 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004, serves as the
exclusive distributor (the "Distributor") of each Fund's shares. Shares may
also be sold by Authorized Dealers. Authorized Dealers include investment
dealers that are members of the NASD and certain other financial service
firms. To become an Authorized Dealer, a dealer or financial service firm must
enter into a sales agreement with Goldman Sachs. The minimum investment
requirements, services, programs and purchase and redemption options for
shares purchased through a particular Authorized Dealer may be different from
those available to investors purchasing through other Authorized Dealers.
   
  Goldman Sachs, 4900 Sears Tower, Chicago, Illinois 60606, also serves as
each Fund's transfer agent (the "Transfer Agent") and as such performs various
shareholder servicing functions. The Global Income and High Yield Funds pay
Goldman Sachs (as Transfer Agent) a fee with respect to Class A, Class B and
Class C shares of $12,000 per year plus $7.50 per account (plus out-of-pocket
and transaction-related expenses). The Global Income and High Yield Funds'
Class A, Class B and Class C shares may also bear fees paid to Authorized
Dealers or other persons providing sub-transfer agency and similar services.
The Adjustable Rate Government, Short Duration Government, Short Duration Tax-
Free, Government Income, Municipal Income and Core Fixed Income Funds pay
Goldman Sachs transfer agency fees and expenses with respect to Class A, Class
B and Class C shares equal to each class's proportionate share of a Fund's
total transfer agency costs. Such costs are equal to the charges set forth
above applicable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares plus 0.04% of the
average daily net assets of the other classes of the Fund plus any sub-
transfer agency expenses. Shareholders with inquiries regarding any Fund
should contact Goldman Sachs (as Transfer Agent) at the address or the
telephone number set forth on the back cover page of this Prospectus.     
   
  From time to time, Goldman Sachs or any of its affiliates may purchase and
hold shares of the Funds. Goldman Sachs reserves the right to redeem at any
time some or all of the shares acquired for its own account.     
 
 
                            REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
 
  Shareholders will receive an annual report containing audited financial
statements and a semi-annual report. Each shareholder will also be provided
with a printed confirmation for each transaction in the shareholder's account
and an individual quarterly account statement. A year-to-date statement for
any account will be provided upon request made to Goldman Sachs. The Funds do
not generally provide sub-accounting services.
 
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
 
                                 HOW TO INVEST
 
 
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE ARRANGEMENTS
   
  Each Fund continuously offers through this Prospectus Class A, Class B and
Class C shares as described more fully in "How to Buy Shares of the Funds."
(As of the date of this Prospectus, the Adjustable Rate Government Fund did
not offer Class B and Class C shares.) If you do not specify in your
instructions to the Funds which class of shares you wish to purchase, the
Funds will assume that your instructions apply to Class A shares.     
 
  CLASS A SHARES. If you invest less than $1 million ($500,000 in the case of
Short Duration Government and Short Duration Tax-Free Funds) in Class A shares
you will pay an initial sales charge. Certain purchases may qualify for
reduced initial sales charges. If you initially invest $1 million ($500,000 in
the case of Short Duration Government and Short Duration Tax-Free Funds) or
more in Class A shares of a Fund, no sales charge will be imposed at the time
of purchase, but you will incur a deferred sales charge equal to 1.00% if you
redeem your shares within 18 months of purchase. Direct purchases (as opposed
to exchanges) of $1 million or more of Class A shares of the Adjustable Rate
Government Fund will not be subject to a deferred sales charge when redeemed.
Class A shares are subject to distribution fees of 0.25% (which currently are
being waived in the case of Adjustable Rate Government, Short Duration
Government, Short Duration Tax-Free, Core Fixed Income, Municipal Income,
Government Income and High Yield Funds and are limited to 0.21% for the Global
Income Fund) and authorized dealer service fees of 0.25%, per annum
respectively, of each Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class A
shares.
 
  CLASS B SHARES. Class B shares are sold without an initial sales charge, but
are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") of up to 2% in the
case of the Short Duration Government and Short Duration Tax-Free Funds if
redeemed within three years of purchase and up to 5% in the case of the
Government Income, Municipal Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High
Yield Funds if redeemed within six years of purchase. Class B shares are
subject to distribution and authorized dealer service fees of 0.75% (which is
currently being limited to 0.60% in the case of the Short Duration Government
and Short Duration Tax-Free Funds) and 0.25%, per annum respectively, of a
Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares. See
"Distribution and Authorized Dealer Service Plans." Class B shares will
automatically convert to Class A shares, based on their relative net asset
values, eight years after the initial purchase. Your entire investment in
Class B shares is available to work for you from the time you make your
initial investment, but the distribution fee paid by Class B shares will cause
your Class B shares (until conversion to Class A shares) to have a higher
expense ratio and to pay lower dividends, to the extent dividends are paid,
than Class A shares.
 
  CLASS C SHARES. Class C shares are sold without an initial sales charge, but
are subject to a CDSC of 1% if redeemed within 12 months of purchase. Class C
shares are subject to distribution and authorized dealer service fees of 0.75%
and 0.25%, per annum, respectively, of a Fund's average daily net assets
attributable to Class C shares. See "Distribution and Authorized Dealer
Service Plans." Class C shares have no conversion feature, and accordingly, an
investor that purchases Class C shares will be subject to the distribution
fees imposed on Class C shares for an indefinite period, subject to annual
approval by the Trust's Board of Trustees and certain regulatory limitations.
Your entire investment in Class C shares is available to work for you from the
time you make your initial investment, but the distribution fee paid by Class
C shares will cause your Class C shares to have a higher expense ratio and to
pay lower dividends, to the extent dividends are paid, than Class A shares (or
Class B shares after conversion to Class A shares).
 
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
   
  FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN CHOOSING CLASS A, CLASS B OR CLASS C SHARES. The
decision as to which class to purchase depends on the amount you invest, the
intended length of the investment and your personal situation. For example, if
you are making an investment of $100,000 or more that qualifies for a reduced
sales charge, you should consider purchasing Class A shares. A brief
description of when the initial sales charge may be reduced or eliminated is
set forth below under "Right of Accumulation" and "Statement of Intention." If
you prefer not to pay an initial sales charge on an investment and plan to
hold your investment for at least six years (three in the case of the Short
Duration Government and Short Duration Tax-Free Funds), you might consider
purchasing Class B shares. If you prefer not to pay an initial sales charge
and are unsure of the length of your investment or plan to hold your
investment for less than eight years, you may prefer Class C shares. There is
no size limit on the purchase of Class A shares. A maximum purchase limitation
of $250,000 in the aggregate normally applies to purchases of Class B shares
and $1,000,000 ($500,000 in the case of Short Duration Government and Short
Duration Tax-Free) in the aggregate normally applies to purchases of Class C
shares. Although Class C shares are subject to a CDSC for only twelve months
and at a lower rate than Class B shares, Class C shares do not have the
conversion feature applicable to Class B shares, making them subject to higher
distribution fees for an indefinite period. Authorized Dealers may receive
different compensation for selling Class A, Class B or Class C shares.     
 
HOW TO BUY SHARES OF THE FUNDS -- CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES
   
  You may purchase shares of the Funds through any Authorized Dealer
(including Goldman Sachs) or directly from a Fund, c/o National Financial Data
Services, Inc. ("NFDS"), P.O. Box 419711, Kansas City, MO 64141-6711 on any
Business Day (as defined under "Additional Information") at the net asset
value next determined after receipt of an order as described below under
"Other Purchase Information" plus, in the case of Class A shares, any
applicable sales charge. Currently, net asset value is determined as of the
close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (which is normally,
but not always, 4:00 p.m. New York time) ("Close of Trading"). If a purchase
order for shares of a Fund (other than Global Income Fund) is received with a
specified settlement date in proper form by the Close of Trading and payment
is made by (a) wire transfer or ACH transfer, shares will be issued and
dividends declared with respect to such shares will begin to accrue on the
later of (i) the Business Day after receipt of the purchase order or (ii) the
date of receipt of payment for the shares or (b) check, Federal Reserve draft
or bank wire, shares will be issued and dividends declared with respect to
such shares will begin to accrue on the Business Day after the date payment is
received. If a purchase order for shares of a Fund (other than the Global
Income Fund) is received in proper form without a specified settlement date,
shares will be issued and dividends declared with respect to such shares will
begin to accrue on the Business Day after payment is received. Shares of the
Global Income Fund will begin to be eligible for dividends paid on or after
the day the shares are purchased.     
 
  The minimum initial investment in each Fund is $1,000. An initial investment
minimum of $250 applies to purchases in connection with Individual Retirement
Account Plans or accounts established under the Uniform Gift to Minors Act
("UGMA"). An initial minimum investment of $250 applies to purchases in
connection with 403(b) Plans. For purchases through the Automatic Investment
Plan, the minimum investment is $50. The minimum subsequent investment is $50.
These requirements may be waived at the discretion of the Trust's officers.
 
  You may pay for purchases of shares by check (except that the Trust will not
accept a check drawn on a foreign bank or a third party check), Federal
Reserve draft, federal funds wire, ACH transfer or bank wire. Purchases of
shares by check or Federal Reserve draft should be made payable as follows:
(i) to an investor's Authorized Dealer, if purchased through such Authorized
Dealer, or (ii) to Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds -- (Name of Fund and Class
of shares) and sent to NFDS, P.O. Box 419711, Kansas City, MO 64141-6711.
Federal funds wires, ACH transfers and bank wires should be sent to State
Street Bank and Trust Company
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
("State Street"). Payment must be received within three Business Days after
receipt of the purchase order. An investor's Authorized Dealer is responsible
for forwarding payment promptly to the Fund.
   
  In order to make an initial investment in a Fund, an investor must establish
an account with the Fund by furnishing to the Fund, Goldman Sachs or the
investor's Authorized Dealer the information in the Account Application
attached to this Prospectus. The Funds may refuse to open an account for any
investor who fails to (i) provide a social security number or other taxpayer
identification number, or (ii) certify that such number is correct (if
required to do so under applicable law).     
 
  The Funds reserve the right to redeem shares of any shareholder whose
account balance is less than $50 as a result of earlier redemptions. Such
redemptions will not be implemented if the value of a shareholder's account
falls below the minimum account balance solely as a result of market
conditions. A Fund will give sixty (60) days' prior written notice to
shareholders whose shares are being redeemed to allow them to purchase
sufficient additional shares of the Fund to avoid such redemption. In
addition, the Funds and Goldman Sachs reserve the right to modify the minimum
investment, the manner in which shares are offered and the sales charge rates
applicable to future purchases of shares.
 
OFFERING PRICE -- CLASS A SHARES
 
  The offering price of Class A shares of the Government Income, Municipal
Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds is the next
determined net asset value per share plus a sales charge, if any, paid to
Goldman Sachs at the time of purchase of shares as shown in the following
table:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                  SALES CHARGE   MAXIMUM DEALER
                                  SALES CHARGE AS AS PERCENTAGE   ALLOWANCE AS
       AMOUNT OF PURCHASE          PERCENTAGE OF  OF NET AMOUNT   PERCENTAGE OF
(INCLUDING SALES CHARGE, IF ANY)  OFFERING PRICE    INVESTED    OFFERING PRICE***
- --------------------------------  --------------- ------------- -----------------
<S>                               <C>             <C>           <C>
Less Than $100,000.............        4.50%          4.71%           4.00%
$100,000 up to (but less than)
 $250,000......................        3.00           3.09            2.50
$250,000 up to (but less than)
 $500,000......................        2.50           2.56            2.00
$500,000 up to (but less than)
 $1 million....................        2.00           2.04            1.75
$1 million or more.............        0.00*          0.00*            **
 
  The offering price of Class A shares of the Short Duration Government and
Short Duration Tax-Free Funds is the next determined net asset value per share
plus a sales charge, if any, paid to Goldman Sachs at the time of purchase of
shares as shown in the following table:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                  SALES CHARGE   MAXIMUM DEALER
                                  SALES CHARGE AS AS PERCENTAGE   ALLOWANCE AS
       AMOUNT OF PURCHASE          PERCENTAGE OF  OF NET AMOUNT   PERCENTAGE OF
(INCLUDING SALES CHARGE, IF ANY)  OFFERING PRICE    INVESTED    OFFERING PRICE***
- --------------------------------  --------------- ------------- -----------------
<S>                               <C>             <C>           <C>
Less than $250,000.............        2.00%          2.04%           1.75%
$250,000 up to (but less than)
 $500,000......................        1.50           1.52            1.25
$500,000 or more...............        0.00%*         0.00*             **
 
  The offering price of Class A shares of the Adjustable Rate Government Fund
is the next determined net asset value per share plus a sales charge, if any,
paid to Goldman Sachs at the time of purchase of shares as shown in the
following table:
 
<CAPTION>
                                                  SALES CHARGE   MAXIMUM DEALER
                                  SALES CHARGE AS AS PERCENTAGE   ALLOWANCE AS
       AMOUNT OF PURCHASE          PERCENTAGE OF  OF NET AMOUNT   PERCENTAGE OF
(INCLUDING SALES CHARGE, IF ANY)  OFFERING PRICE    INVESTED    OFFERING PRICE***
- --------------------------------  --------------- ------------- -----------------
<S>                               <C>             <C>           <C>
Less Than $500,000.............        1.50%          1.52%           1.25%
$500,000 up to (but less than)
 $1 million....................        1.00           1.01            0.75
$1 million or more.............        0.00           0.00            0.00
</TABLE>    
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
- --------
   
  * No sales charge is payable at the time of purchase of Class A shares of $1
    million ($500,000 in the case of the Short Duration Government and Short
    Duration Tax Free Funds) or more, but a CDSC may be imposed in the event
    of certain redemption transactions made within 18 months of purchase.     
   
 ** Goldman Sachs pays a one-time commission to Authorized Dealers who
    initiate or are responsible for purchases of $1 million or more of shares
    of each Fund ($500,000 in the case of the Short Duration Government and
    Short Duration Tax-Free Funds) equal to 1.00% of the amount under $3
    million, 0.50% of the next $2 million, and 0.25% thereafter. Goldman Sachs
    may also pay, with respect to all or a portion of the amount purchased, a
    commission in accordance with the foregoing schedule to Authorized Dealers
    who initiate or are responsible for purchases of $500,000 or more by plans
    or $1 million or more ($500,000 in the case of the Short Duration
    Government and Short Duration Tax-Free Funds) by "wrap" accounts
    satisfying the criteria set forth in (h) or (i) below. Purchases by such
    plans will be made at net asset value with no initial sales charge, but if
    all of the shares held are redeemed within 18 months after the end of the
    calendar month in which such purchase was made, a contingent deferred
    sales charge (CDSC), as described below, of 1.00% will be imposed upon the
    plan sponsor or the third party administrator. In addition, Authorized
    Dealers will remit to Goldman Sachs such payments received in connection
    with "wrap" accounts in the event that shares are redeemed within 18
    months after the end of the calendar month in which the purchase was made.
        
*** During special promotions, the entire sales charge may be reallowed to
    Authorized Dealers. Authorized Dealers to whom substantially the entire
    sales charge is reallowed may be deemed to be "underwriters" under the
    Securities Act of 1933.
   
  Purchases of $1 million ($500,000 in the case of the Short Duration
Government and Short Duration Tax-Free Funds) or more of Class A shares of
each Fund (other than the Adjustable Rate Government Fund) will be made at net
asset value with no initial sales charge, but if the shares are redeemed
within 18 months after the end of the calendar month in which the purchase was
made, excluding any period of time in which the shares were exchanged into and
remained invested in an ILA Portfolio (the contingent deferred sales charge
period), a CDSC of 1.00% will be imposed. Any applicable CDSC will be assessed
on an amount equal to the lesser of the current market value or the original
purchase cost of the redeemed Class A shares. Accordingly, no CDSC will be
imposed on increases in account value above the initial purchase price,
including any dividends which have been reinvested in additional Class A
shares. Upon redemption of shares subject to a CDSC, shareholders will receive
that portion of the appreciation in account value attributable to the shares
actually redeemed. In determining whether a CDSC applies to a redemption, it
will be assumed that the redemption is first made from any Class A shares in
your account that are not subject to the CDSC. The CDSC is waived on
redemptions in certain circumstances. See "Waiver or Reduction of Contingent
Deferred Sales Charges" below.     
   
  Class A shares of the Funds may be sold at net asset value without payment
of any sales charge to (a) Goldman Sachs, its affiliates or their respective
officers, partners, directors or employees (including retired employees and
former partners), any partnership of which Goldman Sachs is a general partner,
any Trustee or officer of the Trust and designated family members of any of
the above individuals; (b) qualified retirement plans of Goldman Sachs; (c)
trustees or directors of investment companies for which Goldman Sachs or an
affiliate acts as sponsor; (d) any employee or registered representative of
any Authorized Dealer or their respective spouses, children and parents; (e)
banks, trust companies or other types of depository institutions investing for
their own account or investing for accounts for which they have investment
discretion; (f) banks, trust companies or other types of depository
institutions investing for accounts for which they do not have investment
discretion; (g) any state, county or city, or any instrumentality, department,
authority or agency thereof, which is prohibited by applicable investment laws
from paying a sales charge or commission in connection with the purchase of
shares of a Fund; (h) pension and profit sharing plans, pension funds and
other company-sponsored benefit plans     
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
   
that (1) buy shares costing $500,000 or more, or (2) have at the time of
purchase, 100 or more eligible participants, or (3) certify that they project
to have annual plan purchases of $200,000 or more, or (4) are provided
administrative services by a third-party administrator that in the aggregate
satisfies (1) or (3) above; (i) "wrap" accounts for the benefit of clients of
broker-dealers, financial institutions or financial planners, provided that
they have entered into an agreement with GSAM specifying aggregate minimums
and certain operating policies and standards; (j) registered investment
advisers investing for accounts for which they receive asset-based fees;
(k) accounts over which GSAM or its advisory affiliates have investment
discretion; and (l) shareholders receiving distributions from a qualified
retirement plan invested in the Goldman Sachs Funds and reinvesting such
proceeds in a Goldman Sachs IRA. Purchasers must certify eligibility for an
exemption on the Account Application and notify Goldman Sachs if the
shareholder is no longer eligible for an exemption. Exemptions will be granted
subject to confirmation of a purchaser's entitlement. Investors purchasing
shares of the Funds at net asset value without payment of any initial sales
charge may be charged a fee if they effect transactions in shares through a
broker or agent. In addition, under certain circumstances, dividends and
distributions from any of the Goldman Sachs Funds may be reinvested in shares
of each Fund at net asset value, as described under "Cross-Reinvestment of
Dividends and Distributions and Automatic Exchange Program."     
 
RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION -- CLASS A SHARES
   
  Class A purchasers may qualify for reduced sales charges when the current
market value of holdings (shares at current offering price), plus new
purchases, reaches $100,000 or more in the case of the Government Income,
Municipal Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds,
$250,000 or more in the case of the Short Duration Government and Short
Duration Tax-Free Funds and $500,000 or more in the case of the Adjustable
Rate Government Fund. Class A shares of the Goldman Sachs Funds may be
combined under the Right of Accumulation. See the Additional Statement for
more information about the Right of Accumulation.     
 
STATEMENT OF INTENTION -- CLASS A SHARES
   
  Purchases of $100,000 or more in the case of the Government Income,
Municipal Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds,
$250,000 or more in the case of the Short Duration Government and Short
Duration Tax-Free Funds and $500,000 in the case of the Adjustable Rate
Government Fund made over a 13-month period are eligible for reduced sales
charges. Class A shares of the Goldman Sachs Funds may be combined under the
Statement of Intention. See the Additional Statement for more information
about the Statement of Intention.     
 
OFFERING PRICE -- CLASS B SHARES
   
  Investors may purchase Class B shares of a Fund (other than Adjustable Rate
Government Fund) at the next determined net asset value without the imposition
of an initial sales charge. However, Class B shares redeemed within six years
(three years in the case of the Short Duration Government and Short Duration
Tax-Free Funds) of purchase will be subject to a CDSC at the applicable rates
shown in the tables that follow. At redemption, the charge will be assessed on
the amount equal to the lesser of the current market value or the original
purchase cost of the shares being redeemed. No CDSC will be imposed on
increases in account value above the initial purchase price, including shares
derived from the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
Upon redemption of shares subject to a CDSC, shareholders will receive that
portion of the appreciation in account value attributable to the shares
actually redeemed.     
   
  The amount of the CDSC, if any, will vary depending on the number of years
from the time of purchase until the time of redemption of Class B shares. For
the purpose of determining the number of years from the time of any purchase,
all payments during a month will be aggregated and deemed to have been made on
the first day of that month. In processing redemptions of Class B shares, the
Funds will first redeem shares not subject to any CDSC, and then shares held
longest during the applicable period.     
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                CDSC AS A PERCENTAGE OF
                                            DOLLAR AMOUNTS SUBJECT TO CDSC
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                        GOVERNMENT INCOME,
                                        MUNICIPAL INCOME,      SHORT DURATION
                                          GLOBAL INCOME,    GOVERNMENT AND SHORT
       YEAR SINCE                       CORE FIXED INCOME      DURATION TAX-
       PURCHASE                        AND HIGH YIELD FUNDS      FREE FUNDS
       ----------                      -------------------- --------------------
       <S>                             <C>                  <C>
       First..........................         5.0%                 2.0%
       Second.........................         4.0%                 1.0%
       Third..........................         3.0%                 1.0%
       Fourth.........................         3.0%                 none
       Fifth..........................         2.0%                 none
       Sixth..........................         1.0%                 none
       Seventh and thereafter.........         none                 none
</TABLE>
   
  Proceeds from the CDSC are payable to the Distributor and may be used in
whole or part to defray the Distributor's expenses related to providing
distribution-related services to the Funds in connection with the sale of
Class B shares, including the payment of compensation to Authorized Dealers. A
commission equal to 2.0% in the case of the Short Duration Government and
Short Duration Tax-Free Funds and 4.0% in the case of the other Funds of the
amount invested is paid to Authorized Dealers.     
 
  Class B shares of a Fund will automatically convert into Class A shares of
the same Fund at the end of the calendar quarter that is eight years after the
purchase date, except as noted below. Class B shares of a Fund acquired by
exchange from Class B shares of another Fund will convert into Class A shares
of such Fund based on the date of the initial purchase. Class B shares
acquired through reinvestment of distributions will convert into Class A
shares based on the date of the initial purchase of the shares on which the
distribution was paid. The conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares will
not occur at any time the Funds are advised that such conversions may
constitute taxable events for federal tax purposes, which the Funds believe is
unlikely. If conversions do not occur as a result of possible taxability,
Class B shares would continue to be subject to higher expenses than Class A
shares for an indeterminate period.
 
OFFERING PRICE -- CLASS C SHARES
   
  Investors may purchase Class C shares of a Fund (other than the Adjustable
Rate Government Fund) at the next determined net asset value without the
imposition of an initial sales charge. However, if Class C shares are redeemed
within 12 months of purchase a CDSC of 1% will be deducted from the redemption
proceeds. At redemption, the charge will be assessed on the amount equal to
the lesser of the current market value or the original purchase cost of the
shares being redeemed. No CDSC will be imposed on increases in account value
above the initial purchase price, including shares derived from the
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. Upon redemption of
shares subject to a CDSC, shareholders will receive that portion of the
appreciation in account value attributable to the shares actually redeemed.
    
  For the purpose of determining the number of months from the time of any
purchase, all payments during a month will be aggregated and deemed to have
been made on the first day of that month. In processing redemptions of Class C
shares, the Funds will first redeem shares held for longer than 12 months, and
then shares held for the longest period during the 12 month period. Proceeds
from the CDSC are payable to the Distributor and may be used in whole or in
part to defray the Distributor's expenses related to providing distribution-
related services to the Funds in connection with the sale of Class C shares,
including the payment of compensation to Authorized Dealers. A commission
equal to 1.00% of the amount invested is paid to Authorized Dealers.
 
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
REINVESTMENT OF REDEMPTION PROCEEDS--CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES
   
  A shareholder who redeems Class A or Class B shares of a Fund may reinvest
at net asset value any portion or all of the redemption proceeds (plus that
amount necessary to acquire a fractional share to round off the purchase to
the nearest full share) in Class A shares of the same Fund or any other
Goldman Sachs Fund. A shareholder who redeems Class C Shares of a Fund may
reinvest at net asset value any portion or all of the redemption proceeds
(plus that amount necessary to acquire a fractional share to round off the
purchase to the nearest full share) in Class C Shares of the same Fund or any
other Goldman Sachs Fund. Shareholders should obtain and read the applicable
prospectuses of such other funds and consider their objectives, policies and
applicable fees before investing in any of such funds. This reinvestment
privilege is subject to the condition that the shares redeemed have been held
for at least thirty (30) days before the redemption and that the reinvestment
is effected within ninety (90) days after such redemption. If you redeemed
Class A or Class C shares, paid a CDSC upon a redemption and reinvest in Class
A or Class C shares subject to the conditions set forth above, your account
will be credited with the amount of the CDSC previously charged, and the
reinvested shares will continue to be subject to a CDSC. In this case, the
holding period of the Class A or Class C shares acquired through reinvestment
for purposes of computing the CDSC payable upon a subsequent redemption will
include the holding period of the redeemed shares. If you redeemed Class B
shares and paid a CDSC upon redemption, you are permitted to reinvest the
redemption proceeds in Class A shares at net asset value as described above,
but the amount of the CDSC paid upon redemption will not be credited to your
account.     
 
  A reinvesting shareholder may be subject to tax as a result of such
redemption. If the redemption occurs within ninety (90) days after the
original purchase of Class A shares, any sales charge paid on the original
purchase cannot be taken into account by a reinvesting shareholder to the
extent an otherwise applicable sales charge is not imposed pursuant to the
reinvestment privilege for purposes of determining gain or loss, if any,
realized on the redemption, but instead will be added to the tax basis of the
Class A shares received in the reinvestment. To the extent that any loss is
realized and shares of the same Fund are purchased within thirty (30) days
before or after the redemption, some or all of the loss may not be allowed as
a deduction depending upon the number of shares purchased. Shareholders should
consult their own tax advisers concerning the tax consequences of a redemption
and reinvestment. Upon receipt of a written request, the reinvestment
privilege may be exercised once annually by a shareholder, except that there
is no such time limit as to the availability of this privilege in connection
with transactions the sole purpose of which is to reinvest the proceeds at net
asset value in a tax-sheltered retirement plan.
 
WAIVER OR REDUCTION OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE--CLASS A, B AND C
SHARES
 
  The CDSC on Class B shares, Class C shares and Class A shares that are
subject to a CDSC may be waived or reduced if the redemption relates to (a)
retirement distributions or loans to participants or beneficiaries from
pension and profit sharing plans, pension funds and other company sponsored
benefit plans (each a "Plan"); (b) the death or disability (as defined in
section 72 of the Code) of a participant or beneficiary in a Plan; (c)
hardship withdrawals by a participant or beneficiary in a Plan; (d) satisfying
the minimum distribution requirements of the Code; (e) the establishment of
"substantially equal periodic payments" as described in Section 72(t) of the
Code; (f) the separation from service by a participant or beneficiary in a
Plan; (g) the death or disability (as defined in section 72 of the Code) of a
shareholder if the redemption is made within one year of such event; (h)
excess contributions being returned to a Plan; (i) distributions from a
qualified retirement plan invested in the Goldman Sachs Funds which are being
reinvested into a Goldman Sachs IRA; and (j) redemption proceeds which are to
be reinvested in accounts or non-registered products over which GSAM or its
advisory affiliates have investment discretion. In addition, Class A, Class B
and Class C shares subject to a Systematic Withdrawal Plan
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
may be redeemed without a CDSC. However, Goldman Sachs reserves the right to
limit such redemptions, on an annual basis, to 12% each of the value of your
Class B and Class C shares and 10% of the value of your Class A shares.
 
 
                      SERVICES AVAILABLE TO SHAREHOLDERS
 
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN
 
  Systematic cash investments may be made through a shareholder's bank via the
Automated Clearing House Network or a shareholder's checking account via bank
draft each month. Required forms are available from Goldman Sachs or any
Authorized Dealer.
 
CROSS-REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS AND AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE
PROGRAM
 
  A shareholder may elect to cross-reinvest dividends and capital gain
distributions paid by a Fund in shares of the same class or an equivalent
class of any other Goldman Sachs Fund or ILA Portfolio. See "Fund Highlights."
A shareholder may also elect to exchange automatically a specified dollar
amount of shares of a Fund for shares of the same class or an equivalent class
of any other Goldman Sachs Fund or ILA Portfolio. Shares acquired through
cross-reinvestment of dividends or the automatic exchange program will be
purchased at net asset value and will not be subject to any initial or
contingent deferred sales charge as a result of the cross-reinvestment or
exchange, but shares subject to a CDSC acquired under the automatic exchange
program may be subject to a CDSC at the time of redemption from the fund into
which the exchange is made determined on the basis of the date and value of
the investor's initial purchase of the fund from which the exchange (or any
prior exchange) is made. Automatic exchanges are made monthly on the fifteenth
day of each month or the first Business Day thereafter. The minimum dollar
amount for automatic exchanges must be at least $50 per month. Cross-
reinvestments and automatic exchanges are subject to the following conditions:
(i) the value of the shareholder's account(s) in the fund which is paying the
dividend or from which the automatic exchange is being made must equal or
exceed $5,000 and (ii) the value of the account in the acquired fund must
equal or exceed the acquired fund's minimum initial investment requirement or
the shareholder must elect to continue cross- reinvestment or automatic
exchanges until the value of acquired fund shares in the shareholder's account
equals
or exceeds the acquired fund's minimum initial investment requirement. A Fund
shareholder may elect cross-reinvestment into an identical account or an
account registered in a different name or with a different address, social
security or other taxpayer identification number, provided that the account in
the acquired fund has been established, appropriate signatures have been
obtained and the minimum initial investment requirement has been satisfied. A
Fund shareholder should obtain and read the prospectus of the fund into which
dividends are invested or automatic exchanges are made.
 
TAX-SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLANS
 
  The Funds (other than the Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income
Funds) offer their shares for purchase by retirement plans, including IRA
plans for individuals and their non-employed spouses, IRA plans for employees
in connection with employer sponsored SEP, SAR-SEP and SIMPLE IRA plans,
403(b) plans and defined contribution plans such as 401(k) Salary Reduction
Plans. Detailed information concerning these plans may be obtained from the
Transfer Agent. This information should be read carefully, and consultation
with an attorney or tax adviser may be advisable. The information sets forth
the service fee charged for retirement plans and describes the federal income
tax consequences of establishing a plan.
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
   
  Shares of a Fund may be exchanged at net asset value without the imposition
of an initial sales charge or CDSC at the time of exchange for shares of the
same class or an equivalent class of any other Fund, Goldman Sachs Fund or ILA
Portfolio. A shareholder needs to obtain and read the prospectus of the fund
into which the exchange is made. The shares of these other funds acquired by
an exchange may later be exchanged for shares of the same class (or an
equivalent class) of the original Fund at the next determined net asset value
without the imposition of an initial or contingent deferred sales charge if
the dollar amount in the Fund resulting from such exchanges is below the
shareholder's all-time highest dollar amount on which it has previously paid
the applicable sales charge. Shares of these other funds purchased through
dividends and/or capital gains reinvestment may be exchanged for shares of the
Funds without a sales charge. In addition to free automatic exchanges pursuant
to the Automatic Exchange Program, six free exchanges are permitted in each
twelve-month period. A fee of $12.50 may be charged for each subsequent
exchange during such period. The exchange privilege may be materially modified
or withdrawn at any time upon sixty (60) days' notice to shareholders and is
subject to certain limitations.     
 
  An exchange of shares subject to a CDSC will not be subject to the
applicable CDSC at the time of exchange. Shares subject to a CDSC acquired in
an exchange will be subject to the CDSC of the shares originally held. For
purposes of determining the amount of any applicable CDSC, the length of time
a shareholder has owned shares will be measured from the date the shareholder
acquired the original shares subject to a CDSC and will not be affected by any
subsequent exchange.
 
  An exchange may be made by identifying the applicable Fund and class of
shares and either writing to Goldman Sachs, Attention: Goldman Sachs Fixed
Income Funds, Shareholder Services, c/o NFDS, P.O. Box 419711, Kansas City, MO
64141-6711 or, unless the investor has specifically declined telephone
exchange privileges on the Account Application or elected in writing not to
utilize telephone exchanges, by a telephone request to the Transfer Agent at
800-526-7384 (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Chicago time). Certain procedures are
employed to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent exchange requests as set forth
under "How to Sell Shares of the Funds." Under the telephone exchange
privilege, shares may be exchanged among accounts with different names,
addresses and social security or other taxpayer identification numbers only if
the exchange instructions are in writing and received in accordance with the
procedures set forth under "How to Sell Shares of the Funds." In times of
drastic economic or market changes the telephone exchange privilege may be
difficult to implement.
 
  For federal income tax purposes, an exchange, including an automatic
exchange, is treated as a redemption of the shares surrendered in the
exchange, on which an investor may be subject to tax, followed by a purchase
of shares received in the exchange. If such redemption occurs within ninety
(90) days after the purchase of such shares, to the extent an initial sales
charge that would otherwise apply to the shares received in the exchange is
not imposed, the sales charge paid on such purchase of Class A shares cannot
be taken into account by the exchanging shareholder for purposes of
determining gain or loss, if any, realized on such redemption for federal
income tax purposes, but instead will be added to the tax basis of the shares
received in the exchange. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers
concerning the tax consequences of an exchange.
 
  Eligible investors may exchange Class A shares for Institutional shares of
the same Fund. For further information contact Goldman Sachs at the number set
forth in the back of the Prospectus.
 
  All exchanges which represent an initial investment in a Fund must satisfy
the minimum investment requirements of the Fund into which the shares are
being exchanged. Exchanges are available only in states where exchanges may
legally be made.
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
OTHER PURCHASE INFORMATION
   
  Authorized Dealers and other financial intermediaries may be authorized to
accept on the Trust's behalf orders placed by or on behalf of their customers
and, if approved by the Trust, to designate other intermediaries to accept
such orders. In these cases, a Fund will be deemed to have received an order
that is in proper form when the order is accepted by an Authorized Dealer or
intermediary on a Business Day, and the order will be priced at a Fund's net
asset value per share next determined after such acceptance. Otherwise, a Fund
or Goldman Sachs must receive an order in proper form before it is effective.
Authorized Dealers and intermediaries will be responsible for transmitting
accepted orders to the Funds within the period agreed upon by them. Customers
should contact their Authorized Dealers or intermediaries to learn whether
they are authorized to accept orders for the Trust.     
 
  Authorized Dealers and other financial intermediaries provide varying
arrangements for their clients to purchase and redeem Fund shares. Some may
establish higher minimum investment requirements and others may limit the
availability of certain privileges with respect to the purchase and redemption
of shares or the reinvestment of dividends. Firms may arrange with their
clients for other investment or administrative services and may independently
establish and charge additional fees not described in this Prospectus to their
clients for such services. If shares of a Fund are held in a "street name"
account or were purchased through an Authorized Dealer, shareholders should
contact the Authorized Dealer to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, to make
changes in or give instructions concerning the account or to obtain
information about the account.
 
  The Funds and Goldman Sachs each reserves the right to reject any specific
purchase order (including exchanges) or to restrict purchases or exchanges by
a particular purchaser (or group of related purchasers). This may occur, for
example, when a purchaser or group of purchasers' pattern of frequent
purchases, sales or exchanges of shares of a Fund is evident, or if purchases,
sales or exchanges are, or a subsequent abrupt redemption might be, of a size
that would disrupt management of a Fund.
 
  In the sole discretion of Goldman Sachs, a Fund may accept securities
instead of cash for the purchase of shares of the Fund. Such purchases will be
permitted only if the Investment Adviser determines that any securities
acquired in this manner are consistent with the Fund's investment objectives,
restrictions and policies and are desirable investments for the Fund.
   
  The Investment Advisers, Distributor, and/or their affiliates, also pay
additional compensation from time to time, out of their assets and not as an
additional charge to the Funds, to selected Authorized Dealers and other
persons in connection with the sale, distribution and/or servicing of shares
of the Funds and other investment funds of the Trust (such as additional
payments based on new sales, amounts exceeding pre-established thresholds, or
the length of time customers' assets have remained in a Fund) and, subject to
applicable NASD regulations, contribute to various non-cash and cash incentive
arrangements to promote the sale of shares, as well as sponsor various
educational programs, sales contests and/or promotions in which participants
may receive reimbursement of expenses, entertainment and prizes such as travel
awards, merchandise, cash, investment research and educational information and
related support materials. This additional compensation can vary among
Authorized Dealers depending upon such factors as the amounts their customers
have invested (or may invest) in particular investment funds of the Trust, the
particular program involved, or the amount of reimbursable expenses.
Additional compensation based on sales may, but is currently not expected to,
exceed .50% (annualized) of the amount invested. For further information, see
"Other Information Regarding Purchases, Redemptions, Exchanges and Dividends"
in the Additional Statement.     
 
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
 
               DISTRIBUTION AND AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICE PLANS
   
DISTRIBUTION PLAN -- CLASS A, CLASS B AND CLASS C SHARES     
   
  The Trust, on behalf of the Funds' Class A, Class B and Class C shares, has
adopted Distribution Plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act (each a
"Distribution Plan"). Goldman Sachs is entitled to a monthly fee from each
Fund for distribution services equal, on an annual basis, to 0.25%, 0.75% and
0.75%, respectively, of a Fund's average daily net assets attributable to
Class A, Class B and Class C shares, respectively, of such Fund. Currently,
with respect to Class A shares, Goldman Sachs has voluntarily agreed to waive
the entire amount of such fee for the Adjustable Rate Government, Short
Duration Government, Short Duration Tax-Free, Core Fixed Income, Government
Income, Municipal Income and High Yield Funds and to limit the amount of such
fee to 0.21% of average daily net assets attributable to Class A shares of the
Global Income Fund. Goldman Sachs has also voluntarily agreed to limit such
fee to 0.60% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares of
the Short Duration Government and Short Duration Tax-Free Funds. Goldman Sachs
has no current intention of modifying or discontinuing such waivers, but may
do so in the future at its discretion. For the fiscal year ended October 31,
1997 the Funds paid distribution fees at the foregoing rate.     
   
  Goldman Sachs may use the distribution fee for its expenses of distributing
Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Funds. The types of expenses for
which Goldman Sachs may be compensated for distribution services under the
Distribution Plans include compensation paid to and expenses incurred by
Authorized Dealers, Goldman Sachs and their respective officers, employees and
sales representatives, commissions paid to Authorized Dealers, allocable
overhead, telephone and travel expenses, the printing of prospectuses for
prospective shareholders, preparation and distribution of sales literature,
advertising of any type and all other expenses incurred in connection with
activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Class A, Class B and
Class C shares. If the fees received by Goldman Sachs pursuant to the
Distribution Plans exceed its expenses, Goldman Sachs may realize a profit
from these arrangements. The Distribution Plans will be reviewed and are
subject to approval annually by the Trustees. The aggregate compensation that
may be received under the Distribution Plans for distribution services may not
exceed the limitations imposed by the NASD's Conduct Rules.     
       
       
          
  In connection with the sale of Class C shares, Goldman Sachs begins paying
the 0.75% distribution fee as an ongoing commission to Authorized Dealers
after the shares have been held for one year. Goldman Sachs pays the
distribution fee on a quarterly basis.     
 
AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICE PLANS
   
  The Trust on behalf of each Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C shares has
adopted non-Rule 12b-1 Authorized Dealer Service Plans (each a "Service Plan")
pursuant to which Goldman Sachs, Authorized Dealers or other persons are
compensated for providing personal and account maintenance services. Each Fund
pays a fee under its Class A, Class B or Class C Service Plan equal on an
annual basis to 0.25% of its average daily net assets attributable to Class A,
Class B or Class C shares. The fee for personal and account maintenance
services paid pursuant to a Service Plan may be used to make payments to
Goldman Sachs, Authorized Dealers and their officers, sales representatives
and employees for responding to inquiries of, and furnishing assistance to,
shareholders regarding ownership of their shares or their accounts or similar
services not otherwise provided on behalf of the Funds. The Service Plans will
be reviewed and are subject to approval annually by the Trustees. For the
fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, each Fund paid Authorized Dealer service
fees at the foregoing rate for each Fund's Class A, Class B and Class C
shares.     
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
   
  In connection with the sale of Class C shares of any Fund or Class A shares
or Class B shares of the Short Duration Government and Short Duration Tax-Free
Funds, Goldman Sachs begins paying the 0.25% ongoing service fee to Authorized
Dealers after the shares have been held for one year. Goldman Sachs pays the
service fee on a quarterly basis.     
 
 
                        HOW TO SELL SHARES OF THE FUNDS
 
  Each Fund will redeem its shares upon request of a shareholder on any
Business Day at the net asset value next determined after the receipt of such
request in proper form, subject to any applicable CDSC. See "Net Asset Value."
Redemption proceeds will be mailed by check to a shareholder within three (3)
Business Days of receipt of a properly executed request. If shares to be
redeemed were recently purchased by check, a Fund may delay transmittal of
redemption proceeds until such time as it has assured itself that good funds
have been collected for the purchase of such shares. This may take up to
fifteen (15) days. Redemption requests may be made by writing to or calling
the Transfer Agent at the address or telephone number set forth on the back
cover page of this Prospectus or an Authorized Dealer.
 
  The Trust accepts telephone requests for redemption of shares for amounts up
to $50,000 within any seven (7) calendar day period, except for investors who
have specifically declined telephone redemption privileges on the Account
Application or elected in writing not to utilize telephone redemptions
(proceeds which are sent to a Goldman Sachs brokerage account are not subject
to the $50,000 limit). It may be difficult to implement redemptions by
telephone in times of drastic economic or market changes. By completing an
Account Application, an investor agrees that the Trust, the Distributor and
the Transfer Agent shall not be liable for any loss incurred by the investor
by reason of the Trust accepting unauthorized telephone redemption requests
for his account if the Trust reasonably believes the instructions to be
genuine. Thus, shareholders risk possible losses in the event of a telephone
redemption not authorized by them. The Trust may accept telephone redemption
instructions from any person identifying himself as the owner of an account or
the owner's broker where the owner has not declined in writing to utilize this
service.
 
  In an effort to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent redemption and exchange
requests by telephone, Goldman Sachs and NFDS each employ reasonable
procedures specified by the Trust to confirm that such instructions are
genuine. Consequently, proceeds of telephone redemption requests will be sent
only to the shareholder's address of record or authorized bank account
designated in the Account Application and exchanges of shares will be made
only to an identical account. Telephone requests will also be recorded. The
Trust may implement other procedures from time to time concerning telephone
redemptions and exchanges. If reasonable procedures are not employed, the
Trust may be liable for any loss due to unauthorized or fraudulent
transactions. Proceeds of telephone redemptions will be mailed to the
shareholder's address of record or wired to the authorized bank account
indicated on the Account Application, unless the shareholder provides written
instructions (accompanied by a signature guarantee) indicating another
address. Telephone redemptions will not be accepted during the 30-day period
following any change in a shareholder's address of record. This redemption
option does not apply to shares held in a "street name" account. Shareholders
whose accounts are held in "street name" should contact their broker of record
who may effect telephone redemptions on their behalf. The Trust reserves the
right to terminate or modify the telephone redemption service at any time.
Shares of each Fund (other than Global Income Fund) earn dividends accrued
through the day on which such shares are redeemed.
 
  Written requests for redemptions must be signed by each shareholder with its
signature guaranteed by a bank, a securities broker or dealer, a credit union
having authority to issue signature guarantees, a savings and
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
loan association, a building and loan association, a cooperative bank, a
federal savings bank or association, a national securities exchange, a
registered securities association or a clearing agency, provided that such
institution satisfies the standards established by the Transfer Agent.
 
  The Funds will also arrange for the proceeds of redemptions effected by any
means to be wired as federal funds to the bank account designated in the
shareholder's Account Application. Redemption proceeds will normally be wired
on the next Business Day in federal funds (for a total one Business Day delay)
following receipt of a properly executed wire transfer redemption request.
Wiring of redemption proceeds may be delayed one additional Business Day if
the Federal Reserve Bank is closed on the day redemption proceeds would
ordinarily be wired. A transaction fee of $7.50 may be charged for payments of
redemption proceeds by wire. In order to change the bank designated on the
Account Application to receive redemption proceeds, a written request must be
received by the Transfer Agent. This request must be signature guaranteed as
set forth above. Further documentation may be required for executors, trustees
or corporations. Once wire transfer instructions have been given by Goldman
Sachs or an Authorized Dealer, neither a Fund, the Trust, Goldman Sachs nor
any Authorized Dealer assumes any further responsibility for the performance
of intermediaries or the shareholder's bank in the transfer process. If a
problem with such performance arises, the shareholder should deal directly
with such intermediaries or bank.
 
  Additional documentation regarding a redemption by any means may be required
to effect a redemption when deemed appropriate by the Transfer Agent. The
request for such redemption will not be considered to have been received in
proper form until such additional documentation has been received.
 
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
   
  A shareholder may draw on shareholdings systematically via check or ACH in
any amount specified by the shareholder over $50. Checks are only available on
or about the 25th of each month. Each systematic withdrawal is a redemption
and therefore a taxable transaction. A minimum balance of $5,000 in shares of
a Fund is required. The maintenance of a withdrawal plan concurrently with
purchases of additional Class A, Class B or Class C shares would be
disadvantageous because of the sales charge imposed on your purchases of Class
A shares or the imposition of a CDSC on your redemptions of Class A, Class B
or Class C shares. The CDSC applicable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares
redeemed under a systematic withdrawal plan may be waived. See "How to
Invest--Waiver or Reduction of Contingent Deferred Sales Charge." See the
Additional Statement for more information about the Systematic Withdrawal
Plan.     
 
 
                                   DIVIDENDS
   
  Each dividend from net investment income and capital gains distributions, if
any, declared by a Fund on its outstanding shares will, at the election of
each shareholder, be paid (i) in cash, (ii) in additional shares of the same
class of the Fund or (iii) in shares of the same or an equivalent class of any
other Goldman Sachs Fund or units of the ILA Portfolios (the Prime Obligations
Portfolio only for Class B and Class C) as described under "Cross-Reinvestment
of Dividends and Distributions and Automatic Exchange Program." This election
should initially be made on a shareholder's Account Application and may be
changed upon written notice to Goldman Sachs at any time prior to the record
date for a particular dividend or distribution. If no election is made, all
dividends from net investment income and capital gains distributions will be
reinvested in the applicable Fund.     
 
  The election to reinvest dividends and distributions paid by the Fund in
additional shares or units of the Fund or any other Goldman Sachs Fund or ILA
Portfolio will not affect the tax treatment of such dividends and
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
distributions, which will be treated as received by the shareholder and then
used to purchase shares or units of the Fund, another Goldman Sachs Fund or an
ILA Portfolio.
   
  Each Fund intends that all or substantially all of its net investment income
and net realized capital gains, after reduction by available capital losses,
including any capital losses carried forward from prior years, will be
declared as dividends for each taxable year. In the case of the Core Fixed
Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds, net loss, if any, from certain
foreign currency transactions or instruments that is otherwise taken into
account in calculating net investment income or net realized capital gains for
accounting purposes may not be taken into account in determining the amount of
dividends to be declared and paid, with the result that a portion of the
Fund's dividends may be treated as a return of capital, nontaxable to the
extent of a shareholder's tax basis in his shares. Each Fund (other than the
Global Income Fund) will declare dividends daily and pay dividends monthly.
The Global Income Fund will declare and pay dividends monthly. All of the
Funds will pay dividends from net realized capital gains, reduced by available
capital losses, at least annually. From time to time a portion of any Fund's
dividends may constitute a return of capital.     
 
  At the time of an investor's purchase of shares of a Fund a portion of the
net asset value per share may be represented by undistributed income (in the
case of the Global Income Fund) or realized or unrealized appreciation of any
Fund's portfolio securities. Therefore, subsequent distributions on such
shares from such income or realized appreciation may be taxable to the
investor even if the net asset value of the investor's shares is, as a result
of the distributions, reduced below the cost of such shares and the
distributions (or portions thereof) represent a return of a portion of the
purchase price.
 
 
                                NET ASSET VALUE
   
  The net asset value per share of each class of a Fund is calculated by the
Fund's custodian as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock
Exchange (normally, but not always, 3:00 p.m. Chicago time, 4:00 p.m. New York
time) on each Business Day (as such term is defined under "Additional
Information") immediately after the determination, if any, of the income to be
declared as a dividend (except in the case of the Global Income Fund). Net
asset value per share of each class is calculated by determining the net
assets of each class and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of that
class.     
 
  Each Fund's portfolio securities for which accurate market quotations are
readily available are valued on the basis of quotations, which may be
furnished by a pricing service or provided by dealers in such securities and
other portfolio securities are valued at fair value, based on yield
equivalents, a pricing matrix or other sources, under valuation procedures
established by the Trustees. Debt obligations with a remaining maturity of 60
days or less are valued at amortized cost. The Board of Trustees has
determined that the amortized cost of such securities approximates fair market
value.
 
 
                            PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
 
  From time to time each Fund may publish yield, distribution rate and average
annual total return and the Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds
may publish their tax equivalent yields in advertisements and communications
to shareholders or prospective investors. Average annual total return is
determined by
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
computing the average annual percentage change in value of $1,000 invested at
the maximum public offering price for specified periods ending with the most
recent calendar quarter, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions at net asset value. The total return calculation assumes a
complete redemption of the investment at the end of the relevant period. Total
return calculations for Class A shares reflect the effect of paying the
maximum initial sales charge. Investment at a lower sales charge would result
in higher performance figures. Total return calculations for Class B and Class
C shares reflect deduction of the applicable CDSC imposed upon redemption of
Class B and Class C shares held for the applicable period. Each Fund may also
from time to time advertise total return on a cumulative, average, year-by-
year or other basis for various specified periods by means of quotations,
charts, graphs or schedules. In addition, each Fund may furnish total return
calculations based on investments at various sales charge levels or at net
asset value. Any performance data which is based on a Fund's net asset value
per share would be reduced if a sales charge were taken into account. In
addition to the above, each Fund may from time to time advertise its
performance relative to certain averages, performance rankings, indices, other
information prepared by recognized mutual fund statistical services and
investments for which reliable performance data is available.
 
  Yield is computed by dividing net investment income earned during a recent
thirty-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 relevant period. The
results are compounded on a bond equivalent (semi-annual) basis and then
annualized. Net investment income per share is equal to the dividends and
interest earned during the period, reduced by accrued expenses for the period.
The calculation of net investment income for these purposes may differ from
the net investment income determined for accounting purposes.
 
  Tax equivalent yield represents the yield an investor would have to earn to
equal, after taxes, the tax-free yield of the Short Duration Tax-Free or the
Municipal Income Funds. Tax equivalent yield is calculated by dividing the
applicable Fund's tax-exempt yield by one minus a stated federal tax rate.
 
  Quotations of distribution rates are calculated by annualizing the most
recent distribution of net investment income for a monthly, quarterly or other
relevant period and dividing this amount by the net asset value per share or
maximum public offering price on the last day of the period for which the
distribution rates are being calculated.
 
  Each Fund's yield, total return and distribution rate will be calculated
separately for each class of shares in existence. Because each class of shares
may be subject to different expenses, the yield, total return and distribution
rate calculations with respect to each class of shares for the same period
will differ. The investment performance of the Class A, Class B and Class C
shares will be affected by the payment of a sales charge and distribution fees
and other class specific expenses. See "Shares of the Trust."
 
  The investment results of a Fund will fluctuate over time and any
presentation of investment results for any prior period should not be
considered a representation of what an investment may earn or what the Fund's
performance may be in any future period. In addition to information provided
in shareholder reports, the Funds may, in their discretion, from time to time,
make a list of their holdings available to investors upon request.
 
 
                              SHARES OF THE TRUST
 
  Each Fund is a series of the Goldman Sachs Trust, which was formed under the
laws of the State of Delaware on January 28, 1997. The Funds were formerly
series of Goldman Sachs Trust, a Massachusetts business trust, and were
reorganized into the Trust as of April 30, 1997. The Trustees have authority
under the
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
Trust's Declaration of Trust to create and classify shares of beneficial
interest in separate series, without further action by shareholders.
Additional series may be added in the future. The Trustees also have authority
to classify or reclassify any series or portfolio of shares into one or more
classes.
 
  When issued, shares are fully paid and non-assessable. In the event of
liquidation, shareholders are entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of
the applicable Fund available for distribution to such shareholders. All
shares are freely transferable and have no preemptive, subscription or
conversion rights. Shareholders are entitled to one vote per share, provided
that at the option of the Trustees, shareholders will be entitled to a number
of votes based upon the net asset values represented by their shares.
 
  The Trust does not intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders. However,
pursuant to the Trust's By-Laws, the recordholders of at least 10% of the
shares outstanding and entitled to vote at a special meeting may require the
Trust to hold such special meeting of shareholders for any purpose and,
recordholders may, under certain circumstances, as permitted by the Act,
communicate with other shareholders in connection with requiring a special
meeting of shareholders. The Trustees will call a special meeting for the
purpose of electing Trustees if, at any time, less than a majority of Trustees
holding office at the time were elected by shareholders.
 
  In the interest of economy and convenience, the Trust does not issue
certificates representing the Funds' shares. Instead, the Transfer Agent
maintains a record of each shareholder's ownership. Each shareholder receives
confirmation of purchase and redemption orders from the Transfer Agent. Fund
shares and any dividends and distributions paid by the Funds are reflected in
account statements from the Transfer Agent.
   
  As of February 1, 1998, the shareholders listed below owned beneficially and
of record 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the following Fund: Short
Duration Government Fund--State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 1992,
Boston, MA 02105-1992 (29.64%); Core Fixed Income Fund--Vinson and Elkins
Lawyers, Retirement Plan, Texas Commerce Bank N.A., P.O. Box 2550, Houston, TX
77252-2558 (25.48%).     
 
 
                                   TAXATION
 
FEDERAL TAXES
   
  Each Fund is treated as a separate entity for tax purposes, has elected to
be treated as a regulated investment company and intends to qualify for such
treatment for each taxable year under Subchapter M of the Code. To qualify as
such, a Fund must satisfy certain requirements relating to the sources of its
income, diversification of its assets and distribution of its income to
shareholders. As a regulated investment company, a Fund will not be subject to
federal income or excise tax on any net investment income and net realized
capital gains that are distributed to its shareholders in accordance with
certain timing requirements of the Code.     
 
  The Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds intend to satisfy
certain requirements of the Code so that they may distribute the tax-exempt
interest they receive as "exempt-interest dividends," as defined in the Code.
If such requirements are satisfied, distributions of the Short Duration Tax-
Free and Municipal
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
   
Income Funds that are attributable to interest on tax-exempt obligations and
that the Funds properly designate as exempt-interest dividends will be exempt
from regular federal income tax, although all or a portion of these
distributions may be subject to the federal alternative minimum tax and may be
includable in the tax base for determining taxability of social security or
railroad retirement benefits. Persons who are "substantial users" (or related
persons to such substantial users) of facilities financed by industrial
development or certain private activity bonds should consult their own tax
advisers before purchasing shares of the Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal
Income Funds. Interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or
carry shares of the Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds is not
deductible to the extent attributable to the Funds' distributions that are
exempt-interest dividends.     
   
  Dividends paid by a Fund from net investment income, certain net realized
foreign exchange gains, the excess of net short-term capital gain over net
long-term capital loss and original issue discount or market discount income
will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, except for any exempt-
interest dividends paid by the Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income
Funds, as described above. Distributions out of the net capital gain (the
excess of net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), if
any, of a Fund, will be taxed to shareholders as long term capital gains,
regardless of the length of time a shareholder has held his or her shares or
whether such gain was reflected in the price paid for the shares. Such long-
term capital gain will constitute 20% or 28% rate gain, depending upon the
Fund's holding period for the assets the sale of which generated the gain.
These tax consequences will apply whether distributions are received in cash
or reinvested in shares. Certain distributions paid by a Fund in January of a
given year may be taxable to shareholders as if received the prior December
31. Shareholders will be informed annually about the amount and character of
distributions received from the Funds for federal income tax purposes.     
 
  Investors should consider the tax implications of buying shares immediately
prior to a distribution. Investors who purchase shares shortly before the
record date for a distribution other than a daily dividend will pay a per
share price that includes the value of the anticipated distribution and will
be taxed on any taxable distribution even though the distribution represents a
return of a portion of the purchase price.
 
  Redemptions and exchanges of shares are taxable events.
 
  Individuals and certain other classes of shareholders may be subject to 31%
backup withholding of federal income tax on distributions (other than exempt-
interest dividends), redemptions and exchanges if they fail to furnish their
correct taxpayer identification number and certain certifications required by
the Internal Revenue Service or if they are otherwise subject to backup
withholding. Individuals, corporations and other shareholders that are not
U.S. persons under the Code are subject to different tax rules and may be
subject to nonresident alien withholding at the rate of 30% (or a lower rate
provided by an applicable tax treaty) on amounts treated as ordinary dividends
from the Funds.
   
  The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may be subject to
foreign withholding or other foreign taxes on income or gain from certain
foreign securities. In general, a Fund may deduct these taxes in computing its
taxable income, if any. As an alternative, if more than 50% of the value of
the total assets of the Global Income Fund is comprised of securities of
foreign corporations at the end of its taxable year and the Fund so elects,
the Fund's shareholders will include in their gross incomes (in addition to
dividends and distributions they receive) their pro rata shares of qualified
foreign taxes paid by the Fund and may be entitled under the Code to claim
foreign tax credits or deductions with respect to such taxes.     
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
OTHER TAXES
 
  In addition to federal taxes, a shareholder may be subject to state, local
or foreign taxes on payments received from the Funds, including exempt-
interest dividends. A state income (and possibly local income and/or
intangible property) tax exemption is generally available to the extent (if
any) a Fund's distributions are derived from interest on (or, in the case of
intangible property taxes, the value of its assets is attributable to) certain
U.S. government obligations and/or tax-exempt municipal obligations issued by
or on behalf of the particular state or a political subdivision thereof,
provided in some states that certain thresholds for holdings of such
obligations and/or reporting requirements are satisfied. For a further
discussion of certain tax consequences of investing in shares of the Funds,
see "Taxation" in the Additional Statement. Shareholders are urged to consult
their own tax advisers regarding specific questions as to federal, state and
local taxes as well as to any foreign taxes.
 
 
                            ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
          
  As used in this Prospectus, the term "Business Day" means any day the New
York Stock Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except
for holidays. The New York Stock Exchange is closed on the following holidays:
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day (observed), Good
Friday, Memorial Day (observed), Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day
and Christmas Day.     
 
                                      61
<PAGE>
 
 
                                   APPENDIX
 
                            STATEMENT OF INTENTION
    (APPLICABLE ONLY TO CLASS A SHARES PURCHASED SUBJECT TO A SALES CHARGE)
 
  If a shareholder anticipates purchasing $100,000 ($500,000 in the case of
the Adjustable Rate Government Fund and $250,000 in the case of Short Duration
Government and Short Duration Tax-Free Funds) or more of Class A shares of a
Fund alone or in combination with Class A shares of another Fund or another
Goldman Sachs Fund within a 13-month period, the shareholder may obtain Class
A shares of the Fund at the same reduced sales charge as though the total
quantity were invested in one lump sum by filing this Statement of Intention
incorporated by reference in the Account Application. Income dividends and
capital gain distributions taken in additional shares will not apply toward
the completion of this Statement of Intention.
 
  To ensure that the reduced price will be received on future purchases, the
investor must inform Goldman Sachs that this Statement of Intention is in
effect each time shares are purchased. Subject to the conditions mentioned
below, each purchase will be made at the public offering price applicable to a
single transaction of the dollar amount specified on the Account Application.
The investor makes no commitment to purchase additional shares, but if his
purchases within 13 months plus the value of shares credited toward completion
do not total the sum specified, he will pay the increased amount of the sales
charge prescribed in the Escrow Agreement.
 
                               ESCROW AGREEMENT
 
  Out of the initial purchase (or subsequent purchases if necessary) 5% of the
dollar amount specified on the Account Application shall be held in escrow by
the Transfer Agent in the form of shares registered in the investor's name.
All income dividends and capital gains distributions on escrowed shares will
be paid to the investor or to his order. When the minimum investment so
specified is completed (either prior to or by the end of the thirteenth
month), the shareholder will be notified and the escrowed shares will be
released. In signing the Account Application, the investor irrevocably
constitutes and appoints the Transfer Agent his attorney to surrender for
redemption any or all escrowed shares with full power of substitution in the
premises.
 
  If the intended investment is not completed, the investor will be asked to
remit to Goldman Sachs any difference between the sales charge on the amount
specified and on the amount actually attained. If the investor does not within
20 days after written request by Goldman Sachs pay such difference in the
sales charge, the Transfer Agent will redeem an appropriate number of the
escrowed shares in order to realize such difference. Shares remaining after
any such redemption will be released by the Transfer Agent.
 
                                      62
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET
MANAGEMENT
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004
 
GOLDMAN SACHS FUNDS
MANAGEMENT, L.P.
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004
 
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET
MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL
133 PETERBOROUGH COURT
LONDON, ENGLAND EC4A 2BB
 
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
DISTRIBUTOR
85 BROAD STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004
 
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
TRANSFER AGENT
4900 SEARS TOWER
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606
 
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
CUSTODIAN
1776 HERITAGE DRIVE
   
NORTH QUINCY, MASSACHUSETTS 02171     
 
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
225 FRANKLIN STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02110
 
TOLL FREE (IN U.S.) . . . . . . . .  800-526-7384
 
 
FIPROAB
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
GOLDMAN SACHS
 
FIXED INCOME FUNDS
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
PROSPECTUS CLASS A, B AND C SHARES
 
 
 
LOGO GOLDMAN SACHS
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
PROSPECTUS
March 1, 1998           GOLDMAN SACHS FIXED INCOME FUNDS
                              INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
 
GOLDMAN SACHS ADJUSTABLE RATE       GOLDMAN SACHS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
GOVERNMENT FUND                        Seeks a high level of current income
                                       that is exempt from regular federal in-
  Seeks a high level of current        come tax, consistent with preservation
  income, consistent with low          of capital. The Fund invests primarily
  volatility of principal. The         in municipal securities.
  Fund invests primarily in ad-
  justable rate mortgage pass-
  through securities and other
  mortgage securities with peri-
  odic interest rate resets,
  which are issued or guaranteed
  by the U.S. government, its
  agencies, instrumentalities or
  sponsored enterprises.
 
                                    GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FUND
                                       Seeks a total return consisting of
                                       capital appreciation and income that
                                       exceeds the total return of the Lehman
                                       Brothers Aggregate Bond Index. The Fund
                                       invests primarily in fixed-income
                                       securities, including securities issued
                                       or guaranteed by the U.S. government,
GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION           its agencies, instrumentalities or
GOVERNMENT FUND                        sponsored enterprises, corporate
                                       securities, mortgage-backed securities
  Seeks a high level of current        and asset-backed securities.
  income and secondarily, in
  seeking current income, may
  also consider the potential for
  capital appreciation. The Fund
  invests primarily in securities
  issued or guaranteed by the
  U.S. government, its agencies,
  instrumentalities or sponsored
  enterprises.
 
                                    GOLDMAN SACHS GLOBAL INCOME FUND
                                       Seeks a high total return, emphasizing
                                       current income and, to a lesser extent,
                                       providing opportunities for capital
                                       appreciation. The Fund invests
                                       primarily in a portfolio of high
                                       quality fixed-income securities of U.S.
                                       and foreign issuers and foreign
GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT                    currencies.
DURATIONTAX-FREE FUND
 
                                    GOLDMAN SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND
  Seeks a high level of current
  income, consistent with rela-           
  tively low volatility of prin-       Seeks a high level of current income
  cipal, that is exempt from reg-      and, secondarily, may also consider the
  ular federal income tax. The         potential for capital appreciation. The
  Fund invests primarily in mu-        Fund invests primarily in fixed-income
  nicipal securities.                  securities rated below investment
                                       grade.     
GOLDMAN SACHS GOVERNMENT INCOME
FUND
  Seeks a high level of current
  income, consistent with safety
  of principal. The Fund invests
  primarily in securities, in-
  cluding mortgage-backed securi-
  ties, issued or guaranteed by
  the U.S. government, its agen-
  cies, instrumentalities or
  sponsored enterprises.
          
  This Prospectus provides information about Goldman Sachs Trust (the "Trust")
and the Funds that a prospective investor should understand before investing.
This Prospectus should be retained for future reference. A Statement of
Additional Information (the "Additional Statement"), dated March 1, 1998,
containing further information about the Trust and the Funds which may be of
interest to investors, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC"), is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and
may be obtained without charge from Goldman Sachs by calling the telephone
number, or writing to one of the addresses, listed on the back cover of this
Prospectus. The SEC maintains a Web site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains the
Additional Statement and other information regarding the Trust.     
 
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES OF THE FUNDS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR
GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK OR OTHER INSURED DEPOSITORY INSTITUTION,
AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL
RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN A FUND INVOLVES
INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                                                       (continued on next page)
<PAGE>
 
(cover continued)
 
  THE ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT, SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT
INCOME FUNDS' NET ASSET VALUES AND YIELDS ARE NOT GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT OR BY ITS AGENCIES, INSTRUMENTALITIES OR SPONSORED ENTERPRISES.
 
  THE CORE FIXED INCOME, GLOBAL INCOME AND HIGH YIELD FUNDS MAY INVEST IN
SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS AND FOREIGN CURRENCIES THAT ENTAIL CERTAIN RISKS
NOT CUSTOMARILY ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN U.S. DOLLAR-DENOMINATED FIXED-
INCOME SECURITIES. IN PARTICULAR, THE SECURITIES MARKETS OF EMERGING MARKET
COUNTRIES ARE LESS LIQUID, ARE SUBJECT TO GREATER PRICE VOLATILITY, HAVE
SMALLER MARKET CAPITALIZATIONS, HAVE LESS GOVERNMENT REGULATION AND ARE NOT
SUBJECT TO AS EXTENSIVE AND FREQUENT ACCOUNTING, FINANCIAL AND OTHER REPORTING
REQUIREMENTS AS THE SECURITIES MARKETS OF MORE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES.
 
  THE HIGH YIELD FUND INVESTS PRIMARILY IN HIGH YIELD, FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES
RATED BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE THAT ARE CONSIDERED SPECULATIVE AND GENERALLY
INVOLVE GREATER PRICE VOLATILITY AND GREATER RISK OF LOSS OF PRINCIPAL AND
INTEREST THAN INVESTMENTS IN HIGHER RATED FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES.
   
  INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTMENT IN A FUND
INVESTING IN FOREIGN AND/OR HIGH YIELD SECURITIES. THE FUNDS MAY NOT BE
SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS. SEE "DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES" AND "RISK
FACTORS."     
   
  Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P. ("GSFM"), New York, New York, an
affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. ("Goldman Sachs"), serves as investment
adviser to the Adjustable Rate Government and Short Duration Government Funds.
Goldman Sachs Asset Management ("GSAM"), New York, New York, a separate
operating division of Goldman Sachs, serves as investment adviser to the Short
Duration Tax-Free, Government Income, Municipal Income, Core Fixed Income and
High Yield Funds. Goldman Sachs Asset Management International ("GSAMI"),
London, England, an affiliate of Goldman Sachs, serves as investment adviser
to the Global Income Fund. GSAM, GSFM and GSAMI are each referred to in this
Prospectus as the "Investment Adviser." Goldman Sachs serves as each Fund's
distributor and transfer agent.     
       
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                      PAGE
                                      ----
<S>                                   <C>
Fund Highlights.....................    1
Fees and Expenses...................    7
Financial Highlights................    9
Investment Objectives and Policies..   15
Description of Securities...........   22
Risk Factors........................   30
Investment Techniques...............   33
Investment Restrictions.............   37
Portfolio Turnover..................   38
Management..........................   38
Dividends...........................   42
</TABLE>    
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                    PAGE
                                    ----
<S>                                 <C>
Net Asset Value...................   43
Performance Information...........   43
Shares of the Trust...............   44
Taxation..........................   45
Additional Information............   46
Reports to Shareholders...........   47
Purchase of Institutional Shares..   47
Exchange Privilege................   50
Redemption of Institutional
 Shares...........................   50
Appendix..........................  A-1
Account Information Form
</TABLE>    
<PAGE>
 
 
                                FUND HIGHLIGHTS
 
   The following is intended to highlight certain information and is
 qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information contained in this
 Prospectus.
 
 WHAT IS THE GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST?
 
   The Goldman Sachs Trust is an open-end management investment company that
 offers its shares in several investment funds (mutual funds). Each Fund
 pools the monies of investors by selling its shares to the public and
 investing these monies in a portfolio of securities designed to achieve that
 Fund's stated investment objectives.
 
 WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF THE FUNDS?
 
   Each Fund has distinct investment objectives and policies. There can be no
 assurance that a Fund's objectives will be achieved. For a further
 description of each Fund's investment objectives and policies, see
 "Investment Objectives and Policies," "Description of Securities" and
 "Investment Techniques."
    
 WHO MANAGES THE FUNDS?     
    
   Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P. serves as Investment Adviser to the
 Adjustable Rate Government and Short Duration Government Funds. Goldman
 Sachs Asset Management serves as Investment Adviser to the Short Duration
 Tax-Free, Government Income, Municipal Income, Core Fixed Income and High
 Yield Funds. Goldman Sachs Asset Management International serves as
 Investment Adviser to the Global Income Fund. As of January 26, 1998, the
 Investment Advisers, together with their affiliates, acted as investment
 adviser or distributor for assets in excess of $140 billion.     
    
 WHO DISTRIBUTES THE FUNDS' SHARES?     
    
   Goldman Sachs acts as distributor of each Fund's shares.     
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                          EXPECTED
                                                        APPROXIMATE
                                                          INTEREST
                    INVESTMENT                              RATE
  FUND NAME         OBJECTIVES           DURATION       SENSITIVITY    INVESTMENT SECTOR      CREDIT QUALITY
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>                 <C>                 <C>          <C>                   <C>
ADJUSTABLE      A high level of     Target = 6-month    9-month note At least 65% of       U.S. Government
RATE            current income,     to 1-year                        total assets in       Securities
GOVERNMENT      consistent with     U.S. Treasury                    securities issued or
FUND            low volatility      Security                         guaranteed by the
                of principal.       Maximum = 2 years                U.S. government,
                                                                     its agencies,
                                                                     instrumentalities
                                                                     or sponsored
                                                                     enterprises
                                                                     ("U.S. Government
                                                                     Securities")
                                                                     that are adjustable
                                                                     rate mortgage
                                                                     pass-through
                                                                     securities and
                                                                     other mortgage
                                                                     securities with
                                                                     periodic interest
                                                                     rate resets.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT DURATION  A high level of     Target = 2-year     2-year bond  At least 65% of       U.S. Government
GOVERNMENT      current income,     U.S. Treasury                    total assets in       Securities
FUND            and secondarily,    Security plus                    U.S. Government
                in seeking current  or minus .5 years                Securities
                income, may also    Maximum = 3 years                and repurchase
                consider the poten-                                  agreements
                tial for capital                                     collateralized
                appreciation.                                        by such securities.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT DURATION  A high level of     Target = Lehman     3-year bond  At least 80% of       Minimum = BBB/Baa
TAX-FREE        current income,     Brothers                         net assets in
FUND            consistent with     3-year Municipal                 municipal securities.
                low volatility      Bond Index
                of principal,       plus or minus
                that is exempt      .5 years
                from regular        Maximum = 4 years
                federal
                income tax.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOVERNMENT      A high level of     Target = Lehman     5-year bond  At least 65% of total U.S. Government
INCOME          current income,     Brothers Mutual                  assets in U.S.        Securities; non-U.S.
FUND            consistent with     Fund Government/                 Government            Government
                safety of           Mortgage Index                   Securities, including Securities =
                principal.          plus or minus                    mortgage-backed       AAA/Aaa
                                    1 year                           U.S. Government
                                    Maximum = 6 years                Securities and
                                                                     repurchase
                                                                     agreements
                                                                     collateralized by
                                                                     U.S. Government
                                                                     Securities.
<CAPTION>
  FUND NAME      OTHER INVESTMENTS      BENCHMARK
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>                 <C>
ADJUSTABLE      Fixed-rate          6-month and
RATE            mortgage            1-year U.S.
GOVERNMENT      pass-through        Treasury Security
FUND            securities and
                repurchase
                agreements
                collateralized by
                U.S. Government
                Securities.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT DURATION  Mortgage pass-      2-year U.S.
GOVERNMENT      through             Treasury Security
FUND            securities and
                other securities
                representing an
                interest in or
                collateralized
                by mortgage loans.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT DURATION  U.S. Government     Lehman Brothers
TAX-FREE        Securities          3-Year Municipal
FUND            and repurchase      Bond Index
                agreements
                collateralized
                by such securities.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOVERNMENT      Non-government      Lehman Brothers
INCOME          mortgage pass-      Mutual Fund
FUND            through securities, Government/
                asset-backed        Mortgage Index
                securities and
                corporate
                fixed-income
                securities.
</TABLE>    
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                          EXPECTED
                                                        APPROXIMATE
                                                          INTEREST
                  INVESTMENT                                RATE
 FUND NAME        OBJECTIVES             DURATION       SENSITIVITY    INVESTMENT SECTOR      CREDIT QUALITY
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>          <C>                   <C>                  <C>          <C>                    <C>
MUNICIPAL    A high level of       Target = Lehman      15-year bond At least 80% of        Minimum = BBB/Baa
INCOME       current income        Brothers 15-year                  net assets in          Average = AA/Aa
FUND         that is exempt        Municipal Bond                    municipal securities.
             from regular          Index plus
             federal income        or minus 1 year
             tax, consistent       Maximum = 12 years
             with preservation
             of capital.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORE FIXED   Total return          Target = Lehman      5-year bond  At least 65% of        Minimum = BBB/Baa
INCOME FUND  consisting            Brothers                          assets in fixed-income Minimum for non-
             of capital            Aggregate Bond                    securities, including  dollar securities =
             appreciation          Index plus or                     U.S. Government        AA/Aa
             and income that       minus 1 year                      Securities, corporate,
             exceeds the total     Maximum = 6 years                 mortgage-backed
             return of the                                           and asset-backed
             Lehman Brothers                                         securities.
             Aggregate Bond
             Index.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GLOBAL       A high total return,  Target = J.P. Morgan 6-year bond  Securities of U.S.     Minimum =  BBB/Baa
INCOME       emphasizing current   Global Government                 and foreign            At least 50% =
FUND         income, and, to a     Bond Index                        governments and        AAA/Aaa
             lesser extent,        (hedged)                          corporations.
             providing             plus or minus
             opportunities         2.5 years
             for capital           Maximum = 7.5 years
             appreciation.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HIGH YIELD   A high level of       Target = Lehman      6-year bond  At least 65% of        At least 65% =
FUND         current income        Brothers High                     assets in fixed-       BB/Ba or below
             and, secondarily,     Yield Bond Index                  income securities
             capital appreciation. plus or minus                     rated below
                                   2.5 years                         investment grade,
                                   Maximum =7.5 years                including U.S. and
                                                                     non-U.S. dollar
                                                                     corporate debt,     
                                                                     foreign government  
                                                                     securities,         
                                                                     convertible         
                                                                     securities          
                                                                     and preferred stock. 

<CAPTION> 
 FUND NAME     OTHER INVESTMENTS       BENCHMARK       
- -----------------------------------------------------                                                        
<S>          <C>                    <C>                
MUNICIPAL    U.S. Government        Lehman Brothers    
INCOME       Securities and         15-Year            
FUND         repurchase             Municipal          
             agreements             Bond Index        
             collateralized by                        
             such securities.                          
- ----------------------------------------------------- 
CORE FIXED   Foreign fixed-         Lehman Brothers
INCOME FUND  income,                Aggregate Bond
             municipal and          Index
             convertible
             securities,
             foreign currencies
             and repurchase
             agreements
             collateralized
             by U.S.
             Government
             Securities.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GLOBAL       Mortgage and asset-    J.P. Morgan
INCOME       backed securities,     Global
FUND         foreign currencies     Government Bond
             and repurchase         Index (hedged)
             agreements
             collateralized by
             U.S. Government
             Securities or
             certain foreign
             government securities.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HIGH YIELD   Mortgage-backed        Lehman Brothers
FUND         and asset-backed       High Yield
             securities, U.S.       Bond Index
             Government
             Securities,
             investment grade
             corporate fixed-
             income securities,
             structured
             securities,
             foreign currencies
             and repurchase
             agreements
             collateralized by
             U.S. Government
             Securities.
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS THAT I SHOULD CONSIDER
 BEFORE INVESTING?
 
   Each Fund's share price will fluctuate with market, economic and, with
 respect to the Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds,
 foreign exchange conditions, so that an investment in any of the Funds may
 be worth more or less when redeemed than when purchased. None of the Funds
 should be relied upon as a complete investment program. There can be no
 assurance that a Fund's investment objectives will be achieved. See "Risk
 Factors."
 
   Interest Rate Risk. When interest rates decline, the market value of
 fixed-income securities tends to increase. Conversely, when interest rates
 increase, the market value of fixed-income securities tends to decline.
 Volatility of a security's market value will differ depending upon the
 security's duration, the issuer and the type of instrument.
    
   Default Risk/Credit Risk. Investments in fixed-income securities are
 subject to the risk that the issuer could default on its obligations, and a
 Fund could sustain losses on such investments. A default could impact both
 interest and principal payments.     
    
   Call Risk and Extension Risk. Fixed-income securities may be subject to
 both call risk and extension risk. Call risk (i.e., where the issuer
 exercises its right to pay principal on an obligation earlier than
 scheduled) causes cash flow to be returned earlier than expected. Call risk
 typically results when interest rates have declined. Under such
 circumstances a Fund may be unable to recoup all of its initial investment
 and will also suffer from having to reinvest in lower yielding securities.
 Extension risk (i.e., where the issuer exercises its right to pay principal
 on an obligation later than scheduled) causes cash flows to be returned
 later than expected. Extension risk typically results when interest rates
 have increased. Under such circumstances, a Fund will suffer from the
 inability to invest in higher yielding securities. The investment
 characteristics of Mortgage-Backed Securities (including adjustable rate
 mortgage securities) and Asset-Backed Securities differ from those of
 traditional fixed-income securities because they generally have both call
 risk (also known as prepayment risk) and extension risk.     
    
   Tax Risk of Municipal Securities. Because of their tax-exempt status, the
 yields and market values of municipal securities may be more adversely
 impacted by changes in tax rates and policies than taxable fixed-income
 securities.     
 
   Risks of investing in non-investment grade fixed-income securities. Non-
 investment grade fixed-income securities (commonly referred to as "junk
 bonds") are subject to greater volatility and risk of loss and are less
 liquid than securities which are perceived to be of higher credit quality.
 Such securities, also referred to as high yield securities, are considered
 to be speculative by traditional investment standards. High yield securities
 are subject to increased risk of an issuer's inability to meet principal and
 interest payments. The High Yield Fund may invest in securities which are in
 default at the time of investment. The market for non-investment grade
 securities tends to be concentrated in a limited number of market makers,
 which may affect liquidity. In addition, the market price of such securities
 tends to reflect individual corporate developments to a greater extent than
 that of higher rated securities which react primarily to the general level
 of interest rates.
 
   Foreign Risks. Investments in securities of foreign issuers and currencies
 involve risks that are different from those associated with investments in
 domestic securities. The risks associated with foreign investments and
 currencies include changes in relative currency exchange rates, political
 and economic developments, the imposition of exchange controls, confiscation
 and other governmental restrictions. In addition, the securities
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
 markets of foreign countries are generally less liquid and subject to
 greater price volatility. To the extent that the Core Fixed Income, Global
 Income and High Yield Funds invest in emerging markets and countries, these
 risks may be heightened.
 
   Other. A Fund's use of certain investment techniques, including
 derivatives, forward contracts, options, futures and swap transactions, will
 subject the Fund to greater risk than funds that do not employ such
 techniques.
    
   Diversified and Non-Diversified Funds. Each Fund, other than the Global
 Income Fund, is a "diversified open-end management company" as defined under
 the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"). The Global
 Income Fund is a "non-diversified" open-end management company as defined
 under the Act, and is, therefore, subject only to certain federal tax
 diversification requirements (to which the other Funds are also subject), in
 addition to the policies adopted by the Investment Adviser. To the extent
 that the Fund is not diversified under the Act, it will be more susceptible
 to adverse developments affecting any single issuer of portfolio securities.
 See "Investment Restrictions."     
        
 WHAT IS THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT?
    
   The minimum initial investment for the Adjustable Rate Government, Short
 Duration Government, Short Duration Tax-Free and Core Fixed Income Funds is
 $50,000 in Institutional Shares of a Fund alone or in combination with
 Institutional Shares (or the corresponding class) of any other mutual fund
 sponsored by Goldman Sachs and designated as an eligible fund for this
 purpose. The minimum initial investment for the Government Income, Municipal
 Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds is either $1,000,000 or
 $10,000,000 depending upon an investor's eligibility.     
 
 HOW DO I PURCHASE INSTITUTIONAL SHARES?
 
   You may purchase Institutional Shares of the Funds through Goldman Sachs.
 Institutional Shares are purchased at the current net asset value without
 any sales load. See "Purchase of Institutional Shares."
 
 HOW DO I SELL MY INSTITUTIONAL SHARES?
 
   You may redeem Institutional Shares upon request on any Business Day, as
 defined under "Additional Information," at the net asset value next
 determined after receipt of such request in proper form. See "Redemption of
 Institutional Shares."
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
 
 HOW DO I RECEIVE DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS?
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               INVESTMENT INCOME
                                                   DIVIDENDS
                                               ------------------ CAPITAL GAINS
    FUND                                       DECLARED    PAID   DISTRIBUTIONS
    ----                                       ------------------ -------------
  <S>                                          <C>       <C>      <C>
  Adjustable Rate Government.................. Daily     Monthly  Annually
  Short Duration Government................... Daily     Monthly  Annually
  Short Duration Tax-Free..................... Daily     Monthly  Annually
  Government Income........................... Daily     Monthly  Annually
  Municipal Income............................ Daily     Monthly  Annually
  Core Fixed Income........................... Daily     Monthly  Annually
  Global Income............................... Monthly   Monthly  Annually
  High Yield.................................. Daily     Monthly  Annually
</TABLE>
    
   Recordholders of Institutional Shares may receive dividends in additional
 Institutional Shares of the Fund in which they have invested or may elect to
 receive cash. For further information concerning dividends, see "Dividends."
     
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
 
                   FEES AND EXPENSES (INSTITUTIONAL SHARES)
 
 
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                         ADJUSTABLE   SHORT     SHORT                         CORE
                            RATE     DURATION  DURATION GOVERNMENT MUNICIPAL FIXED  GLOBAL  HIGH
                         GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT TAX-FREE   INCOME    INCOME   INCOME INCOME  YIELD
                          FUND/1/    FUND/1/     FUND    FUND/1/     FUND     FUND   FUND  FUND/1/
                         ---------- ---------- -------- ---------- --------- ------ ------ -------
<S>                      <C>        <C>        <C>      <C>        <C>       <C>    <C>    <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION
 EXPENSES:
 Maximum Sales Charge
  Imposed on Pur-
  chases...............     none       none      none      none      none     none   none   none
 Maximum Sales Charge
  Imposed on Reinvested
  Dividends............     none       none      none      none      none     none   none   none
 Redemption Fees.......     none       none      none      none      none     none   none   none
 Exchange Fees.........     none       none      none      none      none     none   none   none
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES:
 (as a
 percentage of average daily net
 assets)
 Management Fees (after
  applicable limita-
  tions)/2/............     0.40%      0.50%     0.40%     0.65%     0.55%    0.40%  0.59%  0.65%
 Distribution (Rule
  12b-1) Fees..........     none       none      none      none      none     none   none   none
 Other Expenses (after
  applicable
  limitations)/3/......     0.13%      0.05%     0.05%     0.00%     0.05%    0.05%  0.06%  0.18%
                            ----       ----      ----      ----      ----     ----   ----   ----
  TOTAL FUND OPERATING
   EXPENSES (after fee
   and
   expense limita-
   tions)/4/...........     0.53%      0.55%     0.45%     0.65%     0.60%    0.45%  0.65%  0.83%
                            ====       ====      ====      ====      ====     ====   ====   ====
</TABLE>    
EXAMPLE
 
  You would pay the following expenses on a hypothetical $1,000 investment
assuming (i) a 5% annual return and (ii) redemption at the end of each time
period.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
   FUND                                          1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
   ----                                          ------ ------- ------- --------
<S>                                              <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
Adjustable Rate Government......................  $ 5     $17     $30     $66
Short Duration Government.......................  $ 6     $18     $31     $69
Short Duration Tax-Free.........................  $ 5     $14     $25     $57
Government Income...............................  $ 7     $21     $36     $81
Municipal Income................................  $ 6     $19     $33     $75
Core Fixed Income...............................  $ 5     $14     $25     $57
Global Income...................................  $ 7     $21     $36     $81
High Yield......................................  $ 8     $26     N/A     N/A
</TABLE>    
- --------
/1/ Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
   
/2/ The Investment Advisers have voluntarily agreed that a portion of the
    management fee would not be imposed on the Global Income and High Yield
    Funds equal to .31% and .05%, respectively. Without such limitations,
    management fees would be .90% and .70% of each Fund's average daily net
    assets, respectively.     
/3/ The Investment Advisers voluntarily have agreed to reduce or limit certain
    other expenses (excluding management fees, taxes, interest and brokerage
    fees and litigation, indemnification and other extraordinary expenses (and
    transfer agency fees in the case of the Global Income and High Yield Funds))
    to the extent such expenses exceed .05%, .05%, .00%, .05%, .05%, .06% and
    .14% of the average daily net assets of the Short Duration Government, Short
    Duration Tax-Free, Government Income, Municipal Income, Core Fixed Income,
    Global Income and High Yield Funds, respectively.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
   
/4/ Without the limitations described above, "Other Expenses" and "Total
    Operating Expenses" of the Funds (with the exception of the High Yield Fund
    which is estimated for the current fiscal year) for the fiscal year ended
    October 31, 1997 would have been as follows:     
       
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                         OTHER   TOTAL OPERATING
                                                        EXPENSES    EXPENSES
                                                        -------- ---------------
   <S>                                                  <C>      <C>
   Short Duration Government...........................   .32%         .82%
   Short Duration Tax-Free.............................   .83%        1.23%
   Government Income...................................   .67%        1.32%
   Municipal Income....................................   .57%        1.12%
   Core Fixed Income...................................   .43%         .83%
   Global Income.......................................   .14%        1.04%
   High Yield..........................................   .37%        1.07%
</TABLE>    
    
 In addition, for the year ended October 31, 1997, the Investment Adviser
 waived and reimbursed certain fees and expenses such that the "Other
 Expenses" and "Total Operating Expenses" actually incurred by the Adjustable
 Rate Government Fund were 0.09% and 0.49%, respectively. Without such
 limitations, "Other Expenses" and "Total Operating Expenses" of the Fund
 would have been 0.12% and 0.52%, respectively. For the year ended October 31,
 1997, the Investment Adviser voluntarily agreed that a portion of the
 management fee would not be imposed on the Short Duration Government and
 Government Income Funds equal to 0.10% and 0.40%, respectively. Without such
 limitations, management fees would have been 0.50% and 0.65% of each Fund's
 average daily net assets, respectively. In addition, the Investment Adviser
 reimbursed certain expenses such that "Other Expenses" actually incurred by
 the Short Duration Government and Government Income Funds for Institutional
 Shares were 0.05% and 0.00%, respectively, and "Total Operating Expenses"
 were 0.45% and 0.25%, respectively. Without such limitations, "Other
 Expenses" would have been 0.32% and 0.67%, respectively, and "Total Operating
 Expenses" would have been 0.82% and 1.32%, respectively.     
 
  The Investment Advisers have no current intention of modifying or
discontinuing any of the limitations set forth above but may do so in the
future at their discretion. The information set forth in the foregoing table
and hypothetical example relates only to Institutional Shares of the Funds.
Each Fund also offers Service and Class A Shares and, with the exception of
the Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Class B and Class C Shares. The
Adjustable Rate Government, Short Duration Government, Short Duration Tax-Free
and Core Fixed Income Funds also offer Administration Shares. The other
classes of the Funds are subject to different fees and expenses (which affect
performance), have different minimum investment requirements and are entitled
to different services. Information regarding any other class of the Funds may
be obtained from your sales representative or from Goldman Sachs by calling
the number on the back cover page of this Prospectus.
   
  Certain institutions that invest in Institutional Shares on behalf of their
customers may receive certain compensation in connection with the sale and
distribution of such Shares or for services to their customers' accounts
and/or the Funds. For additional information regarding such compensation, see
"Purchase of Institutional Shares" in this Prospectus and the Additional
Statement.     
 
  The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist investors in understanding
the various fees and expenses of a Fund that an investor will bear directly or
indirectly. The information on the fees and expenses included in the table and
the hypothetical example above are based on each Fund's fees and expenses
(actual or estimated) and should not be considered as representative of past
or future expenses. Actual fees and expenses may be greater or less than those
indicated. Moreover, while the example assumes a 5% annual return, a Fund's
actual performance will vary and may result in an actual return greater or
less than 5%. See "Management --Investment Advisers."
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                             FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
         SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
 
  The following data has been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
public accountants, as indicated in their report incorporated by reference
into the Additional Statement from the Annual Report to shareholders of the
Funds for the year ended October 31, 1997 (the "Annual Report"). This
information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
related notes incorporated by reference and attached to the Additional
Statement. The Annual Report also contains performance information and is
available upon request and without charge by calling the telephone number or
writing to one of the addresses on the back cover of this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS(N)
                           --------------------------------------------------- ---------
                                        NET REALIZED       NET
                                            AND          REALIZED
                                         UNREALIZED        AND
                                        GAIN (LOSS)     UNREALIZED    TOTAL
                                             ON        GAIN (LOSS)    INCOME
                 NET ASSET              INVESTMENT,     ON FOREIGN    (LOSS)
                 VALUE AT     NET        OPTION AND      CURRENCY      FROM     FROM NET
                 BEGINNING INVESTMENT     FUTURES        RELATED    INVESTMENT INVESTMENT
                 OF PERIOD   INCOME     TRANSACTIONS   TRANSACTIONS OPERATIONS   INCOME
                 --------- ----------   ------------   ------------ ---------- ----------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>       <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>        <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........  $ 9.83    $0.5914(a)    $ 0.0494 (a)     --        $0.6408    $(0.5908)
1997-
Administration
Shares..........    9.83     0.5665(a)      0.0497 (a)     --         0.6162     (0.5662)
1997-Service
Shares(m).......    9.84     0.3298(a)      0.0400 (a)     --         0.3698     (0.3298)
1997-Class A
Shares..........    9.83     0.5662(a)      0.0500 (a)     --         0.6162     (0.5662)
1996-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.77     0.5759(a)      0.0772 (a)     --         0.6531     (0.5725)
1996-
Administration
Shares..........    9.77     0.5489(a)      0.0797 (a)     --         0.6286     (0.5489)
1996-Class A
Shares..........    9.77     0.5481(a)      0.0806 (a)     --         0.6287     (0.5489)
1995-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.74     0.5630(a)      0.0717 (a)     --         0.6347     (0.5759)
1995-
Administration
Shares..........    9.74     0.5366(a)      0.0737 (a)     --         0.6103     (0.5528)
1995-Class A
Shares(c).......    9.79     0.2721(a)     (0.0090)(a)     --         0.2631     (0.2697)
1994-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.4341(a)     (0.2455)(a)     --         0.1886     (0.4486)
1994-
Administration
Shares..........   10.00     0.4211(a)     (0.2572)(a)     --         0.1639     (0.4239)
1993-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.04     0.4397        (0.0376)(d)     --         0.4021     (0.4397)
1993-
Administration
Shares(e).......   10.02     0.2146        (0.0173)(d)     --         0.1973     (0.2146)
1992-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.03     0.5599        (0.0029)(d)     --         0.5570     (0.5470)
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 17, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------
1991-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.1531         0.0322(d)      --         0.1853     (0.1553)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                                                            
                          DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                     
                 ---------------------------------------------------------- 
                                          IN EXCESS                         
                   FROM NET                 OF NET                          
                   REALIZED                REALIZED                         
                   GAIN ON                 GAIN ON                          
                 INVESTMENT,  IN EXCESS  INVESTMENT,   FROM       TOTAL     
                  OPTION AND    OF NET    OPTION AND   PAID   DISTRIBUTIONS 
                   FUTURES    INVESTMENT   FUTURES      IN         TO       
                 TRANSACTIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS CAPITAL SHAREHOLDERS  
                 ------------ ---------- ------------ ------- ------------- 
                                 ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND            
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>           
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,                                             
- -------------                                                               
1997-                                                                       
Institutional                                                               
Shares..........     --            --        --         --      $(0.5908)   
1997-                                                                       
Administration                                                              
Shares..........     --            --        --         --       (0.5662)   
1997-Service                                                                
Shares(m).......     --            --        --         --       (0.3298)   
1997-Class A                                                                
Shares..........     --            --        --         --       (0.5662)   
1996-                                                                       
Institutional                                                               
Shares..........     --        (0.0206)      --         --       (0.5931)   
1996-                                                                       
Administration                                                              
Shares..........     --        (0.0198)      --         --       (0.5687)   
1996-Class A                                                                
Shares..........     --        (0.0198)      --         --       (0.5687)   
1995-                                                                       
Institutional                                                               
Shares..........     --        (0.0287)      --         --       (0.6046)   
1995-                                                                       
Administration                                                              
Shares..........     --        (0.0275)      --         --       (0.5803)   
1995-Class A                                                                
Shares(c).......     --        (0.0134)      --         --       (0.2831)   
1994-                                                                       
Institutional                                                               
Shares..........     --            --        --         --       (0.4486)   
1994-                                                                       
Administration                                                              
Shares..........     --            --        --         --       (0.4239)   
1993-                                                                       
Institutional                                                               
Shares..........     --        (0.0024)      --         --       (0.4421)   
1993-                                                                       
Administration                                                              
Shares(e).......     --        (0.0027)      --         --       (0.2173)   
1992-                                                                       
Institutional                                                               
Shares..........     --            --        --         --       (0.5470)   
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 17, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,                         
- -------------------                                                         
1991-                                                                       
Institutional                                                               
Shares..........     --            --        --         --       (0.1553)   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          RATIOS ASSUMING NO
                                                                                          VOLUNTARY WAIVER OF
                                                                                            FEES OR EXPENSE
                                                                                              LIMITATIONS
                                                                                          --------------------
                 
                                               RATIO OF
                     NET      NET                NET      RATIO OF                        RATIO OF   RATIO OF
                   INCREASE  ASSET             EXPENSES     NET                    NET    EXPENSES     NET
                  (DECREASE) VALUE                TO     INVESTMENT             ASSETS AT    TO     INVESTMENT
                    IN NET   AT END            AVERAGE   INCOME TO  PORTFOLIO    END OF   AVERAGE   INCOME TO
                    ASSET      OF     TOTAL      NET      AVERAGE   TURNOVER     PERIOD     NET      AVERAGE
                    VALUE    PERIOD RETURN(K)   ASSETS   NET ASSETS  RATE(D)    (IN 000S)  ASSETS   NET ASSETS
                  ---------- ------ ---------- --------- ---------- ----------- --------- --------- ----------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>        <C>    <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>
FOR THE YEARS END
- -------------    
1997-            
Institutional    
Shares..........   $ 0.0500  $ 9.88   6.70%      0.49%      5.99%     46.58%    $ 463,511   0.52%      5.96%
1997-            
Administration   
Shares..........     0.0500    9.88   6.43       0.74       5.73      46.58         2,793   0.77       5.70
1997-Service     
Shares(m).......     0.0400    9.88   3.81(f)    1.05(b)    5.64(b)   46.58(f)        346   1.08(b)    5.61(b)
1997-Class A     
Shares..........     0.0500    9.88   6.43       0.74       5.60      46.58        43,393   1.02       5.32
1996-            
Institutional    
Shares..........     0.0600    9.83   6.86       0.45       5.85      52.36       613,149   0.51       5.79
1996-            
Administration   
Shares..........     0.0600    9.83   6.60       0.70       5.59      52.36         3,792   0.76       5.53
1996-Class A     
Shares..........     0.0600    9.83   6.60       0.70       5.59      52.36        10,728   1.01       5.28
1995-            
Institutional    
Shares..........     0.0301    9.77   6.75       0.46       5.77      24.12       657,358   0.53       5.70
1995-            
Administration   
Shares..........     0.0300    9.77   6.48       0.71       5.50      24.12         3,572   0.78       5.43
1995-Class A     
Shares(c).......    (0.0200)   9.77   2.74(f)    0.69(b)    5.87(b)   24.12(f)     15,203   1.01(b)    5.55(b)
1994-            
Institutional    
Shares..........    (0.2600)   9.74   1.88       0.46       4.38      37.81       942,523   0.49       4.35
1994-            
Administration   
Shares..........    (0.2600)   9.74   1.63       0.71       4.27      37.81         6,960   0.74       4.24
1993-            
Institutional    
Shares..........    (0.0400)  10.00   4.13       0.45       4.36     103.74     2,760,871   0.48       4.33
1993-            
Administration   
Shares(e).......    (0.0200)  10.00   2.01(f)    0.70(b)    3.81(b)  103.74(f)      5,326   0.73(b)    3.78(b)
1992-            
Institutional    
Shares..........     0.0100   10.04   6.12       0.42       5.61     286.40     2,145,064   0.55       5.48
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 17, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------
1991-
Institutional
Shares..........     0.0300   10.03   2.14(f)    0.20(b)    7.31(b)  145.67(f)    239,642   1.02(b)    6.49(b)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                             INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS(N)
                           ---------------------------------------------------
                                        NET REALIZED       NET
                                            AND          REALIZED
                                         UNREALIZED        AND
                                        GAIN (LOSS)     UNREALIZED    TOTAL
                                             ON        GAIN (LOSS)    INCOME
                 NET ASSET              INVESTMENT,     ON FOREIGN    (LOSS)
                 VALUE AT     NET        OPTION AND      CURRENCY      FROM     FROM NET
                 BEGINNING INVESTMENT     FUTURES        RELATED    INVESTMENT INVESTMENT
                 OF PERIOD   INCOME     TRANSACTIONS   TRANSACTIONS OPERATIONS   INCOME
                 --------- ----------   ------------   ------------ ---------- ----------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>       <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>        <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........  $ 9.83    $0.6412(a)    $ 0.0300(a)      --        $ 0.6712   $(0.6412)
1997-
Administration
Shares..........    9.85     0.6183(a)      0.0400(a)      --          0.6583    (0.6183)
1997-Service
Shares..........    9.82     0.5904(a)      0.0401(a)      --          0.6305    (0.5904)
1997-Class A
Shares(o).......    9.78     0.3121(a)      0.0883(a)      --          0.4004    (0.3004)
1997-Class B
Shares(o).......    9.75     0.2787(a)      0.1011(a)      --          0.3798    (0.2698)
1997-Class C
Shares(p).......    9.83     0.1185(a)      0.0225(a)      --          0.1410    (0.1110)
1996-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.82     0.6290(a)      0.0136(a)      --          0.6426    (0.6326)
1996-
Administration
Shares(h).......    9.86     0.3837(a)      0.0003(a)      --          0.3840    (0.3940)
1996-Service
Shares(i).......    9.72     0.3134(a)      0.1018(a)      --          0.4152    (0.3152)
1995-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.64     0.6652(a)      0.1666(a)      --          0.8318    (0.6518)
1995-
Administration
Shares..........    9.64     0.2384(a)     (0.0433)(a)     --          0.1951    (0.2051)
1994-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.14     0.5628(a)     (0.4592)(a)     --          0.1036    (0.5598)
1994-
Administration
Shares..........   10.14     0.5329(a)     (0.4539)(d)     --          0.0790    (0.5352)
1993-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.16     0.5627        (0.0135)(d)     --          0.5492    (0.5627)
1993-
Administration
Shares(e).......   10.23     0.2725        (0.0900)(d)     --          0.1825    (0.2725)
1992-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.22     0.6703        (0.0600)(d)     --          0.6103    (0.6703)
1991-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.8020         0.2200(d)      --          1.0220    (0.8020)
1990-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.07     0.8300        (0.0700)(d)     --          0.7600    (0.8300)
1989-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.10     0.8800            --          --          0.8800    (0.8800)
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 15, 1988(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------------------
1988-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.1800         0.1000(d)      --          0.2800    (0.1800)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                  
                          DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                                                                           
                                          IN EXCESS                                                                               
                   FROM NET                 OF NET                                                           RATIO OF             
                   REALIZED                REALIZED                             NET      NET                   NET      RATIO OF  
                   GAIN ON                 GAIN ON                            INCREASE  ASSET                EXPENSES     NET     
                 INVESTMENT,  IN EXCESS  INVESTMENT,   FROM        TOTAL     (DECREASE) VALUE                   TO     INVESTMENT 
                  OPTION AND    OF NET    OPTION AND   PAID    DISTRIBUTIONS   IN NET   AT END               AVERAGE   INCOME TO  
                   FUTURES    INVESTMENT   FUTURES      IN          TO         ASSET      OF        TOTAL      NET      AVERAGE   
                 TRANSACTIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS CAPITAL  SHAREHOLDERS    VALUE    PERIOD    RETURN(K)   ASSETS   NET ASSETS 
                 ------------ ---------- ------------ -------- ------------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- 
                                  SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND                                                                  
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>              <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>      <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,                                                                                                   
- -----------------                                                                                                                 
1997-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --          --        --           --     $(0.6412)    $ 0.0300  $ 9.86       7.07%     0.45%      6.43%   
1997-                                                                                                                             
Administration                                                                                                                    
Shares..........       --          --        --           --      (0.6183)      0.0400    9.89       6.91      0.70       6.19    
1997-Service                                                                                                                      
Shares..........       --          --        --           --      (0.5904)      0.0401    9.86       6.63      0.95       5.92    
1997-Class A                                                                                                                      
Shares(o).......       --          --        --           --      (0.3004)      0.1000    9.88       4.14(f)   0.70(b)    6.05(b) 
1997-Class B                                                                                                                      
Shares(o).......       --          --        --           --      (0.2698)      0.1100    9.86       3.94(f)   1.30(b)    5.52(b) 
1997-Class C                                                                                                                      
Shares(p).......       --          --        --           --      (0.1110)      0.0300    9.86       1.44(f)   1.45(b)    5.52(b) 
1996-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --          --        --           --      (0.6326)      0.0100    9.83       6.75      0.45       6.44    
1996-                                                                                                                             
Administration                                                                                                                    
Shares(h).......       --          --        --           --      (0.3940)     (0.0100)   9.85       4.00(f)   0.70(b)    5.97(b) 
1996-Service                                                                                                                      
Shares(i).......       --          --        --           --      (0.3152)      0.1000    9.82       4.35(f)   0.95(b)    6.05(b) 
1995-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --          --        --           --      (0.6518)      0.1800    9.82       8.97      0.45       6.87    
1995-                                                                                                                             
Administration                                                                                                                    
Shares..........       --          --        --           --      (0.2051)     (0.0100)   9.63(h)    2.10      0.70(b)    7.91(b) 
1994-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........   (0.0438)        --        --           --      (0.6036)     (0.5000)   9.64       0.99      0.45       5.69    
1994-                                                                                                                             
Administration                                                                                                                    
Shares..........   (0.0438)        --        --           --      (0.5790)     (0.5000)   9.64       0.73      0.70       5.38    
1993-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --      (0.0065)      --           --      (0.5692)     (0.0200)  10.14       5.55      0.45       5.46    
1993-                                                                                                                             
Administration                                                                                                                    
Shares(e).......       --          --        --           --      (0.2725)     (0.0900)  10.14       1.74(f)   0.70(b)    4.84(b) 
1992-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --          --        --           --      (0.6703)     (0.0600)  10.16       6.24      0.45       6.60    
1991-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --          --        --           --      (0.8020)      0.2200   10.22      10.93      0.45       8.25    
1990-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --          --        --           --      (0.8300)     (0.0700)  10.00       8.23      0.45       8.62    
1989-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --          --        --       (0.0300)    (0.9100)     (0.0300)  10.07       9.08      0.46       8.71    
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 15, 1988(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,                                                                             
- -----------------------------                                                                                                     
1988-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --          --        --           --      (0.1800)      0.1000   10.10       3.30(f)   0.55(b)    8.55(b) 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

<CAPTION>
                                     RATIOS ASSUMING NO
                                     VOLUNTARY WAIVER OF
                                       FEES OR EXPENSE
                                         LIMITATIONS
                                     --------------------
                
                              NET
                             ASSETS  RATIO OF   RATIO OF
                             AT END  EXPENSES     NET
                               OF       TO     INVESTMENT
                PORTFOLIO    PERIOD  AVERAGE   INCOME TO
                TURNOVER      (IN      NET      AVERAGE
                 RATE(D)     000S)    ASSETS   NET ASSETS
                ----------- -------- --------- ----------
                
- ------------------
<S>             <C>         <C>      <C>       <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- ----------------
1997-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 102.58%    $103,729   0.82%      6.06%
1997-           
Administration  
Shares.......... 102.58        1,060   1.07       5.82
1997-Service    
Shares.......... 102.58        3,337   1.32       5.55
1997-Class A    
Shares(o)....... 102.58(f)     9,491   1.32(b)    5.43(b)
1997-Class B    
Shares(o)....... 102.58(f)       747   1.82(b)    5.00(b)
1997-Class C    
Shares(p)....... 102.58(f)       190   1.82(b)    5.15(b)
1996-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 115.45       99,944   0.71       6.18
1996-           
Administration  
Shares(h)....... 115.45          252   0.96(b)    5.71(b)
1996-Service    
Shares(i)....... 115.45        1,822   1.21(b)    5.79(b)
1995-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 292.56      103,760   0.72       6.60
1995-           
Administration  
Shares.......... 292.56          --    0.90(b)    7.71(b)
1994-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 289.79      193,095   0.59       5.55
1994-           
Administration  
Shares.......... 289.79          730   0.84       5.24
1993-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 411.66      359,708   0.64       5.31
1993-           
Administration  
Shares(e)....... 411.66       16,490   0.80(b)    4.74(b)
1992-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 216.07      277,927   0.69       6.36
1991-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 155.44      158,848   0.79       7.91
1990-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 173.21       68,995   0.95       8.12
1989-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 137.37       31,015   1.39       7.78
FOR THE PERIOD A
- ----------------
1988-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 167.00(f)    39,052   1.42(b)    7.68(b)
- ------------------
</TABLE>    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS(N)
                           --------------------------------------------------- ---------
                                        NET REALIZED       NET
                                            AND          REALIZED
                                         UNREALIZED        AND
                                        GAIN (LOSS)     UNREALIZED    TOTAL
                                             ON        GAIN (LOSS)    INCOME
                 NET ASSET              INVESTMENT,     ON FOREIGN    (LOSS)
                 VALUE AT     NET        OPTION AND      CURRENCY      FROM     FROM NET
                 BEGINNING INVESTMENT     FUTURES        RELATED    INVESTMENT INVESTMENT
                 OF PERIOD   INCOME     TRANSACTIONS   TRANSACTIONS OPERATIONS   INCOME
                 --------- ----------   ------------   ------------ ---------- ----------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>       <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>        <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........  $ 9.96    $0.4181(a)    $ 0.1091(a)      --        $ 0.5272   $(0.4172)
1997-
Administration
Shares..........    9.96     0.3924(a)      0.1100(a)      --          0.5024    (0.3924)
1997-Service
Shares..........    9.97     0.3675(a)      0.1000(a)      --          0.4675    (0.3675)
1997-Class A
Shares(o).......    9.94     0.1950(a)      0.1400(a)      --          0.3350    (0.1950)
1997-Class B
Shares(o).......    9.94     0.1663(a)      0.1368(a)      --          0.3031    (0.1631)
1997-Class C
Shares(p).......   10.04     0.0670(a)      0.0300(a)      --          0.0970    (0.0670)
1996-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.94     0.4192(a)      0.0200(a)      --          0.4392    (0.4192)
1996-
Administration
Shares..........    9.94     0.3944(a)      0.0200(a)      --          0.4144    (0.3944)
1996-Service
Shares..........    9.95     0.3697(a)      0.0200(a)      --          0.3897    (0.3697)
1995-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.79     0.4235(a)      0.1500(a)      --          0.5735    (0.4235)
1995-
Administration
Shares..........    9.79     0.3989(a)      0.1500(a)      --          0.5489    (0.3989)
1995-Service
Shares..........    9.79     0.3744(a)      0.1600(a)      --          0.5344    (0.3744)
1994-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.23     0.3787(a)     (0.3575)(a)     --          0.0212    (0.3787)
1994-
Administration
Shares..........   10.23     0.3537(a)     (0.3575)(a)     --         (0.0038)   (0.3537)
1994-Service
Shares(j).......    9.86     0.0475(a)     (0.0700)(a)     --         (0.0225)   (0.0475)
1993-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.93     0.3834         0.3000(d)      --          0.6834    (0.3834)
1993-
Administration
Shares(j).......   10.16     0.1555         0.0720(d)      --          0.2275    (0.1555)
FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 1992(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
1992-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.0341        (0.0700)(d)     --         (0.0359)   (0.0341)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                                           
                                                                           
                                                                           
                          DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                    
                 ----------------------------------------------------------
                                          IN EXCESS                        
                   FROM NET                 OF NET                         
                   REALIZED                REALIZED                        
                   GAIN ON                 GAIN ON                         
                 INVESTMENT,  IN EXCESS  INVESTMENT,   FROM       TOTAL    
                  OPTION AND    OF NET    OPTION AND   PAID   DISTRIBUTIONS
                   FUTURES    INVESTMENT   FUTURES      IN         TO      
                 TRANSACTIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS CAPITAL SHAREHOLDERS 
                 ------------ ---------- ------------ ------- -------------
                                   SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND            
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>          
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,                                            
1997-                                                                      
Institutional                                                              
Shares..........       --        --          --         --      $(0.4172)  
1997-                                                                      
Administration                                                             
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.3924)  
1997-Service                                                               
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.3675)  
1997-Class A                                                               
Shares(o).......       --        --          --         --       (0.1950)  
1997-Class B                                                               
Shares(o).......       --        --          --         --       (0.1631)  
1997-Class C                                                               
Shares(p).......       --        --          --         --       (0.0670)  
1996-                                                                      
Institutional                                                              
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.4192)  
1996-                                                                      
Administration                                                             
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.3944)  
1996-Service                                                               
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.3697)  
1995-                                                                      
Institutional                                                              
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.4235)  
1995-                                                                      
Administration                                                             
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.3989)  
1995-Service                                                               
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.3744)  
1994-                                                                      
Institutional                                                              
Shares..........   (0.0825)      --          --         --       (0.4612)  
1994-                                                                      
Administration                                                             
Shares..........   (0.0825)      --          --         --       (0.4362)  
1994-Service                                                               
Shares(j).......       --        --          --         --       (0.0475)  
1993-                                                                      
Institutional                                                              
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.3834)  
1993-                                                                      
Administration                                                             
Shares(j).......       --        --          --         --       (0.1555)  
FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 1992(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,                      
1992-                                                                      
Institutional                                                              
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.0341)  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         RATIOS ASSUMING NO
                                                                                         VOLUNTARY WAIVER OF
                                                                                           FEES OR EXPENSE
                                                                                             LIMITATIONS
                                                                                         --------------------
                 
                                               RATIO OF                           NET
                    NET      NET                 NET      RATIO OF               ASSETS  RATIO OF   RATIO OF
                  INCREASE  ASSET              EXPENSES     NET                  AT END  EXPENSES     NET
                 (DECREASE) VALUE                 TO     INVESTMENT                OF       TO     INVESTMENT
                   IN NET   AT END             AVERAGE   INCOME TO  PORTFOLIO    PERIOD  AVERAGE   INCOME TO
                   ASSET      OF     TOTAL       NET      AVERAGE   TURNOVER      (IN      NET      AVERAGE
                   VALUE    PERIOD RETURN(K)    ASSETS   NET ASSETS  RATE(D)     000S)    ASSETS   NET ASSETS
                 ---------- ------ ----------- --------- ---------- ----------- -------- --------- ----------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>        <C>    <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>      <C>       <C>
FOR THE YEARS END
1997-            
Institutional    
Shares..........  $ 0.1100  $10.07    5.40%      0.45%      4.18%    194.75%    $ 28,821   1.23%      3.40%
1997-            
Administration   
Shares..........    0.1100   10.07    5.14       0.70       3.91     194.75           77   1.48       3.13
1997-Service     
Shares..........    0.1000   10.07    4.77       0.95       3.66     194.75        2,051   1.73       2.88
1997-Class A     
Shares(o).......    0.1400   10.08    3.39(f)    0.70(b)    3.81(b)  194.75(f)     4,023   1.73(b)    2.78(b)
1997-Class B     
Shares(o).......    0.1400   10.08    3.07(f)    1.30(b)    3.31(b)  194.75(f)       106   2.23(b)    2.38(b)
1997-Class C     
Shares(p).......    0.0300   10.07    0.97(f)    1.45(b)    2.60(b)  194.75(f)         2   2.23(b)    1.82(b)
1996-            
Institutional    
Shares..........    0.0300    9.96    4.50       0.45       4.21     231.65       34,814   1.01       3.65
1996-            
Administration   
Shares..........    0.0300    9.96    4.24       0.70       3.96     231.65           48   1.26       3.40
1996-Service     
Shares..........    0.0200    9.97    3.98       0.95       3.74     231.65          695   1.51       3.18
1995-            
Institutional    
Shares..........    0.1500    9.94    5.98       0.45       4.31     259.52       58,389   0.77       3.99
1995-            
Administration   
Shares..........    0.1500    9.94    5.76       0.70       4.14     259.52           46   1.02       3.82
1995-Service     
Shares..........    0.1600    9.95    5.59       0.95       3.87     259.52          454   1.27       3.55
1994-            
Institutional    
Shares..........   (0.4400)   9.79    0.17       0.45       3.74     354.00       83,704   0.61       3.58
1994-            
Administration   
Shares..........   (0.4400)   9.79   (0.11)      0.70       3.51     354.00        3,866   0.86       3.35
1994-Service     
Shares(j).......   (0.0700)   9.79   (0.32)(f)   0.95(b)    4.30(b)  354.00          440   1.11(b)    4.14(b)
1993-            
Institutional    
Shares..........    0.3000   10.23    7.03       0.41       3.70     404.60      115,803   1.06       3.05
1993-            
Administration   
Shares(j).......    0.0720   10.23    2.28(f)    0.70(b)    3.32(b)  404.60          911   1.07(b)    2.95(b)
FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 1992(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
1992-
Institutional
Shares..........   (0.0700)   9.93   (0.34)(f)   0.05(b)    4.58(b)   31.19(f)    14,601   2.68(b)    1.95(b)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                             INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS(N)                       DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
                           ----------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------
                                      NET REALIZED     NET
                                          AND        REALIZED                                                  IN EXCESS
                                       UNREALIZED      AND                              FROM NET                 OF NET
                                      GAIN (LOSS)   UNREALIZED    TOTAL                 REALIZED                REALIZED
                                           ON      GAIN (LOSS)    INCOME                GAIN ON                 GAIN ON
                 NET ASSET            INVESTMENT,   ON FOREIGN    (LOSS)              INVESTMENT,  IN EXCESS  INVESTMENT,   FROM
                 VALUE AT     NET      OPTION AND    CURRENCY      FROM     FROM NET   OPTION AND    OF NET    OPTION AND   PAID
                 BEGINNING INVESTMENT   FUTURES      RELATED    INVESTMENT INVESTMENT   FUTURES    INVESTMENT   FUTURES      IN
                 OF PERIOD   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS TRANSACTIONS OPERATIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS CAPITAL
                 --------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ -------
<S>              <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
                                                                                                  GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------
1997-Class A
Shares            $14.36     $0.91       $0.29          --        $1.20      $(0.90)     $(0.07)        --          --        --
1997-Class B
Shares             14.37      0.80        0.30          --         1.10       (0.79)      (0.07)        --          --        --
1997-Class C
Shares(p)          14.38      0.17        0.22          --         0.39       (0.17)         --         --          --        --
1997-
Institutional
Shares(p)          14.37      0.20        0.22          --         0.42       (0.20)         --         --          --        --
1997-Service
Shares(p)          14.37      0.20        0.21          --         0.41       (0.19)         --         --          --        --
1996-Class A
shares             14.47      0.92       (0.11)         --         0.81       (0.92)         --         --          --        --
1996-Class B
shares(q)          14.11      0.41        0.26          --         0.67       (0.41)         --         --          --        --
1995-Class A
shares             13.47      0.94        1.00          --         1.94       (0.94)         --         --          --        --
1994-Class A
shares             14.90      0.85       (1.28)         --        (0.43)      (0.85)      (0.12)     (0.02)      (0.01)       --
FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 10, 1993(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------------------------
1993-Class A
shares             14.32      0.56        0.58          --         1.14       (0.56)         --         --          --        --
                                                                                                   MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------
1997-Class A
Shares            $14.37     $0.67       $0.62         --         $1.29      $(0.67)        --         --          --        --
1997-Class B
Shares             14.37      0.56        0.63         --          1.19       (0.56)        --         --          --        --
1997-Class C
Shares(p)          14.85      0.12        0.14         --          0.26       (0.12)        --         --          --        --
1997-
Institutional
Shares(p)          14.84      0.15        0.16         --          0.31       (0.15)        --         --          --        --
1997-Service
Shares(p)          14.84      0.14        0.15         --          0.29       (0.14)        --         --          --        --
1996-Class A
shares             14.17      0.65        0.20         --          0.85       (0.65)        --         --          --        --
1996-Class B
shares(q)          14.03      0.27        0.34         --          0.61       (0.27)        --         --          --        --
1995-Class A
shares             13.08      0.67        1.09         --          1.76       (0.67)        --         --          --        --
1994-Class A
shares             14.64      0.73       (1.51)        --         (0.78)      (0.73)      (0.05)       --          --        --
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 20, 1993(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ------------------------------------
1993-Class A
shares             14.32      0.22        0.32         --          0.54       (0.22)        --         --          --        --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     RATIOS ASSUMING NO
                                                                                                     VOLUNTARY WAIVER OF
                                                                                                       FEES OR EXPENSE
                                                                                                         LIMITATIONS
                                                                                                     --------------------
                                                            RATIO OF   RATIO OF                NET              RATIO OF
                                  NET      NET                NET        NET                 ASSETS  RATIO OF     NET
                                INCREASE  ASSET             EXPENSES  INVESTMENT             AT END  EXPENSES  INVESTMENT
                     TOTAL     (DECREASE) VALUE                TO       INCOME                 OF       TO       INCOME
                 DISTRIBUTIONS   IN NET   AT END            AVERAGE   (LOSS) TO  PORTFOLIO   PERIOD  AVERAGE   (LOSS) TO
                      TO         ASSET      OF     TOTAL      NET      AVERAGE   TURNOVER      (IN     NET      AVERAGE
                 SHAREHOLDERS    VALUE    PERIOD RETURN(K)   ASSETS   NET ASSETS  RATE(D)     000S)   ASSETS   NET ASSETS
                 ------------- ---------- ------ ---------- --------- ---------- ----------- ------- --------- ----------
<S>              <C>           <C>        <C>    <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>     <C>       <C>
                                                                                                  GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------
1997-Class A
Shares              $(0.97)      $0.23    $14.59    8.72%     0.50%      6.38%    395.75%    $68,859   1.82%      5.06%
1997-Class B
Shares               (0.86)       0.24     14.61    7.96      1.25       5.59     395.75       8,041   2.32       4.52
1997-Class C
Shares(p)            (0.17)       0.22     14.60    2.72(f)   1.25(b)    5.45(b)  395.75(f)    1,196   2.32(b)    4.38(b)
1997-
Institutional
Shares(p)            (0.20)       0.22     14.59    2.94(f)   0.25(b)    7.03(b)  395.75(f)    1,894   1.32(b)    5.96(b)
1997-Service
Shares(p)            (0.19)       0.22     14.59    2.85(f)   0.75(b)    6.49(b)  395.75(f)        2   1.82(b)    5.42(b)
1996-Class A
shares               (0.92)      (0.11)    14.36    5.80      0.75       6.42     485.09      30,603   1.89       5.03
1996-Class B
shares(q)            (0.41)       0.26     14.37    4.85(f)   1.25(b)    5.65(b)  485.09         234   2.39(b)    4.51(b)
1995-Class A
shares               (0.94)       1.00     14.47   14.90      0.47       6.67     449.53      29,503   2.34       4.80
1994-Class A
shares               (1.00)      (1.43)    13.47   (2.98)     0.11       6.06     654.90      14,452   2.86       3.31
FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 10, 1993(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------------------------
1993-Class A
shares               (0.56)       0.58     14.90    8.03(f)   0.00(b)    4.87(e)  725.41(f)   12,860   4.00(b)
                                                                                                   MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------
1997-Class A
Shares              $(0.67)      $0.62    $14.99    9.23%     0.85%      4.60%    153.12%    $64,553   1.62%      3.83%
1997-Class B
Shares               (0.56)       0.63     15.00    8.48      1.60       3.74     153.12       1,750   2.12       3.22
1997-Class C
Shares(p)            (0.12)       0.14     14.99    1.75(f)   1.60(b)    3.24(b)  153.12(f)      130   2.12(b)    2.72(b)
1997-
Institutional
Shares(p)            (0.15)       0.16     15.00    2.10(f)   0.60(b)    4.41(b)  153.12(f)      351   1.12(b)    3.89(b)
1997-Service
Shares(p)            (0.14)       0.15     14.99    1.93(f)   1.10(b)    4.24(b)  153.12(f)        2   1.62(b)    3.72(b)
1996-Class A
shares               (0.65)       0.20     14.37    6.13      0.85       4.58     344.13      52,267   1.55       3.88
1996-Class B
shares(q)            (0.27)       0.34     14.37    4.40(f)   1.60(b)    3.55(b)  344.13(f)      255   2.05(b)    3.10(b)
1995-Class A
shares               (0.67)       1.09     14.17   13.79      0.76       4.93     335.55      53,797   1.49       4.20
1994-Class A
shares               (0.78)      (1.56)    13.08   (5.51)     0.45       5.28     357.54      47,373   1.55       4.18
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 20, 1993(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ------------------------------------
1993-Class A
shares               (0.22)       0.32     14.64    3.73(f)   0.00(b)    5.15(b)   99.99(f)   30,166   2.42(b)    2.73(b)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                             INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS(N)
                                           -----------------------------------------------
                                                      NET REALIZED     NET
                                                          AND        REALIZED
                                                       UNREALIZED      AND
                                                      GAIN (LOSS)   UNREALIZED    TOTAL
                                                           ON      GAIN (LOSS)    INCOME
                                 NET ASSET            INVESTMENT,   ON FOREIGN    (LOSS)
                                 VALUE AT     NET      OPTION AND    CURRENCY      FROM     FROM NET
                                 BEGINNING INVESTMENT   FUTURES      RELATED    INVESTMENT INVESTMENT
                                 OF PERIOD   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS TRANSACTIONS OPERATIONS   INCOME
                                 --------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ----------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-
Institutional
Shares                            $ 9.85    $0.6431     $0.2282      $(0.0005)   $ 0.8708   $(0.6408)
1997-
Administration
Shares                              9.84     0.6182      0.2380       (0.0005)     0.8557    (0.6157)
1997-Service
Shares                              9.86     0.5937      0.2287       (0.0005)     0.8219    (0.5919)
1997-Class A
Shares(o)                           9.70     0.3059      0.3596       (0.0008)     0.6647    (0.3048)
1997-Class B
Shares(o)                           9.72     0.2686      0.3695       (0.0008)     0.6373    (0.2673)
1997-Class C
Shares(p)                           9.93     0.1118      0.1591       (0.0003)     0.2706    (0.1107)
1996-
Institutional
Shares                             10.00     0.6448     (0.0704)          --       0.5744    (0.6438)
1996-
Administrative
Shares(/1/)                         9.91     0.4083     (0.0703)          --       0.3380    (0.4080)
1996-Service
Shares(l)                           9.77     0.3756      0.0898           --       0.4654    (0.3754)
1995-
Institutional
Shares                              9.24     0.6423      0.7610           --       1.4033    (0.6433)
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 5, 1994(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------
1994-
Institutional
Shares                             10.00     0.4648     (0.7617)          --      (0.2969)   (0.4648)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-Class A
shares                            $14.53    $  0.59     $  0.50      $   0.27    $   1.36   $  (0.79)
1997-Class B
shares                             14.53       0.72        0.36          0.20        1.28      (0.73)
1997-Class C
shares(p)                          14.80       0.16        0.19          0.10        0.45      (0.19)
1997-
Institutional
Shares                             14.52       0.88        0.37          0.19        1.44      (0.87)
1997-Service
Shares(s)                          14.69       0.53        0.25          0.14        0.92      (0.52)
1996-Class A
shares                             14.45       0.71        0.62          0.18        1.51      (1.43)
1996-Class B
shares(q)                          14.03       0.34        0.41          0.11        0.86      (0.36)
1996-
Institutional
shares                             14.45       1.15        0.32          0.10        1.57      (1.50)
1995-Class A
shares                             13.43       0.89        0.92          0.15        1.96      (0.94)
1995-
Institutional
shares(r)                          14.09       0.22        0.34          0.06        0.62      (0.26)
1994-Class A
shares                             15.07       0.84       (1.37)        (0.12)      (0.65)     (0.22)
1993-Class A
shares                             14.69       0.85        1.07         (0.42)       1.50      (0.85)
1992-Class A
shares                             14.60       1.14        0.45         (0.36)       1.23      (1.14)
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 2, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------
1991-Class A
shares                             14.55       0.25        0.23         (0.19)       0.29      (0.24)
<CAPTION>
                                          DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                    
                                 ----------------------------------------------------------
                                                          IN EXCESS                        
                                   FROM NET                 OF NET                         
                                   REALIZED                REALIZED                        
                                   GAIN ON                 GAIN ON                         
                                 INVESTMENT,  IN EXCESS  INVESTMENT,   FROM       TOTAL    
                                  OPTION AND    OF NET    OPTION AND   PAID   DISTRIBUTIONS
                                   FUTURES    INVESTMENT   FUTURES      IN         TO      
                                 TRANSACTIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS CAPITAL SHAREHOLDERS 
                                 ------------ ---------- ------------ ------- -------------
                                                        CORE FIXED INCOME FUND             
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>          
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,                                                            
- -------------------------------                                                            
1997-                                                                                      
Institutional                                                                              
Shares                                 --        --          --          --     $(0.6408)  
1997-                                                                                      
Administration                                                                             
Shares                                 --        --          --          --      (0.6157)  
1997-Service                                                                               
Shares                                 --        --          --          --      (0.5919)  
1997-Class A                                                                               
Shares(o)                              --        --          --          --      (0.3048)  
1997-Class B                                                                               
Shares(o)                              --        --          --          --      (0.2673)  
1997-Class C                                                                               
Shares(p)                              --        --          --          --      (0.1107)  
1996-                                                                                      
Institutional                                                                              
Shares                             (0.0806)      --          --          --      (0.7244)  
1996-                                                                                      
Administrative                                                                             
Shares(/1/)                            --        --          --          --      (0.4080)  
1996-Service                                                                               
Shares(l)                              --        --          --          --      (0.3754)  
1995-                                                                                      
Institutional                                                                              
Shares                                 --        --          --          --      (0.6433)  
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 5, 1994(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,                                      
- -----------------------------------------------------                                      
1994-                                                                                      
Institutional                                                                              
Shares                                 --        --          --          --      (0.4648)  
                                                           GLOBAL INCOME FUND              
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,                                                            
- -------------------------------                                                            
1997-Class A                                                                               
shares                                  --        --          --          --    $  (0.79)  
1997-Class B                                                                               
shares                                  --        --          --          --       (0.73)  
1997-Class C                                                                               
shares(p)                               --        --          --          --       (0.19)  
1997-                                                                                      
Institutional                                                                              
Shares                                  --        --          --          --       (0.87)  
1997-Service                                                                               
Shares(s)                               --        --          --          --       (0.52)  
1996-Class A                                                                               
shares                                  --        --          --          --       (1.43)  
1996-Class B                                                                               
shares(q)                               --        --          --          --       (0.36)  
1996-                                                                                      
Institutional                                                                              
shares                                  --        --          --          --       (1.50)  
1995-Class A                                                                               
shares                                  --        --          --          --       (0.94)  
1995-                                                                                      
Institutional                                                                              
shares(r)                               --        --          --          --       (0.26)  
1994-Class A                                                                               
shares                               (0.16)       --          --       (0.61)      (0.99)  
1993-Class A                                                                               
shares                               (0.27)       --          --          --       (1.12)  
1992-Class A                                                                               
shares                                  --        --          --          --       (1.14)  
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 2, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,                                       
- ----------------------------------------------------                                       
1991-Class A                                                                               
shares                                  --        --          --          --       (0.24)  
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            RATIOS ASSUMING NO
                                                                                                            VOLUNTARY WAIVER OF
                                                                                                              FEES OR EXPENSE
                                                                                                                LIMITATIONS
                                                                                                            --------------------
                                 
                                                              RATIO OF     RATIO OF                  NET               RATIO OF
                                    NET      NET                NET          NET                    ASSETS  RATIO OF     NET
                                  INCREASE  ASSET             EXPENSES    INVESTMENT                AT END  EXPENSES  INVESTMENT
                                 (DECREASE) VALUE                TO         INCOME                    OF       TO       INCOME
                                   IN NET   AT END            AVERAGE     (LOSS) TO    PORTFOLIO    PERIOD  AVERAGE   (LOSS) TO
                                   ASSET      OF     TOTAL      NET        AVERAGE     TURNOVER      (IN      NET      AVERAGE
                                   VALUE    PERIOD RETURN(K)   ASSETS     NET ASSETS    RATE(D)     000S)    ASSETS   NET ASSETS
                                 ---------- ------ ---------- ----------- ------------ ----------- -------- --------- ----------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>        <C>    <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>      <C>       <C>        
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,  
- -------------------------------  
1997-                            
Institutional                    
Shares                            $ 0.2300  $10.08    9.19%      0.45%        6.53%     361.27%     $79,230   0.83%      6.15%
1997-                            
Administration                   
Shares                              0.2300   10.07    8.92       0.70         6.27      361.27        6,176   1.08       5.89
1997-Service                     
Shares                              0.2300   10.09    8.65       0.95         6.00      361.27        1,868   1.33       5.62
1997-Class A                     
Shares(o)                           0.3599   10.06    6.94(f)    0.70(b)      6.13(b)   361.27(f)     9,336   1.33(b)    5.50(b)
1997-Class B                     
Shares(o)                           0.3700   10.09    6.63(f)    1.45(b)      5.28(b)   361.27(f)       621   1.83(b)    4.90(b)
1997-Class C                     
Shares(p)                           0.1599   10.09    2.74(f)    1.45(b)      4.84(b)   361.27(f)       272   1.83(b)    4.46(b)
1996-                            
Institutional                    
Shares                             (0.1500)   9.85    5.98       0.45         6.51      414.20       72,061   0.83       6.13
1996-                            
Administrative                   
Shares(/1/)                        (0.0700)   9.84    3.56(f)    0.70(b)      6.41(b)   414.20          702   1.08(b)    6.03(b)
1996-Service                     
Shares(l)                           0.0900    9.86    4.90(f)    0.95(b)      6.37(b)   414.20          381   1.33(b)    5.99(b)
1995-                            
Institutional                    
Shares                              0.7600   10.00   15.72       0.45         6.56      382.26       55,502   0.96       6.05
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 5, 1994(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------
1994-
Institutional
Shares                             (0.7617)   9.24   (3.00)   0.45(b)      6.48(b)      285.25       24,508   1.46(b)    5.47(b)
                                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,  
- -------------------------------  
1997-Class A                     
shares                            $   0.57  $15.10    9.66%      1.17%        5.19%     383.72%    $167,096   1.60%      4.76%
1997-Class B                     
shares                                0.55   15.08    9.04       1.71         4.76      383.72        3,465   2.10       4.37
1997-Class C                     
shares(p)                             0.26   15.06    3.03(f)    1.71(b)      4.98(b)   383.72(f)       496   2.10(b)    4.59(b)
1997-                            
Institutional                    
Shares                                0.57   15.09   10.26       0.65         5.72      383.72       60,929   1.04       5.33
1997-Service                     
Shares(s)                             0.40   15.09    6.42(f)    1.15(b)      5.33(b)   383.72(f)       151   1.54(b)    4.94(b)
1996-Class A                     
shares                                0.08   14.53   11.05       1.16         5.81      232.15      198,665   1.64       5.33
1996-Class B                     
shares(q)                             0.50   14.53    6.24(f)    1.70(b)      5.16(b)   232.15(f)       256   2.14(b)    4.72(b)
1996-                            
Institutional                    
shares                                0.07   14.52   11.55       0.65         6.35      232.15       54,254   1.11       5.89
1995-Class A                     
shares                                1.02   14.45   15.08       1.29         6.23      265.86      245,835   1.58       5.94
1995-                            
Institutional                    
shares(r)                             0.36   14.45    4.42(f)    0.65(b)      6.01(b)   265.86(f)    31,619   1.08(b)    5.58(b)
1994-Class A                     
shares                               (1.64)  13.43   (4.49)      1.28         5.73      343.74      396,584   1.53       5.48
1993-Class A                     
shares                                0.38   15.07   10.75       1.30         5.78      313.88      675,662   1.55       5.53
1992-Class A                     
shares                                0.09   14.69    8.77       1.37         7.85      270.75      588,893   1.62       7.60
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 2, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------
1991-Class A
shares                                0.05   14.60    2.00(f)    0.38(f)      1.72(f)    34.22(f)   388,744   0.44(f)    1.66(f)
</TABLE>    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                             INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS(N)                       DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
                           ----------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------
                                      NET REALIZED     NET
                                          AND        REALIZED                                                  IN EXCESS
                                       UNREALIZED      AND                              FROM NET                 OF NET
                                      GAIN (LOSS)   UNREALIZED    TOTAL                 REALIZED                REALIZED
                                           ON      GAIN (LOSS)    INCOME                GAIN ON                 GAIN ON
                 NET ASSET            INVESTMENT,   ON FOREIGN    (LOSS)              INVESTMENT,  IN EXCESS  INVESTMENT,   FROM
                 VALUE AT     NET      OPTION AND    CURRENCY      FROM     FROM NET   OPTION AND    OF NET    OPTION AND   PAID
                 BEGINNING INVESTMENT   FUTURES      RELATED    INVESTMENT INVESTMENT   FUTURES    INVESTMENT   FUTURES      IN
                 OF PERIOD   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS TRANSACTIONS OPERATIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS CAPITAL
                 --------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ -------
<S>              <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
                                                                                                    HIGH YIELD FUND
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 1, 1997(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------
1997-Class A
Shares            $10.00     $0.17       $(0.03)       0.01       $0.15      $(0.17)      --         $(0.01)      --         --
1997-Class B
Shares             10.00      0.15        (0.03)       0.01        0.13       (0.15)      --          (0.01)      --         --
1997-Class C
Shares(p)           9.97      0.14          --         0.01        0.12       (0.14)      --          (0.01)      --         --
1997-
Institutional
Shares             10.00      0.18        (0.03)       0.01        0.16       (0.18)      --          (0.01)      --         --
1997-Service
Shares             10.00      0.17        (0.03)       0.01        0.15       (0.17)      --          (0.01)      --         --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         RATIOS ASSUMING NO
                                                                                                         VOLUNTARY WAIVER OF
                                                                                                           FEES OR EXPENSE
                                                                                                             LIMITATIONS
                                                                                                         ----------------------
                                                             RATIO OF    RATIO OF                 NET                RATIO OF
                                  NET      NET                 NET         NET                   ASSETS  RATIO OF      NET
                                INCREASE  ASSET              EXPENSES   INVESTMENT               AT END  EXPENSES   INVESTMENT
                     TOTAL     (DECREASE) VALUE                 TO        INCOME                   OF       TO        INCOME
                 DISTRIBUTIONS   IN NET   AT END             AVERAGE    (LOSS) TO   PORTFOLIO    PERIOD  AVERAGE    (LOSS) TO
                      TO         ASSET      OF     TOTAL       NET       AVERAGE    TURNOVER      (IN      NET       AVERAGE
                 SHAREHOLDERS    VALUE    PERIOD RETURN(K)    ASSETS    NET ASSETS   RATE(D)     000S)    ASSETS    NET ASSETS
                 ------------- ---------- ------ ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- -------- ---------- -----------
<S>              <C>           <C>        <C>    <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>      <C>        <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 1, 1997(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------
1997-Class A
Shares              $(0.18)      $(0.03)  $9.97    1.50%(f)    0.95%(b)    7.06%(b)   44.80%(f) $325,911   1.57%(b)    6.44%(b)
1997-Class B
Shares               (0.16)       (0.03)   9.97    1.31(f)     1.70(b)     6.28(e)    44.80(f)    10.308   2.07(b)     5.91(b)
1997-Class C
Shares(p)            (0.15)       (0.03)   9.97    1.46(f)     1.70(b)     6.17(b)    44.80(f)     1,791   2.07(b)     5.80(b)
1997-
Institutional
Shares               (0.19)       (0.03)   9.97    1.58(f)     0.70(b)     7.16(b)    44.80(f)         2   1.07(b)     6.79(b)
1997-Service
Shares               (0.18)       (0.03)   9.97    1.46(f)     1.20(b)     6.69(b)    44.80(f)         2   1.57(b)     6.32(b)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>    
   
(a) Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology.     
   
(b) Annualized.     
   
(c) Class A share activity commenced on May 15, 1995.     
   
(d) Includes the effect of mortgage dollar roll transactions.     
   
(e) Administration share activity commenced on April 15, 1993.     
   
(f) Not annualized.     
   
(g) Commencement of operations.     
   
(h) Short Duration Government Fund Administration shares were redeemed in full
    on February 23, 1995 and re-commenced on February 28, 1996 at $9.86.     
   
(i) Service share activity commenced on April 10, 1996.     
   
(j) Administration and service share activity commenced on May 20, 1993 and
    September 20, 1994, respectively.     
   
(k) Assumes investment at the net asset value at the beginning of the period,
    reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of
    the investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no
    sales charges. Total return would be reduced if a sales charge for Class A
    shares or a contingent deferred sales charge for Class B and Class C
    shares were taken into account.     
   
(l) Administration and Service share activity commenced on February 28, 1996
    and March 13, 1996, respectively.     
   
(m) Service share activity commenced on March 27, 1997.     
   
(n) Includes the balancing effect of calculating per share amounts.     
   
(o) Class A and Class B share activity commenced on May 1, 1997.     
          
(p) Commenced operations on August 15, 1997.     
   
(q) Class B shares commenced operations on May 1, 1996.     
   
(r) Institutional shares commenced operations on June 1, 1995.     
   
(s) Service Class shares commenced operations on March 12, 1997.     
       
       
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
 
                      INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
 
 
  The investment objectives and principal investment policies of each Fund are
described below. Other investment practices and management techniques, which
involve certain risks, are described under "Description of Securities," "Risk
Factors" and "Investment Techniques." There can be no assurance that a Fund's
investment objectives will be achieved.
 
  A Fund's duration approximates its price sensitivity to changes in interest
rates. Maturity measures the time until final payment is due; it takes no
account of the pattern of a security's cash flows over time. In computing
portfolio duration, a Fund will estimate the duration of obligations that are
subject to prepayment or redemption by the issuer taking into account the
influence of interest rates on prepayments and coupon flows. This method of
computing duration is known as "option-adjusted" duration. A Fund will not be
limited as to its maximum weighted average portfolio maturity or the maximum
stated maturity with respect to individual securities unless otherwise noted.
   
  A Fund will deem a security to have met its minimum credit rating
requirement if the security receives the minimum required long-term rating (or
the equivalent short-term credit rating) at the time of purchase from at least
one nationally recognized statistical rating organization ("NRSRO") including,
but not limited to, Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") and Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") even though it has been rated below the
minimum rating by one or more other NRSROs or, if unrated, is determined by
the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. If a security satisfies a
Fund's minimum rating criteria at the time of purchase and is subsequently
downgraded below such rating, the Fund will not be required to dispose of such
security. If a downgrade occurs, the Investment Adviser will consider what
action, including the sale of such security, is in the best interest of a Fund
and its shareholders.     
   
  The Investment Adviser will usually have access to the research of, and
certain proprietary technical models developed by, Goldman Sachs and will
apply quantitative and qualitative analysis in determining the appropriate
allocations among the categories of issuers and types of securities.     
 
 ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high level of current income, consistent with low volatility of principal.
 
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be in a range approximately equal to that of a six-month to one-
year U.S. Treasury security. In addition, under normal interest rate
conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed two years. The
approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected to be comparable
to a nine-month note.
   
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least
65% of its total assets in U.S. Government Securities that are adjustable rate
mortgage pass-through securities and other mortgage securities with periodic
interest rate resets. The remainder of the Fund's assets (up to 35%) may be
invested in other U.S. Government Securities, including fixed rate mortgage
pass-through securities, other securities representing an interest in or
collateralized by adjustable rate and fixed rate mortgage loans ("Mortgage-
Backed Securities") and repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S.
Government Securities. Substantially all of the Fund's assets     
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
will be invested in U.S. Government Securities. 100% of the Fund's portfolio
will be invested in U.S. dollar-denominated securities.
 
  CREDIT QUALITY. The Fund invests in U.S. Government Securities and
repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities.
 
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure and to seek to enhance returns. These
techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of financial futures
contracts, option contracts (including options on futures), mortgage and
interest rate swaps and interest rate floors, caps and collars. The Fund may
also employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as
lending portfolio securities and entering into mortgage dollar rolls,
repurchase agreements and other investment practices described under
"Investment Techniques."
 
 SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide a high level of
current income. Secondarily, the Fund may, in seeking current income, also
consider the potential for capital appreciation.
 
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the two-year U.S.
Treasury security, plus or minus .5 years. In addition, under normal interest
rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed three years. The
approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected to be comparable
to a two-year bond.
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at
least 65% of its total assets in U.S. Government Securities and in repurchase
agreements collateralized by such securities. Substantially all of the Fund's
assets will be invested in U.S. Government Securities. 100% of the Fund's
portfolio will be invested in U.S. dollar-denominated securities.
 
  CREDIT QUALITY. The Fund invests in U.S. Government Securities and
repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities.
 
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure and to seek to enhance returns. These
techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of financial futures
contracts, option contracts (including options on futures), mortgage and
interest rate swaps and interest rate floors, caps and collars. The Fund may
also employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as
lending portfolio securities and entering into mortgage dollar rolls,
repurchase agreements and other investment practices described under
"Investment Techniques."
 
 SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high level of current income, consistent with relatively low volatility of
principal, that is exempt from regular federal income tax.
 
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the Lehman Brothers
three-year Municipal Bond Index, plus or minus .5 years. In addition, under
normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed
four years. The approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected
to be comparable to a three-year bond.
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal conditions, at least 80%
of its net assets in fixed-income securities issued by or on behalf of states,
territories and possessions of the United States (including the District of
Columbia) and the political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities
thereof ("Municipal Securities"), the interest on which is exempt from regular
federal income tax (i.e., excluded from gross income for federal income tax
purposes), and is not a tax preference item under the federal alternative
minimum tax. Under normal circumstances, the Fund's investments in private
activity bonds and taxable investments will not exceed, in the aggregate, 20%
of the Fund's net assets. The interest from certain private activity bonds
(including the Fund's distributions of such interest) may be a preference item
for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax. 100% of the Fund's
portfolio will be invested in U.S. dollar-denominated securities.
 
  CREDIT QUALITY. The Municipal Securities in which the Fund invests will be
rated, at the time of investment, at least BBB or Baa by an NRSRO or, if
unrated, will be determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable
quality. Municipal Securities rated BBB or Baa are considered medium-grade
obligations with speculative characteristics, and adverse economic conditions
or changing circumstances may weaken their issuers' capability to pay interest
and repay principal. The credit rating assigned to Municipal Securities may
reflect the existence of guarantees, letters of credit or other credit
enhancement features available to the issuers or holders of such Municipal
Securities.
 
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure and to seek to enhance returns. These
techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of financial futures
contracts, option contracts (including options on futures), interest rate
swaps, floors, caps and collars. The Fund may also employ other investment
techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as lending portfolio securities
and entering into repurchase agreements and other investment practices
described under "Investment Techniques."
 
  While the Fund, under normal market conditions, invests substantially all of
its assets in Municipal Securities, the recognition of certain accrued market
discount income (if the Fund acquires Municipal Securities or other
obligations at a market discount), income from investments other than
Municipal Securities and any capital gains generated from the disposition of
investments, will result in taxable income. In addition to federal income tax,
shareholders may be subject to state, local or foreign taxes on distributions
of such income received from the Fund. See "Description of Securities."
 
 GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high level of current income, consistent with safety of principal.
 
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the Lehman Brothers
Mutual Fund Government/Mortgage Index, plus or minus one year. In addition,
under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not
exceed six years. The approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is
expected to be comparable to a five-year bond.
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least
65% of its total assets in U.S. Government Securities and in repurchase
agreements collateralized by such securities. The remainder of the Fund's
assets may be invested in non-government securities such as privately issued
Mortgage-Backed Securities, Asset-Backed Securities and corporate securities.
100% of the Fund's portfolio will be invested in U.S. dollar-denominated
securities.
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
  CREDIT QUALITY. The Fund's non-U.S. Government Securities will be rated, at
the time of investment, AAA or Aaa by an NRSRO or, if unrated, will be
determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality.
 
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure and to seek to enhance returns. These
techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of financial futures
contracts, option contracts (including options on futures), mortgage and
interest rate swaps and interest rate floors, caps and collars. The Fund may
also employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as
lending portfolio securities and entering into mortgage dollar rolls,
repurchase agreements and other investment practices described under
"Investment Techniques."
 
 MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high level of current income that is exempt from regular federal income tax,
consistent with preservation of capital.
 
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the Lehman Brothers
fifteen-year Municipal Bond Index, plus or minus one year. In addition, under
normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed
twelve years. The approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is
expected to be comparable to a fifteen-year bond.
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least
80% of its net assets in Municipal Securities, the interest on which is exempt
from regular federal income tax (i.e., excluded from gross income for federal
income tax purposes). The Fund may invest up to 100% of its net assets in
private activity bonds, the interest from certain of which (including the
Fund's distributions of such interest) may be a preference item for purposes
of the federal alternative minimum tax. 100% of the Fund's portfolio will be
invested in U.S. dollar-denominated securities.
 
  CREDIT QUALITY. Under normal market conditions, the weighted average credit
quality of the Fund's portfolio will be equivalent to that of securities rated
AA or Aa by an NRSRO. All securities purchased by the Fund will be rated, at
the time of investment, at least BBB or Baa by an NRSRO or, if unrated, will
be determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. Fixed-
income securities rated BBB or Baa are considered medium-grade obligations
with speculative characteristics, and adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances may weaken their issuers' capability to pay interest and repay
principal. The credit rating assigned to Municipal Securities may reflect the
existence of guarantees, letters of credit or other credit enhancement
features available to the issuers or holders of such Municipal Securities.
 
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure and to seek to enhance returns. These
techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of financial futures
contracts, option contracts (including options on futures), interest rate
swaps, interest rate floors, caps and collars. The Fund may also employ other
investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as lending portfolio
securities and entering into repurchase agreements and other investment
practices described under "Investment Techniques."
 
  While the Fund, under normal market conditions, invests substantially all of
its assets in Municipal Securities, the recognition of certain accrued market
discount income (if the Fund acquires Municipal Securities or other
obligations at a market discount), income from investments other than
Municipal Securities and any capital gains generated from the disposition of
investments, will result in taxable income. In addition to federal income tax,
shareholders may be subject to state, local or foreign taxes on distributions
of such income received from the Fund. See "Description of Securities."
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
 CORE FIXED INCOME FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
total return consisting of capital appreciation and income that exceeds the
total return of the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index (the "Index").
   
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the Lehman Brothers
Aggregate Bond Index, plus or minus one year. In addition, under normal
interest rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed six
years. The approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected to be
comparable to a five-year bond.     
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least
65% of its total assets in fixed-income securities, including U.S. Government
Securities, corporate debt securities, Mortgage-Backed Securities, and Asset-
Backed Securities. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in
obligations of domestic and foreign issuers which are denominated in
currencies other than the U.S. dollar, 10% of which may be invested in issuers
in countries with emerging markets and economies. A number of investment
strategies will be used to achieve the Fund's investment objective, including
market sector selection, determination of yield curve exposure, and issuer
selection. In addition, the Investment Adviser will attempt to take advantage
of pricing inefficiencies in the fixed-income markets.
   
  The Index currently includes U.S. Government Securities and fixed-rate,
publicly issued, U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities rated at
least BBB or Baa by an NRSRO. The securities currently included in the Index
have at least one year remaining to maturity; have an outstanding principal
amount of at least $100 million; and are issued by the following types of
issuers, with each category receiving a different weighting in the Index: U.S.
Treasury; agencies, authorities or instrumentalities of the U.S. government;
issuers of Mortgage-Backed Securities; utilities; industrial issuers;
financial institutions; foreign issuers; and issuers of Asset-Backed
Securities. The Index is a trademark of Lehman Brothers. Inclusion of a
security in the Index does not imply an opinion by Lehman Brothers as to its
attractiveness or appropriateness for investment. Although Lehman Brothers
obtains factual information used in connection with the Index from sources
which it considers reliable, Lehman Brothers claims no responsibility for the
accuracy, completeness or timeliness of such information and has no liability
to any person for any loss arising from results obtained from the use of the
Index data.     
   
  CREDIT QUALITY. All U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities
purchased by the Fund will be rated, at the time of investment, at least BBB
or Baa by an NRSRO. The non-U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities in
which the Fund may invest will be rated, at the time of investment, at least
AA or Aa by an NRSRO or, if unrated, will be determined by the Investment
Adviser to be of comparable quality. Fixed-income securities rated BBB or Baa
are considered medium-grade obligations with speculative characteristics, and
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances may weaken their
issuers' capability to pay interest and repay principal.     
   
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure, to seek to hedge its exposure to foreign
currencies and to seek to enhance returns. These techniques include, but are
not limited to, the use of financial futures contracts, option contracts
(including options on futures), forward foreign currency exchange contracts,
currency options and futures, currency, mortgage and interest rate swaps and
interest rate floors, caps and collars. Currency management techniques involve
risks different from those associated with investing solely in U.S. dollar-
denominated fixed-income securities of U.S. issuers. It is expected that the
Fund will use certain currency techniques to seek to hedge against currency
    
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
exchange rate fluctuations or to seek to increase total return. The Fund may
invest in custodial receipts, Municipal Securities and convertible securities.
The Fund may also employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance
returns, such as lending portfolio securities and entering into mortgage
dollar rolls, repurchase agreements and other investment practices, described
under "Investment Techniques."
 
 GLOBAL INCOME FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high total return, emphasizing current income, and, to a lesser extent,
providing opportunities for capital appreciation.
   
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the J.P. Morgan Global
Government Bond Index (hedged), plus or minus 2.5 years. In addition, under
normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed
7.5 years. The approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected
to be comparable to a six-year bond.     
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests primarily in a portfolio of high quality
fixed-income securities of U.S. and foreign issuers and enters into
transactions in foreign currencies. Under normal market conditions, the Fund
will (i) have at least 30% of its total assets, after considering the effect
of currency positions, denominated in U.S. dollars and (ii) invest in
securities of issuers in at least three countries. The Fund may also invest up
to 10% of its total assets in issuers in countries with emerging markets and
economies. The Fund seeks to meet its investment objective by pursuing
investment opportunities in foreign and domestic fixed-income securities
markets and by engaging in currency transactions to seek to enhance returns
and to seek to hedge its portfolio against currency exchange rate
fluctuations.
   
  The fixed-income securities in which the Fund may invest include: (i) U.S.
Government Securities and custodial receipts therefor; (ii) securities issued
or guaranteed by a foreign government or any of its political subdivisions,
authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or by supranational entities (i.e.,
international organizations designated or supported by governmental entities
to promote economic reconstruction or development, such as the World Bank);
(iii) corporate debt securities; (iv) certificates of deposit and bankers'
acceptances issued or guaranteed by, or time deposits maintained at, U.S. or
foreign banks (and their branches wherever located) having total assets of
more than $1 billion; (v) commercial paper; and (vi) Mortgage-Backed and
Asset-Backed Securities.     
   
  CREDIT QUALITY. All securities purchased by the Fund will be rated, at the
time of investment, at least BBB or Baa by an NRSRO. However, the Fund will
invest at least 50% of its total assets in securities rated, at the time of
investment, AAA or Aaa by an NRSRO. Unrated securities will be determined by
the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. Fixed-income securities
rated BBB or Baa are considered medium-grade obligations with speculative
characteristics, and adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances may
weaken their issuers' capability to pay interest and repay principal.     
   
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure, to seek to hedge its exposure to foreign
currencies and to seek to enhance returns. These techniques include, but are
not limited to, the use of financial futures contracts, option contracts
(including options on futures), forward foreign currency exchange contracts,
currency options and futures, currency, mortgage and interest rate swaps and
interest rate floors, caps and collars. Currency management techniques involve
risks different from those associated with investing solely in U.S. dollar-
denominated fixed-income securities of U.S.     
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
issuers. It is expected that the Fund will use certain currency techniques to
seek to hedge against currency exchange rate fluctuations or to seek to
increase total return. While the Fund will have both long and short currency
positions, its net long and short foreign currency exposure will not exceed
the value of the Fund's total assets. To the extent that the Fund is fully
invested in foreign securities while also maintaining currency positions, it
may be exposed to greater combined risk. The Fund's net currency positions may
expose it to risks independent of its securities positions. The Fund may also
employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as lending
portfolio securities and entering into mortgage dollar rolls, repurchase
agreements and other investment practices described under "Investment
Techniques."
   
  The Fund may invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of
corporate and governmental issuers located in each of Canada, Germany, Japan,
and the United Kingdom as well as in the securities of U.S. issuers.
Concentration of the Fund's investments in such issuers will subject the Fund,
to a greater extent than if investment was more limited, to the risks of
adverse securities markets, exchange rates and social, political or economic
events which may occur in those countries. Not more than 25% of the Fund's
total assets will be invested in securities of issuers in any other single
foreign country.     
 
 HIGH YIELD FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high level of current income. Secondarily, the Fund may, in seeking current
income, also consider the potential for capital appreciation.
   
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the Lehman Brothers High
Yield Bond Index, plus or minus 2.5 years. In addition, under normal interest
rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed 7.5 years. The
approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected to be comparable
to a 6-year bond.     
   
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least
65% of its total assets in high yield, fixed-income securities rated, at the
time of investment, below investment grade. Non-investment grade securities
are securities rated BB, Ba or below by an NRSRO, or, if unrated, determined
by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest in
all types of fixed-income securities, including senior and subordinated
corporate debt obligations (such as bonds, debentures, notes and commercial
paper), convertible and non-convertible corporate debt obligations, loan
participations, custodial receipts, municipal securities and preferred stock.
The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in obligations of domestic
and foreign issuers (including securities of issuers located in countries with
emerging markets and economies) which are denominated in currencies other than
the U.S. dollar. Under normal market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 35%
of its total assets in investment grade fixed-income securities, including
U.S. Government Securities, Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities and
corporate securities. The Fund may also invest in common stocks, warrants,
rights and other equity securities, but will generally hold such equity
investments only when debt or preferred stock of the issuer of such equity
securities is held by the Fund. A number of investment strategies are used to
seek to achieve the Fund's investment objective, including market sector
selection, determination of yield curve exposure, and issuer selection. In
addition, the Investment Adviser will attempt to take advantage of pricing
inefficiencies in the fixed-income markets.     
 
  CREDIT QUALITY. The Fund invests primarily in high yield, fixed income
securities rated below investment grade, including securities of issuers in
default. Non-investment grade securities (commonly known as "junk bonds") tend
to offer higher yields than higher rated securities with similar maturities.
Non-investment grade
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
securities are, however, considered speculative and generally involve greater
price volatility and greater risk of loss of principal and interest than
higher rated securities. See "Description of Securities." A description of the
corporate bond and preferred stock ratings is contained in Appendix B to the
Additional Statement.
   
  For your information, set forth below is the average distribution of ratings
for the portfolio securities (including commercial paper and nonconvertible
bonds) held by Fund during the most recent fiscal year:     
                                 
                              CREDIT QUALITY     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                   PERCENTAG  OF
                                                                   FUND'S ASSETS
                                                                   -------------
     <S>                                                           <C>
     AAA/Aaa......................................................       1.3%
     AA/Aa........................................................         0%
     A............................................................         0%
     BBB/Baa......................................................       0.3%
     BB/Ba........................................................      13.1%
     Below Ba.....................................................      85.3%
     Not rated....................................................         0%
      Comparable to A.............................................         0%
      Comparable to BBB/Baa.......................................         0%
      Comparable to BB/Ba or lower................................         0%
      Comparable to Below Ba......................................         0%
                                                                       -----
                                                                       100.0%
                                                                       =====
</TABLE>    
       
       
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure, to seek to hedge its exposure to foreign
securities and to seek to enhance returns. These techniques include, but are
not limited to, the use of financial futures contracts, option contracts
(including options on futures), forward foreign currency exchange contracts,
currency options and futures, currency, mortgage and interest rate swaps, and
interest rate floors, caps and collars. Currency management techniques involve
risks different from those associated with investing solely in U.S. dollar-
denominated fixed-income securities of U.S. issuers. It is expected that the
Fund will use certain currency techniques to seek to hedge against currency
exchange rate fluctuations or to seek to increase total return. The Fund may
also employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as
lending portfolio securities and entering into repurchase agreements and other
investment practices described under "Investment Techniques."
 
 
                           DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
 
 
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
 
  Each Fund may invest in U.S. Government Securities. Generally, these
securities include U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations issued or
guaranteed by U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored
enterprises which are supported by (a) the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Treasury (such as the Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie
Mae")), (b) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury (such as
securities of the Student Loan Marketing Association), (c) the discretionary
authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the issuer
(such as the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") and Federal
Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac")), or (d) only the credit of the
issuer. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide
financial support to U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored
enterprises in the future.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
  U.S. Government Securities also include Treasury receipts, zero coupon bonds
and other stripped U.S. Government Securities, where the interest and
principal components of stripped U.S. Government Securities are traded
independently. The most widely recognized program is the Separate Trading of
Registered Interest and Principal of Securities Program.
 
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
 
  CHARACTERISTICS OF MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Mortgage-Backed Securities
represent direct or indirect participations in, or are collateralized by and
payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. Mortgagors can
generally prepay interest or principal on their mortgage whenever they choose.
Therefore, Mortgage-Backed Securities are often subject to more rapid
repayment than their stated maturity date would indicate as a result of
principal prepayments on the underlying loans. This can result in
significantly greater price and yield volatility than is the case with
traditional fixed-income securities. During periods of declining interest
rates, prepayments can be expected to accelerate, and thus impair a Fund's
ability to reinvest the returns of principal at comparable yields. Conversely,
in a rising interest rate environment, a declining prepayment rate will extend
the average life of many Mortgage-Backed Securities and prevent a Fund from
taking advantage of such higher yields.
   
  FIXED RATE MORTGAGE LOANS. Generally, fixed-rate mortgage loans pay interest
at fixed annual rates and have original terms to maturity ranging from 5 to 40
years. Fixed-rate mortgage loans typically provide for monthly payments of
principal and interest in substantially equal installments for the term of the
mortgage note in sufficient amounts to amortize fully principal by maturity,
although certain fixed-rate mortgage loans provide for a large final "balloon"
payment upon maturity.     
 
  ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE LOANS ("ARMS"). The Adjustable Rate Government Fund
will primarily, and the Short Duration Government, Government Income, Core
Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may, invest in ARMs, which
are pass-through mortgage securities collateralized by mortgages with
adjustable rather than fixed coupon rates. ARMs generally provide for a fixed
initial mortgage interest rate for a set period. Thereafter, the interest
rates are subject to periodic adjustments based on changes to a designated
benchmark index.
 
  ARMs allow a Fund to participate in increases in interest rates through
periodic increases in the securities' coupon rates. During periods of
declining interest rates, coupon rates may readjust downward resulting in
lower yields to a Fund. Therefore, the value of an ARM is unlikely to rise
during periods of declining interest rates to the same extent as fixed-rate
securities. Interest rate declines may result in accelerated prepayment of
mortgages with the result that proceeds from prepayments will be reinvested at
lower interest rates. During periods of rising interest rates, changes in the
coupon rate will lag behind changes in the market rate. ARMs are also
typically subject to maximum increases and decreases in the interest rate
adjustment which can be made on any one adjustment date, in any one year, or
during the life of the security. In the event of dramatic increases or
decreases in prevailing market interest rates, the value of a Fund's
investments in ARMs may fluctuate more substantially since these limits may
prevent the security from fully adjusting its interest rate to the prevailing
market rates.
 
  U.S. GOVERNMENT GUARANTEED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Certain Mortgage-
Backed Securities are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its
agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. Such issuers include,
but are not limited to, Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. See "U.S.
Government Securities."
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
  PRIVATELY ISSUED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The Government Income, Core
Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may invest in Mortgage-Backed
Securities issued or sponsored by non-governmental entities. Privately issued
Mortgage-Backed Securities are generally backed by pools of conventional
(i.e., non-government guaranteed or insured) mortgage loans. Since such
Mortgage-Backed Securities normally are not guaranteed by an entity having the
credit standing of Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, in order to receive
a high quality rating from the rating organizations (i.e., S&P or Moody's),
they normally are structured with one or more types of "credit enhancement."
 
  MULTIPLE CLASS MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES AND COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
OBLIGATIONS. The Adjustable Rate Government, Short Duration Government,
Government Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may
also invest in multiple class securities, including collateralized mortgage
obligations ("CMOs") and Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit ("REMIC")
pass-through or participation certificates. CMOs provide an investor with a
specified interest in the cash flow from a pool of underlying mortgages or of
other Mortgage-Backed Securities. CMOs are issued in multiple classes, each
with a specified fixed or floating interest rate and a final scheduled
distribution date. In most cases, payments of principal are applied to the CMO
classes in the order of their respective stated maturities, so that no
principal payments will be made on a CMO class until all other classes having
an earlier stated maturity date are paid in full. A REMIC is a CMO that
qualifies for special tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code"), and invests in certain mortgages principally secured
by interests in real property and other permitted investments. The Funds do
not intend to purchase residual interests in REMICs.
   
  STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The Adjustable Rate Government, Short
Duration Government, Government Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and
High Yield Funds may invest in Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities ("SMBS"),
which are derivative multiple class Mortgage-Backed Securities. SMBS are
usually structured with two different classes: one that receives 100% of the
interest payments and the other that receives 100% of the principal payments
from a pool of mortgage loans. If the underlying mortgage loans experience
different than anticipated prepayments of principal, a Fund may fail to recoup
fully its initial investment in these securities. The market value of the
class consisting entirely of principal payments generally is unusually
volatile in response to changes in interest rates. The yields on a class of
SMBS that receives all or most of the interest from mortgage loans are
generally higher than prevailing market yields on other Mortgage-Backed
Securities because their cash flow patterns are more volatile and there is a
greater risk that the initial investment will not be fully recouped. A Fund's
investments in SMBS may require the Fund to sell certain of its portfolio
securities to generate sufficient cash to satisfy certain income distribution
requirements.     
 
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
 
  The Government Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds
may invest in Asset-Backed Securities. The principal and interest payments on
Asset-Backed Securities are collateralized by pools of assets such as auto
loans, credit card receivables, leases, installment contracts and personal
property. Such asset pools are securitized through the use of special purpose
trusts or corporations. Principal and interest payments may be credit enhanced
by a letter of credit, a pool insurance policy or a senior/subordinated
structure.
 
LOAN PARTICIPATIONS
 
  The High Yield Fund may invest in loan participations. Such loans must be to
issuers in whose obligations the High Yield Fund may invest. A loan
participation is an interest in a loan to a U.S. or foreign company or other
borrower which is administered and sold by a financial intermediary. In a
typical corporate loan
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
syndication, a number of lenders, usually banks (co-lenders), lend a corporate
borrower a specified sum pursuant to the terms and conditions of a loan
agreement. One of the co-lenders usually agrees to act as the agent bank with
respect to the loan.
 
  Participation interests acquired by the High Yield Fund may take the form of
a direct or co-lending relationship with the corporate borrower, an assignment
of an interest in the loan by a co-lender or another participant, or a
participation in the seller's share of the loan. When the High Yield Fund acts
as co-lender in connection with a participation interest or when the High
Yield Fund acquires certain participation interests, the High Yield Fund will
have direct recourse against the borrower if the borrower fails to pay
scheduled principal and interest. In cases where the High Yield Fund lacks
direct recourse, it will look to the agent bank to enforce appropriate credit
remedies against the borrower. In these cases, the High Yield Fund may be
subject to delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those that would
have been involved if the Fund had purchased a direct obligation (such as
commercial paper) of such borrower. For example, in the event of the
bankruptcy or insolvency of the corporate borrower, a loan participation may
be subject to certain defenses by the borrower as a result of improper conduct
by the agent bank. Moreover, under the terms of the loan participation, the
High Yield Fund may be regarded as a creditor of the agent bank (rather than
of the underlying corporate borrower), so that the High Yield Fund may also be
subject to the risk that the agent bank may become insolvent. The secondary
market, if any, for these loan participations is limited and any loan
participations purchased by the High Yield Fund will be regarded as illiquid.
 
  For purposes of certain investment limitations pertaining to diversification
of the High Yield Fund's portfolio investments, the issuer of a loan
participation will be the underlying borrower. However, in cases where the
High Yield Fund does not have recourse directly against the borrower, both the
borrower and each agent bank and co-lender interposed between the High Yield
Fund and the borrower will be deemed issuers of a loan participation.
 
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
   
  GENERAL. Municipal Securities in which the Short Duration Tax-Free and
Municipal Income Funds and, to a limited extent, the Core Fixed Income and
High Yield Funds invest consist of bonds, notes, commercial paper and other
instruments (including participation interests in such securities) issued by
or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States
(including the District of Columbia) and their political subdivisions,
agencies or instrumentalities, the interest on which, in the opinion of bond
counsel for the issuers or counsel selected by the Investment Adviser, is
exempt from regular federal income tax (i.e., excluded from gross income for
federal income tax purposes but not necessarily exempt from federal
alternative minimum tax or from state or local taxes). Such securities may pay
fixed, variable or floating rates of interest. Municipal Securities are often
issued to obtain funds for various public purposes, including the construction
of a wide range of public facilities such as bridges, highways, housing,
hospitals, mass transportation, schools, streets and water and sewer works.
Other public purposes for which Municipal Securities may be issued include
refunding outstanding obligations, obtaining funds for general operating
expenses, and obtaining funds to lend to other public institutions and
facilities. The Core Fixed Income and High Yield Funds may also invest in
taxable Municipal Securities.     
 
  PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS. Municipal Securities include "private activity
bonds" or industrial development bonds, which are issued by or on behalf of
public authorities to obtain funds for such projects as privately-operated
housing facilities, airport, mass transit or port facilities and sewage
disposal. In addition, proceeds of certain industrial development bonds are
used for constructing, equipping, repairing or improving privately operated
industrial or commercial facilities. The Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal
Income Funds'
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
distributions attributable to the interest income from private activity bonds
may subject certain investors to the federal alternative minimum tax.
 
  MUNICIPAL LEASES AND CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION. A municipal lease is an
obligation in the form of a lease or installment purchase which is issued by a
state or local government to acquire equipment and facilities. Certificates of
participation represent undivided interests in municipal leases, installment
purchase agreements or other instruments. The primary risk associated with
municipal lease obligations and certificates of participation is that the
governmental lessee will fail to appropriate funds to enable it to meet its
payment obligations under the lease. Although the obligations may be secured
by the leased equipment or facilities, the disposition of the property in the
event of non-appropriation or foreclosure might prove difficult, time
consuming and costly, and result in a delay in recovering or the failure to
fully recover the Fund's original investment. To the extent that a Fund
invests in unrated municipal leases or participates in such leases, the credit
quality rating and risk of cancellation of such unrated leases will be
monitored on an ongoing basis. Certain municipal lease obligations and
certificates of participation may be deemed illiquid for the purpose of a
Fund's limitation on investments in illiquid securities.
 
  PRE-REFUNDED MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. The interest and principal payments on
pre-refunded Municipal Securities are typically paid from the cash flow
generated from an escrow fund consisting of U.S. Government Securities. These
payments have been "pre-refunded" using the escrow fund.
 
  INSURED SECURITIES. "Insured" Municipal Securities are those for which
scheduled payments of interest and principal are guaranteed by a private (non-
governmental) insurance company. The insurance entitles a Fund to receive only
the face or par value of the securities held by the Fund. The insurance does
not guarantee the market value of the Municipal Securities or the net asset
value of a Fund's shares.
 
  AUCTION RATE SECURITIES. Auction rate Municipal Securities permit the holder
to sell the securities in an auction at par value at specified intervals. The
dividend or interest is typically reset by "Dutch" auction in which bids are
made by broker-dealers and other institutions for a certain amount of
securities at a specified minimum yield. The rate set by the auction is the
lowest interest or dividend rate that covers all securities offered for sale.
While this process is designed to permit auction rate securities to be traded
at par value, there is the risk that an auction will fail due to insufficient
demand for the securities. A Fund will take the time remaining until the next
scheduled auction date into account for purposes of determining the
securities' duration.
 
CORPORATE DEBT OBLIGATIONS
 
  The Government Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds
may invest in corporate debt obligations. In addition to obligations of
corporations, corporate debt obligations include securities issued by banks
and other financial institutions. Corporate debt obligations are subject to
the risk of an issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on
the obligations.
   
  The Government Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds
may also invest in trust preferred securities. A trust preferred or capital
security is a long dated bond (for example, 30 years) with preferred features.
The preferred features are that payment of interest can be deferred for a
specified period without initiating a default event. From a bondholder's
viewpoint, the securities are senior in claim to standard preferred stock but
junior to other bondholders. From the issuer's viewpoint, the securities are
attractive because their interest is deductible for tax purposes like other
types of debt instruments.     
 
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
 
  The Core Fixed Income and High Yield Funds may invest in convertible
securities, including debt obligations, and for High Yield Fund preferred
stock, of an issuer convertible at a stated exchange rate into common stock of
the issuer. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend
yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. As with all debt
securities, the market value of convertible securities tends to decline as
interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates
decline. However, when the market price of the common stock underlying a
convertible security exceeds the conversion price, the price of the
convertible security tends to reflect the market price of the underlying
common stock. As the market price of the underlying common stock declines, the
convertible security tends to trade increasingly on a yield basis, and thus
may not depreciate to the same extent as the underlying common stock.
Convertible securities in which a Fund invests are subject to the same rating
criteria as its other investments in fixed-income securities.
 
PREFERRED STOCK, WARRANTS AND RIGHTS
 
  The High Yield Fund may invest in preferred stock, warrants and rights.
Preferred stocks are securities that represent an ownership interest providing
the holder with claims on the issuer's earnings and assets before common stock
owners but after bond owners. Unlike debt securities, the obligations of an
issuer of preferred stock, including dividend and other payment obligations,
may not typically be accelerated by the holders of such preferred stock on the
occurrence of an event of default (such as a covenant default or filing of a
bankruptcy petition) or other non-compliance by the issuer with the terms of
the preferred stock. Often, however, on the occurrence of any such event of
default or non-compliance by the issuer, preferred stockholders will be
entitled to gain representation on the issuer's board of directors or increase
their existing board representation. In addition, preferred stockholders may
be granted voting rights with respect to certain issues on the occurrence of
any event of default.
 
  Warrants and other rights are options to buy a stated number of shares of
common stock at a specified price at any time during the life of the warrant.
The holders of warrants and rights have no voting rights, receive no dividends
and have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer.
 
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS
 
  FOREIGN SECURITIES. The Global Income Fund will, and the Core Fixed Income
and High Yield Funds may, invest in fixed-income securities of foreign issuers
denominated in any currency. However, the Core Fixed Income and High Yield
Funds will limit their investments in non-U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income
securities to 25% of their total assets. Investment in foreign securities may
offer potential benefits that are not available from investing exclusively in
U.S. dollar-denominated domestic issues. Foreign countries may have economic
policies or business cycles different from those of the U.S. and markets for
foreign fixed-income securities do not necessarily move in a manner parallel
to U.S. markets.
 
  Investing in the securities of foreign issuers involves risks that are not
typically associated with investing in fixed-income securities of domestic
issuers quoted in U.S. dollars. Such investments may be affected by changes in
currency rates, changes in foreign or U.S. laws or restrictions applicable to
such investments and in exchange control regulations (e.g., currency
blockage). A decline in the exchange rate of the currency (i.e., weakening of
the currency against the U.S. dollar) in which a portfolio security is quoted
or denominated relative to the U.S. dollar would reduce the value of the
portfolio security. In addition, if the currency in which a Fund receives
dividends, interest or other payments declines in value against the U.S.
dollar before such income is distributed as dividends to shareholders or
converted to U.S. dollars, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities to
obtain
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
sufficient cash to pay such dividends. In addition, clearance and settlement
procedures may be different in foreign countries and, in certain markets, such
procedures have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities
transactions, making it more difficult to conduct such transactions.
 
  The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may invest in an
issuer domiciled in one country yet issuing the security in the currency of
another country. The Funds may also invest in debt securities denominated in
the European Currency Unit ("ECU"), which is a "basket" consisting of
specified amounts in the currencies of certain of the twelve member states of
the European Community. The specific amounts of currencies comprising the ECU
may be adjusted by the Council of Ministers of the European Community from
time to time to reflect changes in relative values of the underlying
currencies. In addition, the Funds may invest in securities denominated in
other currency "baskets."
 
  Foreign issuers are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing
and financial reporting standards comparable to those applicable to U.S.
issuers. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign
issuer than about a U.S. issuer. In addition, there is generally less
government regulation of foreign markets, companies and securities dealers
than in the U.S. Foreign securities markets may have substantially less volume
than U.S. securities markets and securities of many foreign issuers may be
less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers.
Furthermore, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a possibility
of nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, imposition of
withholding or other taxes on dividend or interest payments (or, in some
cases, capital gains), limitations on the removal of funds or other assets of
a Fund, political or social instability or diplomatic developments which could
affect investments in those countries.
 
  FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High
Yield Funds may invest in debt obligations of foreign governments and
governmental agencies, including those of emerging countries. Investment in
sovereign debt obligations involves special risks not present in debt
obligations of corporate issuers. The issuer of the debt or the governmental
authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling
to repay principal or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such
debt, and a Fund may have limited recourse in the event of a default. Periods
of economic uncertainty may result in volatility of market prices of sovereign
debt, and in turn a Fund's net asset value, to a greater extent than the
volatility inherent in debt obligations of U.S. issuers. A sovereign debtor's
willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner
may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent
of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign
exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service
burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor's policy toward
international lenders and the political constraints to which a sovereign
debtor may be subject.
 
  EMERGING MARKETS. The Core Fixed Income and Global Income Funds may invest
up to 10% and the High Yield Fund may invest up to 25% of their total assets
in securities of issuers located in countries with emerging economies or
securities markets ("emerging markets"). Political and economic structures in
many emerging markets may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid
development, and emerging markets may lack the social, political and economic
stability characteristic of more developed countries. As a result, the risks
relating to investments in foreign securities described above, including the
possibility of nationalization, expropriation and confiscatory taxation, may
be heightened. In addition, unanticipated political and social developments
may affect the value of a Fund's investments in emerging markets and the
availability to the Fund of additional investments in such countries. The
small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain emerging
markets and the limited volume of trading in securities in those countries may
make a Fund's investments in such countries less liquid and more volatile than
investments in countries with more developed securities markets
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
(such as the U.S., Japan and most Western European countries). See the
Additional Statement for further information regarding a Fund's investments in
emerging markets.
   
  FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. Because investment in foreign issuers by the
Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds will usually involve
currencies of foreign countries, and because the Funds may have currency
exposure independent of their securities positions, the value of the assets of
a Fund as measured in U.S. dollars will be affected by changes in foreign
currency exchange rates. A Fund may, to the extent it invests in foreign
securities, purchase or sell foreign currencies on a spot basis and may also
purchase or sell forward foreign currency exchange contracts for hedging
purposes and to seek to protect against anticipated changes in future foreign
currency exchange rates. In addition, a Fund also may enter into such
contracts to seek to increase total return when the Investment Adviser
anticipates that the foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value,
but securities denominated or quoted in that currency do not present
attractive investment opportunities and are not held in the Fund's portfolio.
When entered into to seek to increase total return, forward foreign currency
exchange contracts are considered speculative. The Funds may also engage in
cross-hedging by using forward contracts in a currency different from that in
which the hedged security is denominated or quoted if the Investment Adviser
determines that there is a pattern of correlation between the two currencies.
If a Fund enters into a forward foreign currency exchange contract to buy
foreign currency for any purpose or to sell foreign currency to seek to
increase total return, the Fund will be required to place cash or liquid
assets in a segregated account with the Fund's custodian in an amount equal to
the value of the Fund's total assets committed to the consummation of the
forward contract, or to otherwise cover its position in a manner permitted by
the SEC. A Fund will incur costs in connection with conversions between
various currencies. A Fund may hold foreign currency received in connection
with investments in foreign securities when, in the judgment of the Investment
Adviser, it would be beneficial to convert such currency into U.S. dollars at
a later date, based on anticipated changes in the relevant exchange rate.     
 
  Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of
time causing, along with other factors, a Fund's net asset value to fluctuate.
Currency exchange rates generally are determined by the forces of supply and
demand in the foreign exchange markets and the relative merits of investments
in different countries, actual or anticipated changes in interest rates and
other complex factors, as seen from an international perspective. Currency
exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by the intervention of U.S.
or foreign governments or central banks, or the failure to intervene, or by
currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. To the
extent that a substantial portion of a Fund's total assets, adjusted to
reflect the Fund's net position after giving effect to currency transactions,
is denominated or quoted in the currencies of foreign countries, the Fund will
be more susceptible to the risk of adverse economic and political developments
within those countries.
 
  The market in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency swaps
and other privately negotiated currency instruments offers less protection
against defaults by the other party to such instruments than is available for
currency instruments traded on an exchange. Such contracts are subject to the
risk that the counterparty to the contract will default on its obligations.
Since these contracts are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a
default on a contract would deprive a Fund of unrealized profits, transaction
costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or force the Fund to cover its
purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price. A Fund will
not enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency swaps or
other privately negotiated currency instruments unless the credit quality of
the unsecured senior debt or the claims-paying ability of the counterparty is
considered to be investment grade by the Investment Adviser.
 
  The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds' use of foreign
currency management techniques in emerging markets may be limited. Due to the
limited market for these instruments in emerging
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
markets, the Investment Adviser does not currently anticipate that a
significant portion of the Funds' currency exposure in emerging markets, if
any, will be covered by such instruments. For a discussion of such instruments
and the risks associated with their use, see "Investment Objectives and
Policies" in the Additional Statement.
 
STRUCTURED SECURITIES
 
  The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may invest in
structured securities. The value of the principal of and/or interest on such
securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific
currencies, interest rates, commodities, indices or other financial indicators
(the "Reference") or the relative change in two or more References. The
interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may
be increased or decreased depending upon changes in the applicable Reference.
The terms of the structured securities may provide that in certain
circumstances no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, result in the
loss of a Fund's investment. Structured securities may be positively or
negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the Reference may produce an
increase or decrease in the interest rate or value of the security at
maturity. In addition, changes in the interest rates or the value of the
security at maturity may be a multiple of changes in the value of the
Reference. Consequently, structured securities may entail a greater degree of
market risk than other types of fixed-income securities. Structured securities
may also be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to accurately price
than less complex securities.
 
ZERO COUPON, DEFERRED INTEREST, PAY-IN-KIND AND CAPITAL APPRECIATION BONDS
   
  Each Fund may invest in zero coupon, deferred interest and capital
appreciation bonds. These are securities issued at a discount from their face
value because interest payments are typically postponed until maturity. The
amount of the discount rate varies depending on factors including the time
remaining until maturity, prevailing interest rates, the security's liquidity
and the issuer's credit quality. These securities also may take the form of
debt securities that have been stripped of their interest payments. Each Fund
may also invest in pay-in-kind securities which are securities that have
interest payable by the delivery of additional securities. A portion of the
discount with respect to stripped tax-exempt securities or their coupons may
be taxable. The market prices of zero coupon, deferred interest, pay-in-kind
and capital appreciation bonds generally are more volatile than the market
prices of interest-bearing securities and are likely to respond to a greater
degree to changes in interest rates than interest-bearing securities having
similar maturities and credit quality. A Fund's investments in zero coupon,
deferred interest, pay-in-kind and capital appreciation bonds may require the
Fund to sell certain of its portfolio securities to generate sufficient cash
to satisfy certain income distribution requirements. See "Taxation" in the
Additional Statement.     
 
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
 
  INTEREST RATE RISK. When interest rates decline, the market value of fixed-
income securities tends to increase. Conversely, when interest rates increase,
the market value of fixed-income securities tends to decline. Volatility of a
security's market value will differ depending upon the security's duration,
the issuer and the type of instrument.
 
  DEFAULT RISK/CREDIT RISK. Investments in fixed-income securities are subject
to the risk that the issuer could default on its obligations and a Fund could
sustain losses on such investments. A default could impact both interest and
principal payments.
 
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
   
  CALL RISK AND EXTENSION RISK. Fixed-income securities may be subject to both
call risk and extension risk. Call risk (i.e., where the issuer exercises its
right to pay principal on an obligation earlier than scheduled) causes cash
flow to be returned earlier than expected. Call risk typically results when
interest rates have declined. Under such circumstances, a Fund may be unable
to recoup all of its initial investment and will also suffer from having to
reinvest in lower yielding securities. Extension risk (i.e., where the issuer
exercises its right to pay principal on an obligation later than scheduled)
causes cash flows to be returned later than expected. Extension risk typically
results when interest rates have increased. Under such circumstances, a Fund
will suffer from the inability to invest in higher yielding securities.
Certain types of U.S. Government, Asset-Backed, corporate, foreign, Mortgage-
Backed and Municipal Securities have this call and/or extension risk.     
 
  The investment characteristics of Mortgage-Backed Securities and Asset-
Backed Securities differ from those of traditional fixed-income securities
because they generally have both call risk (also known as prepayment risk) and
extension risk. Homeowners have the option to prepay their mortgage.
Therefore, the duration of a security backed by home mortgages can either
shorten (call risk) or lengthen (extension risk). Investors are exposed to the
fluctuating principal and interest payments associated with such securities.
In general, if interest rates on new mortgage loans fall sufficiently below
the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage loans, the rate of
prepayment would be expected to increase. Conversely, if mortgage loan
interest rates rise above the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage
loans, the rate of prepayment would be expected to decrease.
   
  ARMs also have the risk of prepayments, which will have a greater impact on
the Adjustable Rate Government Fund. The rate of principal prepayments with
respect to ARMs has fluctuated in recent years. As with fixed-rate mortgage
loans, ARMs may be subject to a greater rate of principal repayments in a
declining interest rate environment. For example, if prevailing interest rates
fall significantly, ARMs could be subject to higher prepayment rates (than if
prevailing interest rates remain constant or increase) because the
availability of low fixed-rate mortgages may encourage mortgagors to refinance
their ARMs to "lock-in" a fixed-rate mortgage. Conversely, if prevailing
interest rates rise significantly, ARMs may prepay more slowly. As with fixed-
rate mortgages, ARM prepayment rates vary in both stable and changing interest
rate environments. There are certain ARMs where the homeowner's payments do
not fully cover interest, so the principal balance increases over time. These
"negative amortizing" ARMs may be subject to greater default risk.     
 
  DERIVATIVE MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Because derivative Mortgage-Backed
Securities (such as principal-only (POs), interest-only (IOs) or inverse
floating rate securities) are more exposed to mortgage prepayments, they
generally involve a greater amount of risk. Small changes in prepayments can
significantly impact the cash flow and the market value of these securities.
The risk of faster than anticipated prepayments generally adversely affects
IOs, super floaters and premium priced Mortgage-Backed Securities. The risk of
slower than anticipated prepayments generally adversely affects POs, floating-
rate securities subject to interest rate caps, support tranches and discount
priced Mortgage-Backed Securities. In addition, particular derivative
securities may be leveraged such that their exposure (i.e., price sensitivity)
to interest rate and/or prepayment risk is magnified.
   
  RISKS OF DERIVATIVE TRANSACTIONS. A Fund's transactions, if any, in options,
futures, options on futures, swaps, interest rate caps, floors and collars,
structured securities, inverse floating-rate securities and currency
transactions involve certain risks, including a possible lack of correlation
between changes in the value of hedging instruments and the portfolio assets
being hedged, the potential illiquidity of the markets for derivative
instruments, the risks arising from margin requirements and related leverage
factors associated with such transactions. The use of these management
techniques to seek to increase total return may be regarded as a     
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
   
speculative practice and involves the risk of loss if the Investment Adviser
is incorrect in its expectation of fluctuations in securities prices, interest
rates or currency prices. A Fund's use of certain derivative transactions may
be limited by the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code") for qualification as a regulated investment company.     
   
  TAX RISK OF MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. The yields and market values of Municipal
Securities may be more adversely impacted by changes in tax rates and policies
than taxable fixed-income securities. Because interest income from Municipal
Securities is normally not subject to regular federal income taxation, the
attractiveness of Municipal Securities in relation to other investment
alternatives is affected by changes in federal income tax rates applicable to,
or the continuing federal income tax-exempt status of, such interest income.
Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can
significantly affect the demand for and supply, liquidity and marketability of
Municipal Securities, which could in turn affect a Fund's ability to acquire
and dispose of Municipal Securities at desirable yield and price levels.     
 
  RISKS OF INVESTING IN NON-INVESTMENT GRADE FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. Non-
investment grade fixed-income securities are considered predominantly
speculative by traditional investment standards. In some cases, these
obligations may be highly speculative and have poor prospects for reaching
investment grade standing. Non-investment grade fixed-income securities and
unrated securities of comparable credit quality (commonly known as "junk
bonds") are subject to the increased risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal and interest obligations. These securities, also referred to as high
yield securities, may be subject to greater price volatility due to such
factors as specific corporate developments, interest rate sensitivity,
negative perceptions of the junk bond markets generally and less secondary
market liquidity.
 
  Non-investment grade fixed-income securities are often issued in connection
with a corporate reorganization or restructuring or as part of a merger,
acquisition, takeover or similar event. They are also issued by less
established companies seeking to expand. Such issuers are often highly
leveraged and generally less able than more established or less leveraged
entities to make scheduled payments of principal and interest in the event of
adverse developments or business conditions.
 
  The market value of non-investment grade fixed-income securities tends to
reflect individual corporate developments to a greater extent than that of
higher rated securities which react primarily to fluctuations in the general
level of interest rates. As a result, a Fund's ability to achieve its
investment objectives may depend to a greater extent on the Investment
Adviser's judgment concerning the creditworthiness of issuers than funds which
invest in higher-rated securities. Issuers of non-investment grade fixed-
income securities may not be able to make use of more traditional methods of
financing and their ability to service debt obligations may be more adversely
affected than issuers of higher-rated securities by economic downturns,
specific corporate developments or the issuer's inability to meet specific
projected business forecasts. Negative publicity about the junk bond market
and investor perceptions regarding lower rated securities, whether or not
based on fundamental analysis, may depress the prices for such securities.
 
  A holder's risk of loss from default is significantly greater for non-
investment grade fixed-income securities than is the case for holders of other
debt securities because such non-investment grade securities are generally
unsecured and are often subordinated to the rights of other creditors of the
issuers of such securities. Investment by a Fund in defaulted securities poses
additional risk of loss should nonpayment of principal and interest continue
in respect of such securities. Even if such securities are held to maturity,
recovery by a Fund of its initial investment and any anticipated income or
appreciation is uncertain.
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
  The secondary market for non-investment grade fixed-income securities is
concentrated in relatively few market makers and is dominated by institutional
investors, including mutual funds, insurance companies and other financial
institutions. Accordingly, the secondary market for such securities is not as
liquid as, and is more volatile than, the secondary market for higher-rated
securities. In addition, market trading volume for high yield fixed-income
securities is generally lower and the secondary market for such securities
could contract under adverse market or economic conditions, independent of any
specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer. These
factors may have an adverse effect on the market price and a Fund's ability to
dispose of particular portfolio investments. A less liquid secondary market
also may make it more difficult for a Fund to obtain precise valuations of the
high yield securities in its portfolio.
 
  Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies are designed to evaluate the
safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities. They do not,
however, evaluate the market value risk of non-investment grade securities
and, therefore, may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In
addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a
rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the conditions of the issuer
that affect the market value of the security. Consequently, credit ratings are
used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality. Investments in
non-investment grade and comparable unrated obligations will be more dependent
on the Investment Adviser's credit analysis than would be the case with
investments in investment-grade debt obligations. The Investment Adviser
employs its own credit research and analysis, which includes a study of
existing debt, capital structure, ability to service debt and to pay
dividends, the issuer's sensitivity to economic conditions, its operating
history and the current trend of earnings. The Investment Adviser continually
monitors the investments in a Fund's portfolio and evaluates whether to
dispose of or to retain non-investment grade and comparable unrated securities
whose credit ratings or credit quality may have changed.
 
  OTHER RISKS. Floating-rate derivative debt securities present more complex
types of interest rate risks. For example, range floaters are subject to the
risk that the coupon will be reduced below market rates if a designated
interest rate floats outside of a specified interest rate band or collar. Dual
index or yield curve floaters are subject to lower prices in the event of an
unfavorable change in the spread between two designated interest rates.
 
  Asset-Backed Securities present certain credit risks that are not presented
by Mortgage-Backed Securities because Asset-Backed Securities generally do not
have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable to
mortgage assets. There is the possibility that, in some cases, recoveries on
repossessed collateral may not be available to support payments on these
securities.
 
  FOREIGN RISKS. See "Foreign Securities" for a description of the risks of
investing in foreign securities and currencies.
 
 
                             INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
 
 
  MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLLS. The Adjustable Rate Government, Short Duration
Government, Government Income, Core Fixed Income and Global Income Funds may
enter into mortgage "dollar rolls" in which a Fund sells securities for
delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts with the same
counterparty to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and
maturity) but not identical securities on a specified future date. During the
roll period, the Fund loses the right to receive principal and interest paid
on the securities sold.
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
However, the Fund would benefit to the extent of any difference between the
price received for the securities sold and the lower forward price for the
future purchase or fee income plus the interest earned on the cash proceeds of
the securities sold until the settlement date for the forward purchase. Unless
such benefits exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss due to
mortgage prepayments that would have been realized on the securities sold as
part of the mortgage dollar roll, the use of this technique will diminish the
investment performance of the Fund. Successful use of mortgage dollar rolls
depends upon the Investment Adviser's ability to predict correctly interest
rates and mortgage prepayments. There is no assurance that mortgage dollar
rolls can be successfully employed. The Fund will hold and maintain in a
segregated account until the settlement date cash or liquid assets in an
amount equal to the forward purchase price. For financial reporting and tax
purposes, each Fund treats mortgage dollar rolls as two separate transactions;
one involving the purchase of a security and a separate transaction involving
a sale. The Funds do not currently intend to enter into mortgage dollar rolls
that are accounted for as a financing.
   
  OPTIONS ON SECURITIES AND SECURITIES INDICES. Each Fund may write (sell)
covered call and put options and purchase put and call options on any
securities in which it may invest or on any securities index comprised of
securities in which it may invest. The writing and purchase of options is a
highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks
different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities
transactions. The use of options to seek to increase total return involves the
risk of loss if the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of
fluctuations in securities prices or interest rates. The successful use of
options for hedging purposes also depends in part on the ability of the
Investment Adviser to manage future price fluctuations and the degree of
correlation between the options and securities markets. If the Investment
Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of changes in securities prices or
determination of the correlation between the securities indices on which
options are written and purchased and the securities in a Fund's investment
portfolio, the investment performance of the Fund will be less favorable than
it would have been in the absence of such options transactions. The writing of
options could increase a Fund's portfolio turnover rate and, therefore,
associated brokerage commissions or spreads.     
 
  OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES. The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High
Yield Funds may, to the extent they invest in foreign securities, purchase and
sell (write) put and call options on foreign currencies for the purpose of
protecting against declines in the U.S. dollar value of foreign portfolio
securities and against increases in the U.S. dollar cost of foreign securities
to be acquired. In addition, the Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High
Yield Funds may use options on currency to cross-hedge, which involves writing
or purchasing options on one currency to hedge against changes in exchange
rates for a different currency, if there is a pattern of correlation between
the two currencies. As with other kinds of option transactions, however, the
writing of an option on foreign currency will constitute only a partial hedge,
up to the amount of the premium received. If an option that a Fund has written
is exercised, the 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; however, in the event of exchange rate
movements adverse to a Fund's position, the Fund may forfeit the entire amount
of the premium plus related transaction costs. In addition to purchasing put
and call options for hedging purposes, a Fund may purchase call or put options
on currency to seek to increase total return when the Investment Adviser
anticipates that the currency will appreciate or depreciate in value, but the
securities quoted or denominated in that currency do not present attractive
investment opportunities and are not held in the Fund's portfolio. When
purchased or sold to seek to increase total return, options on currencies are
considered speculative. Options on foreign currencies to be written or
purchased by the Funds will be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or over-
the-counter.
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
   
  FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. To seek to increase
total return, to hedge against changes in interest rates or securities prices,
or in the case of the Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds,
currency exchange rates, a Fund may purchase and sell various kinds of futures
contracts, and purchase and write call and put options on any of such futures
contracts. Each Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale
transactions with respect to any such contracts and options. The futures
contracts may be based on various securities (such as U.S. Government
Securities), foreign currencies, in the case of the Core Fixed Income, Global
Income and High Yield Funds, securities indices and other financial
instruments and indices. A Fund will engage in futures and related options
transactions for bona fide hedging purposes as defined in regulations of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission or to seek to increase total return to
the extent permitted by such regulations. A Fund may not purchase or sell
futures contracts or purchase or sell related options to seek to increase
total return, except for closing purchase or sale transactions, if immediately
thereafter the sum of the amount of initial margin deposits and premiums paid
on a Fund's outstanding positions in futures and related options entered into
for the purpose of seeking to increase total return would exceed 5% of the
market value of a Fund's net assets. These transactions involve brokerage
costs, require margin deposits and, in the case of contracts and options
obligating a Fund to purchase securities or currencies, require the Fund to
segregate and maintain cash or liquid assets with a value equal to the amount
of the Fund's obligations or to otherwise cover the obligations in a manner
permitted by the SEC.     
   
  While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce
certain risks, such transactions themselves entail certain other risks. See
"Investment Techniques--Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts" in
the Additional Statement. Thus, while a Fund may benefit from the use of
futures and options on futures, unanticipated changes in interest rates,
securities prices or currency exchange rates may result in a poorer overall
performance than if the Fund had not entered into any futures contracts or
options transactions. Because perfect correlation between a futures position
and portfolio position that is intended to be protected is impossible to
achieve, the desired protection may not be obtained and a Fund may be exposed
to risk of loss. The loss incurred by a Fund in entering into futures
contracts and in writing call options on futures is potentially unlimited and
may exceed the amount of the premium received. Futures markets are highly
volatile and the use of futures may increase the volatility of a Fund's net
asset value. The profitability of a Fund's trading in futures to seek to
increase total return depends upon the ability of the Investment Adviser to
analyze correctly the futures markets. In addition, because of the low margin
deposits normally required in futures trading, a relatively small price
movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses to a Fund.
Further, futures contracts and options on futures may be illiquid, and
exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures contract prices during a single
day.     
   
  CURRENCY SWAPS. The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds
may enter into currency swaps for hedging purposes or to seek to increase
total return. Currency swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party
of their respective rights to make or receive payments in specified
currencies. Currency swaps usually involve the delivery of a gross payment
stream in one designated currency in exchange for the gross payment stream in
another designated currency. Therefore, the entire payment stream under a
currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will
default on its contractual delivery obligations. A Fund will not enter into
swap transactions unless the unsecured commercial paper, senior debt or
claims-paying ability of the other party thereto is rated either AA or A-1 or
better by S&P or Aa or P-1 or better by Moody's, or, if unrated by such rating
organizations, determined to be of comparable quality by the Investment
Adviser. The use of currency swaps is a highly specialized activity which
involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Investment Adviser is
incorrect in its forecasts of currency exchange rates, the investment
performance of a Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if this
investment technique were not used.     
       
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
  WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS. Each Fund may purchase when-
issued securities. When-issued transactions arise when securities are
purchased by a Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the future in
order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield to
the Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. Each Fund may also
purchase securities on a forward commitment basis; that is, make contracts to
purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond the customary
three-day settlement. A Fund is required to hold and maintain in a segregated
account with the Fund's custodian until three days prior to settlement date,
cash or liquid assets in an amount sufficient to meet the purchase price.
Alternatively, each Fund may enter into offsetting contracts for the forward
sale of other securities that it owns. The purchase of securities on a when-
issued or forward commitment basis involves a risk of loss if the value of the
security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date. Although a
Fund would generally purchase securities on a when-issued or forward
commitment basis with the intention of acquiring securities for its portfolio,
a Fund may dispose of when-issued securities or forward commitments prior to
settlement if the Investment Adviser deems it appropriate to do so.
   
  ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES. A Fund may not invest more than 15% of
its net assets in illiquid investments, which include securities (both foreign
and domestic) that are not readily marketable, certain SMBS, certain municipal
leases and participation interests, repurchase agreements maturing in more
than seven days, time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than
seven days, certain over-the-counter options, and certain restricted
securities, unless it is determined, based upon the continuing review of the
trading markets for a specific restricted security, that such restricted
security is eligible for resale under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of
1933 and, therefore, is liquid. The Trustees have adopted guidelines under
which the Investment Adviser determines and monitors the liquidity of
portfolio securities subject to the oversight of the Trustees. Investing in
restricted securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A may decrease
the liquidity in a Fund to the extent that qualified institutional buyers
become for a time uninterested in purchasing these restricted securities. The
purchase price and subsequent valuation of restricted and illiquid securities
normally reflect a discount, which may be significant, from the market price
of comparable securities for which a liquid market exists.     
 
  REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with
dealers in U.S. Government Securities and member banks of the Federal Reserve
System which furnish collateral at least equal in value or market price to the
amount of their repurchase obligation. The Core Fixed Income, Global Income
and High Yield Funds may also enter into repurchase agreements involving
certain foreign government securities. If the other party or "seller"
defaults, a Fund might suffer a loss to the extent that the proceeds from the
sale of the underlying securities and other collateral held by the Fund in
connection with the related repurchase agreement are less than the repurchase
price. In addition, in the event of bankruptcy of the seller or failure of the
seller to repurchase the securities as agreed, a Fund could suffer losses,
including loss of interest on or principal of the security and costs
associated with delay and enforcement of the repurchase agreement. The
Trustees have reviewed and approved certain counterparties whom they believe
to be creditworthy and have authorized the Funds to enter into repurchase
agreements with such counterparties. In addition, each Fund, together with
other registered investment companies having management agreements with the
Investment Adviser, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint
account, the daily aggregate balance of which will be invested in one or more
repurchase agreements.
   
  TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS. Each Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes,
invest up to 100% of its total assets in (i) U. S. Government Securities or
(ii) repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government     
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
Securities. The Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds may for
temporary defensive purposes depart from their stated investment objectives
and invest more than 20% of their respective net assets in taxable
investments. The High Yield Fund may for temporary defensive purposes invest
in investment grade securities.
 
MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES
 
  In addition to the techniques and investments described above, each Fund
may, with respect to no more than 5% of its net assets, engage in the
following techniques and investments: (i) portfolio securities lending, (ii)
mortgage swaps (other than Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds)
and interest rate swaps, caps, floors and collars, (iii) inverse floating-rate
securities, (iv) yield curve options, (v) other investment companies, (vi)
custodial receipts and (vii) with respect to the Short Duration Tax-Free and
Municipal Income Funds, tender option bonds and standby commitments.
 
  In addition, each Fund may borrow up to 33 1/3% of its total assets from
banks for temporary or emergency purposes. A Fund may not make additional
investments if borrowings (excluding covered mortgage dollar rolls) exceed 5%
of its total assets. For more information, see the Additional Statement.
 
 
                            INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
   
  Each Fund is subject to certain investment restrictions that are described
in detail under "Investment Restrictions" in the Additional Statement.
Fundamental investment restrictions of a Fund cannot be changed without
approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of that Fund, as defined in
the Additional Statement. Each Fund's investment objectives and all policies
not specifically designated as fundamental are non-fundamental and may be
changed without shareholder approval. If there is a change in a Fund's
investment objectives, shareholders should consider whether that Fund still
remains an appropriate investment in light of their then current financial
positions and needs.     
 
  The Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds' policy to invest,
under normal market conditions, at least 80% of their respective net assets in
Municipal Securities, the interest on which is exempt from regular federal
income tax, is fundamental and may not be changed without shareholder
approval. For more information on a Fund's investment restrictions, an
investor should obtain the Additional Statement.
 
  NON-DIVERSIFIED STATUS. Since the Global Income Fund is "non-diversified"
under the Act, it is subject only to certain federal tax diversification
requirements. Under federal tax laws, the Global Income Fund may, with respect
to 50% of its total assets, invest up to 25% of its total assets in the
securities of any issuer (except that this limitation does not apply to U.S.
Government Securities). With respect to the remaining 50% of the Fund's total
assets, (1) the Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the
securities of any one issuer (other than the U.S. government), and (2) the
Fund may not acquire more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any
one issuer. These tests apply at the end of each quarter of its taxable year
and are subject to certain conditions and limitations under the Code. Since
the Global Income Fund is not diversified under the Act, it will be more
susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer. The
Adjustable Rate Government, Short Duration Government, Short Duration Tax-
Free, Government Income, Municipal Income, Core Fixed Income and High Yield
Funds are, in addition to these tax diversification requirements, also subject
to the diversification requirements arising out of their diversified status
under the Act.
 
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
 
                              PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
   
  Each Fund may engage in active short-term trading to benefit from yield
disparities among different issues of securities or among the markets for
fixed-income securities, or for other reasons. It is anticipated that the
portfolio turnover rate of each Fund will vary from year to year. The
portfolio turnover rate is computed by dividing the lesser of the dollar
amount of securities purchased or securities sold (excluding all securities
whose maturities at acquisition are one year or less) by the average monthly
value of such securities owned during the year. A 100% turnover rate would
occur, for example, if all of the securities held by a Fund were sold and
replaced within one year. The Investment Adviser will not consider the
portfolio turnover rate a limiting factor in making investment decisions for a
Fund consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and portfolio management
policies. A high rate of portfolio turnover results in increased transaction
costs to a Fund. The portfolio turnover rate includes the effect of entering
into mortgage dollar rolls. See "Financial Highlights" for a statement of each
Fund's historical portfolio turnover rates.     
 
 
                                  MANAGEMENT
 
 
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
 
  The Trustees are responsible for deciding matters of general policy and
reviewing the actions of the Investment Advisers, distributor and transfer
agent. The officers of the Trust conduct and supervise each Fund's daily
business operations. The Additional Statement contains information as to the
identity of, and other information about, the Trustees and officers of the
Trust.
 
INVESTMENT ADVISERS
   
  INVESTMENT ADVISERS. Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P., One New York
Plaza, New York, New York 10004, a Delaware limited partnership which is an
affiliate of Goldman Sachs, serves as investment adviser to the Adjustable
Rate Government and Short Duration Government Funds. Goldman Sachs Funds
Management, L.P. registered as an investment adviser in 1990. Goldman Sachs
Asset Management, One New York Plaza, New York, New York 10004, a separate
operating division of Goldman Sachs, serves as the investment adviser to the
Short Duration Tax-Free, Government Income, Municipal Income, Core Fixed
Income and High Yield Funds. Goldman Sachs registered as an investment adviser
in 1981. Goldman Sachs Asset Management International, 133 Peterborough Court,
London EC4A 2BB, England, an affiliate of Goldman Sachs, serves as investment
adviser to the Global Income Fund. Goldman Sachs Asset Management
International became a member of the Investment Management Regulatory
Organization Limited in 1990 and registered as an investment adviser in 1991.
As of January 26, 1998, GSAM, GSFM and GSAMI, together with their affiliates,
acted as investment adviser or distributor for assets in excess of $140
billion.     
 
  Under a Management Agreement with each Fund, the applicable Investment
Adviser, subject to the general supervision of the Trustees, provides day-to-
day advice as to the Fund's portfolio transactions. Goldman Sachs has agreed
to permit the Funds to use the name "Goldman Sachs" or a derivative thereof as
part of each Fund's name for as long as a Fund's Management Agreement is in
effect.
   
  In performing its investment advisory services, each Investment Adviser,
while remaining ultimately responsible for the management of the Funds, is
able to draw upon the research and expertise of its asset     
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
   
management affiliates for portfolio decisions and management with respect to
certain portfolio securities. In addition, the Investment Advisers will have
access to the research of, and certain proprietary technical models developed
by, Goldman Sachs and may apply quantitative and qualitative analysis in
determining the appropriate allocations among the categories of issuers and
types of securities.     
 
  Under the Management Agreement, each Investment Adviser also: (i) supervises
all non-advisory operations of each Fund that it advises; (ii) provides
personnel to perform such executive, administrative and clerical services as
are reasonably necessary to provide effective administration of each Fund;
(iii) arranges for at each Fund's expense (a) the preparation of all required
tax returns, (b) the preparation and submission of reports to existing
shareholders, (c) the periodic updating of prospectuses and statements of
additional information and (d) the preparation of reports to be filed with the
SEC and other regulatory authorities; (iv) maintains each Fund's records; and
(v) provides the Funds with office space and all necessary office equipment
and services.
   
  ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT AND SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUNDS. The Funds'
portfolio managers are Jonathan A. Beinner, Richard C. Lucy, James B. Clark,
Peter D. Dion and James P. McCarthy. Their responsibilities include investing
in the particular types of securities the Funds may hold. Mr. Beinner is a
Managing Director of Goldman Sachs and Co-Head of GSAM's U.S. Fixed Income
Department. Mr. Beinner joined the Investment Adviser in 1990. Mr. Lucy is a
Vice President of Goldman Sachs and Co-Head of GSAM's U.S. Fixed Income
Department. Mr. Lucy joined the Investment Adviser in 1992. Mr. Clark joined
GSAM in 1994 after working as a senior trader at the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation. Prior to that, he was an investment manager at Travelers
Insurance Company. Mr. Dion is a Vice President of Goldman Sachs and joined
GSAM in 1992. Mr. McCarthy is a Vice President of Goldman Sachs. Mr. McCarthy
joined GSAM in 1995 after working as a bond trader at Nomura Securities.     
   
  GOVERNMENT INCOME AND CORE FIXED INCOME FUNDS. The Funds' portfolio managers
are Jonathan A. Beinner and Richard C. Lucy. See above for information about
Mr. Beinner and Mr. Lucy. Messrs. Beinner and Lucy each specialize in
investing in a particular type of security the Fund may hold. James Clark is
also a portfolio manager for the Government Income Fund. See above for
information about Mr. Clark.     
 
  SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE AND MUNICIPAL INCOME FUNDS. The Funds' portfolio
managers are Benjamin S. Thompson and Elisabeth Schupf Lonsdale. Mr. Thompson
and Ms. Lonsdale each specialize in municipal securities. Mr. Thompson's
responsibilities include developing investment strategy and structuring
portfolios. Ms. Lonsdale is also responsible for GSAM's municipal credit
research. Mr. Thompson worked in the institutional sales and marketing group
at GSAM until he joined the fixed-income team in 1993. Prior to joining GSAM
in early 1992, Mr. Thompson worked in the Structured Finance Group of the
Chase Manhattan Bank. Before rejoining Goldman Sachs in 1995, Ms. Lonsdale was
a Director of Fitch Investors Service evaluating the credit ratings of tax-
backed issues. Prior to that, she worked for ten years in the Goldman Sachs
Municipal Finance Department.
   
  GLOBAL INCOME FUND. The Fund's portfolio managers are Stephen Fitzgerald and
Andrew Wilson. Mr. Fitzgerald joined GSAMI in 1992 and is an Executive
Director and Chief Investment Officer for international fixed income. Mr.
Wilson joined GSAMI in 1995 and is Executive Director and Portfolio Manager
for international fixed income. Prior to joining GSAMI, he spent three years
as an Assistant Director at Rothschild Asset Management where he was
responsible for managing global and international bond portfolios, with
specific focus on the U.S., Canadian, Australian and Japanese economies.     
 
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
  HIGH YIELD FUND. The Fund's portfolio managers are Richard Buckholz,
Christopher Testa, Michael L. Pasternak and Andrew Jessop. Mr. Buckholz is a
Vice President of Goldman Sachs and is responsible for emerging markets fixed
income portfolio management. Mr. Buckholz joined GSAM in 1994. Prior to
joining GSAM, Mr. Buckholz was Head of Emerging Market Fixed Income Research
at Bear Stearns & Company and previously in a similar position at Citibank.
Mr. Testa is a Vice President of Goldman Sachs and Director of Credit Research
responsible for corporate bond research. Mr. Testa joined GSAM in 1994. Prior
to joining GSAM, Mr. Testa was a credit analyst with CS First Boston and prior
to that he was an analyst for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company investing in
private placements and public debt. Mr. Pasternak is a Vice President of
Goldman Sachs and is responsible for managing high yield assets. Mr. Pasternak
joined GSAM in 1997. Prior to joining GSAM, Mr. Pasternak spent eight years
managing high yield corporate bond and loan portfolios at Saudi International
Bank (an affiliate of JP Morgan) in London. Prior to that, he was an officer
of the bank in Eurocurrency Lending and Syndications and served as an
investment analyst in New York. Mr. Jessop is a Vice President of Goldman
Sachs and is responsible for managing high yield assets. Mr. Jessup joined
GSAM in 1997. Prior to joining GSAM, Mr. Jessop spent six years managing high
yield portfolios at Saudi International Bank in London. Prior to that, he
worked for the bank on the interest rate swap desk and served as an investment
analyst in New York.
   
  It is the responsibility of the Investment Adviser to make the investment
decisions for a Fund and to place the purchase and sale orders for a Fund's
portfolio transactions in U.S. and foreign markets. Such orders may be
directed to any broker including, to the extent and in the manner permitted by
applicable law, Goldman Sachs or its affiliates. In effecting purchases and
sales of portfolio securities for the Funds, the Investment Advisers will seek
the best price and execution of a Fund's orders. In doing so, where two or
more brokers or dealers offer comparable prices and execution for a particular
trade, consideration may be given to whether the broker or dealer provides
investment research or brokerage services or sells shares of any Goldman Sachs
Fund. See the Additional Statement for a further description of the Investment
Advisers' brokerage allocation practices.     
 
  As compensation for its services rendered and assumption of certain expenses
pursuant to separate Management Agreements, GSAM, GSFM and GSAMI are entitled
to the following fees, computed daily and payable monthly at the annual rates
listed below:
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                               FOR THE FISCAL
                                                CONTRACTUAL YEAR OR PERIOD ENDED
                                                   RATE*     OCTOBER 31,  1997*
                                                ----------- --------------------
<S>                                             <C>         <C>
GSAM
- ----
  Short Duration Tax-Free......................    0.40%           0.40%
  Government Income............................    0.65%           0.25%
  Municipal Income.............................    0.55%           0.55%
  Core Fixed Income............................    0.40%           0.40%
  High Yield...................................    0.70%           0.65%
GSFM
- ----
  Adjustable Rate Government...................    0.40%           0.40%
  Short Duration Government....................    0.50%           0.40%
GSAMI
- -----
  Global Income................................    0.90%           0.59%
</TABLE>    
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
- --------
   
*  The difference, if any, between the stated fees and the actual fees paid by
   the Funds reflects that the applicable Investment Adviser did not charge
   the full amount of the fees to which it would have been entitled for the
   year ended October 31, 1997. Effective March 1, 1998, the management fee
   for the Short Duration Government Fund and Government Income Fund will
   equal 0.50% and 0.65%, respectively. The Investment Advisers may
   discontinue or modify such limitations in the future at their discretion,
   although they have no current intention to do so.     
   
  The Investment Advisers to the Short Duration Government, Short Duration
Tax-Free, Government Income, Municipal Income, Core Fixed Income, Global
Income and High Yield Funds have voluntarily agreed to reduce or limit certain
"Other Expenses" of such Funds (excluding management fees, taxes, interest and
brokerage fees and litigation, indemnification and other extraordinary
expenses (and transfer agency fees in the case of the Global Income and High
Yield Funds), to the extent such expenses exceed 0.05%, 0.05%, 0.00%, 0.05%,
0.05%, 0.06% and 0.14% per annum of such Funds' average daily net assets,
respectively. Such reductions or limits, if any, are calculated monthly on a
cumulative basis and may be discontinued or modified by the applicable
Investment Adviser in its discretion at any time.     
          
  ACTIVITIES OF GOLDMAN SACHS AND ITS AFFILIATES AND OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY
GOLDMAN SACHS. The involvement of the Investment Advisers, Goldman Sachs and
their affiliates in the management of, or their interest in, other accounts
and other activities of Goldman Sachs may present conflicts of interest with
respect to a Fund or limit a Fund's investment activities. Goldman Sachs and
its affiliates engage in proprietary trading and advise accounts and funds
which have investment objectives similar to those of the Funds and/or which
engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities,
currencies and instruments as the Funds. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates will
not have any obligation to make available any information regarding their
proprietary activities or strategies, or the activities or strategies used for
other accounts managed by them, for the benefit of the management of the
Funds. The results of a Fund's investment activities, therefore, may differ
from those of Goldman Sachs and its affiliates and it is possible that a Fund
could sustain losses during periods in which Goldman Sachs and its affiliates
and other accounts achieve significant profits on their trading for
proprietary or other accounts. In addition, the Funds may, from time to time,
enter into transactions in which other clients of Goldman Sachs have an
adverse interest. From time to time, a Fund's activities may be limited
because of regulatory restrictions applicable to Goldman Sachs and its
affiliates, and/or their internal policies designed to comply with such
restrictions. See "Management -- Activities of Goldman Sachs and its
Affiliates and Other Accounts Managed by Goldman Sachs" in the Additional
Statement for further information.     
 
DISTRIBUTOR AND TRANSFER AGENT
   
  Goldman Sachs, 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004, serves as the
exclusive distributor (the "Distributor") of each Fund's shares. Goldman
Sachs, 4900 Sears Tower, Chicago, Illinois 60606, also serves as each Fund's
transfer agent (the "Transfer Agent") and as such performs various shareholder
servicing functions. Shareholders with inquiries regarding any Fund should
contact Goldman Sachs (as Transfer Agent) at the address or the telephone
number set forth on the back cover page of this Prospectus. Goldman Sachs is
not entitled to receive a fee from the Global Income Fund with respect to the
Institutional and Service Shares for transfer agency services. The Adjustable
Rate Government, Short Duration Government, Short Duration Tax-Free,
Government Income, Municipal Income and Core Fixed Income Funds pay Goldman
Sachs transfer agency fees and expenses with respect to Institutional and
Service Shares equal to that class's proportionate share of the total transfer
agency costs borne by the Fund. Those costs are equal to a fixed per account
charge of $12,000 per year plus $7.50 per account, together with out-of-pocket
and transaction related expenses applicable to Class A, Class B and Class C
shares where applicable plus 0.04% of the average daily net assets of the
other classes of the Funds. Goldman Sachs is entitled to receive a fee from
the High Yield Fund equal to .04% of the average     
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
   
daily net assets of Institutional and Service Shares. In each case,
Institutional Shares of a Fund may bear fees paid to Service Organizations or
other persons providing sub-transfer agency and similar services.     
   
  From time to time, Goldman Sachs or any of its affiliates may purchase and
hold shares of the Funds. Goldman Sachs reserves the right to redeem at any
time some or all of the shares acquired for its own account.     
 
 
                                   DIVIDENDS
   
  Each Fund (other than the Global Income Fund) will declare a daily dividend
which will be paid monthly. The Global Income Fund will declare and pay
dividends monthly. Over the course of the fiscal year, dividends accrued and
paid will constitute all or substantially all of the Funds' net investment
income. From time to time a portion of such dividends may constitute a return
of capital. In the case of Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield
Funds, net loss, if any, from certain foreign currency transactions or
instruments that is otherwise taken into account in calculating net investment
income or net realized capital gains for accounting purposes may not be taken
into account in determining the amount of dividends to be declared and paid,
with the result that a portion of the Fund's dividends may be treated as a
return of capital, nontaxable to the extent of a shareholder's tax basis in
his shares. The Funds also intend that all net realized capital gains will be
declared as a dividend at least annually. In determining amounts of capital
gains to be distributed, capital losses, including any available capital loss
carryovers from prior years will be offset against capital gains.     
   
  A Fund's net investment income is determined on a daily basis (monthly in
the case of the Global Income Fund). On days on which net asset value is
calculated, such determination is made immediately prior to the calculation of
a Fund's net asset value. On days on which net asset value is not calculated,
such determination is made as of 3:00 p.m. Chicago time.     
 
  Payment of dividends (other than the Global Income Fund) from net investment
income will be made on the last calendar day of each month in additional
shares of a Fund at the net asset value on such day, unless cash distributions
are elected, in which case, cash payment will be made on the first Business
Day of the succeeding month. In the case of Global Income Fund, reinvestment
of dividends from net investment income in additional shares of the Fund will
be made on the second to last Business Day of each month. Cash dividends will
be paid on or about the last Business Day of the month. Payment of dividends
with respect to capital gains, if any, when declared will be made in
additional shares of the Fund at the net asset value on the payment date,
unless cash distributions are elected. This election to receive dividends in
cash is initially made on the Account Information Form and may be changed upon
written notice to the Transfer Agent at any time prior to the record date for
a particular dividend or distribution. If cash dividends are elected with
respect to the Fund's monthly net investment income dividends, then cash
dividends must also be elected with respect to the non-long-term capital gains
component, if any, of the Fund's annual dividend.
 
  At the time of an investor's purchase of shares of a Fund, a portion of the
net asset value per share may be represented by undistributed income (in the
case of the Global Income Fund) or realized or unrealized appreciation of any
Fund's portfolio securities. Therefore, subsequent distributions on such
shares from such income or realized appreciation may be taxable to the
investor even if the net asset value of the shares is, as a result of the
distributions, reduced below the cost of such shares and the distributions (or
portions thereof) represent a return of a portion of the purchase price.
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
 
                                NET ASSET VALUE
   
  The net asset value per share of each class of a Fund is calculated by the
Fund's custodian as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock
Exchange (normally, but not always, 3:00 p.m. Chicago time, 4:00 p.m. New York
time) on each Business Day (as such term is defined under "Additional
Information") immediately after the determination, if any, of the income to be
declared as a dividend (except in the case of the Global Income Fund). Net
asset value per share of each class is calculated by determining the net
assets of each class and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of that
class.     
 
  Each Fund's portfolio securities for which accurate market quotations are
readily available are valued on the basis of quotations, which may be
furnished by a pricing service or provided by dealers in such securities and
other portfolio securities are valued at fair value, based on yield
equivalents, a pricing matrix or other sources, under valuation procedures
established by the Trustees. Debt obligations with a remaining maturity of 60
days or less are valued at amortized cost. The Board of Trustees has
determined that the amortized cost of such securities approximates fair market
value.
 
 
                            PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
   
  From time to time each Fund may publish yield, distribution rate and average
annual total return and the Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds
may publish their tax equivalent yields in advertisements and communications
to shareholders or prospective investors. Average annual total return is
determined by computing the average annual percentage change in value of
$1,000 invested at the maximum public offering price for specified periods
ending with the most recent calendar quarter, assuming reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions at net asset value. The total return calculation
assumes a complete redemption of the investment at the end of the relevant
period. Each Fund may also from time to time advertise total return on a
cumulative, average, year-by-year or other basis for various specified periods
by means of quotations, charts, graphs or schedules. In addition to the above,
each Fund may from time to time advertise its performance relative to certain
averages, performance rankings, indices, other information prepared by
recognized mutual fund statistical services and investments for which reliable
performance data is available.     
 
  Yield is computed by dividing net investment income earned during a recent
thirty-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 relevant period. The
results are compounded on a bond equivalent (semiannual) basis and then
annualized. Net investment income per share is equal to the dividends and
interest earned during the period, reduced by accrued expenses for the period.
The calculation of net investment income for these purposes may differ from
the net investment income determined for accounting purposes.
 
  Tax equivalent yield represents the yield an investor would have to earn to
equal, after taxes, the Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds'
tax-free yield. Tax equivalent yield is calculated by dividing a Fund's tax-
exempt yield by one minus a stated federal tax rate.
 
  Quotations of distribution rates are calculated by annualizing the most
recent distribution of net investment income for a monthly, quarterly or other
relevant period and dividing this amount by the net asset value per share or
maximum public offering price on the last day of the period for which the
distribution rates are being calculated.
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
  Each Fund's yield, total return and distribution rate will be calculated
separately for each class of shares in existence. Because each class of shares
may be subject to different expenses, the yield, total return and distribution
rate calculations with respect to each class of shares for the same period
will differ. See "Shares of the Trust."
 
  The investment results of a Fund will fluctuate over time and any
presentation of investment results for any prior period should not be
considered a representation of what an investment may earn or what the Fund's
performance may be in any future period. In addition to information provided
in shareholder reports, the Funds may, in their discretion, from time to time,
make a list of their holdings available to investors upon request.
 
 
                              SHARES OF THE TRUST
   
  Each Fund is a series of the Goldman Sachs Trust, which was formed under the
laws of the State of Delaware on January 28, 1997. The Funds were formerly
series of Goldman Sachs Trust, a Massachusetts business trust, and were
reorganized into the Trust as of April 30, 1997. The Trustees have authority
under the Trust's Declaration of Trust to create and classify shares of
beneficial interest in separate series, without further action by
shareholders. Additional series may be added in the future. The Trustees also
have authority to classify or reclassify any series or portfolio of shares
into one or more classes.     
 
  When issued, shares are fully paid and non-assessable. In the event of
liquidation, shareholders are entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of
the applicable Fund available for distribution to such shareholders. All
shares are freely transferable and have no preemptive, subscription or
conversion rights. Shareholders are entitled to one vote per share, provided
that at the option of the Trustees, shareholders will be entitled to a number
of votes based upon the net asset values represented by their shares.
   
  The Trust does not intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders. However,
pursuant to the Trust's By-Laws, the recordholders of at least 10% of the
shares outstanding and entitled to vote at a special meeting may require the
Trust to hold such special meeting of shareholders for any purpose, and
recordholders may, under certain circumstances, as permitted by the Act,
communicate with other shareholders in connection with requiring a special
meeting of shareholders. The Trustees will call a special meeting of
shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees, if, at any time, less than
a majority of Trustees holding office at the time were elected by
shareholders.     
 
  In the interest of economy and convenience, the Trust does not issue
certificates representing the Funds' shares. Instead, the Transfer Agent
maintains a record of each shareholder's ownership. Each shareholder receives
confirmation of purchase and redemption orders from the Transfer Agent. Fund
shares and any dividends and distributions paid by the Funds are reflected in
account statements from the Transfer Agent.
   
  As of February 1, 1998, the shareholders listed below owned beneficially and
of record 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the following Funds: Short
Duration Government Fund--State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 1992,
Boston, MA 02105-1992 (29.64%); Core Fixed Income Fund--Vinson and Elkins
Lawyers, Retirement Plan, Texas Commerce Bank N.A., P.O. Box 2550, Houston, TX
77252-2558 (25.48%).     
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
 
                                   TAXATION
 
 
FEDERAL TAXES
   
  Each Fund is treated as a separate entity for tax purposes, has elected to
be treated as a regulated investment company and intends to qualify for such
treatment for each taxable year under Subchapter M of the Code. To qualify as
such, a Fund must satisfy certain requirements relating to the sources of its
income, diversification of its assets and distribution of its income to
shareholders. As a regulated investment company, a Fund will not be subject to
federal income or excise tax on any net investment income and net realized
capital gains that are distributed to its shareholders in accordance with
certain timing requirements of the Code.     
   
  The Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds intend to satisfy
certain requirements of the Code so that they may distribute the tax-exempt
interest they receive as "exempt-interest dividends," as defined in the Code.
If such requirements are satisfied, distributions of the Short Duration Tax-
Free and Municipal Income Funds that are attributable to interest on tax-
exempt obligations and that the Funds properly designate as exempt-interest
dividends will be exempt from regular federal income tax, although all or a
portion of these distributions may be subject to the federal alternative
minimum tax and may be includable in the tax base for determining taxability
of social security or railroad retirement benefits. Persons who are
"substantial users" (or related persons to such substantial users) of
facilities financed by industrial development or certain private activity
bonds should consult their own tax advisers before purchasing shares of the
Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds. Interest on indebtedness
incurred or continued to purchase or carry shares of the Short Duration Tax-
Free and Municipal Income Funds is not deductible to the extent attributable
to the Funds' distributions that are exempt-interest dividends.     
   
  Dividends paid by a Fund from net investment income, certain net realized
foreign exchange gains, the excess of net short-term capital gain over net
long-term capital loss and original issue discount or market discount income
will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, except for any exempt-
interest dividends paid by Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds,
as described above. Distributions out of the net capital gain (the excess of
net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), if any, of a
Fund, will be taxed to shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of
the length of time a shareholder has held his or her shares or whether such
gain was reflected in the price paid for the shares. Such long-term capital
gain will constitute 20% or 28% rate gain, depending upon the Fund's holding
period for the assets the sale of which generated the gain. These tax
consequences will apply whether distributions are received in cash or
reinvested in shares. Certain distributions paid by a Fund in January of a
given year may be taxable to shareholders as if received the prior December
31. Shareholders will be informed annually about the amount and character of
distributions received from the Funds for federal income tax purposes.     
 
  Investors should consider the tax implications of buying shares immediately
prior to a distribution. Investors who purchase shares shortly before the
record date for a distribution other than a daily dividend will pay a per
share price that includes the value of the anticipated distribution and will
be taxed on any taxable distribution even though the distribution represents a
return of a portion of the purchase price.
 
  Redemptions and exchanges of shares are taxable events.
 
  Individuals and certain other classes of shareholders may be subject to 31%
backup withholding of federal income tax on distributions (other than exempt-
interest dividends), redemptions and exchanges if they fail to
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
furnish their correct taxpayer identification number and certain
certifications required by the Internal Revenue Service or if they are
otherwise subject to backup withholding. Individuals, corporations and other
shareholders that are not U.S. persons under the Code are subject to different
tax rules and may be subject to nonresident alien withholding at the rate of
30% (or a lower rate provided by an applicable tax treaty) on amounts treated
as ordinary dividends from the Funds.
   
  The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may be subject to
foreign withholding or other foreign taxes on income or gain from certain
foreign securities. In general, a Fund may deduct these taxes in computing its
taxable income, if any. As an alternative, if more than 50% of the value of
the total assets of the Global Income Fund is comprised of securities of
foreign corporations at the end of its taxable year and the Fund so elects,
the Fund's shareholders will include in their gross incomes (in addition to
dividends and distributions they receive) their pro rata shares of qualified
foreign taxes paid by the Fund and may be entitled under the Code to claim
foreign tax credits or deductions with respect to such taxes.     
 
OTHER TAXES
 
  In addition to federal taxes, a shareholder may be subject to state, local
or foreign taxes on payments received from the Funds, including exempt-
interest dividends. A state income (and possibly local income and/or
intangible property) tax exemption is generally available to the extent (if
any) a Fund's distributions are derived from interest on (or, in the case of
intangible property taxes, the value of its assets is attributable to) certain
U.S. government obligations and/or tax-exempt municipal obligations issued by
or on behalf of the particular state or a political subdivision thereof,
provided in some states that certain thresholds for holdings of such
obligations and/or reporting requirements are satisfied. For a further
discussion of certain tax consequences of investing in shares of the Funds,
see "Taxation" in the Additional Statement. Shareholders are urged to consult
their own tax advisers regarding specific questions as to federal, state and
local taxes as well as to any foreign taxes.
                             
                          ADDITIONAL INFORMATION     
       
  As used in this Prospectus, the term "Business Day" means any day the New
York Stock Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except
for holidays. The New York Stock Exchange is closed
   
on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
Presidents' Day (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed), Independence
Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.     
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
 
                            REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
 
 
  Recordholders of Institutional Shares of the Funds will receive an annual
report containing audited financial statements and a semi-annual report. Each
recordholder of Institutional Shares will also be provided with a printed
confirmation for each transaction in its account and an individual monthly
statement (quarterly in the case of Global Income Fund). A year-to-date
statement for any account will be provided upon request made to Goldman Sachs.
 
SUB-ACCOUNTING SERVICE
 
  Each Fund has designed special procedures to assist institutional investors
(including banks) desiring to establish multiple accounts (master accounts and
their sub-accounts). Sub-accounts may be established with registration by name
and/or number. Institutions will not normally be charged for this service
unless otherwise agreed upon. Upon request, master accounts will be provided
with a monthly summary report which sets forth in order by account number (or
name) the share balance at month end and the income, if any, together with the
total share balance and income, if any, for the master account. The Global
Income Fund does not generally provide sub-accounting services with respect to
beneficial ownership of Institutional Shares.
 
 
                       PURCHASE OF INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
 
 
  Institutional Shares may be purchased on any Business Day at the net asset
value per share next determined after receipt of an order. No sales load will
be charged. Currently, net asset value is determined as of the close of
regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally, but not always, 3:00
p.m. Chicago time, 4:00 p.m. New York time), as described under "Net Asset
Value." Purchases of Institutional Shares of the Funds must be settled within
three (3) Business Days of receipt of a complete purchase order. Payment of
the proceeds of redemption of shares purchased by check may be delayed for a
period of time as described under "Redemption of Institutional Shares."
 
  Prior to making an initial investment in a Fund, an investor must open an
account with a Fund by furnishing necessary information to such Fund or
Goldman Sachs. An Account Information Form, a copy of which is attached to
this Prospectus, should be used to open such an account. Subsequent purchases
may be made in the manner set forth below.
 
PURCHASE PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO EACH FUND OTHER THAN THE GLOBAL INCOME FUND
 
  Purchases of Institutional Shares may be made by qualified investors by
placing an order with Goldman Sachs at 800-621-2550 and either wiring federal
funds to The Northern Trust Company ("Northern") as subcustodian for State
Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") on the next Business Day or
initiating an ACH transfer to ensure receipt by Northern on the next Business
Day. Purchases may also be made by check (except that the Trust will not accept
a check drawn on a foreign bank or a third-party check) or Federal Reserve
draft payable to Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds--Name of Fund and Class of
shares and should be directed to Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds--Name of Fund
and Class of shares, c/o GSAM Shareholder Services, 4900 Sears Tower, Chicago,
Illinois 60606.
 
PURCHASE PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO THE GLOBAL INCOME FUND
 
  Purchases of Institutional Shares may be made by qualified investors by
placing an order with Goldman Sachs at 800-621-2550 and either wiring federal
funds to State Street or initiating an ACH transfer. Purchases
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
may also be made by check (except that the Trust will not accept a check drawn
on a foreign bank or a third-party check) or Federal Reserve draft made
payable to Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds-- Name of Fund and Class of shares
and should be directed to Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds--Name of Fund and
Class of shares c/o National Financial Data Services, Inc., P.O. Box 419711,
Kansas City, MO 64141-6711.
 
MINIMUM INITIAL INVESTMENTS
 
  In the case of each Fund other than the Government Income, Municipal Income,
Global Income and High Yield Funds, the minimum initial investment is $50,000
in Institutional Shares of a Fund alone or in combination with Institutional
Shares of any other mutual fund sponsored by Goldman Sachs and designated as
an eligible fund for this purpose and the corresponding class of any portfolio
of the Goldman Sachs Money Market Funds.
   
  Institutional Shares of the Government Income, Municipal Income, Global
Income and High Yield Funds may be offered to (a) banks, trust companies or
other types of depository institutions investing for their own account or on
behalf of their clients; (b) pension and profit sharing plans, pension funds
and other company-sponsored benefit plans; (c) any state, county, city or any
instrumentality, department, authority or agency thereof; (d) corporations and
other for-profit business organizations with assets of at least $100 million
or publicly traded securities outstanding; (e) "wrap" accounts for the benefit
of clients of broker-dealers, financial institutions or financial planners,
provided that they have entered into an agreement with GSAM specifying
aggregate minimums and certain operating policies and standards; and (f)
registered investment advisers investing for accounts for which they receive
asset-based fees. With respect to these investors, the minimum initial
investment is $1,000,000 in Institutional Shares of a Fund alone or in
combination with other assets under the management of GSAM and its affiliates.
       
  The minimum initial investment in Institutional Shares for (a) individual
investors; (b) qualified non-profit organizations, charitable trusts,
foundations and endowments; and (c) accounts over which GSAM or its advisory
affiliates have investment discretion is $10,000,000. The minimum investment
requirement may be waived at the discretion of the Trust's officers. No
minimum amount is required for subsequent investments.     
   
  The minimum investment requirement may be waived for current and former
officers, partners, directors or employees of Goldman Sachs or any of its
affiliates or for other investors at the discretion of the Trust's officers.
    
OTHER PURCHASE INFORMATION
   
  Normally purchase, exchange and redemption orders will not be effective
until received by Goldman Sachs. The Trust may, however, authorize certain
institutions (including banks, trust companies, brokers and investment
advisers) that provide recordkeeping, reporting and processing services to
their customers to accept on the Trust's behalf orders placed by or on behalf
of such customers and, if approved by the Trust, to designate other
intermediaries to accept such orders. In these cases, a Fund will be deemed to
have received an order in proper form by or on behalf of a customer when the
order is accepted by the authorized institution or intermediary on a Business
Day, and the order will be priced at a Fund's net asset value per share next
determined after such acceptance. The institution or intermediary will be
responsible for transmitting accepted orders to the Trust within the period
agreed upon by them. A customer should contact an institution to learn whether
it is authorized to accept orders for the Trust. Such institutions may receive
payments from the Funds or Goldman Sachs for the services provided by them
with respect to the Funds' Institutional Shares. These payments may be in
addition to other servicing and/or subtransfer agency payments borne by the
Funds and their share classes.     
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
  Institutional Shares of the Global Income Fund will be issued and dividends
will begin to be paid with respect to dividends which accrue on or after the
purchase of Institutional Shares. For the other Funds, the following applies:
 
    PURCHASE BY FEDERAL FUNDS WIRE OR ACH TRANSFER. If a purchase order is
  received with a specified settlement date in proper form before the
  determination of net asset value that day and payment is made by wire
  transfer or ACH transfer, shares will be issued and dividends will begin to
  accrue on the purchased shares on the later of (i) the Business Day after
  receipt of the purchase order or (ii) the day of receipt of a federal funds
  wire or an ACH transfer by State Street. For purchases without a specified
  settlement date, shares will be issued and dividends declared with respect
  to such shares will begin to accrue on the Business Day after payment is so
  received.
 
    PURCHASE BY CHECK OR FEDERAL RESERVE DRAFT. If a purchase order is
  received with a specified settlement date in proper form before the
  determination of net asset value that day and payment is made by check or
  Federal Reserve draft, shares will be issued and dividends will begin to
  accrue on the purchased shares on the Business Day after the date payment
  is received. For purchases without a specified settlement date, shares will
  be issued and dividends declared with respect to such shares will begin to
  accrue on the Business Day after payment is so received.
 
  Banks, trust companies or other institutions through which investors acquire
Institutional Shares may impose charges in connection with transactions in
Institutional Shares. Such institutions should be consulted for information
regarding such charges.
   
  The Investment Advisers, Distributor, and/or their affiliates may pay
compensation, from time to time, out of their assets and not as an additional
charge to the Funds, to selected institutions (including banks, trust
companies, brokers and investment advisers) and other persons in connection
with the sale and/or servicing of shares of the Funds and other investment
portfolios of the Trust (such as additional payments based on new sales,
amounts exceeding pre-established thresholds, or the length of time clients'
assets have remained in the Trust), and subject to applicable NASD
regulations, contribute to various non-cash and cash incentive arrangements to
promote the sale of shares, as well as sponsor various educational programs,
sales contests and/or promotions in which participants may receive
reimbursement of expenses, entertainment and prizes such as travel awards,
merchandise, cash, investment research and educational information and related
support materials. This additional compensation can vary among institutions
depending upon such factors as the amounts their clients have invested (or may
invest) in particular portfolios of the Trust, the particular program
involved, or the amount of reimbursable expenses. For further information, see
the Additional Statement.     
   
  The Funds reserve the right to redeem the Institutional Shares of any
shareholder of record whose account balance is less than $50 as a result of
earlier redemptions. Such redemptions will not be implemented if the value of
a recordholder's account falls below the minimum account balance solely as a
result of market conditions. A Fund will give sixty (60) days' prior written
notice to recordholders whose Institutional Shares are being redeemed to allow
them to purchase sufficient additional Institutional Shares of a Fund to avoid
such redemption.     
 
  The Funds and Goldman Sachs each reserves the right to reject any specific
purchase order (including exchanges) or to restrict purchases or exchanges by
a particular purchaser (or group of related purchasers). This may occur, for
example, when a purchaser or group of purchasers' pattern of frequent
purchases, sales or exchanges of Institutional Shares of a Fund is evident, or
if purchases, sales or exchanges are, or a subsequent abrupt redemption might
be, of a size that would disrupt management of a Fund.
 
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
  In the sole discretion of Goldman Sachs, a Fund may accept securities
instead of cash for the purchase of shares of the Fund. Such purchases will be
permitted only if the Investment Adviser determines that any securities
acquired in this manner are consistent with the Fund's investment objectives,
restrictions and policies and are desirable investments for the Fund.
 
 
                              EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
 
 
  Institutional Shares of a Fund may be exchanged for (i) Institutional Shares
of any other mutual fund sponsored by Goldman Sachs and designated as an
eligible fund for this purpose and (ii) the corresponding class of any Goldman
Sachs Money Market Fund at the net asset value next determined either by
writing to Goldman Sachs, Attention: Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds--Name of
Fund and Class of shares, c/o GSAM Shareholders Services, 4900 Sears Tower,
Chicago, Illinois 60606 or, if previously elected in the Fund's Account
Information Form, by telephone at 800-621-2550 (7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Chicago
time). A shareholder should obtain and read the prospectus relating to any
other fund and its shares and consider its investment objective, policies and
applicable fees before making an exchange. Under the telephone exchange
privilege, Institutional Shares may be exchanged among accounts with different
names, addresses and social security or other taxpayer identification numbers
only if the exchange instructions are in writing and received in accordance
with the procedures set forth under "Redemption of Institutional Shares."
 
  In an effort to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent exchanges by telephone,
Goldman Sachs employs reasonable procedures as set forth under "Redemption of
Institutional Shares" to confirm that such instructions are genuine. In times
of drastic economic or market changes, the telephone exchange privilege may be
difficult to implement. For federal income tax purposes, an exchange is
treated as a redemption of the Institutional Shares surrendered in the
exchange, on which an investor may be subject to tax, followed by a purchase
of Institutional Shares, or the corresponding class of any Goldman Sachs Money
Market Funds received in the exchange. Shareholders should consult their own
tax advisers concerning the tax consequences of an exchange.
   
  Each exchange which represents an initial investment in a Fund must satisfy
the minimum investment requirements of the fund into which the Institutional
Shares are being exchanged, except that this requirement may be waived at the
discretion of the officers of the Trust. Exchanges are available only in
states where exchanges may legally be made. The exchange privilege may be
materially modified or withdrawn at any time on sixty (60) days' written
notice to Institutional Shareholders and is subject to certain limitations.
See "Purchase of Institutional Shares."     
 
 
                      REDEMPTION OF INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
   
  The Funds will redeem their Institutional Shares upon request of a
recordholder of such Shares on any Business Day at the net asset value next
determined after receipt of a request in proper form by Goldman Sachs from the
recordholder. (See "Purchase of Institutional Shares--Other Purchase
Information" for a description of limited situations where an institution or
other intermediary may be authorized to accept redemptions for the Funds.) If
Institutional Shares to be redeemed were recently purchased by check, a Fund
may delay transmittal of redemption proceeds until such time as it has assured
itself that good funds have been collected for the purchase of such
Institutional Shares. This may take up to fifteen (15) days. Redemption
requests may be made by a shareholder of record by writing to or calling the
Transfer Agent at the address or telephone number set forth on the back cover
page of this Prospectus. A shareholder of record may request redemptions by
telephone     
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
if the optional telephone redemption privilege is elected on the Account
Information Form accompanying this Prospectus. It may be difficult to
implement redemptions by telephone in times of drastic economic or market
changes.
 
  In an effort to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent redemption or exchange
requests by telephone, Goldman Sachs employs reasonable procedures specified
by the Trust to confirm that such instructions are genuine. Among other
things, any redemption request that requires money to go to an account or
address other than that designated on the Account Information Form must be in
writing and signed by an authorized person designated on the Account
Information Form. Any such written request is also confirmed by telephone with
both the requesting party and the designated bank account to verify
instructions. Exchanges among accounts with different names, addresses and
social security or other taxpayer identification numbers must be in writing
and signed by an authorized person designated on the Account Information Form.
Other procedures may be implemented from time to time concerning telephone
redemptions and exchanges. If reasonable procedures are not implemented, the
Trust may be liable for any loss due to unauthorized or fraudulent
transactions. In all other cases, neither the Funds, the Trust nor Goldman
Sachs will be responsible for the authenticity of redemption or exchange
instructions received by telephone.
   
  Written requests for redemptions must be signed by each recordholder whose
signature has been guaranteed by a bank, a securities broker or dealer, a
credit union having authority to issue signature guarantees, a savings and
loan association, a building and loan association, a cooperative bank, a
federal savings bank or association, a national securities exchange, a
registered securities association or a clearing agency, provided that such
institution satisfies the standards established by the Transfer Agent.
Institutional Shares of each Fund (other than Global Income Fund) earn
dividends declared on the day the shares are redeemed.     
   
  The Fund will arrange for the proceeds of redemptions effected by any means
to be wired as federal funds to the bank account designated in the
recordholder's Account Information Form or, if the recordholder elects in
writing, by check. Redemption proceeds paid by wire transfer will normally be
wired on the next Business Day in federal funds (for a total one-day delay),
but may be paid up to three (3) Business Days after receipt of a properly
executed redemption request. Wiring of redemption proceeds may be delayed one
additional Business Day if the Federal Reserve Bank is closed on the day
redemption proceeds would ordinarily be wired. Redemption proceeds paid by
check will normally be mailed to the address of record within three (3)
Business Days of receipt of a properly executed redemption request. In order
to change the bank designated on the Account Information Form to receive
redemption proceeds, a written request must be received by the Transfer Agent.
This request must be signature guaranteed as set forth above. Further
documentation may be required for executors, trustees or corporations. Once
wire transfer instructions have been given by Goldman Sachs, neither the
Funds, the Trust nor Goldman Sachs assumes any further responsibility for the
performance of intermediaries or the recordholder's bank in the transfer
process. If a problem with such performance arises, the recordholder should
deal directly with such intermediaries or bank.     
 
  Additional documentation regarding a redemption by any means may be required
to effect a redemption when deemed appropriate by Goldman Sachs. The request
for such redemption will not be considered to have been received in proper
form until such additional documentation has been received.
   
  Institutions (including banks, trust companies, brokers and investment
advisers) are responsible for the timely transmittal of redemption requests by
their customers to the Transfer Agent. In order to facilitate the timely
transmittal of redemption requests, these institutions have established times
by which redemption requests must be received by them. Additional
documentation may be required when deemed appropriate by an institution.     
 
                               ----------------
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
 
                                   APPENDIX
 
 
                   GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER
               IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON ACCOUNT INFORMATION FORM
 
  You are required by law to provide a Fund with your correct Taxpayer
Identification Number (TIN), regardless of whether you file tax returns.
Failure to do so may subject you to penalties. Failure to provide your correct
TIN and to sign your name in the Certification section of the Account
Information Form could result in withholding of 31% by a Fund for the federal
backup withholding tax on distributions, redemptions, exchanges and other
payments relating to your account.
 
  Any tax withheld may be credited against taxes owed on your federal income
tax return.
 
  If you do not have a TIN, you should apply for one immediately by contacting
your local office of the Social Security Administration or the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS). Backup withholding could apply to payments relating to
your account while you are awaiting receipt of a TIN.
 
  Special rules apply for certain entities. For example, for an account
established under a Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minors Act, the TIN of the
minor should be furnished.
 
  If you have been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup
withholding because you failed to report your interest and/or dividend income
on your tax return and you have not been notified by the IRS that such
withholding should cease, you must cross out item (2) in the Certification
section of the Account Information Form.
 
  If you are an exempt recipient, you should furnish your TIN and certify your
exemption by signing the Certification section and writing "exempt" after your
signature. Exempt recipients include: corporations, tax-exempt pension plans
and IRA's, governmental agencies, financial institutions, registered
securities and commodities dealers and others.
 
  If you are a nonresident alien or foreign entity, you must provide a
completed Form W-8 to the Fund in order to avoid backup withholding on certain
payments. Other payments to you may be subject to nonresident alien
withholding of up to 30%.
 
  For further information regarding backup and nonresident alien withholding,
see Sections 3406, 1441 and 1442 of the Internal Revenue Code and consult your
tax adviser.
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET                       GOLDMAN SACHS            
MANAGEMENT                                FIXED INCOME FUNDS      
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA                                                
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004                  --------------------
                                                                  
GOLDMAN SACHS FUNDS                       PROSPECTUS              
MANAGEMENT, L.P.                          INSTITUTIONAL SHARES    
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA                                                
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004                                          
                                                                  
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET                       
MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL
133 PETERBOROUGH COURT
LONDON, ENGLAND EC4A 2BB
 
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
DISTRIBUTOR
85 BROAD STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004
 
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
TRANSFER AGENT
4900 SEARS TOWER
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606
 
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
CUSTODIAN
1776 HERITAGE DRIVE
NORTH QUINCY, MASSACHUSETTS 02171
 
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
225 FRANKLIN STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02110
 
 
 
TOLL FREE (IN U.S.) .  . . 800-621-2550   GOLDMAN 
                                          SACHS
FIPROINST
- ---------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------   --------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROSPECTUS
March 1, 1998   GOLDMAN SACHS FIXED INCOME FUNDS SERVICE SHARES
 
GOLDMAN SACHS ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND
  Seeks a high level of current income, consistent with low volatility of
  principal. The Fund invests primarily in adjustable rate mortgage pass-
  through securities and other mortgage securities with periodic interest rate
  resets, which are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies,
  instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises.
 
GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
  Seeks a high level of current income and secondarily, in seeking current in-
  come, may also consider the potential for capital appreciation. The Fund in-
  vests primarily in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government,
  its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises.
 
GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND
  Seeks a high level of current income, consistent with relatively low vola-
  tility of principal, that is exempt from regular federal income tax. The
  Fund invests primarily in municipal securities.
 
GOLDMAN SACHS GOVERNMENT
INCOME FUND
  Seeks a high level of current
  income, consistent with
  safety of principal. The Fund
  invests primarily in
  securities, including
  mortgage-backed securities,
  issued or guaranteed by the
  U.S. government, its
  agencies, instrumentalities
  or sponsored enterprises.
GOLDMAN SACHS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
  Seeks a high level of current income that is exempt from regular federal in-
  come tax, consistent with preservation of capital. The Fund invests primar-
  ily in municipal securities.
 
GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FUND
  Seeks a total return consisting of capital appreciation and income that ex-
  ceeds the total return of the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index. The Fund
  invests primarily in fixed-income securities, including securities issued or
  guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies, instrumentalities or spon-
  sored enterprises, corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities and as-
  set-backed securities.
 
GOLDMAN SACHS GLOBAL INCOME FUND
  Seeks a high total return, emphasizing current income and, to a lesser ex-
  tent, providing opportunities for capital appreciation. The Fund invests
  primarily in a portfolio of high quality fixed-income securities of U.S. and
  foreign issuers and foreign currencies.
 
GOLDMAN SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND
     
  Seeks a high level of current income and, secondarily, may also consider the
  potential for capital appreciation. The Fund invests primarily in fixed-in-
  come securities rated below investment grade.     
   
  This Prospectus provides information about Goldman Sachs Trust (the "Trust")
and the Funds that a prospective investor should understand before investing.
This Prospectus should be retained for future reference. A Statement of
Additional Information (the "Additional Statement"), dated March 1, 1998,
containing further information about the Trust and the Funds which may be of
interest to investors, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC"), is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and
may be obtained without charge from Service Organizations (as defined herein)
or Goldman Sachs by calling the telephone number, or writing to one of the
addresses, listed on the back cover of this Prospectus. The SEC maintains a Web
site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains the Additional Statement and other
information regarding the Trust.     
       
SERVICE SHARES OF THE FUNDS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED
OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK OR OTHER INSURED DEPOSITORY INSTITUTION, AND ARE NOT
INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD
OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN A FUND INVOLVES INVESTMENT
RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                                                        (continued on next page)
<PAGE>
 
(cover continued)
 
  THE ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT, SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT
INCOME FUNDS' NET ASSET VALUES AND YIELDS ARE NOT GUARANTEED BY THE U.S.
GOVERNMENT OR BY ITS AGENCIES, INSTRUMENTALITIES OR SPONSORED ENTERPRISES.
 
  THE CORE FIXED INCOME, GLOBAL INCOME AND HIGH YIELD FUNDS MAY INVEST IN
SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS AND FOREIGN CURRENCIES THAT ENTAIL CERTAIN RISKS
NOT CUSTOMARILY ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTING IN U.S. DOLLAR-DENOMINATED FIXED-
INCOME SECURITIES. IN PARTICULAR, THE SECURITIES MARKETS OF EMERGING MARKET
COUNTRIES ARE LESS LIQUID, ARE SUBJECT TO GREATER PRICE VOLATILITY, HAVE
SMALLER MARKET CAPITALIZATIONS, HAVE LESS GOVERNMENT REGULATION AND ARE NOT
SUBJECT TO AS EXTENSIVE AND FREQUENT ACCOUNTING, FINANCIAL AND OTHER REPORTING
REQUIREMENTS AS THE SECURITIES MARKETS OF MORE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES.
 
  THE HIGH YIELD FUND INVESTS PRIMARILY IN HIGH YIELD, FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES
RATED BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE THAT ARE CONSIDERED SPECULATIVE AND GENERALLY
INVOLVE GREATER PRICE VOLATILITY AND GREATER RISK OF LOSS OF PRINCIPAL AND
INTEREST THAN INVESTMENTS IN HIGHER RATED FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES.
   
  INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTMENT IN A FUND
INVESTING IN FOREIGN AND/OR HIGH YIELD SECURITIES. THE FUNDS MAY NOT BE
SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS. SEE "DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES" AND "RISK
FACTORS."     
          
  Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P. ("GSFM"), New York, New York, an
affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. ("Goldman Sachs"), serves as investment
adviser to the Adjustable Rate Government and Short Duration Government Funds.
Goldman Sachs Asset Management ("GSAM"), New York, New York, a separate
operating division of Goldman Sachs, serves as investment adviser to the Short
Duration Tax-Free, Government Income, Municipal Income, Core Fixed Income and
High Yield Funds. Goldman Sachs Asset Management International ("GSAMI"),
London, England, an affiliate of Goldman Sachs, serves as investment adviser
to the Global Income Fund. GSAM, GSFM and GSAMI are each referred to in this
Prospectus as the "Investment Adviser." Goldman Sachs serves as each Fund's
distributor and transfer agent.     
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                        PAGE
                                        ----
<S>                                     <C>
Fund Highlights........................   1
Fees and Expenses......................   7
Financial Highlights...................   9
Investment Objectives and Policies.....  15
Description of Securities..............  22
Risk Factors...........................  30
Investment Techniques..................  33
Investment Restrictions................  37
Portfolio Turnover.....................  38
Management.............................  38
Dividends..............................  42
</TABLE>    
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                            PAGE
                                                                            ----
                          <S>                                               <C>
                          Net Asset Value..................................  43
                          Performance Information..........................  43
                          Shares of the Trust..............................  44
                          Taxation.........................................  45
                          Additional Information...........................  46
                          Additional Services..............................  47
                          Reports to Shareholders..........................  47
                          Purchase of Service Shares.......................  48
                          Exchange Privilege...............................  50
                          Redemption of Service Shares.....................  50
                          Appendix......................................... A-1
</TABLE>    
<PAGE>
 
 
                                FUND HIGHLIGHTS
 
   The following is intended to highlight certain information and is
 qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information contained in this
 Prospectus.
 
 WHAT IS THE GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST?
 
   The Goldman Sachs Trust is an open-end management investment company that
 offers its shares in several investment funds (mutual funds). Each Fund
 pools the monies of investors by selling its shares to the public and
 investing these monies in a portfolio of securities designed to achieve that
 Fund's stated investment objectives.
 
 WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF THE FUNDS?
 
   Each Fund has distinct investment objectives and policies. There can be no
 assurance that a Fund's objectives will be achieved. For a further
 description of each Fund's investment objectives and policies, see
 "Investment Objectives and Policies," "Description of Securities" and
 "Investment Techniques."
    
 WHO MANAGES THE FUNDS?     
    
   Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P. serves as Investment Adviser to the
 Adjustable Rate Government and Short Duration Government Funds. Goldman
 Sachs Asset Management serves as Investment Adviser to the Short Duration
 Tax-Free, Government Income, Municipal Income, Core Fixed Income and High
 Yield Funds. Goldman Sachs Asset Management International serves as
 Investment Adviser to the Global Income Fund. As of January 26, 1998, the
 Investment Advisers, together with their affiliates, acted as investment
 adviser or distributor for assets in excess of $140 billion.     
    
 WHO DISTRIBUTES THE FUNDS' SHARES?     
    
   Goldman Sachs acts as distributor of each Fund's shares.     
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
 
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                         EXPECTED
                                                       APPROXIMATE
                                                         INTEREST
                    INVESTMENT                             RATE
  FUND NAME         OBJECTIVES          DURATION       SENSITIVITY    INVESTMENT SECTOR      CREDIT QUALITY     OTHER INVESTMENTS
- --------------  ------------------ ------------------- ------------ --------------------- -------------------- -------------------
<S>             <C>                <C>                 <C>          <C>                   <C>                  <C>
ADJUSTABLE      A high level of    Target = 6-month    9-month note At least 65% of       U.S. Government      Fixed-rate
RATE            current income,    to 1-year                        total assets in       Securities           mortgage
GOVERNMENT      consistent with    U.S. Treasury                    securities issued or                       pass-through
FUND            low volatility     Security                         guaranteed by the                          securities and
                of principal.      Maximum = 2 years                U.S. government,                           repurchase
                                                                    its agencies,                              agreements
                                                                    instrumentalities                          collateralized by
                                                                    or sponsored                               U.S. Government
                                                                    enterprises                                Securities.
                                                                    ("U.S. Government
                                                                    Securities'')
                                                                    that are adjustable
                                                                    rate mortgage
                                                                    pass-through
                                                                    securities and other
                                                                    mortgage securities
                                                                    with periodic
                                                                    interest rate resets.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT DURATION  A high level of    Target = 2-year     2-year bond  At least 65% of       U.S. Government      Mortgage pass-
GOVERNMENT      current income,    U.S. Treasury                    total assets in       Securities           through
FUND            and secondarily,   Security plus                    U.S. Government                            securities and
                in seeking current or minus .5 years                Securities                                 other securities
                income, may        Maximum = 3 years                and repurchase                             representing an
                also consider                                       agreements                                 interest in or
                the potential                                       collateralized                             collateralized
                for capital                                         by such securities.                        by mortgage loans.
                appreciation.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT DURATION  A high level of    Target = Lehman     3-year bond  At least 80% of       Minimum = BBB/Baa    U.S. Government
TAX-FREE        current income,    Brothers                         net assets in                              Securities
FUND            consistent with    3-year Municipal                 municipal securities.                      and repurchase
                low volatility     Bond Index                                                                  agreements
                of principal,      plus or minus                                                               collateralized
                that is exempt     .5 years                                                                    by such securities.
                from regular       Maximum = 4 years
                federal
                income tax.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOVERNMENT      A high level of    Target = Lehman     5-year bond  At least 65% of total U.S. Government      Non-government
INCOME          current income,    Brothers Mutual                  assets in U.S.        Securities; non-U.S. mortgage pass-
FUND            consistent with    Fund Government/                 Government            Government           through securities,
                safety of          Mortgage Index                   Securities, including Securities =         asset-backed
                principal.         plus or minus                    mortgage-backed       AAA/Aaa              securities and
                                   1 year                           U.S. Government                            corporate
                                   Maximum = 6 years                Securities and                             fixed-income
                                                                    repurchase                                 securities.
                                                                    agreements
                                                                    collateralized by
                                                                    U.S. Government
                                                                    Securities.
<CAPTION>
  FUND NAME         BENCHMARK
- --------------- -----------------
<S>             <C>
ADJUSTABLE      6-month and
RATE            1-year U.S.
GOVERNMENT      Treasury Security
FUND
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT DURATION  2-year U.S.
GOVERNMENT      Treasury Security
FUND
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT DURATION  Lehman Brothers
TAX-FREE        3-Year Municipal
FUND            Bond Index
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOVERNMENT      Lehman Brothers
INCOME          Mutual Fund
FUND            Government/
                Mortgage Index
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
 
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                          EXPECTED
                                                        APPROXIMATE
                                                          INTEREST
                  INVESTMENT                                RATE
 FUND NAME        OBJECTIVES             DURATION       SENSITIVITY    INVESTMENT SECTOR       CREDIT QUALITY
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>          <C>                   <C>                  <C>          <C>                    <C>
MUNICIPAL    A high level of       Target = Lehman      15-year bond At least 80% of        Minimum = BBB/Baa
INCOME       current income        Brothers 15-year                  net assets in          Average = AA/Aa
FUND         that is exempt        Municipal Bond                    municipal securities.
             from regular          Index plus
             federal income        or minus 1 year
             tax, consistent       Maximum = 12 years
             with preservation
             of capital.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORE FIXED   Total return          Target = Lehman      5-year bond  At least 65% of        Minimum = BBB/Baa
INCOME FUND  consisting            Brothers                          assets in fixed-income Minimum for
             of capital            Aggregate Bond                    securities, including  non-dollar securities
             appreciation          Index plus or                     U.S. Government        = AA/Aa
             and income that       minus 1 year                      Securities, corporate,
             exceeds the total     Maximum = 6 years                 mortgage-backed
             return of the                                           and asset-backed
             Lehman Brothers                                         securities.
             Aggregate Bond
             Index.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GLOBAL       A high total return,  Target = J.P. Morgan 6-year bond  Securities of          Minimum = BBB/Baa
INCOME       emphasizing current   Global Government                 U.S. and foreign       At least 50% =
FUND         income, and, to       Bond Index                        governments and        AAA/Aaa
             a lesser extent,      (hedged) plus or                  corporations.
             providing             minus 2.5 years
             opportunities         Maximum = 7.5 years
             for capital
             appreciation.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HIGH YIELD   A high level of       Target = Lehman      6-year bond  At least 65% of        At least 65% =
FUND         current income        Brothers High                     assets in fixed-       BB/Ba or below
             and, secondarily,     Yield Bond Index                  income securities
             capital appreciation. plus or minus                     rated below
                                   2.5 years                         investment grade,
                                   Maximum =7.5 years                including U.S. and
                                                                     non-U.S. dollar
                                                                     corporate debt,
                                                                     foreign
                                                                     government
                                                                     securities,
                                                                     convertible
                                                                     securities
                                                                     and preferred stock.
<CAPTION>
 FUND NAME     OTHER INVESTMENTS       BENCHMARK
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>          <C>                    <C>
MUNICIPAL    U.S. Government        Lehman Brothers
INCOME       Securities and         15-Year
FUND         repurchase             Municipal
             agreements             Bond Index
             collateralized by
             such securities.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORE FIXED   Foreign fixed-         Lehman Brothers
INCOME FUND  income,                Aggregate Bond
             municipal and          Index
             convertible
             securities,
             foreign currencies
             and repurchase
             agreements
             collateralized
             by U.S.
             Government
             Securities.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GLOBAL       Mortgage and           J.P. Morgan
INCOME       asset-backed           Global
FUND         securities, foreign    Government
             currencies and         Bond Index
             repurchase             (hedged)
             agreements
             collateralized by
             U.S. Government
             Securities or
             certain foreign
             government securities.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HIGH YIELD   Mortgage-backed        Lehman Brothers
FUND         and asset-backed       High Yield
             securities, U.S.       Bond Index
             Government
             Securities,
             investment grade
             corporate fixed-
             income securities,
             structured
             securities,
             foreign currencies
             and repurchase
             agreements
             collateralized by
             U.S. Government
             Securities.
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
 
 WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS THAT I SHOULD CONSIDER
 BEFORE INVESTING?
 
   Each Fund's share price will fluctuate with market, economic and, with
 respect to the Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds,
 foreign exchange conditions, so that an investment in any of the Funds may
 be worth more or less when redeemed than when purchased. None of the Funds
 should be relied upon as a complete investment program. There can be no
 assurance that a Fund's investment objectives will be achieved. See "Risk
 Factors."
 
   Interest Rate Risk. When interest rates decline, the market value of
 fixed-income securities tends to increase. Conversely, when interest rates
 increase, the market value of fixed-income securities tends to decline.
 Volatility of a security's market value will differ depending upon the
 security's duration, the issuer and the type of instrument.
    
   Default Risk/Credit Risk. Investments in fixed-income securities are
 subject to the risk that the issuer could default on its obligations, and a
 Fund could sustain losses on such investments. A default could impact both
 interest and principal payments.     
    
   Call Risk and Extension Risk. Fixed-income securities may be subject to
 both call risk and extension risk. Call risk (i.e., where the issuer
 exercises its right to pay principal on an obligation earlier than
 scheduled) causes cash flow to be returned earlier than expected. Call risk
 typically results when interest rates have declined. Under such
 circumstances, a Fund may be unable to recoup all of its initial investment
 and will also suffer from having to reinvest in lower yielding securities.
 Extension risk (i.e., where the issuer exercises its right to pay principal
 on an obligation later than scheduled) causes cash flows to be returned
 later than expected. Extension risk typically results when interest rates
 have increased. Under such circumstances, a Fund will suffer from the
 inability to invest in higher yielding securities. The investment
 characteristics of Mortgage-Backed Securities (including adjustable rate
 mortgage securities) and Asset-Backed Securities differ from those of
 traditional fixed-income securities because they generally have both call
 risk (also known as prepayment risk) and extension risk.     
    
   Tax Risk of Municipal Securities. Because of their tax-exempt status, the
 yields and market values of municipal securities may be more adversely
 impacted by changes in tax rates and policies than taxable fixed-income
 securities.     
 
   Risks of investing in non-investment grade fixed-income securities. Non-
 investment grade fixed-income securities (commonly referred to as "junk
 bonds") are subject to greater volatility and risk of loss and are less
 liquid than securities which are perceived to be of higher credit quality.
 Such securities, also referred to as high yield securities, are considered
 to be speculative by traditional investment standards. High yield securities
 are subject to increased risk of an issuer's inability to meet principal and
 interest payments. The High Yield Fund may invest in securities which are in
 default at the time of investment. The market for non-investment grade
 securities tends to be concentrated in a limited number of market makers,
 which may affect liquidity. In addition, the market price of such securities
 tends to reflect individual corporate developments to a greater extent than
 that of higher rated securities which react primarily to the general level
 of interest rates.
 
   Foreign Risks. Investments in securities of foreign issuers and currencies
 involve risks that are different from those associated with investments in
 domestic securities. The risks associated with foreign investments and
 currencies include changes in relative currency exchange rates, political
 and economic developments, the imposition of exchange controls, confiscation
 and other governmental restrictions. In addition, the securities
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
 markets of foreign countries are generally less liquid and subject to
 greater price volatility. To the extent that the Core Fixed Income, Global
 Income and High Yield Funds invest in emerging markets and countries, these
 risks may be heightened.
 
   Other. A Fund's use of certain investment techniques, including
 derivatives, forward contracts, options, futures and swap transactions, will
 subject the Fund to greater risk than funds that do not employ such
 techniques.
    
   Diversified and Non-Diversified Funds. Each Fund, other than the Global
 Income Fund, is a "diversified open-end management company" as defined under
 the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"). The Global
 Income Fund is a "non-diversified" open-end management company as defined
 under the Act and is, therefore, subject only to certain federal tax
 diversification requirements (to which the other Funds are also subject), in
 addition to the policies adopted by the Investment Adviser. To the extent
 that the Fund is not diversified under the Act, it will be more susceptible
 to adverse developments affecting any single issuer of portfolio securities.
 See "Investment Restrictions."     
        
 WHAT IS THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT?
 
   The Funds do not have any minimum purchase or account requirements with
 respect to Service Shares. A Service Organization may, however, impose a
 minimum amount for initial and subsequent investments in Service Shares, and
 may establish other requirements such as a minimum account balance.
 
 HOW DO I PURCHASE SERVICE SHARES?
 
   Customers of Service Organizations may invest in Service Shares only
 through their Service Organizations. Service Shares of a Fund are purchased
 at the current net asset value without any sales load. See "Purchase of
 Service Shares."
 
   ADDITIONAL SERVICES. The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has adopted a
 Service Plan with respect to the Service Shares which authorizes a Fund to
 compensate Service Organizations for providing account administration and
 shareholder liaison services to their customers who are the beneficial
 owners of such Shares. The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, will enter into
 agreements with each Service Organization which will provide for
 compensation to the Service Organization in an amount up to 0.50% (on an
 annualized basis) of the average daily net assets of the Services Shares of
 the Funds attributable to or held in the name of the Service Organization
 for its customers. See "Additional Services."
 
 HOW DO I SELL MY SERVICE SHARES?
 
   You may redeem Service Shares upon request on any Business Day, as defined
 under "Additional Information," at the net asset value next determined after
 receipt of such request in proper form. See "Redemption of Service Shares."
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
 
 HOW DO I RECEIVE DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS?
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               INVESTMENT INCOME
                                                   DIVIDENDS
                                               ------------------ CAPITAL GAINS
       FUND                                    DECLARED    PAID   DISTRIBUTION
       ----                                    ------------------ -------------
  <S>                                          <C>       <C>      <C>
  Adjustable Rate Government.................. Daily      Monthly   Annually
  Short Duration Government .................. Daily      Monthly   Annually
  Short Duration Tax-Free..................... Daily      Monthly   Annually
  Government Income........................... Daily      Monthly   Annually
  Municipal Income............................ Daily      Monthly   Annually
  Core Fixed Income........................... Daily      Monthly   Annually
  Global Income .............................. Monthly    Monthly   Annually
  High Yield.................................. Daily      Monthly   Annually
</TABLE>
    
   Recordholders of Service Shares may receive dividends in additional
 Service Shares of the Fund in which they have invested or may elect to
 receive cash. For further information concerning dividends, see "Dividends."
     
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
 
                               FEES AND EXPENSES
                               (SERVICE SHARES)
 
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                 ADJUSTABLE RATE SHORT DURATION                GOVERNMENT MUNICIPAL CORE FIXED GLOBAL  HIGH
                                   GOVERNMENT      GOVERNMENT   SHORT DURATION   INCOME    INCOME     INCOME   INCOME  YIELD
                                     FUND/1/        FUND/1/     TAX-FREE FUND   FUND/1/     FUND       FUND     FUND  FUND/1/
                                 --------------- -------------- -------------- ---------- --------- ---------- ------ -------
<S>                              <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>    <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION
 EXPENSES:
 Maximum Sales Charge Im-
  posed on Purchases.......           none            none           none         none      none       none     none   none
 Maximum Sales Charge Im-
  posed on Reinvested Divi-
  dends....................           none            none           none         none      none       none     none   none
 Redemption Fees...........           none            none           none         none      none       none     none   none
 Exchange Fees.............           none            none           none         none      none       none     none   none
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES:
 (as a percentage of average daily
  net assets)
 Management Fees (after ap-
  plicable limita-
  tions)/2/................           0.40%           0.50%          0.40%        0.65%     0.55%      0.40%    0.59%  0.65%
 Service Fees/3/...........           0.50%           0.50%          0.50%        0.50%     0.50%      0.50%    0.50%  0.50%
 Other Expenses (after ap-
  plicable limita-
  tions)/4/,/5/............           0.13%           0.05%          0.05%        0.00%     0.05%      0.05%    0.06%  0.18%
                                      ----            ----           ----         ----      ----       ----     ----   ----
  TOTAL FUND OPERATING
   EXPENSES (AFTER FEE AND
   EXPENSE LIMITA-
   TIONS)/5/...............           1.03%           1.05%          0.95%        1.15%     1.10%      0.95%    1.15%  1.33%
                                      ====            ====           ====         ====      ====       ====     ====   ====
</TABLE>    
 
EXAMPLE
 
  You would pay the following expenses on a hypothetical $1,000 investment
assuming (i) a 5% annual return and (ii) redemption at the end of each time
period.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
   FUND                                          1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
   ----                                          ------ ------- ------- --------
<S>                                              <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
Adjustable Rate Government......................  $11     $33     $57     $126
Short Duration Government.......................  $11     $33     $58     $128
Short Duration Tax-Free.........................  $10     $30     $53     $117
Government Income...............................  $12     $37     $63     $140
Municipal Income................................  $11     $35     $61     $134
Core Fixed Income...............................  $10     $30     $53     $117
Global Income...................................  $12     $37     $63     $140
High Yield......................................  $14     $42     N/A      N/A
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
/1/. Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.     
   
/2/. The Investment Advisers have voluntarily agreed that a portion of the
     management fee would not be imposed on the Global Income and High Yield
     Funds equal to .31% and .05%, respectively. Without such limitations,
     management fees would be .90% and .70%, respectively, of each Fund's
     average daily net assets.     
   
/3/. Service Organizations may charge other fees to their customers who are
     beneficial owners of Service Shares in connection with their customer
     accounts.     
   
/4/. The Investment Advisers voluntarily have agreed to reduce or limit
     certain other expenses (excluding management fees, service fees, taxes,
     interest and brokerage fees and litigation, indemnification and other
         
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
 extraordinary expenses (and transfer agency fees in the case of the Global
 Income and High Yield Funds)) to the extent such expenses exceed .05%, .05%,
..00%, .05%, .05%, .06% and .14% of the average daily net assets of the Short
 Duration Government, Short Duration Tax-Free, Government Income, Municipal
 Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds, respectively.
   
/5/. Without the limitations described above, "Other Expenses" and "Total
     Operating Expenses" of the Funds (with the exception of the High Yield
     Fund which is estimated for the current fiscal year) for the fiscal year
     ended October 31, 1997 would have been as follows:     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                         OTHER   TOTAL OPERATING
                                                        EXPENSES    EXPENSES
                                                        -------- ---------------
   <S>                                                  <C>      <C>
   Short Duration Government...........................   .32%        1.32%
   Short Duration Tax-Free.............................   .83%        1.73%
   Government Income...................................   .67%        1.82%
   Municipal Income....................................   .57%        1.62%
   Core Fixed Income...................................   .43%        1.33%
   Global Income.......................................   .14%        1.54%
   High Yield..........................................   .37%        1.57%
</TABLE>    
   
     In addition, for the year ended October 31, 1997, the Investment Adviser
     waived and reimbursed certain fees and expenses such that the "Other
     Expenses" and "Total Operating Expenses" actually incurred by the
     Adjustable Rate Government Fund were 0.15% and 1.05%, respectively.
     Without such limitations, "Other Expenses" and "Total Operating Expenses"
     of the Fund would have been 0.18% and 1.08%, respectively. For the year
     ended October 31, 1997, the Investment Adviser voluntarily agreed that a
     portion of the management fee would not be imposed on the Short Duration
     Government and Government Income Funds equal to 0.10% and 0.40%,
     respectively. Without such limitations, management fees would have been
     0.50% and 0.65% of each Fund's average daily net assets, respectively. In
     addition, the Investment Adviser reimbursed certain expenses such that
     "Other Expenses" actually incurred by the Short Duration Government and
     Government Income Funds for Service Shares were 0.05% and 0.00%,
     respectively, and "Total Operating Expenses" were 0.95% and 0.75%,
     respectively. Without such limitations, "Other Expenses" would have been
     0.32% and 0.67%, respectively, and "Total Operating Expenses" would have
     been 1.32% and 1.82%, respectively.     
 
  The Investment Advisers have no current intention of modifying or
discontinuing any of the limitations set forth above but may do so in the
future at their discretion. The information set forth in the foregoing table
and hypothetical example relates only to Service Shares of the Funds. Each fund
also offers Institutional and Class A Shares and, with the exception of the
Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Class B and Class C Shares. The Adjustable
Rate Government, Short Duration Government, Short Duration Tax-Free and Core
Fixed Income Funds also offer Administration Shares. The other classes of the
Funds are subject to different fees and expenses (which affect performance),
have different minimum investment requirements and are entitled to different
services. Information regarding any other class of the Funds may be obtained
from your sales representative or from Goldman Sachs by calling the number on
the back cover page of this Prospectus.
   
  In addition to the compensation itemized above, certain Service Organizations
may receive other compensation in connection with the sale and distribution of
Service Shares or for service to their customers' accounts and/or the Funds.
For additional information regarding such compensation, see "Purchase of
Service Shares" in this Prospectus and the Additional Statement.     
 
  The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist investors in understanding
the various fees and expenses of a Fund that an investor will bear directly or
indirectly. The information on the fees and expenses included in the table and
the hypothetical example above are based on each Fund's fees and expenses
(actual or estimated) and should not be considered as representative of past or
future expenses. Actual fees and expenses may be greater or less than those
indicated. Moreover, while the example assumes a 5% annual return, a Fund's
actual performance will vary and may result in an actual return greater or less
than 5%. See "Management--Investment Advisers" and "Additional Services."
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                             FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
         SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
 
  The following data has been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
public accountants, as indicated in their report incorporated by reference
into the Additional Statement from the Annual Report to shareholders of the
Funds for the year ended October 31, 1997 (the "Annual Report"). This
information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
related notes incorporated by reference and attached to the Additional
Statement. The Annual Report also contains performance information and is
available upon request and without charge by calling the telephone number or
writing to one of the addresses on the back cover of this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS(N)
                           --------------------------------------------------- ---------
                                        NET REALIZED       NET
                                            AND          REALIZED
                                         UNREALIZED        AND
                                        GAIN (LOSS)     UNREALIZED    TOTAL
                                             ON        GAIN (LOSS)    INCOME
                 NET ASSET              INVESTMENT,     ON FOREIGN    (LOSS)
                 VALUE AT     NET        OPTION AND      CURRENCY      FROM     FROM NET
                 BEGINNING INVESTMENT     FUTURES        RELATED    INVESTMENT INVESTMENT
                 OF PERIOD   INCOME     TRANSACTIONS   TRANSACTIONS OPERATIONS   INCOME
                 --------- ----------   ------------   ------------ ---------- ----------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>       <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>        <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........  $ 9.83    $0.5914(a)    $ 0.0494 (a)     --        $0.6408    $(0.5908)
1997-
Administration
Shares..........    9.83     0.5665(a)      0.0497 (a)     --         0.6162     (0.5662)
1997-Service
Shares(m).......    9.84     0.3298(a)      0.0400 (a)     --         0.3698     (0.3298)
1997-Class A
Shares..........    9.83     0.5662(a)      0.0500 (a)     --         0.6162     (0.5662)
1996-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.77     0.5759(a)      0.0772 (a)     --         0.6531     (0.5725)
1996-
Administration
Shares..........    9.77     0.5489(a)      0.0797 (a)     --         0.6286     (0.5489)
1996-Class A
Shares..........    9.77     0.5481(a)      0.0806 (a)     --         0.6287     (0.5489)
1995-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.74     0.5630(a)      0.0717 (a)     --         0.6347     (0.5759)
1995-
Administration
Shares..........    9.74     0.5366(a)      0.0737 (a)     --         0.6103     (0.5528)
1995-Class A
Shares(c).......    9.79     0.2721(a)     (0.0090)(a)     --         0.2631     (0.2697)
1994-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.4341(a)     (0.2455)(a)     --         0.1886     (0.4486)
1994-
Administration
Shares..........   10.00     0.4211(a)     (0.2572)(a)     --         0.1639     (0.4239)
1993-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.04     0.4397        (0.0376)(d)     --         0.4021     (0.4397)
1993-
Administration
Shares(e).......   10.02     0.2146        (0.0173)(d)     --         0.1973     (0.2146)
1992-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.03     0.5599        (0.0029)(d)     --         0.5570     (0.5470)
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 17, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------
1991-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.1531         0.0322(d)      --         0.1853     (0.1553)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                                            
                                                                            
                                                                            
                          DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                     
                 ---------------------------------------------------------- 
                                          IN EXCESS                         
                   FROM NET                 OF NET                          
                   REALIZED                REALIZED                         
                   GAIN ON                 GAIN ON                          
                 INVESTMENT,  IN EXCESS  INVESTMENT,   FROM       TOTAL     
                  OPTION AND    OF NET    OPTION AND   PAID   DISTRIBUTIONS 
                   FUTURES    INVESTMENT   FUTURES      IN         TO       
                 TRANSACTIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS CAPITAL SHAREHOLDERS  
                 ------------ ---------- ------------ ------- ------------- 
                                 ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND            
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>           
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,                                             
- -------------                                                               
1997-                                                                       
Institutional                                                               
Shares..........     --            --        --         --      $(0.5908)   
1997-                                                                       
Administration                                                              
Shares..........     --            --        --         --       (0.5662)   
1997-Service                                                                
Shares(m).......     --            --        --         --       (0.3298)   
1997-Class A                                                                
Shares..........     --            --        --         --       (0.5662)   
1996-                                                                       
Institutional                                                               
Shares..........     --        (0.0206)      --         --       (0.5931)   
1996-                                                                       
Administration                                                              
Shares..........     --        (0.0198)      --         --       (0.5687)   
1996-Class A                                                                
Shares..........     --        (0.0198)      --         --       (0.5687)   
1995-                                                                       
Institutional                                                               
Shares..........     --        (0.0287)      --         --       (0.6046)   
1995-                                                                       
Administration                                                              
Shares..........     --        (0.0275)      --         --       (0.5803)   
1995-Class A                                                                
Shares(c).......     --        (0.0134)      --         --       (0.2831)   
1994-                                                                       
Institutional                                                               
Shares..........     --            --        --         --       (0.4486)   
1994-                                                                       
Administration                                                              
Shares..........     --            --        --         --       (0.4239)   
1993-                                                                       
Institutional                                                               
Shares..........     --        (0.0024)      --         --       (0.4421)   
1993-                                                                       
Administration                                                              
Shares(e).......     --        (0.0027)      --         --       (0.2173)   
1992-                                                                       
Institutional                                                               
Shares..........     --            --        --         --       (0.5470)   
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 17, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,                         
- -------------------                                                         
1991-                                                                       
Institutional                                                               
Shares..........     --            --        --         --       (0.1553)   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          RATIOS ASSUMING NO
                                                                                          VOLUNTARY WAIVER OF
                                                                                            FEES OR EXPENSE
                                                                                              LIMITATIONS
                                                                                          --------------------
                 
                                               RATIO OF
                     NET      NET                NET      RATIO OF                        RATIO OF   RATIO OF
                   INCREASE  ASSET             EXPENSES     NET                    NET    EXPENSES     NET
                  (DECREASE) VALUE                TO     INVESTMENT             ASSETS AT    TO     INVESTMENT
                    IN NET   AT END            AVERAGE   INCOME TO  PORTFOLIO    END OF   AVERAGE   INCOME TO
                    ASSET      OF     TOTAL      NET      AVERAGE   TURNOVER     PERIOD     NET      AVERAGE
                    VALUE    PERIOD RETURN(K)   ASSETS   NET ASSETS  RATE(D)    (IN 000S)  ASSETS   NET ASSETS
                  ---------- ------ ---------- --------- ---------- ----------- --------- --------- ----------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>        <C>    <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>
FOR THE YEARS END
- -------------    
1997-            
Institutional    
Shares..........   $ 0.0500  $ 9.88   6.70%      0.49%      5.99%     46.58%    $ 463,511   0.52%      5.96%
1997-            
Administration   
Shares..........     0.0500    9.88   6.43       0.74       5.73      46.58         2,793   0.77       5.70
1997-Service     
Shares(m).......     0.0400    9.88   3.81(f)    1.05(b)    5.64(b)   46.58(f)        346   1.08(b)    5.61(b)
1997-Class A     
Shares..........     0.0500    9.88   6.43       0.74       5.60      46.58        43,393   1.02       5.32
1996-            
Institutional    
Shares..........     0.0600    9.83   6.86       0.45       5.85      52.36       613,149   0.51       5.79
1996-            
Administration   
Shares..........     0.0600    9.83   6.60       0.70       5.59      52.36         3,792   0.76       5.53
1996-Class A     
Shares..........     0.0600    9.83   6.60       0.70       5.59      52.36        10,728   1.01       5.28
1995-            
Institutional    
Shares..........     0.0301    9.77   6.75       0.46       5.77      24.12       657,358   0.53       5.70
1995-            
Administration   
Shares..........     0.0300    9.77   6.48       0.71       5.50      24.12         3,572   0.78       5.43
1995-Class A     
Shares(c).......    (0.0200)   9.77   2.74(f)    0.69(b)    5.87(b)   24.12(f)     15,203   1.01(b)    5.55(b)
1994-            
Institutional    
Shares..........    (0.2600)   9.74   1.88       0.46       4.38      37.81       942,523   0.49       4.35
1994-            
Administration   
Shares..........    (0.2600)   9.74   1.63       0.71       4.27      37.81         6,960   0.74       4.24
1993-            
Institutional    
Shares..........    (0.0400)  10.00   4.13       0.45       4.36     103.74     2,760,871   0.48       4.33
1993-            
Administration   
Shares(e).......    (0.0200)  10.00   2.01(f)    0.70(b)    3.81(b)  103.74(f)      5,326   0.73(b)    3.78(b)
1992-            
Institutional    
Shares..........     0.0100   10.04   6.12       0.42       5.61     286.40     2,145,064   0.55       5.48
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 17, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------
1991-
Institutional
Shares..........     0.0300   10.03   2.14(f)    0.20(b)    7.31(b)  145.67(f)    239,642   1.02(b)    6.49(b)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                             INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS(N)
                           ---------------------------------------------------
                                        NET REALIZED       NET
                                            AND          REALIZED
                                         UNREALIZED        AND
                                        GAIN (LOSS)     UNREALIZED    TOTAL
                                             ON        GAIN (LOSS)    INCOME
                 NET ASSET              INVESTMENT,     ON FOREIGN    (LOSS)
                 VALUE AT     NET        OPTION AND      CURRENCY      FROM     FROM NET
                 BEGINNING INVESTMENT     FUTURES        RELATED    INVESTMENT INVESTMENT
                 OF PERIOD   INCOME     TRANSACTIONS   TRANSACTIONS OPERATIONS   INCOME
                 --------- ----------   ------------   ------------ ---------- ----------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>       <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>        <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........  $ 9.83    $0.6412(a)    $ 0.0300(a)      --        $ 0.6712   $(0.6412)
1997-
Administration
Shares..........    9.85     0.6183(a)      0.0400(a)      --          0.6583    (0.6183)
1997-Service
Shares..........    9.82     0.5904(a)      0.0401(a)      --          0.6305    (0.5904)
1997-Class A
Shares(o).......    9.78     0.3121(a)      0.0883(a)      --          0.4004    (0.3004)
1997-Class B
Shares(o).......    9.75     0.2787(a)      0.1011(a)      --          0.3798    (0.2698)
1997-Class C
Shares(p).......    9.83     0.1185(a)      0.0225(a)      --          0.1410    (0.1110)
1996-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.82     0.6290(a)      0.0136(a)      --          0.6426    (0.6326)
1996-
Administration
Shares(h).......    9.86     0.3837(a)      0.0003(a)      --          0.3840    (0.3940)
1996-Service
Shares(i).......    9.72     0.3134(a)      0.1018(a)      --          0.4152    (0.3152)
1995-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.64     0.6652(a)      0.1666(a)      --          0.8318    (0.6518)
1995-
Administration
Shares..........    9.64     0.2384(a)     (0.0433)(a)     --          0.1951    (0.2051)
1994-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.14     0.5628(a)     (0.4592)(a)     --          0.1036    (0.5598)
1994-
Administration
Shares..........   10.14     0.5329(a)     (0.4539)(d)     --          0.0790    (0.5352)
1993-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.16     0.5627        (0.0135)(d)     --          0.5492    (0.5627)
1993-
Administration
Shares(e).......   10.23     0.2725        (0.0900)(d)     --          0.1825    (0.2725)
1992-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.22     0.6703        (0.0600)(d)     --          0.6103    (0.6703)
1991-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.8020         0.2200(d)      --          1.0220    (0.8020)
1990-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.07     0.8300        (0.0700)(d)     --          0.7600    (0.8300)
1989-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.10     0.8800            --          --          0.8800    (0.8800)
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 15, 1988(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------------------
1988-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.1800         0.1000(d)      --          0.2800    (0.1800)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                  
                          DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                                                                           
                                          IN EXCESS                                                                               
                   FROM NET                 OF NET                                                           RATIO OF             
                   REALIZED                REALIZED                             NET      NET                   NET      RATIO OF  
                   GAIN ON                 GAIN ON                            INCREASE  ASSET                EXPENSES     NET     
                 INVESTMENT,  IN EXCESS  INVESTMENT,   FROM        TOTAL     (DECREASE) VALUE                   TO     INVESTMENT 
                  OPTION AND    OF NET    OPTION AND   PAID    DISTRIBUTIONS   IN NET   AT END               AVERAGE   INCOME TO  
                   FUTURES    INVESTMENT   FUTURES      IN          TO         ASSET      OF        TOTAL      NET      AVERAGE   
                 TRANSACTIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS CAPITAL  SHAREHOLDERS    VALUE    PERIOD    RETURN(K)   ASSETS   NET ASSETS 
                 ------------ ---------- ------------ -------- ------------- ---------- --------- ---------- --------- ---------- 
                                  SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND                                                                  
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
<S>              <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>      <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>        
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,                                                                                                   
- -----------------                                                                                                                 
1997-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --          --        --           --     $(0.6412)    $ 0.0300  $ 9.86       7.07%     0.45%      6.43%   
1997-                                                                                                                             
Administration                                                                                                                    
Shares..........       --          --        --           --      (0.6183)      0.0400    9.89       6.91      0.70       6.19    
1997-Service                                                                                                                      
Shares..........       --          --        --           --      (0.5904)      0.0401    9.86       6.63      0.95       5.92    
1997-Class A                                                                                                                      
Shares(o).......       --          --        --           --      (0.3004)      0.1000    9.88       4.14(f)   0.70(b)    6.05(b) 
1997-Class B                                                                                                                      
Shares(o).......       --          --        --           --      (0.2698)      0.1100    9.86       3.94(f)   1.30(b)    5.52(b) 
1997-Class C                                                                                                                      
Shares(p).......       --          --        --           --      (0.1110)      0.0300    9.86       1.44(f)   1.45(b)    5.52(b) 
1996-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --          --        --           --      (0.6326)      0.0100    9.83       6.75      0.45       6.44    
1996-                                                                                                                             
Administration                                                                                                                    
Shares(h).......       --          --        --           --      (0.3940)     (0.0100)   9.85       4.00(f)   0.70(b)    5.97(b) 
1996-Service                                                                                                                      
Shares(i).......       --          --        --           --      (0.3152)      0.1000    9.82       4.35(f)   0.95(b)    6.05(b) 
1995-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --          --        --           --      (0.6518)      0.1800    9.82       8.97      0.45       6.87    
1995-                                                                                                                             
Administration                                                                                                                    
Shares..........       --          --        --           --      (0.2051)     (0.0100)   9.63(h)    2.10      0.70(b)    7.91(b) 
1994-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........   (0.0438)        --        --           --      (0.6036)     (0.5000)   9.64       0.99      0.45       5.69    
1994-                                                                                                                             
Administration                                                                                                                    
Shares..........   (0.0438)        --        --           --      (0.5790)     (0.5000)   9.64       0.73      0.70       5.38    
1993-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --      (0.0065)      --           --      (0.5692)     (0.0200)  10.14       5.55      0.45       5.46    
1993-                                                                                                                             
Administration                                                                                                                    
Shares(e).......       --          --        --           --      (0.2725)     (0.0900)  10.14       1.74(f)   0.70(b)    4.84(b) 
1992-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --          --        --           --      (0.6703)     (0.0600)  10.16       6.24      0.45       6.60    
1991-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --          --        --           --      (0.8020)      0.2200   10.22      10.93      0.45       8.25    
1990-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --          --        --           --      (0.8300)     (0.0700)  10.00       8.23      0.45       8.62    
1989-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --          --        --       (0.0300)    (0.9100)     (0.0300)  10.07       9.08      0.46       8.71    
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 15, 1988(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,                                                                             
- -----------------------------                                                                                                     
1988-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........       --          --        --           --      (0.1800)      0.1000   10.10       3.30(f)   0.55(b)    8.55(b) 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

<CAPTION>
                                     RATIOS ASSUMING NO
                                     VOLUNTARY WAIVER OF
                                       FEES OR EXPENSE
                                         LIMITATIONS
                                     --------------------
                
                              NET
                             ASSETS  RATIO OF   RATIO OF
                             AT END  EXPENSES     NET
                               OF       TO     INVESTMENT
                PORTFOLIO    PERIOD  AVERAGE   INCOME TO
                TURNOVER      (IN      NET      AVERAGE
                 RATE(D)     000S)    ASSETS   NET ASSETS
                ----------- -------- --------- ----------
                
- ------------------
<S>             <C>         <C>      <C>       <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- ----------------
1997-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 102.58%    $103,729   0.82%      6.06%
1997-           
Administration  
Shares.......... 102.58        1,060   1.07       5.82
1997-Service    
Shares.......... 102.58        3,337   1.32       5.55
1997-Class A    
Shares(o)....... 102.58(f)     9,491   1.32(b)    5.43(b)
1997-Class B    
Shares(o)....... 102.58(f)       747   1.82(b)    5.00(b)
1997-Class C    
Shares(p)....... 102.58(f)       190   1.82(b)    5.15(b)
1996-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 115.45       99,944   0.71       6.18
1996-           
Administration  
Shares(h)....... 115.45          252   0.96(b)    5.71(b)
1996-Service    
Shares(i)....... 115.45        1,822   1.21(b)    5.79(b)
1995-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 292.56      103,760   0.72       6.60
1995-           
Administration  
Shares.......... 292.56          --    0.90(b)    7.71(b)
1994-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 289.79      193,095   0.59       5.55
1994-           
Administration  
Shares.......... 289.79          730   0.84       5.24
1993-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 411.66      359,708   0.64       5.31
1993-           
Administration  
Shares(e)....... 411.66       16,490   0.80(b)    4.74(b)
1992-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 216.07      277,927   0.69       6.36
1991-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 155.44      158,848   0.79       7.91
1990-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 173.21       68,995   0.95       8.12
1989-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 137.37       31,015   1.39       7.78
FOR THE PERIOD A
- ----------------
1988-           
Institutional   
Shares.......... 167.00(f)    39,052   1.42(b)    7.68(b)
- ------------------
</TABLE>    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS(N)
                           --------------------------------------------------- ---------
                                        NET REALIZED       NET
                                            AND          REALIZED
                                         UNREALIZED        AND
                                        GAIN (LOSS)     UNREALIZED    TOTAL
                                             ON        GAIN (LOSS)    INCOME
                 NET ASSET              INVESTMENT,     ON FOREIGN    (LOSS)
                 VALUE AT     NET        OPTION AND      CURRENCY      FROM     FROM NET
                 BEGINNING INVESTMENT     FUTURES        RELATED    INVESTMENT INVESTMENT
                 OF PERIOD   INCOME     TRANSACTIONS   TRANSACTIONS OPERATIONS   INCOME
                 --------- ----------   ------------   ------------ ---------- ----------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>       <C>          <C>            <C>          <C>        <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........  $ 9.96    $0.4181(a)    $ 0.1091(a)      --        $ 0.5272   $(0.4172)
1997-
Administration
Shares..........    9.96     0.3924(a)      0.1100(a)      --          0.5024    (0.3924)
1997-Service
Shares..........    9.97     0.3675(a)      0.1000(a)      --          0.4675    (0.3675)
1997-Class A
Shares(o).......    9.94     0.1950(a)      0.1400(a)      --          0.3350    (0.1950)
1997-Class B
Shares(o).......    9.94     0.1663(a)      0.1368(a)      --          0.3031    (0.1631)
1997-Class C
Shares(p).......   10.04     0.0670(a)      0.0300(a)      --          0.0970    (0.0670)
1996-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.94     0.4192(a)      0.0200(a)      --          0.4392    (0.4192)
1996-
Administration
Shares..........    9.94     0.3944(a)      0.0200(a)      --          0.4144    (0.3944)
1996-Service
Shares..........    9.95     0.3697(a)      0.0200(a)      --          0.3897    (0.3697)
1995-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.79     0.4235(a)      0.1500(a)      --          0.5735    (0.4235)
1995-
Administration
Shares..........    9.79     0.3989(a)      0.1500(a)      --          0.5489    (0.3989)
1995-Service
Shares..........    9.79     0.3744(a)      0.1600(a)      --          0.5344    (0.3744)
1994-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.23     0.3787(a)     (0.3575)(a)     --          0.0212    (0.3787)
1994-
Administration
Shares..........   10.23     0.3537(a)     (0.3575)(a)     --         (0.0038)   (0.3537)
1994-Service
Shares(j).......    9.86     0.0475(a)     (0.0700)(a)     --         (0.0225)   (0.0475)
1993-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.93     0.3834         0.3000(d)      --          0.6834    (0.3834)
1993-
Administration
Shares(j).......   10.16     0.1555         0.0720(d)      --          0.2275    (0.1555)
FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 1992(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
1992-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.0341        (0.0700)(d)     --         (0.0359)   (0.0341)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                                           
                                                                           
                                                                           
                          DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                    
                 ----------------------------------------------------------
                                          IN EXCESS                        
                   FROM NET                 OF NET                         
                   REALIZED                REALIZED                        
                   GAIN ON                 GAIN ON                         
                 INVESTMENT,  IN EXCESS  INVESTMENT,   FROM       TOTAL    
                  OPTION AND    OF NET    OPTION AND   PAID   DISTRIBUTIONS
                   FUTURES    INVESTMENT   FUTURES      IN         TO      
                 TRANSACTIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS CAPITAL SHAREHOLDERS 
                 ------------ ---------- ------------ ------- -------------
                                   SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND            
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>          
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,                                            
1997-                                                                      
Institutional                                                              
Shares..........       --        --          --         --      $(0.4172)  
1997-                                                                      
Administration                                                             
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.3924)  
1997-Service                                                               
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.3675)  
1997-Class A                                                               
Shares(o).......       --        --          --         --       (0.1950)  
1997-Class B                                                               
Shares(o).......       --        --          --         --       (0.1631)  
1997-Class C                                                               
Shares(p).......       --        --          --         --       (0.0670)  
1996-                                                                      
Institutional                                                              
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.4192)  
1996-                                                                      
Administration                                                             
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.3944)  
1996-Service                                                               
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.3697)  
1995-                                                                      
Institutional                                                              
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.4235)  
1995-                                                                      
Administration                                                             
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.3989)  
1995-Service                                                               
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.3744)  
1994-                                                                      
Institutional                                                              
Shares..........   (0.0825)      --          --         --       (0.4612)  
1994-                                                                      
Administration                                                             
Shares..........   (0.0825)      --          --         --       (0.4362)  
1994-Service                                                               
Shares(j).......       --        --          --         --       (0.0475)  
1993-                                                                      
Institutional                                                              
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.3834)  
1993-                                                                      
Administration                                                             
Shares(j).......       --        --          --         --       (0.1555)  
FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 1992(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,                      
1992-                                                                      
Institutional                                                              
Shares..........       --        --          --         --       (0.0341)  
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         RATIOS ASSUMING NO
                                                                                         VOLUNTARY WAIVER OF
                                                                                           FEES OR EXPENSE
                                                                                             LIMITATIONS
                                                                                         --------------------
                 
                                               RATIO OF                           NET
                    NET      NET                 NET      RATIO OF               ASSETS  RATIO OF   RATIO OF
                  INCREASE  ASSET              EXPENSES     NET                  AT END  EXPENSES     NET
                 (DECREASE) VALUE                 TO     INVESTMENT                OF       TO     INVESTMENT
                   IN NET   AT END             AVERAGE   INCOME TO  PORTFOLIO    PERIOD  AVERAGE   INCOME TO
                   ASSET      OF     TOTAL       NET      AVERAGE   TURNOVER      (IN      NET      AVERAGE
                   VALUE    PERIOD RETURN(K)    ASSETS   NET ASSETS  RATE(D)     000S)    ASSETS   NET ASSETS
                 ---------- ------ ----------- --------- ---------- ----------- -------- --------- ----------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>        <C>    <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>      <C>       <C>
FOR THE YEARS END
1997-            
Institutional    
Shares..........  $ 0.1100  $10.07    5.40%      0.45%      4.18%    194.75%    $ 28,821   1.23%      3.40%
1997-            
Administration   
Shares..........    0.1100   10.07    5.14       0.70       3.91     194.75           77   1.48       3.13
1997-Service     
Shares..........    0.1000   10.07    4.77       0.95       3.66     194.75        2,051   1.73       2.88
1997-Class A     
Shares(o).......    0.1400   10.08    3.39(f)    0.70(b)    3.81(b)  194.75(f)     4,023   1.73(b)    2.78(b)
1997-Class B     
Shares(o).......    0.1400   10.08    3.07(f)    1.30(b)    3.31(b)  194.75(f)       106   2.23(b)    2.38(b)
1997-Class C     
Shares(p).......    0.0300   10.07    0.97(f)    1.45(b)    2.60(b)  194.75(f)         2   2.23(b)    1.82(b)
1996-            
Institutional    
Shares..........    0.0300    9.96    4.50       0.45       4.21     231.65       34,814   1.01       3.65
1996-            
Administration   
Shares..........    0.0300    9.96    4.24       0.70       3.96     231.65           48   1.26       3.40
1996-Service     
Shares..........    0.0200    9.97    3.98       0.95       3.74     231.65          695   1.51       3.18
1995-            
Institutional    
Shares..........    0.1500    9.94    5.98       0.45       4.31     259.52       58,389   0.77       3.99
1995-            
Administration   
Shares..........    0.1500    9.94    5.76       0.70       4.14     259.52           46   1.02       3.82
1995-Service     
Shares..........    0.1600    9.95    5.59       0.95       3.87     259.52          454   1.27       3.55
1994-            
Institutional    
Shares..........   (0.4400)   9.79    0.17       0.45       3.74     354.00       83,704   0.61       3.58
1994-            
Administration   
Shares..........   (0.4400)   9.79   (0.11)      0.70       3.51     354.00        3,866   0.86       3.35
1994-Service     
Shares(j).......   (0.0700)   9.79   (0.32)(f)   0.95(b)    4.30(b)  354.00          440   1.11(b)    4.14(b)
1993-            
Institutional    
Shares..........    0.3000   10.23    7.03       0.41       3.70     404.60      115,803   1.06       3.05
1993-            
Administration   
Shares(j).......    0.0720   10.23    2.28(f)    0.70(b)    3.32(b)  404.60          911   1.07(b)    2.95(b)
FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 1992(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
1992-
Institutional
Shares..........   (0.0700)   9.93   (0.34)(f)   0.05(b)    4.58(b)   31.19(f)    14,601   2.68(b)    1.95(b)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                             INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS(N)                       DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
                           ----------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------
                                      NET REALIZED     NET
                                          AND        REALIZED                                                  IN EXCESS
                                       UNREALIZED      AND                              FROM NET                 OF NET
                                      GAIN (LOSS)   UNREALIZED    TOTAL                 REALIZED                REALIZED
                                           ON      GAIN (LOSS)    INCOME                GAIN ON                 GAIN ON
                 NET ASSET            INVESTMENT,   ON FOREIGN    (LOSS)              INVESTMENT,  IN EXCESS  INVESTMENT,   FROM
                 VALUE AT     NET      OPTION AND    CURRENCY      FROM     FROM NET   OPTION AND    OF NET    OPTION AND   PAID
                 BEGINNING INVESTMENT   FUTURES      RELATED    INVESTMENT INVESTMENT   FUTURES    INVESTMENT   FUTURES      IN
                 OF PERIOD   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS TRANSACTIONS OPERATIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS CAPITAL
                 --------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ -------
<S>              <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
                                                                                                  GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------
1997-Class A
Shares            $14.36     $0.91       $0.29          --        $1.20      $(0.90)     $(0.07)        --          --        --
1997-Class B
Shares             14.37      0.80        0.30          --         1.10       (0.79)      (0.07)        --          --        --
1997-Class C
Shares(p)          14.38      0.17        0.22          --         0.39       (0.17)         --         --          --        --
1997-
Institutional
Shares(p)          14.37      0.20        0.22          --         0.42       (0.20)         --         --          --        --
1997-Service
Shares(p)          14.37      0.20        0.21          --         0.41       (0.19)         --         --          --        --
1996-Class A
shares             14.47      0.92       (0.11)         --         0.81       (0.92)         --         --          --        --
1996-Class B
shares(q)          14.11      0.41        0.26          --         0.67       (0.41)         --         --          --        --
1995-Class A
shares             13.47      0.94        1.00          --         1.94       (0.94)         --         --          --        --
1994-Class A
shares             14.90      0.85       (1.28)         --        (0.43)      (0.85)      (0.12)     (0.02)      (0.01)       --
FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 10, 1993(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------------------------
1993-Class A
shares             14.32      0.56        0.58          --         1.14       (0.56)         --         --          --        --
                                                                                                   MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------
1997-Class A
Shares            $14.37     $0.67       $0.62         --         $1.29      $(0.67)        --         --          --        --
1997-Class B
Shares             14.37      0.56        0.63         --          1.19       (0.56)        --         --          --        --
1997-Class C
Shares(p)          14.85      0.12        0.14         --          0.26       (0.12)        --         --          --        --
1997-
Institutional
Shares(p)          14.84      0.15        0.16         --          0.31       (0.15)        --         --          --        --
1997-Service
Shares(p)          14.84      0.14        0.15         --          0.29       (0.14)        --         --          --        --
1996-Class A
shares             14.17      0.65        0.20         --          0.85       (0.65)        --         --          --        --
1996-Class B
shares(q)          14.03      0.27        0.34         --          0.61       (0.27)        --         --          --        --
1995-Class A
shares             13.08      0.67        1.09         --          1.76       (0.67)        --         --          --        --
1994-Class A
shares             14.64      0.73       (1.51)        --         (0.78)      (0.73)      (0.05)       --          --        --
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 20, 1993(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ------------------------------------
1993-Class A
shares             14.32      0.22        0.32         --          0.54       (0.22)        --         --          --        --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     RATIOS ASSUMING NO
                                                                                                     VOLUNTARY WAIVER OF
                                                                                                       FEES OR EXPENSE
                                                                                                         LIMITATIONS
                                                                                                     --------------------
                                                            RATIO OF   RATIO OF                NET              RATIO OF
                                  NET      NET                NET        NET                 ASSETS  RATIO OF     NET
                                INCREASE  ASSET             EXPENSES  INVESTMENT             AT END  EXPENSES  INVESTMENT
                     TOTAL     (DECREASE) VALUE                TO       INCOME                 OF       TO       INCOME
                 DISTRIBUTIONS   IN NET   AT END            AVERAGE   (LOSS) TO  PORTFOLIO   PERIOD  AVERAGE   (LOSS) TO
                      TO         ASSET      OF     TOTAL      NET      AVERAGE   TURNOVER      (IN     NET      AVERAGE
                 SHAREHOLDERS    VALUE    PERIOD RETURN(K)   ASSETS   NET ASSETS  RATE(D)     000S)   ASSETS   NET ASSETS
                 ------------- ---------- ------ ---------- --------- ---------- ----------- ------- --------- ----------
<S>              <C>           <C>        <C>    <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>         <C>     <C>       <C>
                                                                                                  GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------
1997-Class A
Shares              $(0.97)      $0.23    $14.59    8.72%     0.50%      6.38%    395.75%    $68,859   1.82%      5.06%
1997-Class B
Shares               (0.86)       0.24     14.61    7.96      1.25       5.59     395.75       8,041   2.32       4.52
1997-Class C
Shares(p)            (0.17)       0.22     14.60    2.72(f)   1.25(b)    5.45(b)  395.75(f)    1,196   2.32(b)    4.38(b)
1997-
Institutional
Shares(p)            (0.20)       0.22     14.59    2.94(f)   0.25(b)    7.03(b)  395.75(f)    1,894   1.32(b)    5.96(b)
1997-Service
Shares(p)            (0.19)       0.22     14.59    2.85(f)   0.75(b)    6.49(b)  395.75(f)        2   1.82(b)    5.42(b)
1996-Class A
shares               (0.92)      (0.11)    14.36    5.80      0.75       6.42     485.09      30,603   1.89       5.03
1996-Class B
shares(q)            (0.41)       0.26     14.37    4.85(f)   1.25(b)    5.65(b)  485.09         234   2.39(b)    4.51(b)
1995-Class A
shares               (0.94)       1.00     14.47   14.90      0.47       6.67     449.53      29,503   2.34       4.80
1994-Class A
shares               (1.00)      (1.43)    13.47   (2.98)     0.11       6.06     654.90      14,452   2.86       3.31
FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 10, 1993(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------------------------
1993-Class A
shares               (0.56)       0.58     14.90    8.03(f)   0.00(b)    4.87(e)  725.41(f)   12,860   4.00(b)
                                                                                                   MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------
1997-Class A
Shares              $(0.67)      $0.62    $14.99    9.23%     0.85%      4.60%    153.12%    $64,553   1.62%      3.83%
1997-Class B
Shares               (0.56)       0.63     15.00    8.48      1.60       3.74     153.12       1,750   2.12       3.22
1997-Class C
Shares(p)            (0.12)       0.14     14.99    1.75(f)   1.60(b)    3.24(b)  153.12(f)      130   2.12(b)    2.72(b)
1997-
Institutional
Shares(p)            (0.15)       0.16     15.00    2.10(f)   0.60(b)    4.41(b)  153.12(f)      351   1.12(b)    3.89(b)
1997-Service
Shares(p)            (0.14)       0.15     14.99    1.93(f)   1.10(b)    4.24(b)  153.12(f)        2   1.62(b)    3.72(b)
1996-Class A
shares               (0.65)       0.20     14.37    6.13      0.85       4.58     344.13      52,267   1.55       3.88
1996-Class B
shares(q)            (0.27)       0.34     14.37    4.40(f)   1.60(b)    3.55(b)  344.13(f)      255   2.05(b)    3.10(b)
1995-Class A
shares               (0.67)       1.09     14.17   13.79      0.76       4.93     335.55      53,797   1.49       4.20
1994-Class A
shares               (0.78)      (1.56)    13.08   (5.51)     0.45       5.28     357.54      47,373   1.55       4.18
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 20, 1993(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ------------------------------------
1993-Class A
shares               (0.22)       0.32     14.64    3.73(f)   0.00(b)    5.15(b)   99.99(f)   30,166   2.42(b)    2.73(b)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>    
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                             INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS(N)
                                           -----------------------------------------------
                                                      NET REALIZED     NET
                                                          AND        REALIZED
                                                       UNREALIZED      AND
                                                      GAIN (LOSS)   UNREALIZED    TOTAL
                                                           ON      GAIN (LOSS)    INCOME
                                 NET ASSET            INVESTMENT,   ON FOREIGN    (LOSS)
                                 VALUE AT     NET      OPTION AND    CURRENCY      FROM     FROM NET
                                 BEGINNING INVESTMENT   FUTURES      RELATED    INVESTMENT INVESTMENT
                                 OF PERIOD   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS TRANSACTIONS OPERATIONS   INCOME
                                 --------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ----------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-
Institutional
Shares                            $ 9.85    $0.6431     $0.2282      $(0.0005)   $ 0.8708   $(0.6408)
1997-
Administration
Shares                              9.84     0.6182      0.2380       (0.0005)     0.8557    (0.6157)
1997-Service
Shares                              9.86     0.5937      0.2287       (0.0005)     0.8219    (0.5919)
1997-Class A
Shares(o)                           9.70     0.3059      0.3596       (0.0008)     0.6647    (0.3048)
1997-Class B
Shares(o)                           9.72     0.2686      0.3695       (0.0008)     0.6373    (0.2673)
1997-Class C
Shares(p)                           9.93     0.1118      0.1591       (0.0003)     0.2706    (0.1107)
1996-
Institutional
Shares                             10.00     0.6448     (0.0704)          --       0.5744    (0.6438)
1996-
Administrative
Shares(/1/)                         9.91     0.4083     (0.0703)          --       0.3380    (0.4080)
1996-Service
Shares(l)                           9.77     0.3756      0.0898           --       0.4654    (0.3754)
1995-
Institutional
Shares                              9.24     0.6423      0.7610           --       1.4033    (0.6433)
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 5, 1994(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------
1994-
Institutional
Shares                             10.00     0.4648     (0.7617)          --      (0.2969)   (0.4648)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-Class A
shares                            $14.53    $  0.59     $  0.50      $   0.27    $   1.36   $  (0.79)
1997-Class B
shares                             14.53       0.72        0.36          0.20        1.28      (0.73)
1997-Class C
shares(p)                          14.80       0.16        0.19          0.10        0.45      (0.19)
1997-
Institutional
Shares                             14.52       0.88        0.37          0.19        1.44      (0.87)
1997-Service
Shares(s)                          14.69       0.53        0.25          0.14        0.92      (0.52)
1996-Class A
shares                             14.45       0.71        0.62          0.18        1.51      (1.43)
1996-Class B
shares(q)                          14.03       0.34        0.41          0.11        0.86      (0.36)
1996-
Institutional
shares                             14.45       1.15        0.32          0.10        1.57      (1.50)
1995-Class A
shares                             13.43       0.89        0.92          0.15        1.96      (0.94)
1995-
Institutional
shares(r)                          14.09       0.22        0.34          0.06        0.62      (0.26)
1994-Class A
shares                             15.07       0.84       (1.37)        (0.12)      (0.65)     (0.22)
1993-Class A
shares                             14.69       0.85        1.07         (0.42)       1.50      (0.85)
1992-Class A
shares                             14.60       1.14        0.45         (0.36)       1.23      (1.14)
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 2, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------
1991-Class A
shares                             14.55       0.25        0.23         (0.19)       0.29      (0.24)
<CAPTION>
                                          DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS                    
                                 ----------------------------------------------------------
                                                          IN EXCESS                        
                                   FROM NET                 OF NET                         
                                   REALIZED                REALIZED                        
                                   GAIN ON                 GAIN ON                         
                                 INVESTMENT,  IN EXCESS  INVESTMENT,   FROM       TOTAL    
                                  OPTION AND    OF NET    OPTION AND   PAID   DISTRIBUTIONS
                                   FUTURES    INVESTMENT   FUTURES      IN         TO      
                                 TRANSACTIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS CAPITAL SHAREHOLDERS 
                                 ------------ ---------- ------------ ------- -------------
                                                        CORE FIXED INCOME FUND             
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>          
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,                                                            
- -------------------------------                                                            
1997-                                                                                      
Institutional                                                                              
Shares                                 --        --          --          --     $(0.6408)  
1997-                                                                                      
Administration                                                                             
Shares                                 --        --          --          --      (0.6157)  
1997-Service                                                                               
Shares                                 --        --          --          --      (0.5919)  
1997-Class A                                                                               
Shares(o)                              --        --          --          --      (0.3048)  
1997-Class B                                                                               
Shares(o)                              --        --          --          --      (0.2673)  
1997-Class C                                                                               
Shares(p)                              --        --          --          --      (0.1107)  
1996-                                                                                      
Institutional                                                                              
Shares                             (0.0806)      --          --          --      (0.7244)  
1996-                                                                                      
Administrative                                                                             
Shares(/1/)                            --        --          --          --      (0.4080)  
1996-Service                                                                               
Shares(l)                              --        --          --          --      (0.3754)  
1995-                                                                                      
Institutional                                                                              
Shares                                 --        --          --          --      (0.6433)  
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 5, 1994(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,                                      
- -----------------------------------------------------                                      
1994-                                                                                      
Institutional                                                                              
Shares                                 --        --          --          --      (0.4648)  
                                                           GLOBAL INCOME FUND              
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,                                                            
- -------------------------------                                                            
1997-Class A                                                                               
shares                                  --        --          --          --    $  (0.79)  
1997-Class B                                                                               
shares                                  --        --          --          --       (0.73)  
1997-Class C                                                                               
shares(p)                               --        --          --          --       (0.19)  
1997-                                                                                      
Institutional                                                                              
Shares                                  --        --          --          --       (0.87)  
1997-Service                                                                               
Shares(s)                               --        --          --          --       (0.52)  
1996-Class A                                                                               
shares                                  --        --          --          --       (1.43)  
1996-Class B                                                                               
shares(q)                               --        --          --          --       (0.36)  
1996-                                                                                      
Institutional                                                                              
shares                                  --        --          --          --       (1.50)  
1995-Class A                                                                               
shares                                  --        --          --          --       (0.94)  
1995-                                                                                      
Institutional                                                                              
shares(r)                               --        --          --          --       (0.26)  
1994-Class A                                                                               
shares                               (0.16)       --          --       (0.61)      (0.99)  
1993-Class A                                                                               
shares                               (0.27)       --          --          --       (1.12)  
1992-Class A                                                                               
shares                                  --        --          --          --       (1.14)  
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 2, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,                                       
- ----------------------------------------------------                                       
1991-Class A                                                                               
shares                                  --        --          --          --       (0.24)  
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            RATIOS ASSUMING NO
                                                                                                            VOLUNTARY WAIVER OF
                                                                                                              FEES OR EXPENSE
                                                                                                                LIMITATIONS
                                                                                                            --------------------
                                 
                                                              RATIO OF     RATIO OF                  NET               RATIO OF
                                    NET      NET                NET          NET                    ASSETS  RATIO OF     NET
                                  INCREASE  ASSET             EXPENSES    INVESTMENT                AT END  EXPENSES  INVESTMENT
                                 (DECREASE) VALUE                TO         INCOME                    OF       TO       INCOME
                                   IN NET   AT END            AVERAGE     (LOSS) TO    PORTFOLIO    PERIOD  AVERAGE   (LOSS) TO
                                   ASSET      OF     TOTAL      NET        AVERAGE     TURNOVER      (IN      NET      AVERAGE
                                   VALUE    PERIOD RETURN(K)   ASSETS     NET ASSETS    RATE(D)     000S)    ASSETS   NET ASSETS
                                 ---------- ------ ---------- ----------- ------------ ----------- -------- --------- ----------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>        <C>    <C>        <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>      <C>       <C>        
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,  
- -------------------------------  
1997-                            
Institutional                    
Shares                            $ 0.2300  $10.08    9.19%      0.45%        6.53%     361.27%     $79,230   0.83%      6.15%
1997-                            
Administration                   
Shares                              0.2300   10.07    8.92       0.70         6.27      361.27        6,176   1.08       5.89
1997-Service                     
Shares                              0.2300   10.09    8.65       0.95         6.00      361.27        1,868   1.33       5.62
1997-Class A                     
Shares(o)                           0.3599   10.06    6.94(f)    0.70(b)      6.13(b)   361.27(f)     9,336   1.33(b)    5.50(b)
1997-Class B                     
Shares(o)                           0.3700   10.09    6.63(f)    1.45(b)      5.28(b)   361.27(f)       621   1.83(b)    4.90(b)
1997-Class C                     
Shares(p)                           0.1599   10.09    2.74(f)    1.45(b)      4.84(b)   361.27(f)       272   1.83(b)    4.46(b)
1996-                            
Institutional                    
Shares                             (0.1500)   9.85    5.98       0.45         6.51      414.20       72,061   0.83       6.13
1996-                            
Administrative                   
Shares(/1/)                        (0.0700)   9.84    3.56(f)    0.70(b)      6.41(b)   414.20          702   1.08(b)    6.03(b)
1996-Service                     
Shares(l)                           0.0900    9.86    4.90(f)    0.95(b)      6.37(b)   414.20          381   1.33(b)    5.99(b)
1995-                            
Institutional                    
Shares                              0.7600   10.00   15.72       0.45         6.56      382.26       55,502   0.96       6.05
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 5, 1994(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------
1994-
Institutional
Shares                             (0.7617)   9.24   (3.00)   0.45(b)      6.48(b)      285.25       24,508   1.46(b)    5.47(b)
                                 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,  
- -------------------------------  
1997-Class A                     
shares                            $   0.57  $15.10    9.66%      1.17%        5.19%     383.72%    $167,096   1.60%      4.76%
1997-Class B                     
shares                                0.55   15.08    9.04       1.71         4.76      383.72        3,465   2.10       4.37
1997-Class C                     
shares(p)                             0.26   15.06    3.03(f)    1.71(b)      4.98(b)   383.72(f)       496   2.10(b)    4.59(b)
1997-                            
Institutional                    
Shares                                0.57   15.09   10.26       0.65         5.72      383.72       60,929   1.04       5.33
1997-Service                     
Shares(s)                             0.40   15.09    6.42(f)    1.15(b)      5.33(b)   383.72(f)       151   1.54(b)    4.94(b)
1996-Class A                     
shares                                0.08   14.53   11.05       1.16         5.81      232.15      198,665   1.64       5.33
1996-Class B                     
shares(q)                             0.50   14.53    6.24(f)    1.70(b)      5.16(b)   232.15(f)       256   2.14(b)    4.72(b)
1996-                            
Institutional                    
shares                                0.07   14.52   11.55       0.65         6.35      232.15       54,254   1.11       5.89
1995-Class A                     
shares                                1.02   14.45   15.08       1.29         6.23      265.86      245,835   1.58       5.94
1995-                            
Institutional                    
shares(r)                             0.36   14.45    4.42(f)    0.65(b)      6.01(b)   265.86(f)    31,619   1.08(b)    5.58(b)
1994-Class A                     
shares                               (1.64)  13.43   (4.49)      1.28         5.73      343.74      396,584   1.53       5.48
1993-Class A                     
shares                                0.38   15.07   10.75       1.30         5.78      313.88      675,662   1.55       5.53
1992-Class A                     
shares                                0.09   14.69    8.77       1.37         7.85      270.75      588,893   1.62       7.60
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 2, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------
1991-Class A
shares                                0.05   14.60    2.00(f)    0.38(f)      1.72(f)    34.22(f)   388,744   0.44(f)    1.66(f)
</TABLE>    
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                             INCOME (LOSS) FROM INVESTMENT OPERATIONS(N)                       DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
                           ----------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------------------
                                      NET REALIZED     NET
                                          AND        REALIZED                                                  IN EXCESS
                                       UNREALIZED      AND                              FROM NET                 OF NET
                                      GAIN (LOSS)   UNREALIZED    TOTAL                 REALIZED                REALIZED
                                           ON      GAIN (LOSS)    INCOME                GAIN ON                 GAIN ON
                 NET ASSET            INVESTMENT,   ON FOREIGN    (LOSS)              INVESTMENT,  IN EXCESS  INVESTMENT,   FROM
                 VALUE AT     NET      OPTION AND    CURRENCY      FROM     FROM NET   OPTION AND    OF NET    OPTION AND   PAID
                 BEGINNING INVESTMENT   FUTURES      RELATED    INVESTMENT INVESTMENT   FUTURES    INVESTMENT   FUTURES      IN
                 OF PERIOD   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS TRANSACTIONS OPERATIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS   INCOME   TRANSACTIONS CAPITAL
                 --------- ---------- ------------ ------------ ---------- ---------- ------------ ---------- ------------ -------
<S>              <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>
                                                                                                    HIGH YIELD FUND
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 1, 1997(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------
1997-Class A
Shares            $10.00     $0.17       $(0.03)       0.01       $0.15      $(0.17)      --         $(0.01)      --         --
1997-Class B
Shares             10.00      0.15        (0.03)       0.01        0.13       (0.15)      --          (0.01)      --         --
1997-Class C
Shares(p)           9.97      0.14          --         0.01        0.12       (0.14)      --          (0.01)      --         --
1997-
Institutional
Shares             10.00      0.18        (0.03)       0.01        0.16       (0.18)      --          (0.01)      --         --
1997-Service
Shares             10.00      0.17        (0.03)       0.01        0.15       (0.17)      --          (0.01)      --         --
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         RATIOS ASSUMING NO
                                                                                                         VOLUNTARY WAIVER OF
                                                                                                           FEES OR EXPENSE
                                                                                                             LIMITATIONS
                                                                                                         ----------------------
                                                             RATIO OF    RATIO OF                 NET                RATIO OF
                                  NET      NET                 NET         NET                   ASSETS  RATIO OF      NET
                                INCREASE  ASSET              EXPENSES   INVESTMENT               AT END  EXPENSES   INVESTMENT
                     TOTAL     (DECREASE) VALUE                 TO        INCOME                   OF       TO        INCOME
                 DISTRIBUTIONS   IN NET   AT END             AVERAGE    (LOSS) TO   PORTFOLIO    PERIOD  AVERAGE    (LOSS) TO
                      TO         ASSET      OF     TOTAL       NET       AVERAGE    TURNOVER      (IN      NET       AVERAGE
                 SHAREHOLDERS    VALUE    PERIOD RETURN(K)    ASSETS    NET ASSETS   RATE(D)     000S)    ASSETS    NET ASSETS
                 ------------- ---------- ------ ----------- ---------- ----------- ----------- -------- ---------- -----------
<S>              <C>           <C>        <C>    <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>      <C>        <C>
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 1, 1997(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------
1997-Class A
Shares              $(0.18)      $(0.03)  $9.97    1.50%(f)    0.95%(b)    7.06%(b)   44.80%(f) $325,911   1.57%(b)    6.44%(b)
1997-Class B
Shares               (0.16)       (0.03)   9.97    1.31(f)     1.70(b)     6.28(e)    44.80(f)    10.308   2.07(b)     5.91(b)
1997-Class C
Shares(p)            (0.15)       (0.03)   9.97    1.46(f)     1.70(b)     6.17(b)    44.80(f)     1,791   2.07(b)     5.80(b)
1997-
Institutional
Shares               (0.19)       (0.03)   9.97    1.58(f)     0.70(b)     7.16(b)    44.80(f)         2   1.07(b)     6.79(b)
1997-Service
Shares               (0.18)       (0.03)   9.97    1.46(f)     1.20(b)     6.69(b)    44.80(f)         2   1.57(b)     6.32(b)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>    
   
(a) Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology.     
   
(b) Annualized.     
   
(c) Class A share activity commenced on May 15, 1995.     
   
(d) Includes the effect of mortgage dollar roll transactions.     
   
(e) Administration share activity commenced on April 15, 1993.     
   
(f) Not annualized.     
   
(g) Commencement of operations.     
   
(h) Short Duration Government Fund Administration shares were redeemed in full
    on February 23, 1995 and re-commenced on February 28, 1996 at $9.86.     
   
(i) Service share activity commenced on April 10, 1996.     
   
(j) Administration and service share activity commenced on May 20, 1993 and
    September 20, 1994, respectively.     
   
(k) Assumes investment at the net asset value at the beginning of the period,
    reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of
    the investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no
    sales charges. Total return would be reduced if a sales charge for Class A
    shares or a contingent deferred sales charge for Class B and Class C
    shares were taken into account.     
   
(l) Administration and Service share activity commenced on February 28, 1996
    and March 13, 1996, respectively.     
   
(m) Service share activity commenced on March 27, 1997.     
   
(n) Includes the balancing effect of calculating per share amounts.     
   
(o) Class A and Class B share activity commenced on May 1, 1997.     
          
(p) Commenced operations on August 15, 1997.     
   
(q) Class B shares commenced operations on May 1, 1996.     
   
(r) Institutional shares commenced operations on June 1, 1995.     
   
(s) Service Class shares commenced operations on March 12, 1997.     
       
       
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
 
                      INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
 
 
  The investment objectives and principal investment policies of each Fund are
described below. Other investment practices and management techniques, which
involve certain risks, are described under "Description of Securities," "Risk
Factors" and "Investment Techniques." There can be no assurance that a Fund's
investment objectives will be achieved.
 
  A Fund's duration approximates its price sensitivity to changes in interest
rates. Maturity measures the time until final payment is due; it takes no
account of the pattern of a security's cash flows over time. In computing
portfolio duration, a Fund will estimate the duration of obligations that are
subject to prepayment or redemption by the issuer taking into account the
influence of interest rates on prepayments and coupon flows. This method of
computing duration is known as "option-adjusted" duration. A Fund will not be
limited as to its maximum weighted average portfolio maturity or the maximum
stated maturity with respect to individual securities unless otherwise noted.
   
  A Fund will deem a security to have met its minimum credit rating
requirement if the security receives the minimum required long-term rating (or
the equivalent short-term credit rating) at the time of purchase from at least
one nationally recognized statistical rating organization ("NRSRO") including,
but not limited to, Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") and Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") even though it has been rated below the
minimum rating by one or more other NRSROs or, if unrated, is determined by
the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. If a security satisfies a
Fund's minimum rating criteria at the time of purchase and is subsequently
downgraded below such rating, the Fund will not be required to dispose of such
security. If a downgrade occurs, the Investment Adviser will consider what
action, including the sale of such security, is in the best interest of a Fund
and its shareholders.     
   
  The Investment Adviser will usually have access to the research of, and
certain proprietary technical models developed by, Goldman Sachs and will
apply quantitative and qualitative analysis in determining the appropriate
allocations among the categories of issuers and types of securities.     
 
 ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high level of current income, consistent with low volatility of principal.
 
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be in a range approximately equal to that of a six-month to one-
year U.S. Treasury security. In addition, under normal interest rate
conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed two years. The
approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected to be comparable
to a nine-month note.
   
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least
65% of its total assets in U.S. Government Securities that are adjustable rate
mortgage pass-through securities and other mortgage securities with periodic
interest rate resets. The remainder of the Fund's assets (up to 35%) may be
invested in other U.S. Government Securities, including fixed rate mortgage
pass-through securities, other securities representing an interest in or
collateralized by adjustable rate and fixed rate mortgage loans ("Mortgage-
Backed Securities") and repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S.
Government Securities. Substantially all of the Fund's assets     
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
will be invested in U.S. Government Securities. 100% of the Fund's portfolio
will be invested in U.S. dollar-denominated securities.
 
  CREDIT QUALITY. The Fund invests in U.S. Government Securities and
repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities.
 
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure and to seek to enhance returns. These
techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of financial futures
contracts, option contracts (including options on futures), mortgage and
interest rate swaps and interest rate floors, caps and collars. The Fund may
also employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as
lending portfolio securities and entering into mortgage dollar rolls,
repurchase agreements and other investment practices described under
"Investment Techniques."
 
 SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide a high level of
current income. Secondarily, the Fund may, in seeking current income, also
consider the potential for capital appreciation.
 
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the two-year U.S.
Treasury security, plus or minus .5 years. In addition, under normal interest
rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed three years. The
approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected to be comparable
to a two-year bond.
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at
least 65% of its total assets in U.S. Government Securities and in repurchase
agreements collateralized by such securities. Substantially all of the Fund's
assets will be invested in U.S. Government Securities. 100% of the Fund's
portfolio will be invested in U.S. dollar-denominated securities.
 
  CREDIT QUALITY. The Fund invests in U.S. Government Securities and
repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities.
 
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure and to seek to enhance returns. These
techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of financial futures
contracts, option contracts (including options on futures), mortgage and
interest rate swaps and interest rate floors, caps and collars. The Fund may
also employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as
lending portfolio securities and entering into mortgage dollar rolls,
repurchase agreements and other investment practices described under
"Investment Techniques."
 
 SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high level of current income, consistent with relatively low volatility of
principal, that is exempt from regular federal income tax.
 
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the Lehman Brothers
three-year Municipal Bond Index, plus or minus .5 years. In addition, under
normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed
four years. The approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected
to be comparable to a three-year bond.
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal conditions, at least 80%
of its net assets in fixed-income securities issued by or on behalf of states,
territories and possessions of the United States (including the District of
Columbia) and the political subdivisions, agencies and instrumentalities
thereof ("Municipal Securities"), the interest on which is exempt from regular
federal income tax (i.e., excluded from gross income for federal income tax
purposes), and is not a tax preference item under the federal alternative
minimum tax. Under normal circumstances, the Fund's investments in private
activity bonds and taxable investments will not exceed, in the aggregate, 20%
of the Fund's net assets. The interest from certain private activity bonds
(including the Fund's distributions of such interest) may be a preference item
for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax. 100% of the Fund's
portfolio will be invested in U.S. dollar-denominated securities.
 
  CREDIT QUALITY. The Municipal Securities in which the Fund invests will be
rated, at the time of investment, at least BBB or Baa by an NRSRO or, if
unrated, will be determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable
quality. Municipal Securities rated BBB or Baa are considered medium-grade
obligations with speculative characteristics, and adverse economic conditions
or changing circumstances may weaken their issuers' capability to pay interest
and repay principal. The credit rating assigned to Municipal Securities may
reflect the existence of guarantees, letters of credit or other credit
enhancement features available to the issuers or holders of such Municipal
Securities.
 
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure and to seek to enhance returns. These
techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of financial futures
contracts, option contracts (including options on futures), interest rate
swaps, floors, caps and collars. The Fund may also employ other investment
techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as lending portfolio securities
and entering into repurchase agreements and other investment practices
described under "Investment Techniques."
 
  While the Fund, under normal market conditions, invests substantially all of
its assets in Municipal Securities, the recognition of certain accrued market
discount income (if the Fund acquires Municipal Securities or other
obligations at a market discount), income from investments other than
Municipal Securities and any capital gains generated from the disposition of
investments, will result in taxable income. In addition to federal income tax,
shareholders may be subject to state, local or foreign taxes on distributions
of such income received from the Fund. See "Description of Securities."
 
 GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high level of current income, consistent with safety of principal.
 
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the Lehman Brothers
Mutual Fund Government/Mortgage Index, plus or minus one year. In addition,
under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not
exceed six years. The approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is
expected to be comparable to a five-year bond.
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least
65% of its total assets in U.S. Government Securities and in repurchase
agreements collateralized by such securities. The remainder of the Fund's
assets may be invested in non-government securities such as privately issued
Mortgage-Backed Securities, Asset-Backed Securities and corporate securities.
100% of the Fund's portfolio will be invested in U.S. dollar-denominated
securities.
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
  CREDIT QUALITY. The Fund's non-U.S. Government Securities will be rated, at
the time of investment, AAA or Aaa by an NRSRO or, if unrated, will be
determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality.
 
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure and to seek to enhance returns. These
techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of financial futures
contracts, option contracts (including options on futures), mortgage and
interest rate swaps and interest rate floors, caps and collars. The Fund may
also employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as
lending portfolio securities and entering into mortgage dollar rolls,
repurchase agreements and other investment practices described under
"Investment Techniques."
 
 MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high level of current income that is exempt from regular federal income tax,
consistent with preservation of capital.
 
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the Lehman Brothers
fifteen-year Municipal Bond Index, plus or minus one year. In addition, under
normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed
twelve years. The approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is
expected to be comparable to a fifteen-year bond.
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least
80% of its net assets in Municipal Securities, the interest on which is exempt
from regular federal income tax (i.e., excluded from gross income for federal
income tax purposes). The Fund may invest up to 100% of its net assets in
private activity bonds, the interest from certain of which (including the
Fund's distributions of such interest) may be a preference item for purposes
of the federal alternative minimum tax. 100% of the Fund's portfolio will be
invested in U.S. dollar-denominated securities.
 
  CREDIT QUALITY. Under normal market conditions, the weighted average credit
quality of the Fund's portfolio will be equivalent to that of securities rated
AA or Aa by an NRSRO. All securities purchased by the Fund will be rated, at
the time of investment, at least BBB or Baa by an NRSRO or, if unrated, will
be determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. Fixed-
income securities rated BBB or Baa are considered medium-grade obligations
with speculative characteristics, and adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances may weaken their issuers' capability to pay interest and repay
principal. The credit rating assigned to Municipal Securities may reflect the
existence of guarantees, letters of credit or other credit enhancement
features available to the issuers or holders of such Municipal Securities.
 
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure and to seek to enhance returns. These
techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of financial futures
contracts, option contracts (including options on futures), interest rate
swaps, interest rate floors, caps and collars. The Fund may also employ other
investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as lending portfolio
securities and entering into repurchase agreements and other investment
practices described under "Investment Techniques."
 
  While the Fund, under normal market conditions, invests substantially all of
its assets in Municipal Securities, the recognition of certain accrued market
discount income (if the Fund acquires Municipal Securities or other
obligations at a market discount), income from investments other than
Municipal Securities and any capital gains generated from the disposition of
investments, will result in taxable income. In addition to federal income tax,
shareholders may be subject to state, local or foreign taxes on distributions
of such income received from the Fund. See "Description of Securities."
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
 CORE FIXED INCOME FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
total return consisting of capital appreciation and income that exceeds the
total return of the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index (the "Index").
   
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the Lehman Brothers
Aggregate Bond Index, plus or minus one year. In addition, under normal
interest rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed six
years. The approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected to be
comparable to a five-year bond.     
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least
65% of its total assets in fixed-income securities, including U.S. Government
Securities, corporate debt securities, Mortgage-Backed Securities, and Asset-
Backed Securities. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in
obligations of domestic and foreign issuers which are denominated in
currencies other than the U.S. dollar, 10% of which may be invested in issuers
in countries with emerging markets and economies. A number of investment
strategies will be used to achieve the Fund's investment objective, including
market sector selection, determination of yield curve exposure, and issuer
selection. In addition, the Investment Adviser will attempt to take advantage
of pricing inefficiencies in the fixed-income markets.
   
  The Index currently includes U.S. Government Securities and fixed-rate,
publicly issued, U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities rated at
least BBB or Baa by an NRSRO. The securities currently included in the Index
have at least one year remaining to maturity; have an outstanding principal
amount of at least $100 million; and are issued by the following types of
issuers, with each category receiving a different weighting in the Index: U.S.
Treasury; agencies, authorities or instrumentalities of the U.S. government;
issuers of Mortgage-Backed Securities; utilities; industrial issuers;
financial institutions; foreign issuers; and issuers of Asset-Backed
Securities. The Index is a trademark of Lehman Brothers. Inclusion of a
security in the Index does not imply an opinion by Lehman Brothers as to its
attractiveness or appropriateness for investment. Although Lehman Brothers
obtains factual information used in connection with the Index from sources
which it considers reliable, Lehman Brothers claims no responsibility for the
accuracy, completeness or timeliness of such information and has no liability
to any person for any loss arising from results obtained from the use of the
Index data.     
   
  CREDIT QUALITY. All U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities
purchased by the Fund will be rated, at the time of investment, at least BBB
or Baa by an NRSRO. The non-U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities in
which the Fund may invest will be rated, at the time of investment, at least
AA or Aa by an NRSRO or, if unrated, will be determined by the Investment
Adviser to be of comparable quality. Fixed-income securities rated BBB or Baa
are considered medium-grade obligations with speculative characteristics, and
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances may weaken their
issuers' capability to pay interest and repay principal.     
   
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure, to seek to hedge its exposure to foreign
currencies and to seek to enhance returns. These techniques include, but are
not limited to, the use of financial futures contracts, option contracts
(including options on futures), forward foreign currency exchange contracts,
currency options and futures, currency, mortgage and interest rate swaps and
interest rate floors, caps and collars. Currency management techniques involve
risks different from those associated with investing solely in U.S. dollar-
denominated fixed-income securities of U.S. issuers. It is expected that the
Fund will use certain currency techniques to seek to hedge against currency
    
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
exchange rate fluctuations or to seek to increase total return. The Fund may
invest in custodial receipts, Municipal Securities and convertible securities.
The Fund may also employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance
returns, such as lending portfolio securities and entering into mortgage
dollar rolls, repurchase agreements and other investment practices, described
under "Investment Techniques."
 
 GLOBAL INCOME FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high total return, emphasizing current income, and, to a lesser extent,
providing opportunities for capital appreciation.
   
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the J.P. Morgan Global
Government Bond Index (hedged), plus or minus 2.5 years. In addition, under
normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed
7.5 years. The approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected
to be comparable to a six-year bond.     
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests primarily in a portfolio of high quality
fixed-income securities of U.S. and foreign issuers and enters into
transactions in foreign currencies. Under normal market conditions, the Fund
will (i) have at least 30% of its total assets, after considering the effect
of currency positions, denominated in U.S. dollars and (ii) invest in
securities of issuers in at least three countries. The Fund may also invest up
to 10% of its total assets in issuers in countries with emerging markets and
economies. The Fund seeks to meet its investment objective by pursuing
investment opportunities in foreign and domestic fixed-income securities
markets and by engaging in currency transactions to seek to enhance returns
and to seek to hedge its portfolio against currency exchange rate
fluctuations.
   
  The fixed-income securities in which the Fund may invest include: (i) U.S.
Government Securities and custodial receipts therefor; (ii) securities issued
or guaranteed by a foreign government or any of its political subdivisions,
authorities, agencies, instrumentalities or by supranational entities (i.e.,
international organizations designated or supported by governmental entities
to promote economic reconstruction or development, such as the World Bank);
(iii) corporate debt securities; (iv) certificates of deposit and bankers'
acceptances issued or guaranteed by, or time deposits maintained at, U.S. or
foreign banks (and their branches wherever located) having total assets of
more than $1 billion; (v) commercial paper; and (vi) Mortgage-Backed and
Asset-Backed Securities.     
   
  CREDIT QUALITY. All securities purchased by the Fund will be rated, at the
time of investment, at least BBB or Baa by an NRSRO. However, the Fund will
invest at least 50% of its total assets in securities rated, at the time of
investment, AAA or Aaa by an NRSRO. Unrated securities will be determined by
the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. Fixed-income securities
rated BBB or Baa are considered medium-grade obligations with speculative
characteristics, and adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances may
weaken their issuers' capability to pay interest and repay principal.     
   
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure, to seek to hedge its exposure to foreign
currencies and to seek to enhance returns. These techniques include, but are
not limited to, the use of financial futures contracts, option contracts
(including options on futures), forward foreign currency exchange contracts,
currency options and futures, currency, mortgage and interest rate swaps and
interest rate floors, caps and collars. Currency management techniques involve
risks different from those associated with investing solely in U.S. dollar-
denominated fixed-income securities of U.S.     
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
issuers. It is expected that the Fund will use certain currency techniques to
seek to hedge against currency exchange rate fluctuations or to seek to
increase total return. While the Fund will have both long and short currency
positions, its net long and short foreign currency exposure will not exceed
the value of the Fund's total assets. To the extent that the Fund is fully
invested in foreign securities while also maintaining currency positions, it
may be exposed to greater combined risk. The Fund's net currency positions may
expose it to risks independent of its securities positions. The Fund may also
employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as lending
portfolio securities and entering into mortgage dollar rolls, repurchase
agreements and other investment practices described under "Investment
Techniques."
   
  The Fund may invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of
corporate and governmental issuers located in each of Canada, Germany, Japan,
and the United Kingdom as well as in the securities of U.S. issuers.
Concentration of the Fund's investments in such issuers will subject the Fund,
to a greater extent than if investment was more limited, to the risks of
adverse securities markets, exchange rates and social, political or economic
events which may occur in those countries. Not more than 25% of the Fund's
total assets will be invested in securities of issuers in any other single
foreign country.     
 
 HIGH YIELD FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high level of current income. Secondarily, the Fund may, in seeking current
income, also consider the potential for capital appreciation.
   
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the Lehman Brothers High
Yield Bond Index, plus or minus 2.5 years. In addition, under normal interest
rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed 7.5 years. The
approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected to be comparable
to a 6-year bond.     
   
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least
65% of its total assets in high yield, fixed-income securities rated, at the
time of investment, below investment grade. Non-investment grade securities
are securities rated BB, Ba or below by an NRSRO, or, if unrated, determined
by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. The Fund may invest in
all types of fixed-income securities, including senior and subordinated
corporate debt obligations (such as bonds, debentures, notes and commercial
paper), convertible and non-convertible corporate debt obligations, loan
participations, custodial receipts, municipal securities and preferred stock.
The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in obligations of domestic
and foreign issuers (including securities of issuers located in countries with
emerging markets and economies) which are denominated in currencies other than
the U.S. dollar. Under normal market conditions, the Fund may invest up to 35%
of its total assets in investment grade fixed-income securities, including
U.S. Government Securities, Asset-Backed and Mortgage-Backed Securities and
corporate securities. The Fund may also invest in common stocks, warrants,
rights and other equity securities, but will generally hold such equity
investments only when debt or preferred stock of the issuer of such equity
securities is held by the Fund. A number of investment strategies are used to
seek to achieve the Fund's investment objective, including market sector
selection, determination of yield curve exposure, and issuer selection. In
addition, the Investment Adviser will attempt to take advantage of pricing
inefficiencies in the fixed-income markets.     
 
  CREDIT QUALITY. The Fund invests primarily in high yield, fixed income
securities rated below investment grade, including securities of issuers in
default. Non-investment grade securities (commonly known as "junk bonds") tend
to offer higher yields than higher rated securities with similar maturities.
Non-investment grade
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
securities are, however, considered speculative and generally involve greater
price volatility and greater risk of loss of principal and interest than
higher rated securities. See "Description of Securities." A description of the
corporate bond and preferred stock ratings is contained in Appendix B to the
Additional Statement.
   
  For your information, set forth below is the average distribution of ratings
for the portfolio securities (including commercial paper and nonconvertible
bonds) held by Fund during the most recent fiscal year:     
                                 
                              CREDIT QUALITY     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                   PERCENTAG  OF
                                                                   FUND'S ASSETS
                                                                   -------------
     <S>                                                           <C>
     AAA/Aaa......................................................       1.3%
     AA/Aa........................................................         0%
     A............................................................         0%
     BBB/Baa......................................................       0.3%
     BB/Ba........................................................      13.1%
     Below Ba.....................................................      85.3%
     Not rated....................................................         0%
      Comparable to A.............................................         0%
      Comparable to BBB/Baa.......................................         0%
      Comparable to BB/Ba or lower................................         0%
      Comparable to Below Ba......................................         0%
                                                                       -----
                                                                       100.0%
                                                                       =====
</TABLE>    
       
       
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure, to seek to hedge its exposure to foreign
securities and to seek to enhance returns. These techniques include, but are
not limited to, the use of financial futures contracts, option contracts
(including options on futures), forward foreign currency exchange contracts,
currency options and futures, currency, mortgage and interest rate swaps, and
interest rate floors, caps and collars. Currency management techniques involve
risks different from those associated with investing solely in U.S. dollar-
denominated fixed-income securities of U.S. issuers. It is expected that the
Fund will use certain currency techniques to seek to hedge against currency
exchange rate fluctuations or to seek to increase total return. The Fund may
also employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as
lending portfolio securities and entering into repurchase agreements and other
investment practices described under "Investment Techniques."
 
 
                           DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
 
 
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
 
  Each Fund may invest in U.S. Government Securities. Generally, these
securities include U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations issued or
guaranteed by U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored
enterprises which are supported by (a) the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Treasury (such as the Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie
Mae")), (b) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury (such as
securities of the Student Loan Marketing Association), (c) the discretionary
authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the issuer
(such as the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") and Federal
Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac")), or (d) only the credit of the
issuer. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide
financial support to U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored
enterprises in the future.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
  U.S. Government Securities also include Treasury receipts, zero coupon bonds
and other stripped U.S. Government Securities, where the interest and
principal components of stripped U.S. Government Securities are traded
independently. The most widely recognized program is the Separate Trading of
Registered Interest and Principal of Securities Program.
 
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
 
  CHARACTERISTICS OF MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Mortgage-Backed Securities
represent direct or indirect participations in, or are collateralized by and
payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. Mortgagors can
generally prepay interest or principal on their mortgage whenever they choose.
Therefore, Mortgage-Backed Securities are often subject to more rapid
repayment than their stated maturity date would indicate as a result of
principal prepayments on the underlying loans. This can result in
significantly greater price and yield volatility than is the case with
traditional fixed-income securities. During periods of declining interest
rates, prepayments can be expected to accelerate, and thus impair a Fund's
ability to reinvest the returns of principal at comparable yields. Conversely,
in a rising interest rate environment, a declining prepayment rate will extend
the average life of many Mortgage-Backed Securities and prevent a Fund from
taking advantage of such higher yields.
   
  FIXED RATE MORTGAGE LOANS. Generally, fixed-rate mortgage loans pay interest
at fixed annual rates and have original terms to maturity ranging from 5 to 40
years. Fixed-rate mortgage loans typically provide for monthly payments of
principal and interest in substantially equal installments for the term of the
mortgage note in sufficient amounts to amortize fully principal by maturity,
although certain fixed-rate mortgage loans provide for a large final "balloon"
payment upon maturity.     
 
  ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE LOANS ("ARMS"). The Adjustable Rate Government Fund
will primarily, and the Short Duration Government, Government Income, Core
Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may, invest in ARMs, which
are pass-through mortgage securities collateralized by mortgages with
adjustable rather than fixed coupon rates. ARMs generally provide for a fixed
initial mortgage interest rate for a set period. Thereafter, the interest
rates are subject to periodic adjustments based on changes to a designated
benchmark index.
 
  ARMs allow a Fund to participate in increases in interest rates through
periodic increases in the securities' coupon rates. During periods of
declining interest rates, coupon rates may readjust downward resulting in
lower yields to a Fund. Therefore, the value of an ARM is unlikely to rise
during periods of declining interest rates to the same extent as fixed-rate
securities. Interest rate declines may result in accelerated prepayment of
mortgages with the result that proceeds from prepayments will be reinvested at
lower interest rates. During periods of rising interest rates, changes in the
coupon rate will lag behind changes in the market rate. ARMs are also
typically subject to maximum increases and decreases in the interest rate
adjustment which can be made on any one adjustment date, in any one year, or
during the life of the security. In the event of dramatic increases or
decreases in prevailing market interest rates, the value of a Fund's
investments in ARMs may fluctuate more substantially since these limits may
prevent the security from fully adjusting its interest rate to the prevailing
market rates.
 
  U.S. GOVERNMENT GUARANTEED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Certain Mortgage-
Backed Securities are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its
agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. Such issuers include,
but are not limited to, Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. See "U.S.
Government Securities."
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
  PRIVATELY ISSUED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The Government Income, Core
Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may invest in Mortgage-Backed
Securities issued or sponsored by non-governmental entities. Privately issued
Mortgage-Backed Securities are generally backed by pools of conventional
(i.e., non-government guaranteed or insured) mortgage loans. Since such
Mortgage-Backed Securities normally are not guaranteed by an entity having the
credit standing of Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, in order to receive
a high quality rating from the rating organizations (i.e., S&P or Moody's),
they normally are structured with one or more types of "credit enhancement."
 
  MULTIPLE CLASS MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES AND COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
OBLIGATIONS. The Adjustable Rate Government, Short Duration Government,
Government Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may
also invest in multiple class securities, including collateralized mortgage
obligations ("CMOs") and Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit ("REMIC")
pass-through or participation certificates. CMOs provide an investor with a
specified interest in the cash flow from a pool of underlying mortgages or of
other Mortgage-Backed Securities. CMOs are issued in multiple classes, each
with a specified fixed or floating interest rate and a final scheduled
distribution date. In most cases, payments of principal are applied to the CMO
classes in the order of their respective stated maturities, so that no
principal payments will be made on a CMO class until all other classes having
an earlier stated maturity date are paid in full. A REMIC is a CMO that
qualifies for special tax treatment under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended (the "Code"), and invests in certain mortgages principally secured
by interests in real property and other permitted investments. The Funds do
not intend to purchase residual interests in REMICs.
   
  STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The Adjustable Rate Government, Short
Duration Government, Government Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and
High Yield Funds may invest in Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities ("SMBS"),
which are derivative multiple class Mortgage-Backed Securities. SMBS are
usually structured with two different classes: one that receives 100% of the
interest payments and the other that receives 100% of the principal payments
from a pool of mortgage loans. If the underlying mortgage loans experience
different than anticipated prepayments of principal, a Fund may fail to recoup
fully its initial investment in these securities. The market value of the
class consisting entirely of principal payments generally is unusually
volatile in response to changes in interest rates. The yields on a class of
SMBS that receives all or most of the interest from mortgage loans are
generally higher than prevailing market yields on other Mortgage-Backed
Securities because their cash flow patterns are more volatile and there is a
greater risk that the initial investment will not be fully recouped. A Fund's
investments in SMBS may require the Fund to sell certain of its portfolio
securities to generate sufficient cash to satisfy certain income distribution
requirements.     
 
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
 
  The Government Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds
may invest in Asset-Backed Securities. The principal and interest payments on
Asset-Backed Securities are collateralized by pools of assets such as auto
loans, credit card receivables, leases, installment contracts and personal
property. Such asset pools are securitized through the use of special purpose
trusts or corporations. Principal and interest payments may be credit enhanced
by a letter of credit, a pool insurance policy or a senior/subordinated
structure.
 
LOAN PARTICIPATIONS
 
  The High Yield Fund may invest in loan participations. Such loans must be to
issuers in whose obligations the High Yield Fund may invest. A loan
participation is an interest in a loan to a U.S. or foreign company or other
borrower which is administered and sold by a financial intermediary. In a
typical corporate loan
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
syndication, a number of lenders, usually banks (co-lenders), lend a corporate
borrower a specified sum pursuant to the terms and conditions of a loan
agreement. One of the co-lenders usually agrees to act as the agent bank with
respect to the loan.
 
  Participation interests acquired by the High Yield Fund may take the form of
a direct or co-lending relationship with the corporate borrower, an assignment
of an interest in the loan by a co-lender or another participant, or a
participation in the seller's share of the loan. When the High Yield Fund acts
as co-lender in connection with a participation interest or when the High
Yield Fund acquires certain participation interests, the High Yield Fund will
have direct recourse against the borrower if the borrower fails to pay
scheduled principal and interest. In cases where the High Yield Fund lacks
direct recourse, it will look to the agent bank to enforce appropriate credit
remedies against the borrower. In these cases, the High Yield Fund may be
subject to delays, expenses and risks that are greater than those that would
have been involved if the Fund had purchased a direct obligation (such as
commercial paper) of such borrower. For example, in the event of the
bankruptcy or insolvency of the corporate borrower, a loan participation may
be subject to certain defenses by the borrower as a result of improper conduct
by the agent bank. Moreover, under the terms of the loan participation, the
High Yield Fund may be regarded as a creditor of the agent bank (rather than
of the underlying corporate borrower), so that the High Yield Fund may also be
subject to the risk that the agent bank may become insolvent. The secondary
market, if any, for these loan participations is limited and any loan
participations purchased by the High Yield Fund will be regarded as illiquid.
 
  For purposes of certain investment limitations pertaining to diversification
of the High Yield Fund's portfolio investments, the issuer of a loan
participation will be the underlying borrower. However, in cases where the
High Yield Fund does not have recourse directly against the borrower, both the
borrower and each agent bank and co-lender interposed between the High Yield
Fund and the borrower will be deemed issuers of a loan participation.
 
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
   
  GENERAL. Municipal Securities in which the Short Duration Tax-Free and
Municipal Income Funds and, to a limited extent, the Core Fixed Income and
High Yield Funds invest consist of bonds, notes, commercial paper and other
instruments (including participation interests in such securities) issued by
or on behalf of states, territories and possessions of the United States
(including the District of Columbia) and their political subdivisions,
agencies or instrumentalities, the interest on which, in the opinion of bond
counsel for the issuers or counsel selected by the Investment Adviser, is
exempt from regular federal income tax (i.e., excluded from gross income for
federal income tax purposes but not necessarily exempt from federal
alternative minimum tax or from state or local taxes). Such securities may pay
fixed, variable or floating rates of interest. Municipal Securities are often
issued to obtain funds for various public purposes, including the construction
of a wide range of public facilities such as bridges, highways, housing,
hospitals, mass transportation, schools, streets and water and sewer works.
Other public purposes for which Municipal Securities may be issued include
refunding outstanding obligations, obtaining funds for general operating
expenses, and obtaining funds to lend to other public institutions and
facilities. The Core Fixed Income and High Yield Funds may also invest in
taxable Municipal Securities.     
 
  PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS. Municipal Securities include "private activity
bonds" or industrial development bonds, which are issued by or on behalf of
public authorities to obtain funds for such projects as privately-operated
housing facilities, airport, mass transit or port facilities and sewage
disposal. In addition, proceeds of certain industrial development bonds are
used for constructing, equipping, repairing or improving privately operated
industrial or commercial facilities. The Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal
Income Funds'
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
distributions attributable to the interest income from private activity bonds
may subject certain investors to the federal alternative minimum tax.
 
  MUNICIPAL LEASES AND CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION. A municipal lease is an
obligation in the form of a lease or installment purchase which is issued by a
state or local government to acquire equipment and facilities. Certificates of
participation represent undivided interests in municipal leases, installment
purchase agreements or other instruments. The primary risk associated with
municipal lease obligations and certificates of participation is that the
governmental lessee will fail to appropriate funds to enable it to meet its
payment obligations under the lease. Although the obligations may be secured
by the leased equipment or facilities, the disposition of the property in the
event of non-appropriation or foreclosure might prove difficult, time
consuming and costly, and result in a delay in recovering or the failure to
fully recover the Fund's original investment. To the extent that a Fund
invests in unrated municipal leases or participates in such leases, the credit
quality rating and risk of cancellation of such unrated leases will be
monitored on an ongoing basis. Certain municipal lease obligations and
certificates of participation may be deemed illiquid for the purpose of a
Fund's limitation on investments in illiquid securities.
 
  PRE-REFUNDED MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. The interest and principal payments on
pre-refunded Municipal Securities are typically paid from the cash flow
generated from an escrow fund consisting of U.S. Government Securities. These
payments have been "pre-refunded" using the escrow fund.
 
  INSURED SECURITIES. "Insured" Municipal Securities are those for which
scheduled payments of interest and principal are guaranteed by a private (non-
governmental) insurance company. The insurance entitles a Fund to receive only
the face or par value of the securities held by the Fund. The insurance does
not guarantee the market value of the Municipal Securities or the net asset
value of a Fund's shares.
 
  AUCTION RATE SECURITIES. Auction rate Municipal Securities permit the holder
to sell the securities in an auction at par value at specified intervals. The
dividend or interest is typically reset by "Dutch" auction in which bids are
made by broker-dealers and other institutions for a certain amount of
securities at a specified minimum yield. The rate set by the auction is the
lowest interest or dividend rate that covers all securities offered for sale.
While this process is designed to permit auction rate securities to be traded
at par value, there is the risk that an auction will fail due to insufficient
demand for the securities. A Fund will take the time remaining until the next
scheduled auction date into account for purposes of determining the
securities' duration.
 
CORPORATE DEBT OBLIGATIONS
 
  The Government Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds
may invest in corporate debt obligations. In addition to obligations of
corporations, corporate debt obligations include securities issued by banks
and other financial institutions. Corporate debt obligations are subject to
the risk of an issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on
the obligations.
   
  The Government Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds
may also invest in trust preferred securities. A trust preferred or capital
security is a long dated bond (for example, 30 years) with preferred features.
The preferred features are that payment of interest can be deferred for a
specified period without initiating a default event. From a bondholder's
viewpoint, the securities are senior in claim to standard preferred stock but
junior to other bondholders. From the issuer's viewpoint, the securities are
attractive because their interest is deductible for tax purposes like other
types of debt instruments.     
 
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
 
  The Core Fixed Income and High Yield Funds may invest in convertible
securities, including debt obligations, and for High Yield Fund preferred
stock, of an issuer convertible at a stated exchange rate into common stock of
the issuer. Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend
yields than non-convertible securities of similar quality. As with all debt
securities, the market value of convertible securities tends to decline as
interest rates increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates
decline. However, when the market price of the common stock underlying a
convertible security exceeds the conversion price, the price of the
convertible security tends to reflect the market price of the underlying
common stock. As the market price of the underlying common stock declines, the
convertible security tends to trade increasingly on a yield basis, and thus
may not depreciate to the same extent as the underlying common stock.
Convertible securities in which a Fund invests are subject to the same rating
criteria as its other investments in fixed-income securities.
 
PREFERRED STOCK, WARRANTS AND RIGHTS
 
  The High Yield Fund may invest in preferred stock, warrants and rights.
Preferred stocks are securities that represent an ownership interest providing
the holder with claims on the issuer's earnings and assets before common stock
owners but after bond owners. Unlike debt securities, the obligations of an
issuer of preferred stock, including dividend and other payment obligations,
may not typically be accelerated by the holders of such preferred stock on the
occurrence of an event of default (such as a covenant default or filing of a
bankruptcy petition) or other non-compliance by the issuer with the terms of
the preferred stock. Often, however, on the occurrence of any such event of
default or non-compliance by the issuer, preferred stockholders will be
entitled to gain representation on the issuer's board of directors or increase
their existing board representation. In addition, preferred stockholders may
be granted voting rights with respect to certain issues on the occurrence of
any event of default.
 
  Warrants and other rights are options to buy a stated number of shares of
common stock at a specified price at any time during the life of the warrant.
The holders of warrants and rights have no voting rights, receive no dividends
and have no rights with respect to the assets of the issuer.
 
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS
 
  FOREIGN SECURITIES. The Global Income Fund will, and the Core Fixed Income
and High Yield Funds may, invest in fixed-income securities of foreign issuers
denominated in any currency. However, the Core Fixed Income and High Yield
Funds will limit their investments in non-U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income
securities to 25% of their total assets. Investment in foreign securities may
offer potential benefits that are not available from investing exclusively in
U.S. dollar-denominated domestic issues. Foreign countries may have economic
policies or business cycles different from those of the U.S. and markets for
foreign fixed-income securities do not necessarily move in a manner parallel
to U.S. markets.
 
  Investing in the securities of foreign issuers involves risks that are not
typically associated with investing in fixed-income securities of domestic
issuers quoted in U.S. dollars. Such investments may be affected by changes in
currency rates, changes in foreign or U.S. laws or restrictions applicable to
such investments and in exchange control regulations (e.g., currency
blockage). A decline in the exchange rate of the currency (i.e., weakening of
the currency against the U.S. dollar) in which a portfolio security is quoted
or denominated relative to the U.S. dollar would reduce the value of the
portfolio security. In addition, if the currency in which a Fund receives
dividends, interest or other payments declines in value against the U.S.
dollar before such income is distributed as dividends to shareholders or
converted to U.S. dollars, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities to
obtain
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
sufficient cash to pay such dividends. In addition, clearance and settlement
procedures may be different in foreign countries and, in certain markets, such
procedures have been unable to keep pace with the volume of securities
transactions, making it more difficult to conduct such transactions.
 
  The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may invest in an
issuer domiciled in one country yet issuing the security in the currency of
another country. The Funds may also invest in debt securities denominated in
the European Currency Unit ("ECU"), which is a "basket" consisting of
specified amounts in the currencies of certain of the twelve member states of
the European Community. The specific amounts of currencies comprising the ECU
may be adjusted by the Council of Ministers of the European Community from
time to time to reflect changes in relative values of the underlying
currencies. In addition, the Funds may invest in securities denominated in
other currency "baskets."
 
  Foreign issuers are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing
and financial reporting standards comparable to those applicable to U.S.
issuers. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign
issuer than about a U.S. issuer. In addition, there is generally less
government regulation of foreign markets, companies and securities dealers
than in the U.S. Foreign securities markets may have substantially less volume
than U.S. securities markets and securities of many foreign issuers may be
less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers.
Furthermore, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a possibility
of nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, imposition of
withholding or other taxes on dividend or interest payments (or, in some
cases, capital gains), limitations on the removal of funds or other assets of
a Fund, political or social instability or diplomatic developments which could
affect investments in those countries.
 
  FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High
Yield Funds may invest in debt obligations of foreign governments and
governmental agencies, including those of emerging countries. Investment in
sovereign debt obligations involves special risks not present in debt
obligations of corporate issuers. The issuer of the debt or the governmental
authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or unwilling
to repay principal or interest when due in accordance with the terms of such
debt, and a Fund may have limited recourse in the event of a default. Periods
of economic uncertainty may result in volatility of market prices of sovereign
debt, and in turn a Fund's net asset value, to a greater extent than the
volatility inherent in debt obligations of U.S. issuers. A sovereign debtor's
willingness or ability to repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner
may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent
of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign
exchange on the date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service
burden to the economy as a whole, the sovereign debtor's policy toward
international lenders and the political constraints to which a sovereign
debtor may be subject.
 
  EMERGING MARKETS. The Core Fixed Income and Global Income Funds may invest
up to 10% and the High Yield Fund may invest up to 25% of their total assets
in securities of issuers located in countries with emerging economies or
securities markets ("emerging markets"). Political and economic structures in
many emerging markets may be undergoing significant evolution and rapid
development, and emerging markets may lack the social, political and economic
stability characteristic of more developed countries. As a result, the risks
relating to investments in foreign securities described above, including the
possibility of nationalization, expropriation and confiscatory taxation, may
be heightened. In addition, unanticipated political and social developments
may affect the value of a Fund's investments in emerging markets and the
availability to the Fund of additional investments in such countries. The
small size and inexperience of the securities markets in certain emerging
markets and the limited volume of trading in securities in those countries may
make a Fund's investments in such countries less liquid and more volatile than
investments in countries with more developed securities markets
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
(such as the U.S., Japan and most Western European countries). See the
Additional Statement for further information regarding a Fund's investments in
emerging markets.
   
  FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. Because investment in foreign issuers by the
Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds will usually involve
currencies of foreign countries, and because the Funds may have currency
exposure independent of their securities positions, the value of the assets of
a Fund as measured in U.S. dollars will be affected by changes in foreign
currency exchange rates. A Fund may, to the extent it invests in foreign
securities, purchase or sell foreign currencies on a spot basis and may also
purchase or sell forward foreign currency exchange contracts for hedging
purposes and to seek to protect against anticipated changes in future foreign
currency exchange rates. In addition, a Fund also may enter into such
contracts to seek to increase total return when the Investment Adviser
anticipates that the foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in value,
but securities denominated or quoted in that currency do not present
attractive investment opportunities and are not held in the Fund's portfolio.
When entered into to seek to increase total return, forward foreign currency
exchange contracts are considered speculative. The Funds may also engage in
cross-hedging by using forward contracts in a currency different from that in
which the hedged security is denominated or quoted if the Investment Adviser
determines that there is a pattern of correlation between the two currencies.
If a Fund enters into a forward foreign currency exchange contract to buy
foreign currency for any purpose or to sell foreign currency to seek to
increase total return, the Fund will be required to place cash or liquid
assets in a segregated account with the Fund's custodian in an amount equal to
the value of the Fund's total assets committed to the consummation of the
forward contract, or to otherwise cover its position in a manner permitted by
the SEC. A Fund will incur costs in connection with conversions between
various currencies. A Fund may hold foreign currency received in connection
with investments in foreign securities when, in the judgment of the Investment
Adviser, it would be beneficial to convert such currency into U.S. dollars at
a later date, based on anticipated changes in the relevant exchange rate.     
 
  Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of
time causing, along with other factors, a Fund's net asset value to fluctuate.
Currency exchange rates generally are determined by the forces of supply and
demand in the foreign exchange markets and the relative merits of investments
in different countries, actual or anticipated changes in interest rates and
other complex factors, as seen from an international perspective. Currency
exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by the intervention of U.S.
or foreign governments or central banks, or the failure to intervene, or by
currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. To the
extent that a substantial portion of a Fund's total assets, adjusted to
reflect the Fund's net position after giving effect to currency transactions,
is denominated or quoted in the currencies of foreign countries, the Fund will
be more susceptible to the risk of adverse economic and political developments
within those countries.
 
  The market in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency swaps
and other privately negotiated currency instruments offers less protection
against defaults by the other party to such instruments than is available for
currency instruments traded on an exchange. Such contracts are subject to the
risk that the counterparty to the contract will default on its obligations.
Since these contracts are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a
default on a contract would deprive a Fund of unrealized profits, transaction
costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or force the Fund to cover its
purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price. A Fund will
not enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency swaps or
other privately negotiated currency instruments unless the credit quality of
the unsecured senior debt or the claims-paying ability of the counterparty is
considered to be investment grade by the Investment Adviser.
 
  The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds' use of foreign
currency management techniques in emerging markets may be limited. Due to the
limited market for these instruments in emerging
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
markets, the Investment Adviser does not currently anticipate that a
significant portion of the Funds' currency exposure in emerging markets, if
any, will be covered by such instruments. For a discussion of such instruments
and the risks associated with their use, see "Investment Objectives and
Policies" in the Additional Statement.
 
STRUCTURED SECURITIES
 
  The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may invest in
structured securities. The value of the principal of and/or interest on such
securities is determined by reference to changes in the value of specific
currencies, interest rates, commodities, indices or other financial indicators
(the "Reference") or the relative change in two or more References. The
interest rate or the principal amount payable upon maturity or redemption may
be increased or decreased depending upon changes in the applicable Reference.
The terms of the structured securities may provide that in certain
circumstances no principal is due at maturity and, therefore, result in the
loss of a Fund's investment. Structured securities may be positively or
negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the Reference may produce an
increase or decrease in the interest rate or value of the security at
maturity. In addition, changes in the interest rates or the value of the
security at maturity may be a multiple of changes in the value of the
Reference. Consequently, structured securities may entail a greater degree of
market risk than other types of fixed-income securities. Structured securities
may also be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to accurately price
than less complex securities.
 
ZERO COUPON, DEFERRED INTEREST, PAY-IN-KIND AND CAPITAL APPRECIATION BONDS
   
  Each Fund may invest in zero coupon, deferred interest and capital
appreciation bonds. These are securities issued at a discount from their face
value because interest payments are typically postponed until maturity. The
amount of the discount rate varies depending on factors including the time
remaining until maturity, prevailing interest rates, the security's liquidity
and the issuer's credit quality. These securities also may take the form of
debt securities that have been stripped of their interest payments. Each Fund
may also invest in pay-in-kind securities which are securities that have
interest payable by the delivery of additional securities. A portion of the
discount with respect to stripped tax-exempt securities or their coupons may
be taxable. The market prices of zero coupon, deferred interest, pay-in-kind
and capital appreciation bonds generally are more volatile than the market
prices of interest-bearing securities and are likely to respond to a greater
degree to changes in interest rates than interest-bearing securities having
similar maturities and credit quality. A Fund's investments in zero coupon,
deferred interest, pay-in-kind and capital appreciation bonds may require the
Fund to sell certain of its portfolio securities to generate sufficient cash
to satisfy certain income distribution requirements. See "Taxation" in the
Additional Statement.     
 
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
 
  INTEREST RATE RISK. When interest rates decline, the market value of fixed-
income securities tends to increase. Conversely, when interest rates increase,
the market value of fixed-income securities tends to decline. Volatility of a
security's market value will differ depending upon the security's duration,
the issuer and the type of instrument.
 
  DEFAULT RISK/CREDIT RISK. Investments in fixed-income securities are subject
to the risk that the issuer could default on its obligations and a Fund could
sustain losses on such investments. A default could impact both interest and
principal payments.
 
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
   
  CALL RISK AND EXTENSION RISK. Fixed-income securities may be subject to both
call risk and extension risk. Call risk (i.e., where the issuer exercises its
right to pay principal on an obligation earlier than scheduled) causes cash
flow to be returned earlier than expected. Call risk typically results when
interest rates have declined. Under such circumstances, a Fund may be unable
to recoup all of its initial investment and will also suffer from having to
reinvest in lower yielding securities. Extension risk (i.e., where the issuer
exercises its right to pay principal on an obligation later than scheduled)
causes cash flows to be returned later than expected. Extension risk typically
results when interest rates have increased. Under such circumstances, a Fund
will suffer from the inability to invest in higher yielding securities.
Certain types of U.S. Government, Asset-Backed, corporate, foreign, Mortgage-
Backed and Municipal Securities have this call and/or extension risk.     
 
  The investment characteristics of Mortgage-Backed Securities and Asset-
Backed Securities differ from those of traditional fixed-income securities
because they generally have both call risk (also known as prepayment risk) and
extension risk. Homeowners have the option to prepay their mortgage.
Therefore, the duration of a security backed by home mortgages can either
shorten (call risk) or lengthen (extension risk). Investors are exposed to the
fluctuating principal and interest payments associated with such securities.
In general, if interest rates on new mortgage loans fall sufficiently below
the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage loans, the rate of
prepayment would be expected to increase. Conversely, if mortgage loan
interest rates rise above the interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage
loans, the rate of prepayment would be expected to decrease.
   
  ARMs also have the risk of prepayments, which will have a greater impact on
the Adjustable Rate Government Fund. The rate of principal prepayments with
respect to ARMs has fluctuated in recent years. As with fixed-rate mortgage
loans, ARMs may be subject to a greater rate of principal repayments in a
declining interest rate environment. For example, if prevailing interest rates
fall significantly, ARMs could be subject to higher prepayment rates (than if
prevailing interest rates remain constant or increase) because the
availability of low fixed-rate mortgages may encourage mortgagors to refinance
their ARMs to "lock-in" a fixed-rate mortgage. Conversely, if prevailing
interest rates rise significantly, ARMs may prepay more slowly. As with fixed-
rate mortgages, ARM prepayment rates vary in both stable and changing interest
rate environments. There are certain ARMs where the homeowner's payments do
not fully cover interest, so the principal balance increases over time. These
"negative amortizing" ARMs may be subject to greater default risk.     
 
  DERIVATIVE MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Because derivative Mortgage-Backed
Securities (such as principal-only (POs), interest-only (IOs) or inverse
floating rate securities) are more exposed to mortgage prepayments, they
generally involve a greater amount of risk. Small changes in prepayments can
significantly impact the cash flow and the market value of these securities.
The risk of faster than anticipated prepayments generally adversely affects
IOs, super floaters and premium priced Mortgage-Backed Securities. The risk of
slower than anticipated prepayments generally adversely affects POs, floating-
rate securities subject to interest rate caps, support tranches and discount
priced Mortgage-Backed Securities. In addition, particular derivative
securities may be leveraged such that their exposure (i.e., price sensitivity)
to interest rate and/or prepayment risk is magnified.
   
  RISKS OF DERIVATIVE TRANSACTIONS. A Fund's transactions, if any, in options,
futures, options on futures, swaps, interest rate caps, floors and collars,
structured securities, inverse floating-rate securities and currency
transactions involve certain risks, including a possible lack of correlation
between changes in the value of hedging instruments and the portfolio assets
being hedged, the potential illiquidity of the markets for derivative
instruments, the risks arising from margin requirements and related leverage
factors associated with such transactions. The use of these management
techniques to seek to increase total return may be regarded as a     
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
   
speculative practice and involves the risk of loss if the Investment Adviser
is incorrect in its expectation of fluctuations in securities prices, interest
rates or currency prices. A Fund's use of certain derivative transactions may
be limited by the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code") for qualification as a regulated investment company.     
   
  TAX RISK OF MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. The yields and market values of Municipal
Securities may be more adversely impacted by changes in tax rates and policies
than taxable fixed-income securities. Because interest income from Municipal
Securities is normally not subject to regular federal income taxation, the
attractiveness of Municipal Securities in relation to other investment
alternatives is affected by changes in federal income tax rates applicable to,
or the continuing federal income tax-exempt status of, such interest income.
Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can
significantly affect the demand for and supply, liquidity and marketability of
Municipal Securities, which could in turn affect a Fund's ability to acquire
and dispose of Municipal Securities at desirable yield and price levels.     
 
  RISKS OF INVESTING IN NON-INVESTMENT GRADE FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. Non-
investment grade fixed-income securities are considered predominantly
speculative by traditional investment standards. In some cases, these
obligations may be highly speculative and have poor prospects for reaching
investment grade standing. Non-investment grade fixed-income securities and
unrated securities of comparable credit quality (commonly known as "junk
bonds") are subject to the increased risk of an issuer's inability to meet
principal and interest obligations. These securities, also referred to as high
yield securities, may be subject to greater price volatility due to such
factors as specific corporate developments, interest rate sensitivity,
negative perceptions of the junk bond markets generally and less secondary
market liquidity.
 
  Non-investment grade fixed-income securities are often issued in connection
with a corporate reorganization or restructuring or as part of a merger,
acquisition, takeover or similar event. They are also issued by less
established companies seeking to expand. Such issuers are often highly
leveraged and generally less able than more established or less leveraged
entities to make scheduled payments of principal and interest in the event of
adverse developments or business conditions.
 
  The market value of non-investment grade fixed-income securities tends to
reflect individual corporate developments to a greater extent than that of
higher rated securities which react primarily to fluctuations in the general
level of interest rates. As a result, a Fund's ability to achieve its
investment objectives may depend to a greater extent on the Investment
Adviser's judgment concerning the creditworthiness of issuers than funds which
invest in higher-rated securities. Issuers of non-investment grade fixed-
income securities may not be able to make use of more traditional methods of
financing and their ability to service debt obligations may be more adversely
affected than issuers of higher-rated securities by economic downturns,
specific corporate developments or the issuer's inability to meet specific
projected business forecasts. Negative publicity about the junk bond market
and investor perceptions regarding lower rated securities, whether or not
based on fundamental analysis, may depress the prices for such securities.
 
  A holder's risk of loss from default is significantly greater for non-
investment grade fixed-income securities than is the case for holders of other
debt securities because such non-investment grade securities are generally
unsecured and are often subordinated to the rights of other creditors of the
issuers of such securities. Investment by a Fund in defaulted securities poses
additional risk of loss should nonpayment of principal and interest continue
in respect of such securities. Even if such securities are held to maturity,
recovery by a Fund of its initial investment and any anticipated income or
appreciation is uncertain.
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
  The secondary market for non-investment grade fixed-income securities is
concentrated in relatively few market makers and is dominated by institutional
investors, including mutual funds, insurance companies and other financial
institutions. Accordingly, the secondary market for such securities is not as
liquid as, and is more volatile than, the secondary market for higher-rated
securities. In addition, market trading volume for high yield fixed-income
securities is generally lower and the secondary market for such securities
could contract under adverse market or economic conditions, independent of any
specific adverse changes in the condition of a particular issuer. These
factors may have an adverse effect on the market price and a Fund's ability to
dispose of particular portfolio investments. A less liquid secondary market
also may make it more difficult for a Fund to obtain precise valuations of the
high yield securities in its portfolio.
 
  Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies are designed to evaluate the
safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities. They do not,
however, evaluate the market value risk of non-investment grade securities
and, therefore, may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment. In
addition, credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a
rating to reflect changes in the economy or in the conditions of the issuer
that affect the market value of the security. Consequently, credit ratings are
used only as a preliminary indicator of investment quality. Investments in
non-investment grade and comparable unrated obligations will be more dependent
on the Investment Adviser's credit analysis than would be the case with
investments in investment-grade debt obligations. The Investment Adviser
employs its own credit research and analysis, which includes a study of
existing debt, capital structure, ability to service debt and to pay
dividends, the issuer's sensitivity to economic conditions, its operating
history and the current trend of earnings. The Investment Adviser continually
monitors the investments in a Fund's portfolio and evaluates whether to
dispose of or to retain non-investment grade and comparable unrated securities
whose credit ratings or credit quality may have changed.
 
  OTHER RISKS. Floating-rate derivative debt securities present more complex
types of interest rate risks. For example, range floaters are subject to the
risk that the coupon will be reduced below market rates if a designated
interest rate floats outside of a specified interest rate band or collar. Dual
index or yield curve floaters are subject to lower prices in the event of an
unfavorable change in the spread between two designated interest rates.
 
  Asset-Backed Securities present certain credit risks that are not presented
by Mortgage-Backed Securities because Asset-Backed Securities generally do not
have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable to
mortgage assets. There is the possibility that, in some cases, recoveries on
repossessed collateral may not be available to support payments on these
securities.
 
  FOREIGN RISKS. See "Foreign Securities" for a description of the risks of
investing in foreign securities and currencies.
 
 
                             INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
 
 
  MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLLS. The Adjustable Rate Government, Short Duration
Government, Government Income, Core Fixed Income and Global Income Funds may
enter into mortgage "dollar rolls" in which a Fund sells securities for
delivery in the current month and simultaneously contracts with the same
counterparty to repurchase substantially similar (same type, coupon and
maturity) but not identical securities on a specified future date. During the
roll period, the Fund loses the right to receive principal and interest paid
on the securities sold.
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
However, the Fund would benefit to the extent of any difference between the
price received for the securities sold and the lower forward price for the
future purchase or fee income plus the interest earned on the cash proceeds of
the securities sold until the settlement date for the forward purchase. Unless
such benefits exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss due to
mortgage prepayments that would have been realized on the securities sold as
part of the mortgage dollar roll, the use of this technique will diminish the
investment performance of the Fund. Successful use of mortgage dollar rolls
depends upon the Investment Adviser's ability to predict correctly interest
rates and mortgage prepayments. There is no assurance that mortgage dollar
rolls can be successfully employed. The Fund will hold and maintain in a
segregated account until the settlement date cash or liquid assets in an
amount equal to the forward purchase price. For financial reporting and tax
purposes, each Fund treats mortgage dollar rolls as two separate transactions;
one involving the purchase of a security and a separate transaction involving
a sale. The Funds do not currently intend to enter into mortgage dollar rolls
that are accounted for as a financing.
   
  OPTIONS ON SECURITIES AND SECURITIES INDICES. Each Fund may write (sell)
covered call and put options and purchase put and call options on any
securities in which it may invest or on any securities index comprised of
securities in which it may invest. The writing and purchase of options is a
highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks
different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities
transactions. The use of options to seek to increase total return involves the
risk of loss if the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of
fluctuations in securities prices or interest rates. The successful use of
options for hedging purposes also depends in part on the ability of the
Investment Adviser to manage future price fluctuations and the degree of
correlation between the options and securities markets. If the Investment
Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of changes in securities prices or
determination of the correlation between the securities indices on which
options are written and purchased and the securities in a Fund's investment
portfolio, the investment performance of the Fund will be less favorable than
it would have been in the absence of such options transactions. The writing of
options could increase a Fund's portfolio turnover rate and, therefore,
associated brokerage commissions or spreads.     
 
  OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES. The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High
Yield Funds may, to the extent they invest in foreign securities, purchase and
sell (write) put and call options on foreign currencies for the purpose of
protecting against declines in the U.S. dollar value of foreign portfolio
securities and against increases in the U.S. dollar cost of foreign securities
to be acquired. In addition, the Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High
Yield Funds may use options on currency to cross-hedge, which involves writing
or purchasing options on one currency to hedge against changes in exchange
rates for a different currency, if there is a pattern of correlation between
the two currencies. As with other kinds of option transactions, however, the
writing of an option on foreign currency will constitute only a partial hedge,
up to the amount of the premium received. If an option that a Fund has written
is exercised, the 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; however, in the event of exchange rate
movements adverse to a Fund's position, the Fund may forfeit the entire amount
of the premium plus related transaction costs. In addition to purchasing put
and call options for hedging purposes, a Fund may purchase call or put options
on currency to seek to increase total return when the Investment Adviser
anticipates that the currency will appreciate or depreciate in value, but the
securities quoted or denominated in that currency do not present attractive
investment opportunities and are not held in the Fund's portfolio. When
purchased or sold to seek to increase total return, options on currencies are
considered speculative. Options on foreign currencies to be written or
purchased by the Funds will be traded on U.S. and foreign exchanges or over-
the-counter.
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
   
  FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. To seek to increase
total return, to hedge against changes in interest rates or securities prices,
or in the case of the Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds,
currency exchange rates, a Fund may purchase and sell various kinds of futures
contracts, and purchase and write call and put options on any of such futures
contracts. Each Fund may also enter into closing purchase and sale
transactions with respect to any such contracts and options. The futures
contracts may be based on various securities (such as U.S. Government
Securities), foreign currencies, in the case of the Core Fixed Income, Global
Income and High Yield Funds, securities indices and other financial
instruments and indices. A Fund will engage in futures and related options
transactions for bona fide hedging purposes as defined in regulations of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission or to seek to increase total return to
the extent permitted by such regulations. A Fund may not purchase or sell
futures contracts or purchase or sell related options to seek to increase
total return, except for closing purchase or sale transactions, if immediately
thereafter the sum of the amount of initial margin deposits and premiums paid
on a Fund's outstanding positions in futures and related options entered into
for the purpose of seeking to increase total return would exceed 5% of the
market value of a Fund's net assets. These transactions involve brokerage
costs, require margin deposits and, in the case of contracts and options
obligating a Fund to purchase securities or currencies, require the Fund to
segregate and maintain cash or liquid assets with a value equal to the amount
of the Fund's obligations or to otherwise cover the obligations in a manner
permitted by the SEC.     
   
  While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce
certain risks, such transactions themselves entail certain other risks. See
"Investment Techniques--Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts" in
the Additional Statement. Thus, while a Fund may benefit from the use of
futures and options on futures, unanticipated changes in interest rates,
securities prices or currency exchange rates may result in a poorer overall
performance than if the Fund had not entered into any futures contracts or
options transactions. Because perfect correlation between a futures position
and portfolio position that is intended to be protected is impossible to
achieve, the desired protection may not be obtained and a Fund may be exposed
to risk of loss. The loss incurred by a Fund in entering into futures
contracts and in writing call options on futures is potentially unlimited and
may exceed the amount of the premium received. Futures markets are highly
volatile and the use of futures may increase the volatility of a Fund's net
asset value. The profitability of a Fund's trading in futures to seek to
increase total return depends upon the ability of the Investment Adviser to
analyze correctly the futures markets. In addition, because of the low margin
deposits normally required in futures trading, a relatively small price
movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses to a Fund.
Further, futures contracts and options on futures may be illiquid, and
exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures contract prices during a single
day.     
   
  CURRENCY SWAPS. The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds
may enter into currency swaps for hedging purposes or to seek to increase
total return. Currency swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party
of their respective rights to make or receive payments in specified
currencies. Currency swaps usually involve the delivery of a gross payment
stream in one designated currency in exchange for the gross payment stream in
another designated currency. Therefore, the entire payment stream under a
currency swap is subject to the risk that the other party to the swap will
default on its contractual delivery obligations. A Fund will not enter into
swap transactions unless the unsecured commercial paper, senior debt or
claims-paying ability of the other party thereto is rated either AA or A-1 or
better by S&P or Aa or P-1 or better by Moody's, or, if unrated by such rating
organizations, determined to be of comparable quality by the Investment
Adviser. The use of currency swaps is a highly specialized activity which
involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the Investment Adviser is
incorrect in its forecasts of currency exchange rates, the investment
performance of a Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if this
investment technique were not used.     
       
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
  WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS. Each Fund may purchase when-
issued securities. When-issued transactions arise when securities are
purchased by a Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the future in
order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield to
the Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. Each Fund may also
purchase securities on a forward commitment basis; that is, make contracts to
purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond the customary
three-day settlement. A Fund is required to hold and maintain in a segregated
account with the Fund's custodian until three days prior to settlement date,
cash or liquid assets in an amount sufficient to meet the purchase price.
Alternatively, each Fund may enter into offsetting contracts for the forward
sale of other securities that it owns. The purchase of securities on a when-
issued or forward commitment basis involves a risk of loss if the value of the
security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date. Although a
Fund would generally purchase securities on a when-issued or forward
commitment basis with the intention of acquiring securities for its portfolio,
a Fund may dispose of when-issued securities or forward commitments prior to
settlement if the Investment Adviser deems it appropriate to do so.
   
  ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES. A Fund may not invest more than 15% of
its net assets in illiquid investments, which include securities (both foreign
and domestic) that are not readily marketable, certain SMBS, certain municipal
leases and participation interests, repurchase agreements maturing in more
than seven days, time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than
seven days, certain over-the-counter options, and certain restricted
securities, unless it is determined, based upon the continuing review of the
trading markets for a specific restricted security, that such restricted
security is eligible for resale under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of
1933 and, therefore, is liquid. The Trustees have adopted guidelines under
which the Investment Adviser determines and monitors the liquidity of
portfolio securities subject to the oversight of the Trustees. Investing in
restricted securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A may decrease
the liquidity in a Fund to the extent that qualified institutional buyers
become for a time uninterested in purchasing these restricted securities. The
purchase price and subsequent valuation of restricted and illiquid securities
normally reflect a discount, which may be significant, from the market price
of comparable securities for which a liquid market exists.     
 
  REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with
dealers in U.S. Government Securities and member banks of the Federal Reserve
System which furnish collateral at least equal in value or market price to the
amount of their repurchase obligation. The Core Fixed Income, Global Income
and High Yield Funds may also enter into repurchase agreements involving
certain foreign government securities. If the other party or "seller"
defaults, a Fund might suffer a loss to the extent that the proceeds from the
sale of the underlying securities and other collateral held by the Fund in
connection with the related repurchase agreement are less than the repurchase
price. In addition, in the event of bankruptcy of the seller or failure of the
seller to repurchase the securities as agreed, a Fund could suffer losses,
including loss of interest on or principal of the security and costs
associated with delay and enforcement of the repurchase agreement. The
Trustees have reviewed and approved certain counterparties whom they believe
to be creditworthy and have authorized the Funds to enter into repurchase
agreements with such counterparties. In addition, each Fund, together with
other registered investment companies having management agreements with the
Investment Adviser, may transfer uninvested cash balances into a single joint
account, the daily aggregate balance of which will be invested in one or more
repurchase agreements.
   
  TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS. Each Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes,
invest up to 100% of its total assets in (i) U. S. Government Securities or
(ii) repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government     
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
Securities. The Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds may for
temporary defensive purposes depart from their stated investment objectives
and invest more than 20% of their respective net assets in taxable
investments. The High Yield Fund may for temporary defensive purposes invest
in investment grade securities.
 
MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES
 
  In addition to the techniques and investments described above, each Fund
may, with respect to no more than 5% of its net assets, engage in the
following techniques and investments: (i) portfolio securities lending, (ii)
mortgage swaps (other than Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds)
and interest rate swaps, caps, floors and collars, (iii) inverse floating-rate
securities, (iv) yield curve options, (v) other investment companies, (vi)
custodial receipts and (vii) with respect to the Short Duration Tax-Free and
Municipal Income Funds, tender option bonds and standby commitments.
 
  In addition, each Fund may borrow up to 33 1/3% of its total assets from
banks for temporary or emergency purposes. A Fund may not make additional
investments if borrowings (excluding covered mortgage dollar rolls) exceed 5%
of its total assets. For more information, see the Additional Statement.
 
 
                            INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
   
  Each Fund is subject to certain investment restrictions that are described
in detail under "Investment Restrictions" in the Additional Statement.
Fundamental investment restrictions of a Fund cannot be changed without
approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of that Fund, as defined in
the Additional Statement. Each Fund's investment objectives and all policies
not specifically designated as fundamental are non-fundamental and may be
changed without shareholder approval. If there is a change in a Fund's
investment objectives, shareholders should consider whether that Fund still
remains an appropriate investment in light of their then current financial
positions and needs.     
 
  The Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds' policy to invest,
under normal market conditions, at least 80% of their respective net assets in
Municipal Securities, the interest on which is exempt from regular federal
income tax, is fundamental and may not be changed without shareholder
approval. For more information on a Fund's investment restrictions, an
investor should obtain the Additional Statement.
 
  NON-DIVERSIFIED STATUS. Since the Global Income Fund is "non-diversified"
under the Act, it is subject only to certain federal tax diversification
requirements. Under federal tax laws, the Global Income Fund may, with respect
to 50% of its total assets, invest up to 25% of its total assets in the
securities of any issuer (except that this limitation does not apply to U.S.
Government Securities). With respect to the remaining 50% of the Fund's total
assets, (1) the Fund may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the
securities of any one issuer (other than the U.S. government), and (2) the
Fund may not acquire more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of any
one issuer. These tests apply at the end of each quarter of its taxable year
and are subject to certain conditions and limitations under the Code. Since
the Global Income Fund is not diversified under the Act, it will be more
susceptible to adverse developments affecting any single issuer. The
Adjustable Rate Government, Short Duration Government, Short Duration Tax-
Free, Government Income, Municipal Income, Core Fixed Income and High Yield
Funds are, in addition to these tax diversification requirements, also subject
to the diversification requirements arising out of their diversified status
under the Act.
 
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
 
                              PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
   
  Each Fund may engage in active short-term trading to benefit from yield
disparities among different issues of securities or among the markets for
fixed-income securities, or for other reasons. It is anticipated that the
portfolio turnover rate of each Fund will vary from year to year. The
portfolio turnover rate is computed by dividing the lesser of the dollar
amount of securities purchased or securities sold (excluding all securities
whose maturities at acquisition are one year or less) by the average monthly
value of such securities owned during the year. A 100% turnover rate would
occur, for example, if all of the securities held by a Fund were sold and
replaced within one year. The Investment Adviser will not consider the
portfolio turnover rate a limiting factor in making investment decisions for a
Fund consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and portfolio management
policies. A high rate of portfolio turnover results in increased transaction
costs to a Fund. The portfolio turnover rate includes the effect of entering
into mortgage dollar rolls. See "Financial Highlights" for a statement of each
Fund's historical portfolio turnover rates.     
 
 
                                  MANAGEMENT
 
 
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
 
  The Trustees are responsible for deciding matters of general policy and
reviewing the actions of the Investment Advisers, distributor and transfer
agent. The officers of the Trust conduct and supervise each Fund's daily
business operations. The Additional Statement contains information as to the
identity of, and other information about, the Trustees and officers of the
Trust.
 
INVESTMENT ADVISERS
   
  INVESTMENT ADVISERS. Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P., One New York
Plaza, New York, New York 10004, a Delaware limited partnership which is an
affiliate of Goldman Sachs, serves as investment adviser to the Adjustable
Rate Government and Short Duration Government Funds. Goldman Sachs Funds
Management, L.P. registered as an investment adviser in 1990. Goldman Sachs
Asset Management, One New York Plaza, New York, New York 10004, a separate
operating division of Goldman Sachs, serves as the investment adviser to the
Short Duration Tax-Free, Government Income, Municipal Income, Core Fixed
Income and High Yield Funds. Goldman Sachs registered as an investment adviser
in 1981. Goldman Sachs Asset Management International, 133 Peterborough Court,
London EC4A 2BB, England, an affiliate of Goldman Sachs, serves as investment
adviser to the Global Income Fund. Goldman Sachs Asset Management
International became a member of the Investment Management Regulatory
Organization Limited in 1990 and registered as an investment adviser in 1991.
As of January 26, 1998, GSAM, GSFM and GSAMI, together with their affiliates,
acted as investment adviser or distributor for assets in excess of $140
billion.     
 
  Under a Management Agreement with each Fund, the applicable Investment
Adviser, subject to the general supervision of the Trustees, provides day-to-
day advice as to the Fund's portfolio transactions. Goldman Sachs has agreed
to permit the Funds to use the name "Goldman Sachs" or a derivative thereof as
part of each Fund's name for as long as a Fund's Management Agreement is in
effect.
   
  In performing its investment advisory services, each Investment Adviser,
while remaining ultimately responsible for the management of the Funds, is
able to draw upon the research and expertise of its asset     
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
   
management affiliates for portfolio decisions and management with respect to
certain portfolio securities. In addition, the Investment Advisers will have
access to the research of, and certain proprietary technical models developed
by, Goldman Sachs and may apply quantitative and qualitative analysis in
determining the appropriate allocations among the categories of issuers and
types of securities.     
 
  Under the Management Agreement, each Investment Adviser also: (i) supervises
all non-advisory operations of each Fund that it advises; (ii) provides
personnel to perform such executive, administrative and clerical services as
are reasonably necessary to provide effective administration of each Fund;
(iii) arranges for at each Fund's expense (a) the preparation of all required
tax returns, (b) the preparation and submission of reports to existing
shareholders, (c) the periodic updating of prospectuses and statements of
additional information and (d) the preparation of reports to be filed with the
SEC and other regulatory authorities; (iv) maintains each Fund's records; and
(v) provides the Funds with office space and all necessary office equipment
and services.
   
  ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT AND SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUNDS. The Funds'
portfolio managers are Jonathan A. Beinner, Richard C. Lucy, James B. Clark,
Peter D. Dion and James P. McCarthy. Their responsibilities include investing
in the particular types of securities the Funds may hold. Mr. Beinner is a
Managing Director of Goldman Sachs and Co-Head of GSAM's U.S. Fixed Income
Department. Mr. Beinner joined the Investment Adviser in 1990. Mr. Lucy is a
Vice President of Goldman Sachs and Co-Head of GSAM's U.S. Fixed Income
Department. Mr. Lucy joined the Investment Adviser in 1992. Mr. Clark joined
GSAM in 1994 after working as a senior trader at the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation. Prior to that, he was an investment manager at Travelers
Insurance Company. Mr. Dion is a Vice President of Goldman Sachs and joined
GSAM in 1992. Mr. McCarthy is a Vice President of Goldman Sachs. Mr. McCarthy
joined GSAM in 1995 after working as a bond trader at Nomura Securities.     
   
  GOVERNMENT INCOME AND CORE FIXED INCOME FUNDS. The Funds' portfolio managers
are Jonathan A. Beinner and Richard C. Lucy. See above for information about
Mr. Beinner and Mr. Lucy. Messrs. Beinner and Lucy each specialize in
investing in a particular type of security the Fund may hold. James Clark is
also a portfolio manager for the Government Income Fund. See above for
information about Mr. Clark.     
 
  SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE AND MUNICIPAL INCOME FUNDS. The Funds' portfolio
managers are Benjamin S. Thompson and Elisabeth Schupf Lonsdale. Mr. Thompson
and Ms. Lonsdale each specialize in municipal securities. Mr. Thompson's
responsibilities include developing investment strategy and structuring
portfolios. Ms. Lonsdale is also responsible for GSAM's municipal credit
research. Mr. Thompson worked in the institutional sales and marketing group
at GSAM until he joined the fixed-income team in 1993. Prior to joining GSAM
in early 1992, Mr. Thompson worked in the Structured Finance Group of the
Chase Manhattan Bank. Before rejoining Goldman Sachs in 1995, Ms. Lonsdale was
a Director of Fitch Investors Service evaluating the credit ratings of tax-
backed issues. Prior to that, she worked for ten years in the Goldman Sachs
Municipal Finance Department.
   
  GLOBAL INCOME FUND. The Fund's portfolio managers are Stephen Fitzgerald and
Andrew Wilson. Mr. Fitzgerald joined GSAMI in 1992 and is an Executive
Director and Chief Investment Officer for international fixed income. Mr.
Wilson joined GSAMI in 1995 and is Executive Director and Portfolio Manager
for international fixed income. Prior to joining GSAMI, he spent three years
as an Assistant Director at Rothschild Asset Management where he was
responsible for managing global and international bond portfolios, with
specific focus on the U.S., Canadian, Australian and Japanese economies.     
 
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
  HIGH YIELD FUND. The Fund's portfolio managers are Richard Buckholz,
Christopher Testa, Michael L. Pasternak and Andrew Jessop. Mr. Buckholz is a
Vice President of Goldman Sachs and is responsible for emerging markets fixed
income portfolio management. Mr. Buckholz joined GSAM in 1994. Prior to
joining GSAM, Mr. Buckholz was Head of Emerging Market Fixed Income Research
at Bear Stearns & Company and previously in a similar position at Citibank.
Mr. Testa is a Vice President of Goldman Sachs and Director of Credit Research
responsible for corporate bond research. Mr. Testa joined GSAM in 1994. Prior
to joining GSAM, Mr. Testa was a credit analyst with CS First Boston and prior
to that he was an analyst for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company investing in
private placements and public debt. Mr. Pasternak is a Vice President of
Goldman Sachs and is responsible for managing high yield assets. Mr. Pasternak
joined GSAM in 1997. Prior to joining GSAM, Mr. Pasternak spent eight years
managing high yield corporate bond and loan portfolios at Saudi International
Bank (an affiliate of JP Morgan) in London. Prior to that, he was an officer
of the bank in Eurocurrency Lending and Syndications and served as an
investment analyst in New York. Mr. Jessop is a Vice President of Goldman
Sachs and is responsible for managing high yield assets. Mr. Jessup joined
GSAM in 1997. Prior to joining GSAM, Mr. Jessop spent six years managing high
yield portfolios at Saudi International Bank in London. Prior to that, he
worked for the bank on the interest rate swap desk and served as an investment
analyst in New York.
   
  It is the responsibility of the Investment Adviser to make the investment
decisions for a Fund and to place the purchase and sale orders for a Fund's
portfolio transactions in U.S. and foreign markets. Such orders may be
directed to any broker including, to the extent and in the manner permitted by
applicable law, Goldman Sachs or its affiliates. In effecting purchases and
sales of portfolio securities for the Funds, the Investment Advisers will seek
the best price and execution of a Fund's orders. In doing so, where two or
more brokers or dealers offer comparable prices and execution for a particular
trade, consideration may be given to whether the broker or dealer provides
investment research or brokerage services or sells shares of any Goldman Sachs
Fund. See the Additional Statement for a further description of the Investment
Advisers' brokerage allocation practices.     
 
  As compensation for its services rendered and assumption of certain expenses
pursuant to separate Management Agreements, GSAM, GSFM and GSAMI are entitled
to the following fees, computed daily and payable monthly at the annual rates
listed below:
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                               FOR THE FISCAL
                                                CONTRACTUAL YEAR OR PERIOD ENDED
                                                   RATE*     OCTOBER 31,  1997*
                                                ----------- --------------------
<S>                                             <C>         <C>
GSAM
- ----
  Short Duration Tax-Free......................    0.40%           0.40%
  Government Income............................    0.65%           0.25%
  Municipal Income.............................    0.55%           0.55%
  Core Fixed Income............................    0.40%           0.40%
  High Yield...................................    0.70%           0.65%
GSFM
- ----
  Adjustable Rate Government...................    0.40%           0.40%
  Short Duration Government....................    0.50%           0.40%
GSAMI
- -----
  Global Income................................    0.90%           0.59%
</TABLE>    
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
- --------
   
*  The difference, if any, between the stated fees and the actual fees paid by
   the Funds reflects that the applicable Investment Adviser did not charge
   the full amount of the fees to which it would have been entitled for the
   year ended October 31, 1997. Effective March 1, 1998, the management fee
   for the Short Duration Government Fund and Government Income Fund will
   equal 0.50% and 0.65%, respectively. The Investment Advisers may
   discontinue or modify such limitations in the future at their discretion,
   although they have no current intention to do so.     
   
  The Investment Advisers to the Short Duration Government, Short Duration
Tax-Free, Government Income, Municipal Income, Core Fixed Income, Global
Income and High Yield Funds have voluntarily agreed to reduce or limit certain
"Other Expenses" of such Funds (excluding management fees, taxes, interest and
brokerage fees and litigation, indemnification and other extraordinary
expenses (and transfer agency fees in the case of the Global Income and High
Yield Funds), to the extent such expenses exceed 0.05%, 0.05%, 0.00%, 0.05%,
0.05%, 0.06% and 0.14% per annum of such Funds' average daily net assets,
respectively. Such reductions or limits, if any, are calculated monthly on a
cumulative basis and may be discontinued or modified by the applicable
Investment Adviser in its discretion at any time.     
          
  ACTIVITIES OF GOLDMAN SACHS AND ITS AFFILIATES AND OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY
GOLDMAN SACHS. The involvement of the Investment Advisers, Goldman Sachs and
their affiliates in the management of, or their interest in, other accounts
and other activities of Goldman Sachs may present conflicts of interest with
respect to a Fund or limit a Fund's investment activities. Goldman Sachs and
its affiliates engage in proprietary trading and advise accounts and funds
which have investment objectives similar to those of the Funds and/or which
engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities,
currencies and instruments as the Funds. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates will
not have any obligation to make available any information regarding their
proprietary activities or strategies, or the activities or strategies used for
other accounts managed by them, for the benefit of the management of the
Funds. The results of a Fund's investment activities, therefore, may differ
from those of Goldman Sachs and its affiliates and it is possible that a Fund
could sustain losses during periods in which Goldman Sachs and its affiliates
and other accounts achieve significant profits on their trading for
proprietary or other accounts. In addition, the Funds may, from time to time,
enter into transactions in which other clients of Goldman Sachs have an
adverse interest. From time to time, a Fund's activities may be limited
because of regulatory restrictions applicable to Goldman Sachs and its
affiliates, and/or their internal policies designed to comply with such
restrictions. See "Management -- Activities of Goldman Sachs and its
Affiliates and Other Accounts Managed by Goldman Sachs" in the Additional
Statement for further information.     
 
DISTRIBUTOR AND TRANSFER AGENT
   
  Goldman Sachs, 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004, serves as the
exclusive distributor (the "Distributor") of each Fund's shares. Goldman
Sachs, 4900 Sears Tower, Chicago, Illinois 60606, also serves as each Fund's
transfer agent (the "Transfer Agent") and as such performs various shareholder
servicing functions. Shareholders with inquiries regarding any Fund should
contact Goldman Sachs (as Transfer Agent) at the address or the telephone
number set forth on the back cover page of this Prospectus. Goldman Sachs is
not entitled to receive a fee from the Global Income Fund with respect to the
Institutional and Service Shares for transfer agency services. The Adjustable
Rate Government, Short Duration Government, Short Duration Tax-Free,
Government Income, Municipal Income and Core Fixed Income Funds pay Goldman
Sachs transfer agency fees and expenses with respect to Institutional and
Service Shares equal to that class's proportionate share of the total transfer
agency costs borne by the Fund. Those costs are equal to a fixed per account
charge of $12,000 per year plus $7.50 per account, together with out-of-pocket
and transaction related expenses applicable to Class A, Class B and Class C
shares where applicable plus 0.04% of the average daily net assets of the
other classes of the Funds. Goldman Sachs is entitled to receive a fee from
the High Yield Fund equal to .04% of the average     
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
   
daily net assets of Institutional and Service Shares. In each case,
Institutional Shares of a Fund may bear fees paid to Service Organizations or
other persons providing sub-transfer agency and similar services.     
   
  From time to time, Goldman Sachs or any of its affiliates may purchase and
hold shares of the Funds. Goldman Sachs reserves the right to redeem at any
time some or all of the shares acquired for its own account.     
 
 
                                   DIVIDENDS
   
  Each Fund (other than the Global Income Fund) will declare a daily dividend
which will be paid monthly. The Global Income Fund will declare and pay
dividends monthly. Over the course of the fiscal year, dividends accrued and
paid will constitute all or substantially all of the Funds' net investment
income. From time to time a portion of such dividends may constitute a return
of capital. In the case of Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield
Funds, net loss, if any, from certain foreign currency transactions or
instruments that is otherwise taken into account in calculating net investment
income or net realized capital gains for accounting purposes may not be taken
into account in determining the amount of dividends to be declared and paid,
with the result that a portion of the Fund's dividends may be treated as a
return of capital, nontaxable to the extent of a shareholder's tax basis in
his shares. The Funds also intend that all net realized capital gains will be
declared as a dividend at least annually. In determining amounts of capital
gains to be distributed, capital losses, including any available capital loss
carryovers from prior years will be offset against capital gains.     
   
  A Fund's net investment income is determined on a daily basis (monthly in
the case of the Global Income Fund). On days on which net asset value is
calculated, such determination is made immediately prior to the calculation of
a Fund's net asset value. On days on which net asset value is not calculated,
such determination is made as of 3:00 p.m. Chicago time.     
 
  Payment of dividends (other than the Global Income Fund) from net investment
income will be made on the last calendar day of each month in additional
shares of a Fund at the net asset value on such day, unless cash distributions
are elected, in which case, cash payment will be made on the first Business
Day of the succeeding month. In the case of Global Income Fund, reinvestment
of dividends from net investment income in additional shares of the Fund will
be made on the second to last Business Day of each month. Cash dividends will
be paid on or about the last Business Day of the month. Payment of dividends
with respect to capital gains, if any, when declared will be made in
additional shares of the Fund at the net asset value on the payment date,
unless cash distributions are elected. This election to receive dividends in
cash is initially made on the Account Information Form and may be changed upon
written notice to the Transfer Agent at any time prior to the record date for
a particular dividend or distribution. If cash dividends are elected with
respect to the Fund's monthly net investment income dividends, then cash
dividends must also be elected with respect to the non-long-term capital gains
component, if any, of the Fund's annual dividend.
 
  At the time of an investor's purchase of shares of a Fund, a portion of the
net asset value per share may be represented by undistributed income (in the
case of the Global Income Fund) or realized or unrealized appreciation of any
Fund's portfolio securities. Therefore, subsequent distributions on such
shares from such income or realized appreciation may be taxable to the
investor even if the net asset value of the shares is, as a result of the
distributions, reduced below the cost of such shares and the distributions (or
portions thereof) represent a return of a portion of the purchase price.
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
 
                                NET ASSET VALUE
   
  The net asset value per share of each class of a Fund is calculated by the
Fund's custodian as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock
Exchange (normally, but not always, 3:00 p.m. Chicago time, 4:00 p.m. New York
time) on each Business Day (as such term is defined under "Additional
Information") immediately after the determination, if any, of the income to be
declared as a dividend (except in the case of the Global Income Fund). Net
asset value per share of each class is calculated by determining the net
assets of each class and dividing by the number of outstanding shares of that
class.     
 
  Each Fund's portfolio securities for which accurate market quotations are
readily available are valued on the basis of quotations, which may be
furnished by a pricing service or provided by dealers in such securities and
other portfolio securities are valued at fair value, based on yield
equivalents, a pricing matrix or other sources, under valuation procedures
established by the Trustees. Debt obligations with a remaining maturity of 60
days or less are valued at amortized cost. The Board of Trustees has
determined that the amortized cost of such securities approximates fair market
value.
 
 
                            PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
   
  From time to time each Fund may publish yield, distribution rate and average
annual total return and the Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds
may publish their tax equivalent yields in advertisements and communications
to shareholders or prospective investors. Average annual total return is
determined by computing the average annual percentage change in value of
$1,000 invested at the maximum public offering price for specified periods
ending with the most recent calendar quarter, assuming reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions at net asset value. The total return calculation
assumes a complete redemption of the investment at the end of the relevant
period. Each Fund may also from time to time advertise total return on a
cumulative, average, year-by-year or other basis for various specified periods
by means of quotations, charts, graphs or schedules. In addition to the above,
each Fund may from time to time advertise its performance relative to certain
averages, performance rankings, indices, other information prepared by
recognized mutual fund statistical services and investments for which reliable
performance data is available.     
 
  Yield is computed by dividing net investment income earned during a recent
thirty-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 relevant period. The
results are compounded on a bond equivalent (semiannual) basis and then
annualized. Net investment income per share is equal to the dividends and
interest earned during the period, reduced by accrued expenses for the period.
The calculation of net investment income for these purposes may differ from
the net investment income determined for accounting purposes.
 
  Tax equivalent yield represents the yield an investor would have to earn to
equal, after taxes, the Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds'
tax-free yield. Tax equivalent yield is calculated by dividing a Fund's tax-
exempt yield by one minus a stated federal tax rate.
 
  Quotations of distribution rates are calculated by annualizing the most
recent distribution of net investment income for a monthly, quarterly or other
relevant period and dividing this amount by the net asset value per share or
maximum public offering price on the last day of the period for which the
distribution rates are being calculated.
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
  Each Fund's yield, total return and distribution rate will be calculated
separately for each class of shares in existence. Because each class of shares
may be subject to different expenses, the yield, total return and distribution
rate calculations with respect to each class of shares for the same period
will differ. See "Shares of the Trust."
 
  The investment results of a Fund will fluctuate over time and any
presentation of investment results for any prior period should not be
considered a representation of what an investment may earn or what the Fund's
performance may be in any future period. In addition to information provided
in shareholder reports, the Funds may, in their discretion, from time to time,
make a list of their holdings available to investors upon request.
 
 
                              SHARES OF THE TRUST
   
  Each Fund is a series of the Goldman Sachs Trust, which was formed under the
laws of the State of Delaware on January 28, 1997. The Funds were formerly
series of Goldman Sachs Trust, a Massachusetts business trust, and were
reorganized into the Trust as of April 30, 1997. The Trustees have authority
under the Trust's Declaration of Trust to create and classify shares of
beneficial interest in separate series, without further action by
shareholders. Additional series may be added in the future. The Trustees also
have authority to classify or reclassify any series or portfolio of shares
into one or more classes.     
 
  When issued, shares are fully paid and non-assessable. In the event of
liquidation, shareholders are entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of
the applicable Fund available for distribution to such shareholders. All
shares are freely transferable and have no preemptive, subscription or
conversion rights. Shareholders are entitled to one vote per share, provided
that at the option of the Trustees, shareholders will be entitled to a number
of votes based upon the net asset values represented by their shares.
   
  The Trust does not intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders. However,
pursuant to the Trust's By-Laws, the recordholders of at least 10% of the
shares outstanding and entitled to vote at a special meeting may require the
Trust to hold such special meeting of shareholders for any purpose, and
recordholders may, under certain circumstances, as permitted by the Act,
communicate with other shareholders in connection with requiring a special
meeting of shareholders. The Trustees will call a special meeting of
shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees, if, at any time, less than
a majority of Trustees holding office at the time were elected by
shareholders.     
 
  In the interest of economy and convenience, the Trust does not issue
certificates representing the Funds' shares. Instead, the Transfer Agent
maintains a record of each shareholder's ownership. Each shareholder receives
confirmation of purchase and redemption orders from the Transfer Agent. Fund
shares and any dividends and distributions paid by the Funds are reflected in
account statements from the Transfer Agent.
   
  As of February 1, 1998, the shareholders listed below owned beneficially and
of record 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the following Funds: Short
Duration Government Fund--State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 1992,
Boston, MA 02105-1992 (29.64%); Core Fixed Income Fund--Vinson and Elkins
Lawyers, Retirement Plan, Texas Commerce Bank N.A., P.O. Box 2550, Houston, TX
77252-2558 (25.48%).     
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
 
                                   TAXATION
 
 
FEDERAL TAXES
   
  Each Fund is treated as a separate entity for tax purposes, has elected to
be treated as a regulated investment company and intends to qualify for such
treatment for each taxable year under Subchapter M of the Code. To qualify as
such, a Fund must satisfy certain requirements relating to the sources of its
income, diversification of its assets and distribution of its income to
shareholders. As a regulated investment company, a Fund will not be subject to
federal income or excise tax on any net investment income and net realized
capital gains that are distributed to its shareholders in accordance with
certain timing requirements of the Code.     
   
  The Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds intend to satisfy
certain requirements of the Code so that they may distribute the tax-exempt
interest they receive as "exempt-interest dividends," as defined in the Code.
If such requirements are satisfied, distributions of the Short Duration Tax-
Free and Municipal Income Funds that are attributable to interest on tax-
exempt obligations and that the Funds properly designate as exempt-interest
dividends will be exempt from regular federal income tax, although all or a
portion of these distributions may be subject to the federal alternative
minimum tax and may be includable in the tax base for determining taxability
of social security or railroad retirement benefits. Persons who are
"substantial users" (or related persons to such substantial users) of
facilities financed by industrial development or certain private activity
bonds should consult their own tax advisers before purchasing shares of the
Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds. Interest on indebtedness
incurred or continued to purchase or carry shares of the Short Duration Tax-
Free and Municipal Income Funds is not deductible to the extent attributable
to the Funds' distributions that are exempt-interest dividends.     
   
  Dividends paid by a Fund from net investment income, certain net realized
foreign exchange gains, the excess of net short-term capital gain over net
long-term capital loss and original issue discount or market discount income
will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, except for any exempt-
interest dividends paid by Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds,
as described above. Distributions out of the net capital gain (the excess of
net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss), if any, of a
Fund, will be taxed to shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of
the length of time a shareholder has held his or her shares or whether such
gain was reflected in the price paid for the shares. Such long-term capital
gain will constitute 20% or 28% rate gain, depending upon the Fund's holding
period for the assets the sale of which generated the gain. These tax
consequences will apply whether distributions are received in cash or
reinvested in shares. Certain distributions paid by a Fund in January of a
given year may be taxable to shareholders as if received the prior December
31. Shareholders will be informed annually about the amount and character of
distributions received from the Funds for federal income tax purposes.     
 
  Investors should consider the tax implications of buying shares immediately
prior to a distribution. Investors who purchase shares shortly before the
record date for a distribution other than a daily dividend will pay a per
share price that includes the value of the anticipated distribution and will
be taxed on any taxable distribution even though the distribution represents a
return of a portion of the purchase price.
 
  Redemptions and exchanges of shares are taxable events.
 
  Individuals and certain other classes of shareholders may be subject to 31%
backup withholding of federal income tax on distributions (other than exempt-
interest dividends), redemptions and exchanges if they fail to
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
furnish their correct taxpayer identification number and certain
certifications required by the Internal Revenue Service or if they are
otherwise subject to backup withholding. Individuals, corporations and other
shareholders that are not U.S. persons under the Code are subject to different
tax rules and may be subject to nonresident alien withholding at the rate of
30% (or a lower rate provided by an applicable tax treaty) on amounts treated
as ordinary dividends from the Funds.
   
  The Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may be subject to
foreign withholding or other foreign taxes on income or gain from certain
foreign securities. In general, a Fund may deduct these taxes in computing its
taxable income, if any. As an alternative, if more than 50% of the value of
the total assets of the Global Income Fund is comprised of securities of
foreign corporations at the end of its taxable year and the Fund so elects,
the Fund's shareholders will include in their gross incomes (in addition to
dividends and distributions they receive) their pro rata shares of qualified
foreign taxes paid by the Fund and may be entitled under the Code to claim
foreign tax credits or deductions with respect to such taxes.     
 
OTHER TAXES
 
  In addition to federal taxes, a shareholder may be subject to state, local
or foreign taxes on payments received from the Funds, including exempt-
interest dividends. A state income (and possibly local income and/or
intangible property) tax exemption is generally available to the extent (if
any) a Fund's distributions are derived from interest on (or, in the case of
intangible property taxes, the value of its assets is attributable to) certain
U.S. government obligations and/or tax-exempt municipal obligations issued by
or on behalf of the particular state or a political subdivision thereof,
provided in some states that certain thresholds for holdings of such
obligations and/or reporting requirements are satisfied. For a further
discussion of certain tax consequences of investing in shares of the Funds,
see "Taxation" in the Additional Statement. Shareholders are urged to consult
their own tax advisers regarding specific questions as to federal, state and
local taxes as well as to any foreign taxes.
                             
                          ADDITIONAL INFORMATION     
       
  As used in this Prospectus, the term "Business Day" means any day the New
York Stock Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except
for holidays. The New York Stock Exchange is closed
   
on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
Presidents' Day (observed), Good Friday, Memorial Day (observed), Independence
Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.     
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
 
                              ADDITIONAL SERVICES
 
  The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has adopted a Service Plan with respect
to the Service Shares which authorizes a Fund to compensate certain
institutions ("Service Organizations") for providing account administration
and personal and account maintenance services to their customers who are
beneficial owners of such Shares. The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, enters
into agreements with Service Organizations which purchase Service Shares on
behalf of their customers ("Service Agreements"). The Service Agreements
provide for compensation to the Service Organizations in an amount up to 0.50%
(on an annualized basis) of the average daily net assets of the Service Shares
of the Fund attributable to or held in the name of the Service Organization
for its customers; provided, however, that the fee paid for personal and
account maintenance services shall not exceed 0.25% of such average daily net
assets. The services provided by the Service Organizations may include acting,
directly or through an agent, as the sole shareholder of record, maintaining
account records for customers, processing orders to purchase, redeem or
exchange Service Shares for customers, responding to inquiries from
prospective and existing shareholders and assisting customers with investment
procedures.
   
  Normally, purchase, exchange and redemption orders processed by a Service
Organization on behalf of its customers will not be effective until received
by Goldman Sachs as described herein. The Trust may, however, authorize
certain Service Organizations, to accept on the Trust's behalf orders placed
by their customers and, if approved by the Trust, to designate other
intermediaries to accept such orders. In these cases, a Fund will be deemed to
have received an order in proper form when the order is accepted by the
authorized Service Organization or intermediary on a Business Day, and the
order will be priced at a Fund's net asset value per share next determined
after such acceptance. The Service Organization or intermediary will be
responsible for transmitting accepted orders to the Trust within the period
agreed upon by them. A customer may contact its Service Organization to learn
whether the Service Organization is authorized to accept orders. Service
Organizations that are authorized to accept orders for the Trust may receive
payments from the Funds or Goldman Sachs that are in addition to the payments
payable to the Trust under the Service Plan.     
   
  Holders of Service Shares of a Fund bear all expenses and fees paid to
Service Organizations under the Service Plan as well as any other expenses
which are directly attributable to such Shares.     
   
  Service Organizations may charge other fees to their customers who are the
beneficial owners of Service Shares in connection with their customer
accounts. These fees would be in addition to any amounts received by the
Service Organization under a Service Agreement and may affect the return
earned on an investment in the Fund. The Trust, on behalf of the Funds,
accrues payments made pursuant to a Service Agreement daily. All inquiries of
beneficial owners of Service Shares should be directed to the owners' Service
Organization.     
   
  For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, the Trust, on behalf of each
Fund, paid the Service Organizations fees at the annual rate of 0.50% of each
Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Service Shares.     
 
 
                            REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
 
  Recordholders of Service Shares of the Funds will receive an annual report
containing audited financial statements and a semi-annual report. Each
recordholder of Service Shares will also be provided with a printed
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
confirmation for each transaction in its account and a monthly account
statement (quarterly in the case of Global Income Fund). A year-to-date
statement for any account will be provided to a Service Organization upon
request made to Goldman Sachs.
 
  Service Organizations will be responsible for providing services similar to
those described above to their customers who are the beneficial owners of such
Shares. For example, Service Organizations are responsible for providing each
customer exercising investment discretion with monthly statements with respect
to such customer's account in lieu of an immediate confirmation of each
transaction.
 
 
                          PURCHASE OF SERVICE SHARES
 
  Customers of Service Organizations may invest in Service Shares only through
their Service Organizations. Service Shares may be purchased on any Business
Day at the net asset value per share next determined after receipt of an order
by Goldman Sachs from a Service Organization. (See "Additional Services" for a
description of limited situations where a Service Organization or other
intermediary may be authorized to accept orders for the Funds.) No sales load
will be charged. Currently, net asset value is determined as of the close of
regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange (normally, but not always, 3:00
p.m. Chicago time, 4:00 p.m. New York time), as described under "Net Asset
Value." Purchases of Service Shares of the Funds must be settled within three
(3) Business Days of the receipt of a complete purchase order. Payment of the
proceeds of redemption of shares purchased by check may be delayed for a
period of time as described under "Redemption of Service Shares."
   
  The Service Organizations are responsible for the timely transmittal of
purchase orders to Goldman Sachs and payments to Northern, State Street or
Goldman Sachs. In order to facilitate timely transmittal, the Service
Organizations have established times by which purchase orders and payments
must be received by them.     
 
PURCHASE PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO EACH FUND OTHER THAN THE GLOBAL INCOME FUND
 
  Purchases of Service Shares by a Service Organization may be made by placing
an order with Goldman Sachs at 800-621-2550 and either wiring federal funds to
the Northern Trust Company ("Northern") as subcustodian for State Street Bank
and Trust Company ("State Street") on the next Business Day or initiating an
ACH transfer to ensure receipt by Northern on the next Business Day. Purchases
may also be made by a Service Organization by check (except that the Trust
will not accept a check drawn on a foreign bank or a third-party check) or
Federal Reserve draft made payable to Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds--Name
of Fund and Class of shares and should be directed to Goldman Sachs Fixed
Income Funds--Name of Fund and Class of shares c/o GSAM Shareholder Services,
4900 Sears Tower, Chicago, Illinois 60606.
 
PURCHASE PROCEDURES APPLICABLE TO THE GLOBAL INCOME FUND
 
  Purchases of Service Shares may be made by a Service Organization placing an
order with Goldman Sachs at 800-621-2550 and either wiring federal funds to
State Street or initiating an ACH transfer. Purchases may also be made by a
Service Organization by check (except that the Trust will not accept a check
drawn on a foreign bank or a third-party check) or Federal Reserve draft made
payable to Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds--Name of Fund and Class of shares
and should be directed to Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds--Name of Fund and
Class of shares c/o National Financial Data Services, Inc., P.O. Box 419711,
Kansas City, MO 64141-6711.
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
OTHER PURCHASE INFORMATION
   
  The Funds do not have any minimum purchase or account requirements with
respect to Service Shares. A Service Organization may, however, impose a
minimum amount for initial and subsequent investments in Service Shares, and
may establish other requirements such as a minimum account balance. A Service
Organization may effect redemptions of noncomplying accounts, and may impose a
charge for any special services rendered to its customers. Customers should
contact their Service Organizations for further information concerning such
requirements and charges.     
 
  Service Shares of the Global Income Fund will be issued and dividends will
begin to be paid with respect to dividends which accrue on or after the
purchase of Service Shares. For the other Funds, the following applies:
 
    PURCHASE BY FEDERAL FUNDS WIRE OR ACH TRANSFER. If a purchase order is
  received with a specified settlement date from a Service Organization in
  proper form before the determination of net asset value that day and
  payment is made by wire transfer or ACH transfer, shares will be issued and
  dividends will begin to accrue on the purchased shares on the later of (i)
  the Business Day after receipt of the purchase order or (ii) the day of
  receipt of a federal funds wire or an ACH transfer by State Street. For
  purchases without a specified settlement date, shares will be issued and
  dividends declared with respect to such shares will begin to accrue on the
  Business Day after payment is so received.
     
    PURCHASE BY CHECK OR FEDERAL RESERVE DRAFT. If a purchase order is
  received with a specified settlement date from a Service Organization in
  proper form before the determination of net asset value that day and
  payment is made by check or Federal Reserve draft, shares will be issued
  and dividends will begin to accrue on the purchased shares on the Business
  Day after the date payment is received. For purchases without a specified
  settlement date, shares will be issued and dividends declared with respect
  to such shares will begin to accrue on the Business Day after payment is so
  received.     
 
  The Funds reserve the right to redeem Service Shares of any Service
Organization whose account balance is less than $50 as a result of earlier
redemptions. Such redemptions will not be implemented if the value of a
recordholder's account falls below the minimum account balance solely as a
result of market conditions. A Fund will give sixty (60) days' prior written
notice to Service Organizations whose Service Shares are being redeemed to
allow them to purchase sufficient additional Service Shares to avoid such
redemption.
 
  The Funds and Goldman Sachs each reserves the right to reject any specific
purchase order (including exchanges) or to restrict purchases or exchanges by
a particular purchaser (or group of related purchasers). This may occur, for
example, when a purchaser or a group of purchasers' pattern of frequent
purchases, sales or exchanges of Service Shares of a Fund is evident, or if
purchases, sales or exchanges are, or a subsequent abrupt redemption might be,
of a size that would disrupt management of a Fund.
 
  In the sole discretion of Goldman Sachs, a Fund may accept securities
instead of cash for the purchase of shares of the Fund. Such purchases will be
permitted only if the Investment Adviser determines that any securities
acquired in this manner are consistent with the Fund's investment objectives,
restrictions and policies and are desirable investments for the Fund.
   
  The Investment Advisers, Distributor, and/or their affiliates, also pay
additional compensation from time to time, out of their assets and not as an
additional charge to the Funds, to selected Service Organizations and other
persons in connection with the sale of shares of the Funds and other
investment portfolios of the Trust (such as additional payments based on new
sales amounts exceeding pre-established thresholds, or the length of time     
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
   
customer assets have remained in the Trust) and, subject to applicable NASD
regulations, contribute to various non-cash and cash incentive arrangements to
promote the sale of shares, as well as sponsor various educational programs,
sales contests and/or promotions in which participants may receive
reimbursement of expenses, entertainment and prizes such as travel awards,
merchandise, cash, investment research and educational information and related
support materials. This additional compensation can vary among Service
Organizations depending upon such factors as the amounts their customers have
invested (or may invest) in particular investment portfolios of the Trust, the
particular program involved, or the amount of reimbursable expenses.
Additional compensation based on sales may, but is currently not expected to,
exceed .50% (annualized) of the amount invested. For further information, see
the Additional Statement.     
 
 
                              EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
   
  Service Shares of the Funds may be exchanged by a Service Organization for
(i) Service Shares of any other mutual fund sponsored by Goldman Sachs and
designated as an eligible fund for this purpose and (ii) the corresponding
class of any Goldman Sachs Money Market Fund at the net asset value next
determined either by writing to Goldman Sachs, Attention: Goldman Sachs Fixed
Income Funds--Name of Fund and Class of shares, c/o GSAM Shareholder Services,
4900 Sears Tower, Chicago, Illinois 60606 or, if previously elected in the
Fund's Account Information Form, by telephone at 800-621-2550 (7:00 a.m. to
5:30 p.m. Chicago time). A shareholder should obtain and read the prospectus
relating to any other fund and its shares and consider its investment
objective, policies and applicable fees before making an exchange. Service
Shares acquired by telephone exchange must be registered in the same name(s)
and have the same address as Service Shares of the Fund for which the exchange
is being made.     
   
  In an effort to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent exchanges by telephone,
Goldman Sachs employs reasonable procedures as set forth under "Redemption of
Service Shares" to confirm that such instructions are genuine. In times of
drastic economic or market changes, the telephone exchange privilege may be
difficult to implement. For federal income tax purposes, an exchange is
treated as a redemption of the Service Shares surrendered in the exchange, on
which an investor may be subject to tax, followed by a purchase of Service
Shares, or the corresponding class of any Goldman Sachs Money Market Funds
received in the exchange. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers
concerning the tax consequences of an exchange. Exchanges are available only
in states where exchanges may legally be made. The exchange privilege may be
materially modified or withdrawn at any time on sixty (60) days' written
notice to recordholders of Service Shares and is subject to certain
limitations. See "Purchase of Service Shares."     
 
 
                         REDEMPTION OF SERVICE SHARES
   
  The Funds will redeem their Service Shares upon request of a recordholder of
such Shares on any Business Day at the net asset value next determined after
receipt of a request in proper form by Goldman Sachs. (See "Additional
Services" for a description of limited situations where a Service Organization
or other intermediary may be authorized to accept requests for the Funds.) If
Service Shares to be redeemed were recently purchased by check, a Fund may
delay transmittal of redemption proceeds until such time as it has assured
itself that good funds have been collected for the purchase of such Service
Shares. This may take up to fifteen (15) days.     
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
Redemption requests may be made by a Service Organization by writing to or
calling the Transfer Agent at the address or telephone number set forth on the
back cover page of this Prospectus. A Service Organization may request
redemptions by telephone if the optional telephone redemption privilege is
elected on the Account Information Form. It may be difficult to implement
redemptions by telephone in times of drastic economic or market changes.
   
  In an effort to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent redemption or exchange
requests by telephone, Goldman Sachs employs reasonable procedures specified
by the Trust to confirm that such instructions are genuine. Among other
things, any redemption request that requires money to go to an account or
address other than that designated on the Account Information Form must be in
writing and signed by an authorized person designated on the Account
Information Form. Any such written request is also confirmed by telephone with
both the requesting party and the designated bank account to verify
instructions. Exchanges among accounts with different names, addresses and
social security or other taxpayer identification numbers must be in writing
and signed by an authorized person designated on the Account Information Form.
Other procedures may be implemented from time to time concerning telephone
redemptions and exchanges. If reasonable procedures are not implemented, the
Trust may be liable for any loss due to unauthorized or fraudulent
transactions. In all other cases, neither the Funds, the Trust nor Goldman
Sachs will be responsible for the authenticity of redemption or exchange
instructions received by telephone. Service Shares of each Fund (other than
Global Income Fund) to be redeemed earn dividends declared on the day the
shares are redeemed.     
 
  The Funds will arrange for the proceeds of redemptions effected by any means
to be wired to the recordholder of Service Shares or, if the recordholder
elects in writing, by check. Redemption proceeds paid by wire transfer will
normally be wired on the next Business Day in federal funds (for a total one-
day delay), but may be paid up to three (3) days after receipt of a properly
executed redemption request. Wiring of redemption proceeds may be delayed one
additional Business Day if the Federal Reserve Bank is closed on the day
redemption proceeds would ordinarily be wired. Redemption proceeds paid by
check will normally be mailed to the address of record within three (3)
Business Days of receipt of a properly executed redemption request. Once wire
transfer instructions have been given by Goldman Sachs, neither the Funds, the
Trust nor Goldman Sachs assumes any further responsibility for the performance
of intermediaries or the customer's Service Organization in the transfer
process. If a problem with such performance arises, the customer should deal
directly with such intermediaries or Service Organizations.
 
  Additional documentation regarding a redemption by any means may be required
to effect a redemption when deemed appropriate by the Transfer Agent. The
request for such redemption will not be considered to have been received in
proper form until such additional documentation has been submitted to the
Transfer Agent by the recordholder of Service Shares.
 
  Service Organizations are responsible for the timely transmittal of
redemption requests by their customers to the Transfer Agent. In order to
facilitate timely transmittal of redemption requests, Service Organizations
have established times by which redemption requests must be received by them.
Additional documentation may be required when deemed appropriate by a Service
Organization.
 
                               ----------------
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
 
                                   APPENDIX
 
 
                   GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER
               IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON ACCOUNT INFORMATION FORM
 
  You are required by law to provide a Fund with your correct Taxpayer
Identification Number (TIN), regardless of whether you file tax returns.
Failure to do so may subject you to penalties. Failure to provide your correct
TIN and to sign your name in the Certification section of the Account
Information Form could result in withholding of 31% by a Fund for the federal
backup withholding tax on distributions, redemptions, exchanges and other
payments relating to your account.
 
  Any tax withheld may be credited against taxes owed on your federal income
tax return.
 
  If you do not have a TIN, you should apply for one immediately by contacting
your local office of the Social Security Administration or the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS). Backup withholding could apply to payments relating to
your account while you are awaiting receipt of a TIN.
 
  Special rules apply for certain entities. For example, for an account
established under a Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minors Act, the TIN of the
minor should be furnished.
 
  If you have been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup
withholding because you failed to report your interest and/or dividend income
on your tax return and you have not been notified by the IRS that such
withholding should cease, you must cross out item (2) in the Certification
section of the Account Information Form.
 
  If you are an exempt recipient, you should furnish your TIN and certify your
exemption by signing the Certification section and writing "exempt" after your
signature. Exempt recipients include: corporations, tax-exempt pension plans
and IRA's, governmental agencies, financial institutions, registered
securities and commodities dealers and others.
 
  If you are a nonresident alien or foreign entity, you must provide a
completed Form W-8 to the Fund in order to avoid backup withholding on certain
payments. Other payments to you may be subject to nonresident alien
withholding of up to 30%.
 
  For further information regarding backup and nonresident alien withholding,
see Sections 3406, 1441 and 1442 of the Internal Revenue Code and consult your
tax adviser.
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
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GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET
MANAGEMENT
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004
 
GOLDMAN SACHS FUNDS
MANAGEMENT, L.P.
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004
 
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET
MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL
133 PETERBOROUGH COURT
LONDON, ENGLAND EC4A 2BB
 
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
DISTRIBUTOR
85 BROAD STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004
 
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
TRANSFER AGENT
4900 SEARS TOWER
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606
 
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
CUSTODIAN
1776 HERITAGE DRIVE
NORTH QUINCY, MASSACHUSETTS 02171
 
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
225 FRANKLIN STREET
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02110
 
TOLL FREE (IN U.S.) . . . . . . . .  800-621-2550
 
FIPROSVC
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
GOLDMAN SACHS
FIXED INCOME FUNDS
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
PROSPECTUS
SERVICE SHARES
 
 
 
[LOGO] GOLDMAN
       SACHS
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          
  This Prospectus provides information about Goldman Sachs Trust (the "Trust")
and the Funds that a prospective investor should understand before investing.
This Prospectus should be retained for future reference. A Statement of
Additional Information (the "Additional Statement"), dated March 1, 1998,
containing further information about the Trust and the Funds which may be of
interest to investors, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission ("SEC"), is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, and
may be obtained without charge from Service Organizations (as defined herein)
or Goldman Sachs by calling the telephone number, or writing to one of the
addresses, listed on the back cover of this Prospectus. The SEC maintains a Web
site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains the Additional Statement and other
information regarding the Trust.     
 
ADMINISTRATION SHARES OF THE FUNDS ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR
GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED BY, ANY BANK OR OTHER INSURED DEPOSITORY INSTITUTION,
AND ARE NOT INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL
RESERVE BOARD OR ANY OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCY. AN INVESTMENT IN A FUND INVOLVES
INVESTMENT RISKS, INCLUDING POSSIBLE LOSS OF PRINCIPAL.
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS
A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                                                        (continued on next page)
PROSPECTUS
                        GOLDMAN SACHS FIXED INCOME FUNDS
March 1, 1998                ADMINISTRATION SHARES
GOLDMAN SACHS ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND
  Seeks a high level of current income, consistent with low volatility of
  principal. The Fund invests primarily in adjustable rate mortgage pass-
  through securities and other mortgage securities with periodic interest rate
  resets, which are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies,
  instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises.
 
GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
  Seeks a high level of current income and secondarily, in seeking current in-
  come, may also consider the potential for capital appreciation. The Fund in-
  vests primarily in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government,
  its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises.
GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND
  Seeks a high level of current income, consistent with relatively low vola-
  tility of principal, that is exempt from regular federal income tax. The
  Fund invests primarily in municipal securities.
 
GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FUND
  Seeks a total return consisting of capital appreciation and income that ex-
  ceeds the total return of the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index. The Fund
  invests primarily in fixed-income securities, including securities issued or
  guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies, instrumentalities or spon-
  sored enterprises, corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities and as-
  set-backed securities.
<PAGE>
 
(cover continued)
 
  THE ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT AND SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUNDS' NET
ASSET VALUES AND YIELDS ARE NOT GUARANTEED BY THE U.S. GOVERNMENT OR BY ITS
AGENCIES, INSTRUMENTALITIES OR SPONSORED ENTERPRISES.
 
  THE CORE FIXED INCOME FUND MAY INVEST IN SECURITIES OF FOREIGN ISSUERS AND
FOREIGN CURRENCIES THAT ENTAIL CERTAIN RISKS NOT CUSTOMARILY ASSOCIATED WITH
INVESTING IN U.S. DOLLAR-DENOMINATED FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. IN PARTICULAR,
THE SECURITIES MARKETS OF EMERGING MARKET COUNTRIES ARE LESS LIQUID, ARE
SUBJECT TO GREATER PRICE VOLATILITY, HAVE SMALLER MARKET CAPITALIZATIONS, HAVE
LESS GOVERNMENT REGULATION AND ARE NOT SUBJECT TO AS EXTENSIVE AND FREQUENT
ACCOUNTING, FINANCIAL AND OTHER REPORTING REQUIREMENTS AS THE SECURITIES
MARKETS OF MORE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES. INVESTORS SHOULD CONSIDER THE RISKS
ASSOCIATED WITH INVESTMENT IN A FUND INVESTING IN FOREIGN SECURITIES. THE FUND
MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS. SEE "DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES" AND
"RISK FACTORS."
   
  Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P. ("GSFM"), New York, New York, an
affiliate of Goldman, Sachs & Co. ("Goldman Sachs"), serves as investment
adviser to the Adjustable Rate Government and Short Duration Government Funds.
Goldman Sachs Asset Management ("GSAM"), New York, New York, a separate
operating division of Goldman Sachs, serves as investment adviser to the Short
Duration Tax-Free and Core Fixed Income Funds. GSAM and GSFM are each referred
to in this Prospectus as the "Investment Adviser." Goldman Sachs serves as
each Fund's distributor and transfer agent.     
       
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                      PAGE
                                      ----
<S>                                   <C>
Fund Highlights.....................    1
Fees and Expenses...................    5
Financial Highlights................    7
Investment Objectives and Policies..   11
Description of Securities...........   14
Risk Factors........................   21
Investment Techniques...............   23
Investment Restrictions.............   26
Portfolio Turnover..................   26
Management..........................   27
Dividends...........................   30
</TABLE>    
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                       PAGE
                                                                       ----
<S>                                                                    <C>
Net Asset Value.......................................................  31
Performance Information...............................................  31
Shares of the Trust...................................................  32
Taxation..............................................................  33
Additional Information................................................  34
Administration Plan...................................................  35
Reports to Shareholders...............................................  35
Purchase of Administration Shares.....................................  36
Exchange Privilege....................................................  37
Redemption of Administration Shares...................................  38
Appendix.............................................................. A-1
</TABLE>    
<PAGE>
 
 
                                FUND HIGHLIGHTS
    
   The following is intended to highlight certain information and is
 qualified in its entirety by the more detailed information contained in this
 Prospectus.     
 
 WHAT IS THE GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST?
 
   The Goldman Sachs Trust is an open-end management investment company that
 offers its shares in several investment funds (mutual funds). Each Fund
 pools the monies of investors by selling its shares to the public and
 investing these monies in a portfolio of securities designed to achieve that
 Fund's stated investment objectives.
 
 WHAT ARE THE INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES OF THE FUNDS?
    
   Each Fund has distinct investment objectives and policies. There can be no
 assurance that a Fund's objectives will be achieved. For a further
 description of each Fund's investment objectives and policies, see
 "Investment Objectives and Policies," "Description of Securities" and
 "Investment Techniques."     
    
 WHO MANAGES THE FUNDS?     
    
   Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P., serves as Investment Adviser to the
 Adjustable Rate Government and Short Duration Government Funds. Goldman
 Sachs Asset Management serves as Investment Adviser to the Short Duration
 Tax-Free and Core Fixed Income Funds. As of January 26, 1998, the Investment
 Advisers, together with their affiliates, acted as Investment Adviser or
 distributor for assets in excess of $140 billion.     
    
 WHO DISTRIBUTES THE FUNDS' SHARES?     
    
   Goldman Sachs acts as distributor of each Fund's shares.     
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
 
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                         EXPECTED
                                                       APPROXIMATE
                                                         INTEREST
                    INVESTMENT                             RATE
  FUND NAME         OBJECTIVES          DURATION       SENSITIVITY    INVESTMENT SECTOR      CREDIT QUALITY    OTHER INVESTMENTS
- --------------  ------------------ ------------------- ------------ ---------------------- ------------------ -------------------
<S>             <C>                <C>                 <C>          <C>                    <C>                <C>
ADJUSTABLE      A high level of    Target = 6-month    9-month note At least 65% of        U.S. Government    Fixed-rate
RATE            current income,    to 1-year                        total assets in        Securities         mortgage
GOVERNMENT      consistent with    U.S. Treasury                    securities issued or                      pass-through
FUND            low volatility     Security                         guaranteed by the                         securities and
                of principal.      Maximum = 2 years                U.S. government,                          repurchase
                                                                    its agencies,                             agreements
                                                                    instrumentalities                         collateralized by
                                                                    or sponsored                              U.S. Government
                                                                    enterprises                               Securities.
                                                                    ("U.S. Government
                                                                    Securities'')
                                                                    that are adjustable
                                                                    rate mortgage
                                                                    pass-through
                                                                    securities and
                                                                    other mortgage
                                                                    securities with
                                                                    periodic interest
                                                                    rate resets.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT DURATION  A high level of    Target = 2-year     2-year bond  At least 65% of        U.S. Government    Mortgage pass-
GOVERNMENT      current income,    U.S. Treasury                    total assets in        Securities         through
FUND            and secondarily,   Security plus                    U.S. Government                           securities and
                in seeking current or minus .5 years                Securities                                other securities
                income, may        Maximum = 3 years                and repurchase                            representing an
                also consider the                                   agreements                                interest in or
                potential for                                       collateralized                            collateralized
                capital                                             by such securities.                       by mortgage loans.
                appreciation.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT DURATION  A high level of    Target = Lehman     3-year bond  At least 80% of        Minimum = BBB/Baa  U.S. Government
TAX-FREE        current income,    Brothers                         net assets in                             Securities
FUND            consistent with    3-year Municipal                 municipal securities.                     and repurchase
                low volatility     Bond Index                                                                 agreements
                of principal,      plus or minus                                                              collateralized
                that is exempt     .5 years                                                                   by such securities.
                from regular       Maximum = 4 years
                federal
                income tax.
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORE FIXED      Total return       Target = Lehman     5-year bond  At least 65% of        Minimum = BBB/Baa  Foreign fixed-
INCOME FUND     consisting         Brothers                         assets in fixed-income Minimum for        income,
                of capital         Aggregate Bond                   securities, including  non-dollar         municipal and
                appreciation       Index plus or                    U.S. Government        securities = AA/Aa convertible
                and income that    minus 1 year                     Securities, corporate,                    securities,
                exceeds the total  Maximum = 6 years                mortgage-backed                           foreign currencies
                return of the                                       and asset-backed                          and repurchase
                Lehman Brothers                                     securities.                               agreements
                Aggregate Bond                                                                                collateralized
                Index.                                                                                        by U.S.
                                                                                                              Government
                                                                                                              Securities.
<CAPTION>
  FUND NAME         BENCHMARK
- --------------- -----------------
<S>             <C>
ADJUSTABLE      6-month and
RATE            1-Year U.S.
GOVERNMENT      Treasury Security
FUND
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT DURATION  2-Year U.S.
GOVERNMENT      Treasury Security
FUND
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT DURATION  Lehman Brothers
TAX-FREE        3-Year Municipal
FUND            Bond Index
 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORE FIXED      Lehman Brothers
INCOME FUND     Aggregate Bond
                Index
</TABLE>    
 
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
 
 WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS AND SPECIAL CHARACTERISTICS THAT I SHOULD CONSIDER
 BEFORE INVESTING?
 
   Each Fund's share price will fluctuate with market, economic and, with
 respect to the Core Fixed Income Fund, foreign exchange conditions, so that
 an investment in any of the Funds may be worth more or less when redeemed
 than when purchased. None of the Funds should be relied upon as a complete
 investment program. There can be no assurance that a Fund's investment
 objectives will be achieved. See "Risk Factors."
 
   Interest Rate Risk. When interest rates decline, the market value of
 fixed-income securities tends to increase. Conversely, when interest rates
 increase, the market value of fixed-income securities tends to decline.
 Volatility of a security's market value will differ depending upon the
 security's duration, the issuer and the type of instrument.
    
   Default Risk/Credit Risk. Investments in fixed-income securities are
 subject to the risk that the issuer could default on its obligations, and a
 Fund could sustain losses on such investments. A default could impact both
 interest and principal payments.     
    
   Call Risk and Extension Risk. Fixed-income securities may be subject to
 both call risk and extension risk. Call risk (i.e., where the issuer
 exercises its right to pay principal on an obligation earlier than
 scheduled) causes cash flow to be returned earlier than expected. Call risk
 typically results when interest rates have declined. Under such
 circumstances, a Fund may be unable to recoup all of its initial investment
 and will also suffer from having to reinvest in lower yielding securities.
 Extension risk (i.e., where the issuer exercises its right to pay principal
 on an obligation later than scheduled) causes cash flows to be returned
 later than expected. Extension risk typically results when interest rates
 have increased. Under such circumstances, a Fund will suffer from the
 inability to invest in higher yielding securities. The investment
 characteristics of Mortgage-Backed Securities (including adjustable rate
 mortgage securities) and Asset-Backed Securities differ from those of
 traditional fixed-income securities because they generally have both call
 risk (also known as prepayment risk) and extension risk.     
    
   Tax Risk of Municipal Securities. Because of their tax-exempt status, the
 yields and market values of municipal securities may be more adversely
 impacted by changes in tax rates and policies than taxable fixed-income
 securities.     
    
   Foreign Risks. Investments in securities of foreign issuers and currencies
 involve risks that are different from those associated with investments in
 domestic securities. The risks associated with foreign investments and
 currencies include changes in relative currency exchange rates, political
 and economic developments, the imposition of exchange controls, confiscation
 and other governmental restrictions. In addition, the securities markets of
 foreign countries are generally less liquid and subject to greater price
 volatility. To the extent that the Core Fixed Income Fund invests in
 emerging markets and countries, these risks may be heightened.     
 
   Other. A Fund's use of certain investment techniques, including
 derivatives, forward contracts, options, futures and swap transactions, will
 subject the Fund to greater risk than funds that do not employ such
 techniques.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
       
 WHAT IS THE MINIMUM INVESTMENT?
 
   The Funds do not have any minimum purchase or account requirements with
 respect to Administration Shares. A Service Organization may, however,
 impose a minimum amount for initial and subsequent investments in
 Administration Shares, and may establish other requirements such as a
 minimum account balance.
 
 HOW DO I PURCHASE ADMINISTRATION SHARES?
    
   Customers of Service Organizations may invest in Administration Shares
 only through their Service Organizations. Administration Shares of a Fund
 are purchased at the current net asset value without any sales load. See
 "Purchase of Administration Shares."     
 
   ADMINISTRATION PLAN. The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has adopted an
 Administration Plan with respect to the Administration Shares which
 authorizes a Fund to compensate Service Organizations for providing account
 administration services to their customers who are the beneficial owners of
 such Shares. The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, will enter into agreements
 with each Service Organization which will provide for compensation to the
 Service Organization in an amount up to 0.25% (on an annualized basis) of
 the average daily net assets of the Administration Shares of the Funds
 attributable to or held in the name of the Service Organization for its
 customers. See "Administration Plan."
 
 HOW DO I SELL MY ADMINISTRATION SHARES?
 
   You may redeem Administration Shares upon request on any Business Day, as
 defined under "Additional Information," at the net asset value next
 determined after receipt of such request in proper form. See "Redemption of
 Administration Shares."
 
 HOW DO I RECEIVE DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS?
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     INVESTMENT
                                                       INCOME
                                                     DIVIDENDS
                                                  ---------------- CAPITAL GAINS
     FUND                                         DECLARED  PAID   DISTRIBUTIONS
     ----                                         -------- ------- -------------
  <S>                                             <C>      <C>     <C>
  Adjustable Rate Government ....................  Daily   Monthly   Annually
  Short Duration Government .....................  Daily   Monthly   Annually
  Short Duration Tax-Free .......................  Daily   Monthly   Annually
  Core Fixed Income .............................  Daily   Monthly   Annually
</TABLE>
    
   Recordholders of Administration Shares may receive dividends in additional
 Administration Shares of the Fund in which they have invested or may elect
 to receive cash. For further information concerning dividends, see
 "Dividends."     
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
 
                               FEES AND EXPENSES
                            (ADMINISTRATION SHARES)
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                     ADJUSTABLE   SHORT      SHORT
                                        RATE     DURATION  DURATION
                                     GOVERNMENT GOVERNMENT   TAX-    CORE FIXED
                                      FUND/1/    FUND/1/   FREE FUND INCOME FUND
                                     ---------- ---------- --------- -----------
<S>                                  <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES:
 Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on
  Purchases........................     none       none      none       none
 Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on
  Reinvested Dividends.............     none       none      none       none
 Redemption Fees...................     none       none      none       none
 Exchange Fees.....................     none       none      none       none
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES: (as
 a percentage of average daily
 net assets)
 Management Fees ..................     0.40%      0.50%     0.40%      0.40%
 Administration Fees*..............     0.25%      0.25%     0.25%      0.25%
 Other Expenses (after applicable
  limitations)/2/ .................     0.13%      0.05%     0.05%      0.05%
                                        ----       ----      ----       ----
 TOTAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
  (after fee and expense limita-
  tions)/3/........................     0.78%      0.80%     0.70%      0.70%
                                        ====       ====      ====       ====
</TABLE>    
 
EXAMPLE
 
  You would pay the following expenses on a hypothetical $1,000 investment
assuming (i) a 5% annual return and (ii) redemption at the end of each time
period.
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
          FUND                                  1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
          ----                                  ------ ------- ------- --------
<S>                                             <C>    <C>     <C>     <C>
Adjustable Rate Government.....................   $8     $25     $43     $97
Short Duration Government......................   $8     $26     $44     $99
Short Duration Tax-Free........................   $7     $22     $39     $87
Core Fixed Income..............................   $7     $22     $39     $87
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
/1/. Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.     
          
/2/. The Investment Advisers voluntarily have agreed to reduce or limit
     certain other expenses (excluding management fees, administration fees,
     taxes, interest and brokerage fees and litigation, indemnification and
     other extraordinary expenses) to the extent such expenses exceed .05% of
     a Fund's average daily net assets (other than the Adjustable Rate
     Government Fund).     
   
/3/. Without the limitations described above, "Other Expenses" and "Total
     Operating Expenses" of the Funds for the fiscal year ended October 31,
     1997 would have been as follows:     
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                         OTHER   TOTAL OPERATING
                                                        EXPENSES    EXPENSES
                                                        -------- ---------------
     <S>                                                <C>      <C>
     Short Duration Government.........................   .32%        1.07%
     Short Duration Tax-Free...........................   .83%        1.48%
     Core Fixed Income.................................   .43%        1.08%
</TABLE>    
    
 In addition, for the year ended October 31, 1997, the Investment Adviser
 waived and reimbursed certain fees and expenses such that the "Other
 Expenses" and "Total Operating Expenses" actually incurred by the Adjustable
 Rate Government Fund were 0.09% and 0.74%, respectively. Without such
 limitations, "Other Expenses" and "Total Operating Expenses" of the Fund
 would have been 0.12% and 0.77%, respectively. For the year ended October 31,
 1997, the Investment Adviser voluntarily agreed that a portion of the
 management fee would not be imposed on the Short Duration Government Fund
 equal to 0.10%. Without such limitations, management fees would have been
 0.50% of the Fund's average daily net assets. In addition, the Investment
 Adviser reimbursed certain expenses such that "Other Expenses" actually
 incurred by the Short Duration Government Fund for Administration Shares were
 0.05% and "Total Operating Expenses" were 0.70%. Without such limitations,
 "Other Expenses" would have been 0.32% and "Total Operating Expenses" would
 have been 1.07%.     
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
* Service Organizations may charge other fees to their customers who are
  beneficial owners of Administration Shares in connection with their customer
  accounts. See "Administration Plan."
   
  The Investment Advisers have no current intention of modifying or
discontinuing any of the limitations set forth above but may do so in the
future at their discretion. The information set forth in the foregoing table
and hypothetical example relates only to Administration Shares of the Funds.
Short Duration Government Fund, Short Duration Tax-Free Fund and Core Fixed
Income Fund also offer Institutional Shares, Service Shares, Class A Shares,
Class B Shares and Class C Shares; Adjustable Rate Government Fund also offers
Institutional Shares, Service Shares and Class A Shares. The other classes of
the Funds are subject to different fees and expenses (which affect
performance), have different minimum investment requirements and are entitled
to different services. Information regarding any other class of the Funds may
be obtained from your sales representative or from Goldman Sachs by calling
the number on the back cover page of this Prospectus.     
   
  In addition to the compensation itemized above, certain Service
Organizations may receive other compensation in connection with the sale and
distribution of Administration Shares or for services to their customers'
accounts and/or the Funds. For additional information regarding such
compensation, see "Purchase of Administration Shares" in this Prospectus and
the Additional Statement.     
 
  The purpose of the foregoing table is to assist investors in understanding
the various fees and expenses of a Fund that an investor will bear directly or
indirectly. The information on the fees and expenses included in the table and
the hypothetical example above are based on each Fund's fees and expenses
(actual or estimated) and should not be considered as representative of past
or future expenses. Actual fees and expenses may be greater or less than those
indicated. Moreover, while the example assumes a 5% annual return, a Fund's
actual performance will vary and may result in an actual return greater or
less than 5%. See "Management--Investment Advisers" and "Administration Plan."
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
 
                             FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
         SELECTED DATA FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
   
  The following data have been audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent
public accountants, as indicated in their report incorporated by reference
into the Additional Statement from the Annual Report to shareholders for the
Funds for the year ended October 31, 1997 (the "Annual Report"). This
information should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and
related notes incorporated by reference and attached to the Additional
Statement. The Annual Report also contains performance information and is
available upon request and without charge by calling the telephone number or
writing to one of the addresses on the back cover of this Prospectus.     
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                               Income (loss) from investment operations(n)
                           ------------------------------------------------------
                                         Net realized    Net realized
                                        and unrealized  and unrealized   Total
                                         gain (loss)     gain (loss)     income
                 Net asset              on investment,    on foreign     (loss)
                 value at     Net         option and       currency       from     From net
                 beginning investment      futures         related     investment investment
                 of period   income      transactions    transactions  operations   income
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>       <C>          <C>             <C>            <C>        <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........  $ 9.83    $0.5914(a)     $ 0.0494(a)       --         $0.6408    $(0.5908)
1997-
Administration
Shares..........    9.83     0.5665(a)       0.0497(a)       --          0.6162     (0.5662)
1997-Service
Shares(m).......    9.84     0.3298(a)       0.0400(a)       --          0.3698     (0.3298)
1997-Class A
Shares..........    9.83     0.5662(a)       0.0500(a)       --          0.6162     (0.5662)
1996-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.77     0.5759(a)       0.0772(a)       --          0.6531     (0.5725)
1996-
Administration
Shares..........    9.77     0.5489(a)       0.0797(a)       --          0.6286     (0.5489)
1996-Class A
Shares..........    9.77     0.5481(a)       0.0806(a)       --          0.6287     (0.5489)
1995-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.74     0.5630(a)       0.0717(a)       --          0.6347     (0.5759)
1995-
Administration
Shares..........    9.74     0.5366(a)       0.0737(a)       --          0.6103     (0.5528)
1995-Class A
Shares(c).......    9.79     0.2721(a)      (0.0090)(a)      --          0.2631     (0.2697)
1994-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.4341(a)      (0.2455)(a)      --          0.1886     (0.4486)
1994-
Administration
Shares..........   10.00     0.4211(a)      (0.2572)(a)      --          0.1639     (0.4239)
1993-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.04     0.4397         (0.0376)(d)      --          0.4021     (0.4397)
1993-
Administration
Shares(e).......   10.02     0.2146         (0.0173)(d)      --          0.1973     (0.2146)
1992-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.03     0.5599         (0.0029)(d)      --          0.5570     (0.5470)
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 17, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------
1991-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.1531          0.0322(d)       --          0.1853     (0.1553)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                   
                           Distributions to shareholders                                                                           
                 ------------------------------------------------------------                                                      
                                           In excess of                                                                            
                    From net               net realized                          Net                                      Ratio of 
                 realized gain               gain on                           increase                        Ratio of     net    
                 on investment, In excess  investment,   From       Total     (decrease) Net asset               net     investment
                     option       of net    option and   paid   distributions   in net   value at              expenses    income  
                  and futures   investment   futures      in         to         asset     end of     Total    to average to average
                  transactions    income   transactions capital shareholders    value     period   return(k)  net assets net assets
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------   
                                       ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND                                                             
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>            <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>       
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,                                                                                                    
- -------------                                                                                                                      
1997-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares..........      --             --        --         --      $(0.5908)    $ 0.0500   $ 9.88     6.70%       0.49%      5.99%  
1997-                                                                                                                              
Administration                                                                                                                     
Shares..........      --             --        --         --       (0.5662)      0.0500     9.88     6.43        0.74       5.73   
1997-Service                                                                                                                       
Shares(m).......      --             --        --         --       (0.3298)      0.0400     9.88     3.81(f)     1.05(b)    5.64(b)
1997-Class A                                                                                                                       
Shares..........      --             --        --         --       (0.5662)      0.0500     9.88     6.43        0.74       5.60   
1996-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares..........      --         (0.0206)      --         --       (0.5931)      0.0600     9.83     6.86        0.45       5.85   
1996-                                                                                                                              
Administration                                                                                                                     
Shares..........      --         (0.0198)      --         --       (0.5687)      0.0600     9.83     6.60        0.70       5.59   
1996-Class A                                                                                                                       
Shares..........      --         (0.0198)      --         --       (0.5687)      0.0600     9.83     6.60        0.70       5.59   
1995-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares..........      --         (0.0287)      --         --       (0.6046)      0.0301     9.77     6.75        0.46       5.77   
1995-                                                                                                                              
Administration                                                                                                                     
Shares..........      --         (0.0275)      --         --       (0.5803)      0.0300     9.77     6.48        0.71       5.50   
1995-Class A                                                                                                                       
Shares(c).......      --         (0.0134)      --         --       (0.2831)     (0.0200)    9.77     2.74(f)     0.69(b)    5.87(b)
1994-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares..........      --             --        --         --       (0.4486)     (0.2600)    9.74     1.88        0.46       4.38   
1994-                                                                                                                              
Administration                                                                                                                     
Shares..........      --             --        --         --       (0.4239)     (0.2600)    9.74     1.63        0.71       4.27   
1993-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares..........      --         (0.0024)      --         --       (0.4421)     (0.0400)   10.00     4.13        0.45       4.36   
1993-                                                                                                                              
Administration                                                                                                                     
Shares(e).......      --         (0.0027)      --         --       (0.2173)     (0.0200)   10.00     2.01(f)     0.70(b)    3.81(b)
1992-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares..........      --             --        --         --       (0.5470)      0.0100    10.04     6.12        0.42       5.61   
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 17, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,                                                                                
- ---------------------                                                                                                              
1991-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares..........      --             --        --         --       (0.1553)      0.0300    10.03     2.14(f)     0.20(b)    7.31(b)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                               Ratios assuming
                                             no voluntary waiver
                                                 of fees or
                                             expense limitations
                                            ---------------------
                     
                                     Net                Ratio of
                                   assets                 net
                                   at end    Ratio of  investment
                      Portfolio      of      expenses    income
                      turnover     period   to average to average
                       rate(d)    (in 000s) net assets net assets
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>            <C>        <C>          <C>     
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........         46.58%    $ 463,511    0.52%      5.96%
1997-                 
Administration        
Shares..........         46.58         2,793    0.77       5.70
1997-Service          
Shares(m).......         46.58(f)        346    1.08(b)    5.61(b)
1997-Class A          
Shares..........         46.58        43,393    1.02       5.32
1996-                 
Institutional         
Shares..........         52.36       613,149    0.51       5.79
1996-                 
Administration        
Shares..........         52.36         3,792    0.76       5.53
1996-Class A          
Shares..........         52.36        10,728    1.01       5.28
1995-                 
Institutional         
Shares..........         24.12       657,358    0.53       5.70
1995-                 
Administration        
Shares..........         24.12         3,572    0.78       5.43
1995-Class A          
Shares(c).......         24.12(f)     15,203    1.01(b)    5.55(b)
1994-                 
Institutional         
Shares..........         37.81       942,523    0.49       4.35
1994-                 
Administration        
Shares..........         37.81         6,960    0.74       4.24
1993-                 
Institutional         
Shares..........        103.74     2,760,871    0.48       4.33
1993-                 
Administration        
Shares(e).......        103.74(f)      5,326    0.73(b)    3.78(b)
1992-                 
Institutional         
Shares..........        286.40     2,145,064    0.55       5.48
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 17, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------
1991-
Institutional
Shares..........        145.67(f)    239,642    1.02(b)    6.49(b)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                               Income (loss) from investment operations(n)
                           ------------------------------------------------------
                                         Net realized    Net realized
                                        and unrealized  and unrealized   Total
                                         gain (loss)     gain (loss)     income
                 Net asset              on investment,    on foreign     (loss)
                 value at     Net         option and       currency       from     From net
                 beginning investment      futures         related     investment investment
                 of period   income      transactions    transactions  operations   income
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>       <C>          <C>             <C>            <C>        <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- ------------------
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........  $ 9.83    $0.6412(a)     $ 0.0300(a)       --         $ 0.6712   $(0.6412)
1997-
Administration
Shares..........    9.85     0.6183(a)       0.0400(a)       --           0.6583    (0.6183)
1997-Service
Shares..........    9.82     0.5904(a)       0.0401(a)       --           0.6305    (0.5904)
1997-Class A
Shares(o).......    9.78     0.3121(a)       0.0883(a)       --           0.4004    (0.3004)
1997-Class B
Shares(o).......    9.75     0.2787(a)       0.1011(a)       --           0.3798    (0.2698)
1997-Class C
Shares(p).......    9.83     0.1185(a)       0.0225(a)       --           0.1410    (0.1110)
1996-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.82     0.6290(a)       0.0136(a)       --           0.6426    (0.6326)
1996-
Administration
Shares(h).......    9.86     0.3837(a)       0.0003(a)       --           0.3840    (0.3940)
1996-Service
Shares(i).......    9.72     0.3134(a)       0.1018(a)       --           0.4152    (0.3152)
1995-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.64     0.6652(a)       0.1666(a)       --           0.8318    (0.6518)
1995-
Administration
Shares..........    9.64     0.2384(a)      (0.0433)(a)      --           0.1951    (0.2051)
1994-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.14     0.5628(a)      (0.4592)(a)      --           0.1036    (0.5598)
1994-
Administration
Shares..........   10.14     0.5329(a)      (0.4539)(d)      --           0.0790    (0.5352)
1993-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.16     0.5627         (0.0135)(d)      --           0.5492    (0.5627)
1993-
Administration
Shares(e).......   10.23     0.2725         (0.0900)(d)      --           0.1825    (0.2725)
1992-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.22     0.6703         (0.0600)(d)      --           0.6103    (0.6703)
1991-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.8020          0.2200(d)       --           1.0220    (0.8020)
1990-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.07     0.8300         (0.0700)(d)      --           0.7600    (0.8300)
1989-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.10     0.8800             --           --           0.8800    (0.8800)
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 15, 1988(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1988-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.1800          0.1000(d)       --           0.2800    (0.1800)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                  
                         Distributions to shareholders                                                                            
               -------------------------------------------------------------                                                      
                                         In excess of                                                                             
                  From net               net realized                           Net                                        Ratio of 
               realized gain               gain on                            increase                          Ratio of     net    
               on investment, In excess  investment,   From        Total     (decrease) Net asset                 net     investment
                   option       of net    option and   paid    distributions   in net   value at                expenses    income  
                and futures   investment   futures      in          to         asset     end of       Total    to average to average
                transactions    income   transactions capital  shareholders    value     period     return(k)  net assets net assets
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------     
                                        SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND                                                            
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>            <C>        <C>          <C>      <C>           <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>   
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- ------------------
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........        --           --        --           --     $(0.6412)    $ 0.0300   $ 9.86        7.07%      0.45%   6.43%
1997-                                                                                                                            
Administration                                                                                                                   
Shares..........        --           --        --           --      (0.6183)      0.0400     9.89        6.91       0.70    6.19 
1997-Service                                                                                                                     
Shares..........        --           --        --           --      (0.5904)      0.0401     9.86        6.63       0.95    5.92 
1997-Class A                                                                                                                
Shares(o).......        --           --        --           --      (0.3004)      0.1000     9.88        4.14(f)    0.70(b) 6.05(b)
1997-Class B                                                                                                                       
Shares(o).......        --           --        --           --      (0.2698)      0.1100     9.86        3.94(f)    1.30(b) 5.52(b)
1997-Class C                                                                                                                       
Shares(p).......        --           --        --           --      (0.1110)      0.0300     9.86        1.44(f)    1.45(b) 5.52(b)
1996-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares..........        --           --        --           --      (0.6326)      0.0100     9.83        6.75       0.45    6.44   
1996-                                                                                                                              
Administration                                                                                                                     
Shares(h).......        --           --        --           --      (0.3940)     (0.0100)    9.85        4.00(f)    0.70(b) 5.97(b)
1996-Service                                                                                                                       
Shares(i).......        --           --        --           --      (0.3152)      0.1000     9.82        4.35(f)    0.95(b) 6.05(b)
1995-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares..........        --           --        --           --      (0.6518)      0.1800     9.82        8.97       0.45    6.87   
1995-                                                                                                                              
Administration                                                                                                                     
Shares..........        --           --        --           --      (0.2051)     (0.0100)    9.63(h)     2.10       0.70(b) 7.91(b)
1994-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares..........    (0.0438)         --        --           --      (0.6036)     (0.5000)    9.64        0.99       0.45    5.69   
1994-                                                                                                                              
Administration                                                                                                                     
Shares..........    (0.0438)         --        --           --      (0.5790)     (0.5000)    9.64        0.73       0.70    5.38   
1993-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares..........        --       (0.0065)      --           --      (0.5692)     (0.0200)   10.14        5.55       0.45    5.46   
1993-                                                                                                                              
Administration                                                                                                                     
Shares(e).......        --           --        --           --      (0.2725)     (0.0900)   10.14        1.74(f)    0.70(b) 4.84(b)
1992-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares..........        --           --        --           --      (0.6703)     (0.0600)   10.16        6.24       0.45    6.60   
1991-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares..........        --           --        --           --      (0.8020)      0.2200    10.22       10.93       0.45    8.25   
1990-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares..........        --           --        --           --      (0.8300)     (0.0700)   10.00        8.23       0.45    8.62   
1989-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares..........        --           --        --       (0.0300)    (0.9100)     (0.0300)   10.07        9.08       0.46    8.71   
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 15, 1988(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1988-
Institutional
Shares..........        --           --        --           --      (0.1800)      0.1000    10.10        3.30(f)    0.55(b) 8.55(b)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                 Ratios assuming
                                               no voluntary waiver
                                                   of fees or
                                               expense limitations
                                              ---------------------
                       
                                       Net                Ratio of
                                     assets                 net
                                     at end    Ratio of  investment
                        Portfolio      of      expenses    income
                        turnover     period   to average to average
                         rate(d)    (in 000s) net assets net assets
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>            <C>        <C>          <C>      
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- ------------------
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........         102.58%    $103,729     0.82%      6.06%
1997-                   
Administration          
Shares..........         102.58        1,060     1.07       5.82
1997-Service            
Shares..........         102.58        3,337     1.32       5.55
1997-Class A            
Shares(o).......         102.58(f)     9,491     1.32(b)    5.43(b)
1997-Class B            
Shares(o).......         102.58(f)       747     1.82(b)    5.00(b)
1997-Class C            
Shares(p).......         102.58(f)       190     1.82(b)    5.15(b)
1996-                   
Institutional           
Shares..........         115.45       99,944     0.71       6.18
1996-                   
Administration          
Shares(h).......         115.45          252     0.96(b)    5.71(b)
1996-Service            
Shares(i).......         115.45        1,822     1.21(b)    5.79(b)
1995-                   
Institutional           
Shares..........         292.56      103,760     0.72       6.60
1995-                   
Administration          
Shares..........         292.56          --      0.90(b)    7.71(b)
1994-                   
Institutional           
Shares..........         289.79      193,095     0.59       5.55
1994-                   
Administration          
Shares..........         289.79          730     0.84       5.24
1993-                   
Institutional           
Shares..........         411.66      359,708     0.64       5.31
1993-                   
Administration          
Shares(e).......         411.66       16,490     0.80(b)    4.74(b)
1992-                   
Institutional           
Shares..........         216.07      277,927     0.69       6.36
1991-                   
Institutional           
Shares..........         155.44      158,848     0.79       7.91
1990-                   
Institutional           
Shares..........         173.21       68,995     0.95       8.12
1989-                   
Institutional           
Shares..........         137.37       31,015     1.39       7.78
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 15, 1988(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1988-
Institutional
Shares..........         167.00(f)    39,052     1.42(b)    7.68(b)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>    
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                               Income (loss) from investment operations(n)
                           ------------------------------------------------------ ----------
                                         Net realized    Net realized
                                        and unrealized  and unrealized   Total
                                         gain (loss)     gain (loss)     income
                 Net asset              on investment,    on foreign     (loss)
                 value at     Net         option and       currency       from     From net
                 beginning investment      futures         related     investment investment
                 of period   income      transactions    transactions  operations   income
      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>       <C>          <C>             <C>            <C>        <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........  $ 9.96    $0.4181(a)     $ 0.1091(a)       --         $ 0.5272   $(0.4172)
1997-
Administration
Shares..........    9.96     0.3924(a)       0.1100(a)       --           0.5024    (0.3924)
1997-Service
Shares..........    9.97     0.3675(a)       0.1000(a)       --           0.4675    (0.3675)
1997-Class A
Shares(o).......    9.94     0.1950(a)       0.1400(a)       --           0.3350    (0.1950)
1997-Class B
Shares(o).......    9.94     0.1663(a)       0.1368(a)       --           0.3031    (0.1631)
1997-Class C
Shares(p).......   10.04     0.0670(a)       0.0300(a)       --           0.0970    (0.0670)
1996-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.94     0.4192(a)       0.0200(a)       --           0.4392    (0.4192)
1996-
Administration
Shares..........    9.94     0.3944(a)       0.0200(a)       --           0.4144    (0.3944)
1996-Service
Shares..........    9.95     0.3697(a)       0.0200(a)       --           0.3897    (0.3697)
1995-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.79     0.4235(a)       0.1500(a)       --           0.5735    (0.4235)
1995-
Administration
Shares..........    9.79     0.3989(a)       0.1500(a)       --           0.5489    (0.3989)
1995-Service
Shares..........    9.79     0.3744(a)       0.1600(a)       --           0.5344    (0.3744)
1994-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.23     0.3787(a)      (0.3575)(a)      --           0.0212    (0.3787)
1994-
Administration
Shares..........   10.23     0.3537(a)      (0.3575)(a)      --          (0.0038)   (0.3537)
1994-Service
Shares(j).......    9.86     0.0475(a)      (0.0700)(a)      --          (0.0225)   (0.0475)
1993-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.93     0.3834          0.3000(d)       --           0.6834    (0.3834)
1993-
Administration
Shares(j).......   10.16     0.1555          0.0720(d)       --           0.2275    (0.1555)
FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 1992(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------
1992-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.0341         (0.0700)(d)      --          (0.0359)   (0.0341)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                  
                         Distributions to shareholders                                                                            
                 -----------------------------------------------------------                                                     
                                           In excess of                                                                           
                    From net               net realized                          Net                                      Ratio of  
                 realized gain               gain on                           increase                       Ratio of      net     
                 on investment, In excess  investment,   From       Total     (decrease) Net asset              net      investment 
                     option       of net    option and   paid   distributions   in net   value at             expenses     income   
                  and futures   investment   futures      in         to         asset     end of    Total    to average  to average 
                  transactions    income   transactions capital shareholders    value     period  return(k)  net assets  net assets 
      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND                                                             
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>            <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>        <C>     
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,                                                                                                   
- -------------------------------                                                                                                   
1997-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........        --         --          --         --      $(0.4172)    $ 0.1100   $10.07      5.40%       0.45%    4.18%
1997-                                                                                                                           
Administration                                                                                                                  
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.3924)      0.1100    10.07      5.14        0.70     3.91 
1997-Service                                                                                                                    
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.3675)      0.1000    10.07      4.77        0.95     3.66 
1997-Class A                                                                                                              
Shares(o).......        --         --          --         --       (0.1950)      0.1400    10.08      3.39(f)     0.70(b)  3.81(b)
1997-Class B                                                                                                                      
Shares(o).......        --         --          --         --       (0.1631)      0.1400    10.08      3.07(f)     1.30(b)  3.31(b)
1997-Class C                                                                                                                      
Shares(p).......        --         --          --         --       (0.0670)      0.0300    10.07      0.97(f)     1.45(b)  2.60(b)
1996-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.4192)      0.0300     9.96      4.50        0.45     4.21   
1996-                                                                                                                             
Administration                                                                                                                    
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.3944)      0.0300     9.96      4.24        0.70     3.96   
1996-Service                                                                                                                      
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.3697)      0.0200     9.97      3.98        0.95     3.74   
1995-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.4235)      0.1500     9.94      5.98        0.45     4.31   
1995-                                                                                                                             
Administration                                                                                                                    
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.3989)      0.1500     9.94      5.76        0.70     4.14   
1995-Service                                                                                                                      
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.3744)      0.1600     9.95      5.59        0.95     3.87   
1994-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........    (0.0825)       --          --         --       (0.4612)     (0.4400)    9.79      0.17        0.45     3.74   
1994-                                                                                                                             
Administration                                                                                                                    
Shares..........    (0.0825)       --          --         --       (0.4362)     (0.4400)    9.79     (0.11)       0.70     3.51   
1994-Service                                                                                                                      
Shares(j).......        --         --          --         --       (0.0475)     (0.0700)    9.79     (0.32)(f)    0.95(b)  4.30(b)
1993-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.3834)      0.3000    10.23      7.03        0.41     3.70   
1993-                                                                                                                             
Administration                                                                                                                    
Shares(j).......        --         --          --         --       (0.1555)      0.0720    10.23      2.28(f)     0.70(b)  3.32(b)
FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 1992(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------
1992-
Institutional
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.0341)     (0.0700)    9.93     (0.34)(f)    0.05(b)  4.58(b)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                 Ratios assuming
                                               no voluntary waiver
                                                   of fees or
                                               expense limitations
                                              ---------------------
                       
                                       Net                Ratio of
                                     assets                 net
                                     at end    Ratio of  investment
                        Portfolio      of      expenses    income
                        turnover     period   to average to average
                         rate(d)    (in 000s) net assets net assets
      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>            <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>           
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........          194.75%    $ 28,821     1.23%      3.40%
1997-                   
Administration          
Shares..........          194.75           77     1.48       3.13
1997-Service            
Shares..........          194.75        2,051     1.73       2.88
1997-Class A            
Shares(o).......          194.75(f)     4,023     1.73(b)    2.78(b)
1997-Class B            
Shares(o).......          194.75(f)       106     2.23(b)    2.38(b)
1997-Class C            
Shares(p).......          194.75(f)         2     2.23(b)    1.82(b)
1996-                   
Institutional           
Shares..........          231.65       34,814     1.01       3.65
1996-                   
Administration          
Shares..........          231.65           48     1.26       3.40
1996-Service            
Shares..........          231.65          695     1.51       3.18
1995-                   
Institutional           
Shares..........          259.52       58,389     0.77       3.99
1995-                   
Administration          
Shares..........          259.52           46     1.02       3.82
1995-Service            
Shares..........          259.52          454     1.27       3.55
1994-                   
Institutional           
Shares..........          354.00       83,704     0.61       3.58
1994-                   
Administration          
Shares..........          354.00        3,866     0.86       3.35
1994-Service            
Shares(j).......          354.00          440     1.11(b)    4.14(b)
1993-                   
Institutional           
Shares..........          404.60      115,803     1.06       3.05
1993-                   
Administration          
Shares(j).......          404.60          911     1.07(b)    2.95(b)
FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 1992(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------
1992-
Institutional
Shares..........           31.19(f)    14,601     2.68(b)    1.95(b)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>    
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Income (loss) from investment operations(n)
                           ---------------------------------------------------
                                       Net realized   Net realized
                                      and unrealized and unrealized   Total
                                       gain (loss)    gain (loss)     income
                 Net asset            on investment,   on foreign     (loss)
                 value at     Net       option and      currency       from     From net
                 beginning investment    futures        related     investment investment
                 of period   income    transactions   transactions  operations   income
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>       <C>        <C>            <C>            <C>        <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........  $ 9.85    $0.6431      $0.2282        $(0.0005)    $ 0.8708   $(0.6408)
1997-
Administration
Shares..........    9.84     0.6182       0.2380         (0.0005)      0.8557    (0.6157)
1997-Service
Shares..........    9.86     0.5937       0.2287         (0.0005)      0.8219    (0.5919)
1997-Class A
Shares(o).......    9.70     0.3059       0.3596         (0.0008)      0.6647    (0.3048)
1997-Class B
Shares(o).......    9.72     0.2686       0.3695         (0.0008)      0.6373    (0.2673)
1997-Class C
Shares(p).......    9.93     0.1118       0.1591         (0.0003)      0.2706    (0.1107)
1996-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.6448      (0.0704)            --        0.5744    (0.6438)
1996-
Administrative
Shares(/1/).....    9.91     0.4083      (0.0703)            --        0.3380    (0.4080)
1996-Service
Shares(l).......    9.77     0.3756       0.0898             --        0.4654    (0.3754)
1995-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.24     0.6423       0.7610             --        1.4033    (0.6433)
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 5, 1994(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------------------------------------
1994-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.4648      (0.7617)            --       (0.2969)   (0.4648)
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                  
                                                                                                                                  
                           Distributions to shareholders                                                                          
                 ------------------------------------------------------------                                                     
                                           In excess of                                                                           
                    From net               net realized                          Net                                      Ratio of 
                 realized gain               gain on                           increase                       Ratio of      net    
                 on investment, In excess  investment,   From       Total     (decrease) Net asset              net      investment
                     option       of net    option and   paid   distributions   in net   value at             expenses     income  
                  and futures   investment   futures      in         to         asset     end of    Total    to average  to average
                  transactions    income   transactions capital shareholders    value     period  return(k)  net assets  net assets
      ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         CORE FIXED INCOME FUND                                                                   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>            <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>        <C>      
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,                                                                                                   
- -------------------------------                                                                                                   
1997-                                                                                                                             
Institutional                                                                                                                     
Shares..........        --         --          --         --      $(0.6408)    $ 0.2300   $10.08      9.19%      0.45%      6.53% 
1997-                                                                                                                             
Administration                                                                                                                    
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.6157)      0.2300    10.07      8.92       0.70       6.27  
1997-Service                                                                                                                      
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.5919)      0.2300    10.09      8.65       0.95       6.00  
1997-Class A
Shares(o).......        --         --          --         --       (0.3048)      0.3599    10.06      6.94(f)    0.70(b)    6.13(b)
1997-Class B                                                                                                                       
Shares(o).......        --         --          --         --       (0.2673)      0.3700    10.09      6.63(f)    1.45(b)    5.28(b)
1997-Class C                                                                                                                       
Shares(p).......        --         --          --         --       (0.1107)      0.1599    10.09      2.74(f)    1.45(b)    4.84(b)
1996-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares..........    (0.0806)       --          --         --       (0.7244)     (0.1500)    9.85      5.98       0.45       6.51   
1996-                                                                                                                              
Administrative                                                                                                                     
Shares(/1/).....        --         --          --         --       (0.4080)     (0.0700)    9.84      3.56(f)    0.70(b)    6.41(b)
1996-Service                                                                                                                       
Shares(l).......        --         --          --         --       (0.3754)      0.0900     9.86      4.90(f)    0.95(b)    6.37(b)
1995-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.6433)      0.7600    10.00     15.72       0.45       6.56   
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 5, 1994(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
1994-
Institutional
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.4648)     (0.7617)    9.24     (3.00)      0.45(b)    6.48(b)
<CAPTION>
                                           Ratios assuming
                                         no voluntary waiver
                                             of fees or
                                         expense limitations
                                        ---------------------
                 
                                 Net                Ratio of
                               assets                 net
                               at end    Ratio of  investment
                  Portfolio      of      expenses    income
                  turnover     period   to average to average
                   rate(d)    (in 000s) net assets net assets
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                         CORE FIXED INCOME FUND
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>            <C>        <C>          <C>     
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........      361.27%     $79,230     0.83%      6.15%
1997-               
Administration      
Shares..........      361.27        6,176     1.08       5.89
1997-Service        
Shares..........      361.27        1,868     1.33       5.62
1997-Class A        
Shares(o).......      361.27(f)     9,336     1.33(b)    5.50(b)
1997-Class B        
Shares(o).......      361.27(f)       621     1.83(b)    4.90(b)
1997-Class C        
Shares(p).......      361.27(f)       272     1.83(b)    4.46(b)
1996-               
Institutional       
Shares..........      414.20       72,061     0.83       6.13
1996-               
Administrative      
Shares(/1/).....      414.20          702     1.08(b)    6.03(b)
1996-Service        
Shares(l).......      414.20          381     1.33(b)    5.99(b)
1995-               
Institutional       
Shares..........      382.26       55,502     0.96       6.05
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 5, 1994(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------------------------------------------
1994-
Institutional
Shares..........      285.25       24,508     1.46(b)    5.47(b)

</TABLE>
(a) Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology.
(b) Annualized.
(c) Class A share activity commenced on May 15, 1995.
(d) Includes the effect of mortgage dollar roll transactions.
(e) Administration share activity commenced on April 15, 1993.
(f) Not annualized.
(g) Commencement of operations.
(h) Short Duration Government Fund Administration shares were redeemed in full
    on February 23, 1995 and re-commenced on February 28, 1996 at $9.86.
(i) Service share activity commenced on April 10, 1996.
   
(j) Administration and Service share activity commenced on May 20, 1993 and
    September 20, 1994, respectively.     
(k) Assumes investment at the net asset value at the beginning of the period,
    reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of
    the investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no
    sales charges. Total return would be reduced if a sales charge for Class A
    shares or a contingent deferred sales charge for Class B and Class C
    shares were taken into account.
(l) Administration and Service share activity commenced on February 28, 1996
    and March 13, 1996, respectively.
(m) Service share activity commenced on March 27, 1997.
(n) Includes the balancing effect of calculating per share amounts.
(o) Class A and Class B share activity commenced on May 1, 1997.
(p) Class C share activity commenced on August 15, 1997.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
       
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
 
                      INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
 
 
  The investment objectives and principal investment policies of each Fund are
described below. Other investment practices and management techniques, which
involve certain risks are described under "Description of Securities," "Risk
Factors" and "Investment Techniques." There can be no assurance that a Fund's
investment objectives will be achieved.
 
  A Fund's duration approximates its price sensitivity to changes in interest
rates. Maturity measures the time until final payment is due; it takes no
account of the pattern of a security's cash flows over time. In computing
portfolio duration, a Fund will estimate the duration of obligations that are
subject to prepayment or redemption by the issuer taking into account the
influence of interest rates on prepayments and coupon flows. This method of
computing duration is known as "option-adjusted" duration. A Fund will not be
limited as to its maximum weighted average portfolio maturity or the maximum
stated maturity with respect to individual securities unless otherwise noted.
   
  A Fund will deem a security to have met its minimum credit rating
requirement if the security receives the minimum required long-term rating (or
the equivalent short-term credit rating) at the time of purchase from at least
one nationally recognized statistical rating organization ("NRSRO") including,
but not limited to, Standard & Poor's Ratings Group ("S&P") and Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") even though it has been rated below the
minimum rating by one or more other NRSROs, or, if unrated, is determined by
the Investment Adviser to be of comparable quality. If a security satisfies a
Fund's minimum rating criteria at the time of purchase and is subsequently
downgraded below such rating, the Fund will not be required to dispose of such
security. If a downgrade occurs, the Investment Adviser will consider what
action, including the sale of such security, is in the best interest of a Fund
and its shareholders.     
   
  The Investment Adviser will usually have access to the research of, and
certain proprietary technical models developed by, Goldman Sachs and will
apply quantitative and qualitative analysis in determining the appropriate
allocations among the categories of issuers and types of securities.     
 
 ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high level of current income, consistent with low volatility of principal.
   
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be in a range approximately equal to that of a six-month to one-
year U.S. Treasury security. In addition, under normal interest rate
conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed two years. The
approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected to be comparable
to a nine-month note.     
   
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least
65% of its total assets in U.S. Government Securities that are adjustable rate
mortgage pass-through securities and other mortgage securities with periodic
interest rate results. The remainder of the Fund's assets (up to 35%) may be
invested in other U.S. Government Securities, including fixed rate mortgage
pass-through securities, other securities representing an interest in or
collateralized by adjustable rate and fixed rate mortgage loans ("Mortgage-
Backed Securities") and repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S.
Government Securities. Substantially all of the Fund's assets will be invested
in U.S. Government Securities. 100% of the Fund's portfolio will be invested
in U.S. dollar-denominated securities.     
 
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
  CREDIT QUALITY. The Fund invests in U.S. Government Securities and
repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities.
   
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure and to seek to enhance returns. These
techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of financial futures
contracts, option contracts (including options on futures), mortgage and
interest rate swaps and interest rate floors, caps and collars. The Fund may
also employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as
lending portfolio securities and entering into mortgage dollar rolls,
repurchase agreements and other investment practices described under
"Investment Techniques."     
 
 SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide a high level of
current income. Secondarily, the Fund may, in seeking current income, also
consider the potential for capital appreciation.
   
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the two-year U.S.
Treasury security, plus or minus .5 years. In addition, under normal interest
rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed three years. The
approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected to be comparable
to a two-year bond.     
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal market conditions, at
least 65% of its total assets in U.S. Government Securities and in repurchase
agreements collateralized by such securities. Substantially all of the Fund's
assets will be invested in U.S. Government Securities. 100% of the Fund's
portfolio will be invested in U.S. dollar-denominated securities.
 
  CREDIT QUALITY. The Fund invests in U.S. Government Securities and
repurchase agreements collateralized by such securities.
   
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure and to seek to enhance returns. These
techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of financial futures
contracts, option contracts (including options on futures), mortgage and
interest rate swaps and interest rate floors, caps and collars. The Fund may
also employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as
lending portfolio securities and entering into mortgage dollar rolls,
repurchase agreements and other investment practices described under
"Investment Techniques."     
 
 SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
high level of current income, consistent with relatively low volatility of
principal, that is exempt from regular federal income tax.
   
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the Lehman Brothers
three-year Municipal Bond Index, plus or minus .5 years. In addition, under
normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed
four years. The approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected
to be comparable to a three-year bond.     
 
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal conditions, at least 80%
of its net assets in fixed- income securities issued by or on behalf of
states, territories and possessions of the United States (including the
District of Columbia) and the political subdivisions, agencies and
instrumentalities thereof ("Municipal Securities"), the interest on which is
exempt from regular federal income tax (i.e., excluded from gross income for
federal income tax purposes), and is not a tax preference item under the
federal alternative minimum tax. Under normal circumstances, the Fund's
investments in private activity bonds and taxable investments will not exceed,
in the aggregate, 20% of the Fund's net assets. The interest from certain
private activity bonds (including the Fund's distributions of such interest)
may be a preference item for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax.
100% of the Fund's portfolio will be invested in U.S. dollar-denominated
securities.
   
  CREDIT QUALITY. The Municipal Securities in which the Fund invests will be
rated, at the time of investment, at least BBB or Baa by an NRSRO or, if
unrated, will be determined by the Investment Adviser to be of comparable
quality. Municipal Securities rated BBB or Baa are considered medium-grade
obligations with speculative characteristics, and adverse economic conditions
or changing circumstances may weaken their issuers' capability to pay interest
and repay principal. The credit rating assigned to Municipal Securities may
reflect the existence of guarantees, letters of credit or other credit
enhancement features available to the issuers or holders of such Municipal
Securities.     
   
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure and to seek to enhance returns. These
techniques include, but are not limited to, the use of financial futures
contracts, option contracts (including options on futures), interest rate
swaps, floors, caps and collars. The Fund may also employ other investment
techniques to seek to enhance returns, such as lending portfolio securities
and entering into repurchase agreements and other investment practices
described under "Investment Techniques."     
 
  While the Fund, under normal market conditions, invests substantially all of
its assets in Municipal Securities, the recognition of certain accrued market
discount income (if the Fund acquires Municipal Securities or other
obligations at a market discount), income from investments other than
Municipal Securities and any capital gains generated from the disposition of
investments, will result in taxable income. In addition to federal income tax,
shareholders may be subject to state, local or foreign taxes on distributions
of such income received from the Fund. See "Description of Securities."
 
 CORE FIXED INCOME FUND
 
 
  OBJECTIVE. The Fund's investment objective is to provide investors with a
total return consisting of capital appreciation and income that exceeds the
total return of the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index (the "Index").
   
  DURATION. Under normal interest rate conditions, the Fund's duration is
expected to be equal to that of the Fund's benchmark, the Lehman Brothers
Aggregate Bond Index, plus or minus one year. In addition, under normal
interest rate conditions, the Fund's maximum duration will not exceed six
years. The approximate interest rate sensitivity of the Fund is expected to be
comparable to a five-year bond.     
 
  INVESTMENT SECTOR. The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, at least
65% of its total assets in fixed- income securities, including U.S. Government
Securities, corporate debt securities, Mortgage-Backed Securities, and Asset-
Backed Securities. The Fund may invest up to 25% of its total assets in
obligations of domestic and
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
foreign issuers which are denominated in currencies other than the U.S.
dollar, 10% of which may be invested in issuers in countries with emerging
markets and economies. A number of investment strategies will be used to
achieve the Fund's investment objective, including market sector selection,
determination of yield curve exposure, and issuer selection. In addition, the
Investment Adviser will attempt to take advantage of pricing inefficiencies in
the fixed income markets.
   
  The Index currently includes U.S. Government Securities and fixed-rate,
publicly issued, U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities rated at
least BBB or Baa by an NRSRO. The securities currently included in the Index
have at least one year remaining to maturity; have an outstanding principal
amount of at least $100 million; and are issued by the following types of
issuers, with each category receiving a different weighting in the Index: U.S.
Treasury; agencies, authorities or instrumentalities of the U.S. government;
issuers of Mortgage-Backed Securities; utilities; industrial issuers;
financial institutions; foreign issuers; and issuers of Asset-Backed
Securities. The Index is a trademark of Lehman Brothers. Inclusion of a
security in the Index does not imply an opinion by Lehman Brothers as to its
attractiveness or appropriateness for investment. Although Lehman Brothers
obtains factual information used in connection with the Index from sources
which it considers reliable, Lehman Brothers claims no responsibility for the
accuracy, completeness or timeliness of such information and has no liability
to any person for any loss arising from results obtained from the use of the
Index data.     
   
  CREDIT QUALITY. All U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities
purchased by the Fund will be rated, at the time of investment, at least BBB
or Baa by an NRSRO. The non-U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities in
which the Fund may invest will be rated, at the time of investment, at least
AA or Aa by an NRSRO or, if unrated, will be determined by the Investment
Adviser to be of comparable quality. Fixed-income securities rated BBB or Baa
are considered medium-grade obligations with speculative characteristics, and
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances may weaken their
issuers' capability to pay interest and repay principal.     
   
  OTHER. The Fund may employ certain active management techniques to manage
its duration and term structure, to seek to hedge its exposure to foreign
currencies and to seek to enhance returns. These techniques include, but are
not limited to, the use of financial futures contracts, option contracts
(including options on futures), forward foreign currency exchange contracts,
currency options and futures, currency, mortgage and interest rate swaps and
interest rate floors, caps and collars. Currency management techniques involve
risks different from those associated with investing solely in U.S. dollar-
denominated fixed-income securities of U.S. issuers. It is expected that the
Fund will use certain currency techniques to seek to hedge against currency
exchange rate fluctuations or to seek to increase total return. The Fund may
invest in custodial receipts, Municipal Securities and convertible securities.
The Fund may also employ other investment techniques to seek to enhance
returns, such as lending portfolio securities and entering into mortgage
dollar rolls, repurchase agreements and other investment practices, described
under "Investment Techniques."     
 
 
                           DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES
 
 
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
 
  Each Fund may invest in U.S. Government Securities. Generally, these
securities include U.S. Treasury obligations and obligations issued or
guaranteed by U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored
enterprises which are supported by (a) the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Treasury (such as the Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie
Mae")), (b) the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury (such as
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
securities of the Student Loan Marketing Association), (c) the discretionary
authority of the U.S. government to purchase certain obligations of the issuer
(such as the Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae") and Federal
Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("Freddie Mac")), or (d) only the credit of the
issuer. No assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide
financial support to U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored
enterprises in the future.
 
  U.S. Government Securities also include Treasury receipts, zero coupon bonds
and other stripped U.S. Government Securities, where the interest and
principal components of stripped U.S. Government Securities are traded
independently. The most widely recognized program is the Separate Trading of
Registered Interest and Principal of Securities Program.
 
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES
 
  CHARACTERISTICS OF MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Mortgage-Backed Securities
represent direct or indirect participations in, or are collateralized by and
payable from, mortgage loans secured by real property. Mortgagors can
generally prepay interest or principal on their mortgage whenever they choose.
Therefore, Mortgage-Backed Securities are often subject to more rapid
repayment than their stated maturity date would indicate as a result of
principal prepayments on the underlying loans. This can result in
significantly greater price and yield volatility than is the case with
traditional fixed-income securities. During periods of declining interest
rates, prepayments can be expected to accelerate, and thus impair a Fund's
ability to reinvest the returns of principal at comparable yields. Conversely,
in a rising interest rate environment, a declining prepayment rate will extend
the average life of many Mortgage-Backed Securities and prevent a Fund from
taking advantage of such higher yields.
   
  FIXED RATE MORTGAGE LOANS. Generally, fixed rate mortgage loans pay interest
at fixed annual rates and have original terms to maturity ranging from 5 to 40
years. Fixed-rate mortgage loans typically provide for monthly payments of
principal and interest in substantially equal installments for the term of the
mortgage note in sufficient amounts to amortize fully principal by maturity,
although certain fixed-rate mortgage loans provide for a large final "balloon"
payment upon maturity.     
 
  ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE LOANS ("ARMS"). The Adjustable Rate Government Fund
will primarily, and the Short Duration Government and Core Fixed Income Funds
may, invest in ARMs, which are pass-through mortgage securities collateralized
by mortgages with adjustable rather than fixed coupon rates. ARMs generally
provide for a fixed initial mortgage interest rate for a set period.
Thereafter, the interest rates are subject to periodic adjustments based on
changes to a designated benchmark index.
 
  ARMs allow a Fund to participate in increases in interest rates through
periodic increases in the securities' coupon rates. During periods of
declining interest rates, coupon rates may readjust downward resulting in
lower yields to a Fund. Therefore, the value of an ARM is unlikely to rise
during periods of declining interest rates to the same extent as fixed-rate
securities. Interest rate declines may result in accelerated prepayment of
mortgages with the result that proceeds from prepayments will be reinvested at
lower interest rates. During periods of rising interest rates, changes in the
coupon rate will lag behind changes in the market rate. ARMs are also
typically subject to maximum increases and decreases in the interest rate
adjustment which can be made on any one adjustment date, in any one year, or
during the life of the security. In the event of dramatic increases or
decreases in prevailing market interest rates, the value of a Fund's
investments in ARMs may fluctuate more substantially since these limits may
prevent the security from fully adjusting its interest rate to the prevailing
market rates.
 
  U.S. GOVERNMENT GUARANTEED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Certain Mortgage-
Backed Securities are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its
agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. Such issuers include,
but are not limited to, Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. See "U.S.
Government Securities."
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
  PRIVATELY ISSUED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The Core Fixed Income Fund may
invest in Mortgage-Backed Securities issued or sponsored by non-governmental
entities. Privately issued Mortgage-Backed Securities are generally backed by
pools of conventional (i.e., non-government guaranteed or insured) mortgage
loans. Since such Mortgage-Backed Securities normally are not guaranteed by an
entity having the credit standing of Ginnie Mae, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, in
order to receive a high quality rating from the rating organizations (i.e.,
S&P or Moody's), they normally are structured with one or more types of
"credit enhancement."
 
  MULTIPLE CLASS MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES AND COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
OBLIGATIONS. The Adjustable Rate Government, Short Duration Government and
Core Fixed Income Funds may also invest in multiple class securities,
including collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and Real Estate
Mortgage Investment Conduit ("REMIC") pass-through or participation
certificates. CMOs provide an investor with a specified interest in the cash
flow from a pool of underlying mortgages or of other Mortgage-Backed
Securities. CMOs are issued in multiple classes, each with a specified fixed
or floating interest rate and a final scheduled distribution date. In most
cases, payments of principal are applied to the CMO classes in the order of
their respective stated maturities, so that no principal payments will be made
on a CMO class until all other classes having an earlier stated maturity date
are paid in full. A REMIC is a CMO that qualifies for special tax treatment
under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), and invests
in certain mortgages principally secured by interests in real property and
other permitted investments. The Funds do not intend to purchase residual
interests in REMICs.
   
  STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. The Adjustable Rate Government, Short
Duration Government and Core Fixed Income Funds may invest in Stripped
Mortgage-Backed Securities ("SMBS"), which are derivative multiple class
Mortgage-Backed Securities. SMBS are usually structured with two different
classes: one that receives 100% of the interest payments and the other that
receives 100% of the principal payments from a pool of mortgage loans. If the
underlying mortgage loans experience different than anticipated prepayments of
principal, a Fund may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in these
securities. The market value of the class consisting entirely of principal
payments generally is unusually volatile in response to changes in interest
rates. The yields on a class of SMBS that receives all or most of the interest
from mortgage loans are generally higher than prevailing market yields on
other Mortgage-Backed Securities because their cash flow patterns are more
volatile and there is a greater risk that the initial investment will not be
fully recouped. A Fund's investments in SMBS may require the Fund to sell
certain of its portfolio securities to generate sufficient cash to satisfy
certain income distribution requirements.     
 
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
 
  The Core Fixed Income Fund may invest in Asset-Backed Securities. The
principal and interest payments on Asset-Backed Securities are collateralized
by pools of assets such as auto loans, credit card receivables, leases,
installment contracts and personal property. Such asset pools are securitized
through the use of special purpose trusts or corporations. Principal and
interest payments may be credit enhanced by a letter of credit, a pool
insurance policy or a senior/subordinated structure.
 
MUNICIPAL SECURITIES
   
  GENERAL. Municipal Securities in which the Short Duration Tax-Free Fund and,
to a limited extent, the Core Fixed Income Fund invest consist of bonds,
notes, commercial paper and other instruments (including participation
interests in such securities) issued by or on behalf of states, territories
and possessions of the United States (including the District of Columbia) and
their political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities, the interest on
which in the opinion of bond counsel for the issuers or counsel selected by
the Investment Adviser, is exempt from regular federal income tax (i.e.,
excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes but     
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
   
not necessarily exempt from federal alternative minimum tax or from state or
local taxes). Such securities may pay fixed, variable or floating rates of
interest. Municipal Securities are often issued to obtain funds for various
public purposes, including the construction of a wide range of public
facilities such as bridges, highways, housing, hospitals, mass transportation,
schools, streets and water and sewer works. Other public purposes for which
Municipal Securities may be issued include refunding outstanding obligations,
obtaining funds for general operating expenses, and obtaining funds to lend to
other public institutions and facilities. The Core Fixed Income Fund may also
invest in taxable Municipal Securities.     
   
  PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS. Municipal Securities include "private activity
bonds" or industrial development bonds, which are issued by or on behalf of
public authorities to obtain funds for such projects as privately-operated
housing facilities, airport, mass transit or port facilities and sewage
disposal. In addition, proceeds of certain industrial development bonds are
used for constructing, equipping, repairing or improving privately operated
industrial or commercial facilities. The Short Duration Tax-Free Fund's
distributions attributable to the interest income from private activity bonds
may subject certain investors to the federal alternative minimum tax.     
   
  MUNICIPAL LEASES AND CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION. A municipal lease is an
obligation in the form of a lease or installment purchase which is issued by a
state or local government to acquire equipment and facilities. Certificates of
participation represent undivided interests in municipal leases, installment
purchase agreements or other instruments. The primary risk associated with
municipal lease obligations and certificates of participation is that the
governmental lessee will fail to appropriate funds to enable it to meet its
payment obligations under the lease. Although the obligations may be secured
by the leased equipment or facilities, the disposition of the property in the
event of non-appropriation or foreclosure might prove difficult, time
consuming and costly, and result in a delay in recovering or the failure to
fully recover the Fund's original investment. To the extent that a Fund
invests in unrated municipal leases or participates in such leases, the credit
quality rating and risk of cancellation of such unrated leases will be
monitored on an ongoing basis. Certain municipal lease obligations and
certificates of participation may be deemed illiquid for the purpose of a
Fund's limitation on investments in illiquid securities.     
 
  PRE-REFUNDED MUNICIPAL SECURITIES. The interest and principal payments on
pre-refunded Municipal Securities are typically paid from the cash flow
generated from an escrow fund consisting of U.S. Government Securities. These
payments have been "pre-refunded" using the escrow fund.
 
  INSURED SECURITIES. "Insured" Municipal Securities are those for which
scheduled payments of interest and principal are guaranteed by a private (non-
governmental) insurance company. The insurance entitles a Fund to receive only
the face or par value of the securities held by the Fund. The insurance does
not guarantee the market value of the Municipal Securities or the net asset
value of a Fund's shares.
 
  AUCTION RATE SECURITIES. Auction rate Municipal Securities permit the holder
to sell the securities in an auction at par value at specified intervals. The
dividend or interest is typically reset by "Dutch" auction in which bids are
made by broker-dealers and other institutions for a certain amount of
securities at a specified minimum yield. The rate set by the auction is the
lowest interest or dividend rate that covers all securities offered for sale.
While this process is designed to permit auction rate securities to be traded
at par value, there is the risk that an auction will fail due to insufficient
demand for the securities. A Fund will take the time remaining until the next
scheduled auction date into account for purposes of determining the
securities' duration.
 
CORPORATE DEBT OBLIGATIONS
 
  The Core Fixed Income Fund may invest in corporate debt obligations. In
addition to obligations of corporations, corporate debt obligations include
securities issued by banks and other financial institutions. Corporate debt
obligations are subject to the risk of an issuer's inability to meet principal
and interest payments on the obligations.
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
   
  The Core Fixed Income Fund may also invest in trust preferred securities. A
trust preferred or capital security is a long dated bond (for example, 30
years) with preferred features. The preferred features are that payment of
interest can be deferred for a specified period without initiating a default
event. From a bondholder's viewpoint, the securities are senior in claim to
standard preferred stock but junior to other bondholders. From the issuer's
viewpoint, the securities are attractive because their interest is deductible
for tax purposes like other types of debt instruments.     
 
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES
   
  The Core Fixed Income Fund may invest in convertible debt obligations of an
issuer convertible at a stated exchange rate into common stock of the issuer.
Convertible securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than
non-convertible securities of similar quality. As with all debt securities,
the market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates
increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. However, when
the market price of the common stock underlying a convertible security exceeds
the conversion price, the price of the convertible security tends to reflect
the market price of the underlying common stock. As the market price of the
underlying common stock declines, the convertible security tends to trade
increasingly on a yield basis, and thus may not depreciate to the same extent
as the underlying common stock. Convertible securities in which the Core Fixed
Income Fund invests are subject to the same rating criteria as its other
investments in fixed-income securities.     
 
FOREIGN INVESTMENTS
 
  FOREIGN SECURITIES. The Core Fixed Income Fund may invest in fixed-income
securities of foreign issuers denominated in any currency but will limit its
investments in non-U.S. dollar-denominated fixed-income securities to 25% of
its total assets. This may offer potential benefits that are not available
from investing exclusively in U.S. dollar-denominated domestic issues. Foreign
countries may have economic policies or business cycles different from those
of the U.S. and markets for foreign fixed-income securities do not necessarily
move in a manner parallel to U.S. markets.
   
  Investing in the securities of foreign issuers involves risks that are not
typically associated with investing in fixed-income securities of domestic
issuers quoted in U.S. dollars. Such investments may be affected by changes in
currency rates, changes in foreign or U.S. laws or restrictions applicable to
such investments and in exchange control regulations (e.g., currency
blockage). A decline in the exchange rate of the currency (i.e., weakening of
the currency against the U.S. dollar) in which a portfolio security is quoted
or denominated relative to the U.S. dollar would reduce the value of the
portfolio security. In addition, if the currency in which the Fund receives
dividends, interest or other payments declines in value against the U.S.
dollar before such income is distributed as dividends to shareholders or
converted to U.S. dollars, the Fund may have to sell portfolio securities to
obtain sufficient cash to pay such dividends. In addition, clearance and
settlement procedures may be different in foreign countries and, in certain
markets, such procedures have been unable to keep pace with the volume of
securities transactions, making it more difficult to conduct such
transactions.     
 
  The Core Fixed Income Fund may invest in an issuer domiciled in one country
yet issuing the security in the currency of another country. The Fund may also
invest in debt securities denominated in the European Currency Unit ("ECU"),
which is a "basket" consisting of specified amounts in the currencies of
certain of the twelve member states of the European Community. The specific
amounts of currencies comprising the ECU may be adjusted by the Council of
Ministers of the European Community from time to time to reflect changes in
relative values of the underlying currencies. In addition, the Fund may invest
in securities denominated in other currency "baskets."
 
  Foreign issuers are not generally subject to uniform accounting, auditing
and financial reporting standards comparable to those applicable to U.S.
issuers. There may be less publicly available information about a foreign
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
issuer than about a U.S. issuer. In addition, there is generally less
government regulation of foreign markets, companies and securities dealers
than in the U.S. Foreign securities markets may have substantially less volume
than U.S. securities markets and securities of many foreign issuers may be
less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers.
Furthermore, with respect to certain foreign countries, there is a possibility
of nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, imposition of
withholding or other taxes on dividend or interest payments (or, in some
cases, capital gains), limitations on the removal of funds or other assets of
the Fund, political or social instability or diplomatic developments which
could affect investments in those countries.
 
  FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. The Core Fixed Income Fund may invest in debt
obligations of foreign governments and governmental agencies, including those
of emerging countries. Investment in sovereign debt obligations involves
special risks not present in debt obligations of corporate issuers. The issuer
of the debt or the governmental authorities that control the repayment of the
debt may be unable or unwilling to repay principal or interest when due in
accordance with the terms of such debt, and the Fund may have limited recourse
in the event of a default. Periods of economic uncertainty may result in the
volatility of market prices of sovereign debt, and in turn the Fund's net
asset value, to a greater extent than the volatility inherent in debt
obligations of U.S. issuers. A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to
repay principal and pay interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among
other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency
reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the date a
payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the economy as
a whole, the sovereign debtor's policy toward international lenders and the
political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be subject.
 
  EMERGING MARKETS. The Core Fixed Income Fund may invest up to 10% of its
total assets in securities of issuers located in countries with emerging
economies or securities markets ("emerging markets"). Political and economic
structures in many emerging markets may be undergoing significant evolution
and rapid development, and emerging markets may lack the social, political and
economic stability characteristic of more developed countries. As a result,
the risks relating to investments in foreign securities described above,
including the possibility of nationalization, expropriation and confiscatory
taxation, may be heightened. In addition, unanticipated political and social
developments may affect the value of the Fund's investments in emerging
markets and the availability to the Fund of additional investments in such
countries. The small size and inexperience of the securities markets in
certain emerging markets and the limited volume of trading in securities in
those countries may make the Fund's investments in such countries less liquid
and more volatile than investments in countries with more developed securities
markets (such as the U.S., Japan and most Western European countries). See the
Additional Statement for further information regarding the Fund's investments
in emerging markets.
   
  FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS. Because investment in foreign issuers by the
Core Fixed Income Fund will usually involve currencies of foreign countries,
and because the Fund may have currency exposure independent of its securities
position, the value of a Fund's assets as measured in U.S. dollars will be
affected by changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Fund may, to the
extent it invests in foreign securities, purchase or sell foreign currencies
on a spot basis and may also purchase or sell forward foreign currency
exchange contracts for hedging purposes and to seek to protect against
anticipated changes in future foreign currency exchange rates. In addition,
the Fund also may enter into such contracts to seek to increase total return
when the Investment Adviser anticipates that the foreign currency will
appreciate or depreciate in value, but securities denominated or quoted in
that currency do not present attractive investment opportunities and are not
held in the Fund's portfolio. When entered into to seek to increase total
return, forward foreign currency exchange contracts are considered
speculative. The Fund may also engage in cross-hedging by using forward
contracts in a currency     
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
   
different from that in which the hedged security is denominated or quoted if
the Investment Adviser determines that there is a pattern of correlation
between the two currencies. If the Fund enters into a forward foreign currency
exchange contract to buy foreign currency for any purpose or to sell foreign
currency to seek to increase total returns, the Fund will be required to place
cash or liquid assets in a segregated account with the Fund's custodian in an
amount equal to the value of the Fund's total assets committed to the
consummation of the forward contract, or to otherwise cover its position in a
manner permitted by the SEC. The Fund will incur costs in connection with
conversions between various currencies. The Fund may hold foreign currency
received in connection with investments in foreign securities when, in the
judgment of the Investment Adviser, it would be beneficial to convert such
currency in U.S. dollars at a later date, based on anticipated changes in the
relevant exchange rate.     
 
  Currency exchange rates may fluctuate significantly over short periods of
time causing, along with other factors, the Fund's net asset value to
fluctuate. Currency exchange rates generally are determined by the forces of
supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets and the relative merits of
investments in different countries, actual or anticipated changes in interest
rates and other complex factors, as seen from an international perspective.
Currency exchange rates also can be affected unpredictably by the intervention
of U.S. or foreign governments or central banks, or the failure to intervene,
or by currency controls or political developments in the U.S. or abroad. To
the extent that a substantial portion of the Fund's total assets, adjusted to
reflect the Fund's net position after giving effect to currency transactions,
is denominated or quoted in the currencies of foreign countries, the Fund will
be more susceptible to the risk of adverse economic and political developments
within those countries.
 
  The market in forward foreign currency exchange contracts, currency swaps
and other privately negotiated currency instruments offers less protection
against defaults by the other party to such instruments than is available for
currency instruments traded on an exchange. Such contracts are subject to the
risk that the counterparty to the contract will default on its obligations.
Since these contracts are not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a
default on a contract would deprive the Fund of unrealized profits,
transaction costs or the benefits of a currency hedge or force the Fund to
cover its purchase or sale commitments, if any, at the current market price.
The Fund will not enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts,
currency swaps or other privately negotiated instruments unless the credit
quality of the unsecured senior debt or the claims-paying ability of the
counterparty is considered to be investment grade by the Investment Adviser.
 
  The Core Fixed Income Fund's use of foreign currency management techniques
in emerging markets may be limited. Due to the limited market for these
instruments in emerging markets, the Investment Adviser does not currently
anticipate that a significant portion of the Fund's currency exposure in
emerging markets, if any, will be covered by such instruments. For a
discussion of such instruments and the risks associated with their use, see
"Investment Objectives and Policies" in the Additional Statement.
 
STRUCTURED SECURITIES
 
  The Core Fixed Income Fund may invest in structured securities. The value of
the principal of and/or interest on such securities is determined by reference
to changes in the value of specific currencies, interest rates, commodities,
indices or other financial indicators (the "Reference") or the relative change
in two or more References. The interest rate or the principal amount payable
upon maturity or redemption may be increased or decreased depending upon
changes in the applicable Reference. The terms of the structured securities
may provide that in certain circumstances no principal is due at maturity and,
therefore, result in the loss of the Fund's investment. Structured securities
may be positively or negatively indexed, so that appreciation of the Reference
may produce an increase or decrease in the interest rate or value of the
security at maturity. In addition, changes in the interest rates or the value
of the security at maturity may be a multiple of changes in the value of the
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
Reference. Consequently, structured securities may entail a greater degree of
market risk than other types of fixed-income securities. Structured securities
may also be more volatile, less liquid and more difficult to accurately price
than less complex securities.
 
ZERO COUPON, DEFERRED INTEREST, PAY-IN-KIND AND CAPITAL APPRECIATION BONDS
   
  Each Fund may invest in zero coupon, deferred interest and capital
appreciation bonds. These are securities issued at a discount from their face
value because interest payments are typically postponed until maturity. The
amount of the discount rate varies depending on factors including the time
remaining until maturity, prevailing interest rates, the security's liquidity
and the issuer's credit quality. These securities also may take the form of
debt securities that have been stripped of their interest payments. Each Fund
may also invest in pay-in-kind securities which are securities that have
interest payable by the delivery of additional securities. A portion of the
discount with respect to stripped tax-exempt securities or their coupons may
be taxable. The market prices of zero coupon, deferred interest, pay-in-kind
and capital appreciation bonds generally are more volatile than the market
prices of interest-bearing securities and are likely to respond to a greater
degree to changes in interest rates than interest-bearing securities having
similar maturities and credit quality. A Fund's investments in zero coupon,
deferred interest, pay-in-kind and capital appreciation bonds may require the
Fund to sell certain of its portfolio securities to generate sufficient cash
to satisfy certain income distribution requirements. See "Taxation" in the
Additional Statement.     
 
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
 
  INTEREST RATE RISK. When interest rates decline, the market value of fixed
income securities tends to increase. Conversely, when interest rates increase,
the market value of fixed income securities tends to decline. Volatility of a
security's market value will differ depending upon the security's duration,
the issuer and the type of instrument.
 
  DEFAULT RISK/CREDIT RISK. Investments in fixed-income securities are subject
to the risk that the issuer could default on its obligations and a Fund could
sustain losses on such investments. A default could impact both interest and
principal payments.
   
  CALL RISK AND EXTENSION RISK. Fixed-income securities may be subject to both
call risk and extension risk. Call risk (i.e., where the issuer exercises its
right to pay principal on an obligation earlier than scheduled) causes cash
flow to be returned earlier than expected. Call risk typically results when
interest rates have declined. Under such circumstances, a Fund may be unable
to recoup all of its initial investment and will also suffer from having to
reinvest in lower yielding securities. Extension risk (i.e., where the issuer
exercises its right to pay principal on an obligation later than scheduled)
causes cash flows to be returned later than expected. Extension risk typically
results when interest rates have increased. Under such circumstances, a Fund
will suffer from the inability to invest in higher yielding securities.
Certain types of U.S. Government, Asset-Backed, corporate, foreign, Mortgage-
Backed and Municipal Securities have this call and/or extension risk.     
 
  The investment characteristics of Mortgage-Backed Securities and Asset-
Backed Securities differ from those of traditional fixed-income securities
because they generally have both call risk (also known as prepayment risk) and
extension risk. Homeowners have the option to prepay their mortgage.
Therefore, the duration of a security backed by home mortgages can either
shorten (call risk) or lengthen (extension risk). Investors are exposed to the
fluctuating principal and interest payments associated with such securities.
In general, if interest
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
rates on new mortgage loans fall sufficiently below the interest rates on
existing outstanding mortgage loans, the rate of prepayment would be expected
to increase. Conversely, if mortgage loan interest rates rise above the
interest rates on existing outstanding mortgage loans, the rate of prepayment
would be expected to decrease.
   
  ARMs also have the risk of prepayments, which will have a greater impact on
the Adjustable Rate Government Fund. The rate of principal prepayments with
respect to ARMs has fluctuated in recent years. As with fixed-rate mortgage
loans, ARMs may be subject to a greater rate of principal repayments in a
declining interest rate environment. For example, if prevailing interest rates
fall significantly, ARMs could be subject to higher prepayment rates (than if
prevailing interest rates remain constant or increase) because the
availability of low fixed-rate mortgages may encourage mortgagors to refinance
their ARMs to "lock-in" a fixed-rate mortgage. Conversely, if prevailing
interest rates rise significantly, ARMs may prepay more slowly. As with fixed-
rate mortgages, ARM prepayment rates vary in both stable and changing interest
rate environments. There are certain ARMs where the homeowner's payments do
not fully cover interest, so the principal balance increases over time. These
"negative amortizing" ARMs may be subject to greater default risk.     
 
  DERIVATIVE MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES. Because derivative Mortgage-Backed
Securities (such as principal-only (POs), interest-only (IOs) or inverse
floating rate securities) are more exposed to mortgage prepayments, they
generally involve a greater amount of risk. Small changes in prepayments can
significantly impact the cash flow and the market value of these securities.
The risk of faster than anticipated prepayments generally adversely affects
IOs, super floaters and premium priced Mortgage-Backed Securities. The risk of
slower than anticipated prepayments generally adversely affects POs, floating-
rate securities subject to interest rate caps, support tranches and discount
priced Mortgage-Backed Securities. In addition, particular derivative
securities may be leveraged such that their exposure (i.e., price sensitivity)
to interest rate and/or prepayment risk is magnified.
   
  RISKS OF DERIVATIVE TRANSACTIONS. A Fund's transactions, if any, in options,
futures, options on futures, swaps, interest rate caps, floors and collars,
structured securities, inverse floating-rate securities and currency
transactions involve certain risks, including a possible lack of correlation
between changes in the value of hedging instruments and the portfolio assets
being hedged, the potential illiquidity of the markets for derivative
instruments, the risks arising from the margin requirements and related
leverage factors associated with such transactions. The use of these
management techniques to seek to increase total return may be regarded as a
speculative practice and involves the risk of loss if the Investment Adviser
is incorrect in its expectation of fluctuations in securities prices, interest
rates or currency prices. A Fund's use of certain derivative transactions may
be limited by the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code") for qualification as a regulated investment company.     
   
  TAX RISK OF MUNICIPAL SECURITIES.  The yields and market values of Municipal
Securities may be more adversely impacted by changes in tax rates and policies
than taxable fixed-income securities. Because interest income from Municipal
Securities is normally not subject to regular federal income taxation, the
attractiveness of Municipal Securities in relation to other investment
alternatives is affected by changes in federal income tax rates applicable to,
or the continuing federal income tax-exempt status of, such interest income.
Any proposed or actual changes in such rates or exempt status, therefore, can
significantly affect the demand for and supply, liquidity and marketability of
Municipal Securities, which could in turn affect the Fund's ability to acquire
and dispose of Municipal Securities at desirable yield and price levels.     
 
  OTHER RISKS. Floating-rate derivative debt securities present more complex
types of interest rate risks. For example, range floaters are subject to the
risk that the coupon will be reduced below market rates if a designated
interest rate floats outside of a specified interest rate band or collar. Dual
index or yield curve floaters are subject to lower prices in the event of an
unfavorable change in the spread between two designated interest rates.
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
  Asset-Backed Securities present certain credit risks that are not presented
by Mortgage-Backed Securities because Asset-Backed Securities generally do not
have the benefit of a security interest in collateral that is comparable to
mortgage assets. There is the possibility that, in some cases, recoveries on
repossessed collateral may not be available to support payments on these
securities.
 
  FOREIGN RISKS. See "Foreign Securities" for a description of the risks of
investing in foreign securities and currencies.
 
 
                             INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES
 
 
  MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLLS. The Adjustable Rate Government, Short Duration
Government and Core Fixed Income Funds may enter into mortgage "dollar rolls"
in which a Fund sells securities for delivery in the current month and
simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase
substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) but not identical
securities on a specified future date. During the roll period, the Fund loses
the right to receive principal and interest paid on the securities sold.
However, the Fund would benefit to the extent of any difference between the
price received for the securities sold and the lower forward price for the
future purchase or fee income plus the interest earned on the cash proceeds of
the securities sold until the settlement date for the forward purchase. Unless
such benefits exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain or loss due to
mortgage prepayments that would have been realized on the securities sold as
part of the mortgage dollar roll, the use of this technique will diminish the
investment performance of the Fund. Successful use of mortgage dollar rolls
depends upon the Investment Adviser's ability to predict correctly interest
rates and mortgage prepayments. There is no assurance that mortgage dollar
rolls can be successfully employed. The Fund will hold and maintain in a
segregated account until the settlement date cash or liquid assets in an
amount equal to the forward purchase price. For financial reporting and tax
purposes, each Fund treats mortgage dollar rolls as two separate transactions;
one involving the purchase of a security and a separate transaction involving
a sale. The Funds do not currently intend to enter into mortgage dollar rolls
that are accounted for as a financing.
   
  OPTIONS ON SECURITIES AND SECURITIES INDICES. Each Fund may write (sell)
covered call and put options and purchase put and call options on any
securities in which it may invest or on any securities index comprised of
securities in which it may invest. The writing and purchase of options is a
highly specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks
different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities
transactions. The use of options to seek to increase total return involves the
risk of loss if the Investment Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of
fluctuations in securities prices or interest rates. The successful use of
options for hedging purposes also depends in part on the ability of the
Investment Adviser to manage future price fluctuations and the degree of
correlation between the options and securities markets. If the Investment
Adviser is incorrect in its expectation of changes in securities prices or
determination of the correlation between the securities indices on which
options are written and purchased and the securities in a Fund's investment
portfolio, the investment performance of the Fund will be less favorable than
it would have been in the absence of such options transactions. The writing of
options could increase a Fund's portfolio turnover rate and, therefore,
associated brokerage commissions or spreads.     
 
  OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES. The Core Fixed Income Fund may, to the extent
it invests in foreign securities, purchase and sell (write) put and call
options on foreign currencies for the purpose of protecting against declines
in the U.S. dollar value of foreign portfolio securities and against increases
in the U.S. dollar cost of foreign securities to be acquired. In addition, the
Core Fixed Income Fund may use options on currency
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
   
to cross-hedge, which involves writing or purchasing options on one currency
to hedge against changes in exchange rates for a different currency, if there
is a pattern of correlation between the two currencies. As with other kinds of
option transactions, however, the writing of an option on foreign currency
will constitute only a partial hedge, up to the amount of the premium
received. If an option that the Fund has written is exercised, the 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; however,
in the event of exchange rate movements adverse to the Fund's position, the
Fund may forfeit the entire amount of the premium plus related transaction
costs. In addition to purchasing put and call options for hedging purposes,
the Fund may purchase call or put options on currency to seek to increase
total return when the Investment Adviser anticipates that the currency will
appreciate or depreciate in value, but the securities quoted or denominated in
that currency do not present attractive investment opportunities and are not
held in the Fund's portfolio. When purchased or sold to seek to increase total
return, options on currencies are considered speculative. Options on foreign
currencies to be written or purchased by the Fund will be traded on U.S. and
foreign exchanges or over-the-counter.     
   
  FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. To seek to increase
total return or to hedge against changes in interest rates or securities
prices or, in the case of the Core Fixed Income Fund, currency exchange rates,
a Fund may purchase and sell various kinds of futures contracts, and purchase
and write call and put options on any of such futures contracts. Each Fund may
also enter into closing purchase and sale transactions with respect to any
such contracts and options. The futures contracts may be based on various
securities (such as U.S. Government Securities), foreign currencies, in the
case of the Core Fixed Income Fund, securities indices and other financial
instruments and indices. A Fund will engage in futures and related options
transactions for bona fide hedging purposes as defined in regulations of the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission or to seek to increase total return to
the extent permitted by such regulations. A Fund may not purchase or sell
futures contracts or purchase or sell related options to seek to increase
total return, except for closing purchase or sale transactions, if immediately
thereafter the sum of the amount of initial margin deposits and premiums paid
on a Fund's outstanding positions in futures and related options entered into
for the purpose of seeking to increase total return would exceed 5% of the
market value of a Fund's net assets. These transactions involve brokerage
costs, require margin deposits and, in the case of contracts and options
obligating the Fund to purchase securities or currencies, require the Fund to
segregate and maintain cash or liquid assets with a value equal to the amount
of the Fund's obligations or to otherwise cover the obligations in a manner
permitted by the SEC.     
   
  While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce
certain risks, such transactions themselves entail certain other risks. See
"Investment Techniques--Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts" in
the Additional Statement. Thus, while a Fund may benefit from the use of
futures and options on futures, unanticipated changes in interest rates,
securities prices or currency exchange rates may result in a poorer overall
performance than if the Fund had not entered into any futures contracts or
options transactions. Because perfect correlation between a futures position
and portfolio position that is intended to be protected is impossible to
achieve, the desired protection may not be obtained and a Fund may be exposed
to risk of loss. The loss incurred by a Fund in entering into futures
contracts and in writing call options on futures is potentially unlimited and
may exceed the amount of the premium received. Futures markets are highly
volatile and the use of futures may increase the volatility of a Fund's net
asset value. The profitability of a Fund's trading in futures to seek to
increase total return depends upon the ability of the Investment Adviser to
analyze correctly the futures markets. In addition, because of the low margin
deposits normally required in futures trading, a relatively small price
movement in a futures contract may result in substantial losses to a Fund.
Further, futures contracts and options on futures may be illiquid, and
exchanges may limit fluctuations in futures contract prices during a single
day.     
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
          
  CURRENCY SWAPS. The Core Fixed Income Fund may enter into currency swaps for
hedging purposes or to seek to increase total return. Currency swaps involve
the exchange by a Fund with another party of their respective rights to make
or receive payments in specified currencies. Currency swaps usually involve
the delivery of a gross payment stream in one designated currency in exchange
for the gross payment stream in another designated currency. Therefore, the
entire payment stream under a currency swap is subject to the risk that the
other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery obligations.
The Fund will not enter into swap transactions unless the unsecured commercial
paper, senior debt or claims-paying ability of the other party thereto is
rated either AA or A-1 or better by S&P or Aa or P-1 or better by Moody's, or,
if unrated by such rating organizations, determined to be of comparable
quality by the Investment Adviser. The use of currency swaps is a highly
specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different
from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the
Investment Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts of currency exchange rates,
the investment performance of the Fund would be less favorable than it would
have been if this investment technique were not used.     
       
  WHEN-ISSUED SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS. Each Fund may purchase when-
issued securities. When-issued transactions arise when securities are
purchased by a Fund with payment and delivery taking place in the future in
order to secure what is considered to be an advantageous price and yield to
the Fund at the time of entering into the transaction. Each Fund may also
purchase securities on a forward commitment basis; that is, make contracts to
purchase securities for a fixed price at a future date beyond the customary
three-day settlement. A Fund is required to hold and maintain in a segregated
account with the Fund's custodian until three days prior to settlement date,
cash or liquid assets in an amount sufficient to meet the purchase price.
Alternatively, each Fund may enter into offsetting contracts for the forward
sale of other securities that it owns. The purchase of securities on a when-
issued or forward commitment basis involves a risk of loss if the value of the
security to be purchased declines prior to the settlement date. Although a
Fund would generally purchase securities on a when-issued or forward
commitment basis with the intention of acquiring securities for its portfolio,
a Fund may dispose of when-issued securities or forward commitments prior to
settlement if the Investment Adviser deems it appropriate to do so.
   
  ILLIQUID AND RESTRICTED SECURITIES. A Fund may not invest more than 15% of
its net assets in illiquid investments, which include securities (both foreign
and domestic) that are not readily marketable, certain SMBS, certain municipal
leases and participation interests, repurchase agreements maturing in more
than seven days, time deposits with a notice or demand period of more than
seven days, certain over-the-counter options, and certain restricted
securities, unless it is determined, based upon the continuing review of the
trading markets for a specific restricted security, that such restricted
security is eligible for resale under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of
1933 and, therefore, is liquid. The Trustees have adopted guidelines under
which the Investment Adviser determines and monitors the liquidity of
portfolio securities subject to the oversight of the Trustees. Investing in
restricted securities eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A may decrease
the liquidity in a Fund to the extent that qualified institutional buyers
become for a time uninterested in purchasing these restricted securities. The
purchase price and subsequent valuation of restricted and illiquid securities
normally reflect a discount, which may be significant, from the market price
of comparable securities for which a liquid market exists.     
 
  REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with
dealers in U.S. Government Securities and member banks of the Federal Reserve
System which furnish collateral at least equal in value or market price to the
amount of their repurchase obligation. Core Fixed Income Fund may also enter
into repurchase agreements involving certain foreign government securities. If
the other party or "seller" defaults, a Fund might suffer a loss to the extent
that the proceeds from the sale of the underlying securities and
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
other collateral held by the Fund in connection with the related repurchase
agreement are less than the repurchase price. In addition, in the event of
bankruptcy of the seller or failure of the seller to repurchase the securities
as agreed, a Fund could suffer losses, including loss of interest on or
principal of the security and costs associated with delay and enforcement of
the repurchase agreement. The Trustees have reviewed and approved certain
counterparties whom they believe to be creditworthy and have authorized the
Funds to enter into repurchase agreements with such counterparties. In
addition, each Fund, together with other registered investment companies
having management agreements with the Investment Adviser, may transfer
uninvested cash balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate
balance of which will be invested in one or more repurchase agreements.
   
  TEMPORARY INVESTMENTS. Each Fund may, for temporary defensive purposes,
invest up to 100% of its total assets in (i) U. S. Government Securities or
(ii) repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. Government Securities. The
Short Duration Tax-Free Fund may for temporary defensive purposes depart from
its stated investment objectives and invest more than 20% of its net assets in
taxable investments.     
 
MISCELLANEOUS TECHNIQUES
 
  In addition to the techniques and investments described above, each Fund
may, with respect to no more than 5% of its net assets, engage in the
following techniques and investments: (i) portfolio securities lending, (ii)
mortgage swaps (other than Short Duration Tax-Free Fund) and interest rate
swaps, caps, floors and collars, (iii) inverse floating rate securities, (iv)
yield curve options, (v) investments in other investment companies, (vi)
custodial receipts and (vii) with respect to the Short Duration Tax-Free Fund,
tender option bonds and standby commitments. For more information see the
Additional Statement.
   
  In addition, each Fund may borrow up to 33 1/3% of its total assets from
banks for temporary or emergency purposes. A Fund may not make additional
investments if borrowings (excluding covered mortgage dollar rolls) exceed 5%
of its total assets. For more information, see the Additional Statement.     
 
 
                            INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
   
  Each Fund is subject to certain investment restrictions that are described
in detail under "Investment Restrictions" in the Additional Statement.
Fundamental investment restrictions of a Fund cannot be changed without
approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of that Fund as defined in
the Additional Statement. Each Fund's investment objectives and all policies
not specifically designated as fundamental are non-fundamental and may be
changed without shareholder approval. If there is a change in a Fund's
investment objectives, shareholders should consider whether that Fund still
remains an appropriate investment in light of their then current financial
positions and needs.     
 
  The Short Duration Tax-Free Fund's policy to invest, under normal market
conditions, at least 80% of its net assets in Municipal Securities, the
interest on which is exempt from regular federal income tax, is fundamental
and may not be changed without shareholder approval. For more information on a
Fund's investment restrictions, an investor should obtain the Additional
Statement.
 
 
                              PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
 
 
  Each Fund may engage in active short-term trading to benefit from yield
disparities among different issues of securities or among the markets for
fixed-income securities, or for other reasons. It is anticipated that the
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
portfolio turnover rate of each Fund will vary from year to year. The
portfolio turnover rate is computed by dividing the lesser of the dollar
amount of securities purchased or securities sold (excluding all securities
whose maturities at acquisition are one year or less) by the average monthly
value of such securities owned during the year. A 100% turnover rate would
occur, for example, if all of the securities held by a Fund were sold and
replaced within one year. The Investment Adviser will not consider the
portfolio turnover rate a limiting factor in making investment decisions for a
Fund consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and portfolio management
policies. A high rate of portfolio turnover results in increased transaction
costs to a Fund. The portfolio turnover rate includes the effect of entering
into mortgage dollar rolls. See "Financial Highlights" for a statement of each
Fund's historical portfolio turnover rates.
 
 
                                  MANAGEMENT
 
 
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
 
  The Trustees are responsible for deciding matters of general policy and
reviewing the actions of the Investment Advisers, distributor and transfer
agent. The officers of the Trust conduct and supervise each Fund's daily
business operations. The Additional Statement contains information as to the
identity of, and other information about, the Trustees and officers of the
Trust.
 
INVESTMENT ADVISERS
   
  INVESTMENT ADVISERS. Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P., One New York
Plaza, New York, New York 10004, a Delaware limited partnership which is an
affiliate of Goldman Sachs, serves as investment adviser to the Short Duration
Government and Adjustable Rate Government Funds. Goldman Sachs Funds
Management, L.P. registered as an investment adviser in 1990. Goldman Sachs
Asset Management, One New York Plaza, New York, New York 10004, a separate
operating division of Goldman Sachs, serves as the investment adviser to the
Short Duration Tax-Free and Core Fixed Income Funds. Goldman Sachs registered
as an investment adviser in 1981. As of January 26, 1998, GSAM and GSFM,
together with their affiliates, acted as investment adviser or distributor for
assets in excess of $140 billion.     
 
  Under a Management Agreement with each Fund, the applicable Investment
Adviser, subject to the general supervision of the Trustees, provides day-to-
day advice as to the Fund's portfolio transactions. Goldman Sachs has agreed
to permit the Trust to use the name "Goldman Sachs" or a derivative thereof as
part of each Fund's name for as long as a Fund's Management Agreement is in
effect.
   
  In performing its investment advisory services, each Investment Adviser,
while remaining ultimately responsible for the management of the Funds, is
able to draw upon the research and expertise of its asset management
affiliates for portfolio decisions and management with respect to certain
portfolio securities. In addition, the Investment Advisers will have access to
the research of, and certain proprietary technical models developed by,
Goldman Sachs and may apply quantitative and qualitative analysis in
determining the appropriate allocations among the categories of issuers and
types of securities.     
 
  Under the Management Agreement, each Investment Adviser also: (i) supervises
all non-advisory operations of each Fund that it advises; (ii) provides
personnel to perform such executive, administrative and clerical services as
are reasonably necessary to provide effective administration of each Fund;
(iii) arranges for at each Fund's expense (a) the preparation of all required
tax returns, (b) the preparation and submission of reports to
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
existing shareholders, (c) the periodic updating of prospectuses and
statements of additional information and (d) the preparation of reports to be
filed with the SEC and other regulatory authorities; (iv) maintains each
Fund's records; and (v) provides office space and all necessary office
equipment and services.
   
  ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT AND SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUNDS. The Funds'
portfolio managers are Jonathan A. Beinner, Richard C. Lucy, James B. Clark,
Peter D. Dion and James P. McCarthy. Their responsibilities include investing
in the particular types of securities the Funds may hold. Mr. Beinner is a
Managing Director of Goldman Sachs and Co-Head of GSAM's U.S. Fixed Income
Department. Mr. Beinner joined the Investment Adviser in 1990. Mr. Lucy is a
Vice President of Goldman Sachs and Co-Head of GSAM's U.S. Fixed Income
Department. Mr. Lucy joined the Investment Adviser in 1992. Mr. Clark joined
GSAM in 1994 after working as a senior trader at the Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation. Prior to that, he was an investment manager at Travelers
Insurance Company. Mr. Dion is a Vice President of Goldman Sachs and joined
GSAM in 1992. Mr. McCarthy is a Vice President of Goldman Sachs. Mr. McCarthy
joined GSAM in 1995 after working as a bond trader at Nomura Securities.     
   
  CORE FIXED INCOME FUND. The Fund's portfolio managers are Jonathan A.
Beinner and Richard C. Lucy. See above for information about Mr. Beinner and
Mr. Lucy. Messrs. Beinner and Lucy each specialize in investing in a
particular type of security the Fund may hold.     
 
  SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND. The Fund's portfolio managers are Benjamin S.
Thompson and Elisabeth Schupf Lonsdale. Mr. Thompson and Ms. Lonsdale each
specialize in municipal securities. Mr. Thompson's responsibilities include
developing investment strategy and structuring portfolios. Ms. Lonsdale is
also responsible for GSAM's municipal credit research. Mr. Thompson worked in
the institutional sales and marketing group at GSAM until he joined the fixed-
income team in 1993. Prior to joining GSAM in early 1992, Mr. Thompson worked
in the Structured Finance Group of the Chase Manhattan Bank. Before rejoining
Goldman Sachs in 1995, Ms. Lonsdale was a Director of Fitch Investors Service
evaluating the credit ratings of tax-backed issues. Prior to that, she worked
for ten years in Goldman Sachs's Municipal Finance Department.
   
  It is the responsibility of the Investment Adviser to make the investment
decisions for a Fund and to place the purchase and sale orders for a Fund's
portfolio transactions in U.S. and foreign markets. Such orders may be
directed to any broker including, to the extent and in the manner permitted by
applicable law, Goldman Sachs or its affiliates. In effecting purchases and
sales of portfolio securities for the Funds, the Investment Advisers will seek
the best price and execution of a Fund's orders. In doing so, where two or
more brokers or dealers offer comparable prices and execution for a particular
trade, consideration may be given to whether the broker or dealer provides
investment research or brokerage services or sells shares of any Goldman Sachs
Fund. See the Additional Statement for a further description of the Investment
Advisers' brokerage allocation practices.     
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
  As compensation for its services rendered and assumption of certain expenses
pursuant to separate Management Agreements, GSAM and GSFM are entitled to the
following fees, computed daily and payable monthly at the annual rates listed
below:
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                FOR THE FISCAL
                                                                YEAR OR PERIOD
                                                   CONTRACTUAL       ENDED
                                                      RATE*    OCTOBER 31, 1997*
                                                   ----------- -----------------
<S>                                                <C>         <C>
GSAM
- ----
  Short Duration Tax-Free.........................    0.40%          0.40%
  Core Fixed Income...............................    0.40%          0.40%
GSFM
- ----
  Short Duration Government.......................    0.50%          0.40%
  Adjustable Rate Government......................    0.40%          0.40%
</TABLE>    
- --------
   
* The difference, if any, between the stated fees and the actual fees paid by
  the Funds reflects that the applicable Investment Adviser did not charge the
  full amount of the fees to which it would have been entitled for the year
  ended October 31, 1997. Effective March 1, 1998, the management fee for the
  Short Duration Government Fund will equal 0.50%. The Investment Advisers may
  discontinue or modify such limitations in the future at their discretion,
  although they have no current intention to do so.     
 
  The Investment Advisers have voluntarily agreed to reduce or limit certain
"Other Expenses" of each Fund, other than the Adjustable Rate Government Fund
(excluding management fees, fees under administration plans, taxes, interest
and brokerage fees and litigation, indemnification and other extraordinary
expenses), to the extent such expenses exceed 0.05% per annum of a Fund's
average daily net assets, respectively. Such reductions or limits, if any, are
calculated monthly on a cumulative basis and may be discontinued or modified
by the applicable Investment Adviser in its discretion at any time.
   
  Goldman Sachs may from time to time, at its own expense, provide
compensation to certain Service Organizations and other persons for providing
administrative services to their customers. These services include maintaining
account records, processing orders to purchase, redeem and exchange shares and
responding to certain customer inquiries. In addition, these services may also
include responding to certain inquiries from and providing written materials
to institutions and their customers about a Fund; furnishing advice about and
assisting institutions in obtaining from state regulatory agencies any
rulings, exemptions or other authorizations that may be required to conduct a
mutual fund sales program; acting as liaison between institutions and national
regulatory organizations; assisting with the preparation of sales material;
and providing general assistance and advice in establishing and maintaining
mutual fund sales programs on the premises of institutions.     
   
  ACTIVITIES OF GOLDMAN SACHS AND ITS AFFILIATES AND OTHER ACCOUNTS MANAGED BY
GOLDMAN SACHS. The involvement of the Investment Advisers, Goldman Sachs and
their affiliates in the management of, or their interest in, other accounts
and other activities of Goldman Sachs may present conflicts of interest with
respect to a Fund or limit a Fund's investment activities. Goldman Sachs and
its affiliates engage in proprietary trading and advise accounts and funds
which have investment objectives similar to those of the Funds and/or which
engage in and compete for transactions in the same types of securities,
currencies and instruments as the Funds. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates will
not have any obligation to make available any information regarding their
proprietary activities or strategies, or the activities or strategies used for
other accounts managed by them, for the benefit of the management of the
Funds. The results of a Fund's investment activities, therefore, may differ
from those of Goldman Sachs and its affiliates and it is possible that a Fund
could sustain losses during periods in which     
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
   
Goldman Sachs and its affiliates and other accounts achieve significant
profits on their trading for proprietary or other accounts. In addition, the
Funds may, from time to time, enter into transactions in which other clients
of Goldman Sachs have an adverse interest. From time to time, a Fund's
activities may be limited because of regulatory restrictions applicable to
Goldman Sachs and its affiliates, and/or their internal policies designed to
comply with such restrictions. See "Management -- Activities of Goldman Sachs
and its Affiliates and Other Accounts Managed by Goldman Sachs" in the
Additional Statement for further information.     
 
DISTRIBUTOR AND TRANSFER AGENT
   
  Goldman Sachs, 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004, serves as the
exclusive distributor (the "Distributor") of each Fund's shares. Goldman
Sachs, 4900 Sears Tower, Chicago, Illinois 60606 also serves as each Fund's
transfer agent (the "Transfer Agent") and as such performs various shareholder
servicing functions. Shareholders with inquiries regarding any Fund should
contact Goldman Sachs (as Transfer Agent) at the address or the telephone
number set forth on the back cover page of this Prospectus. The Adjustable
Rate Government, Short Duration Government, Short Duration Tax-Free and Core
Fixed Income Funds pay Goldman Sachs transfer agency fees and expenses with
respect to, Administration Shares equal to that class's proportionate share of
the total transfer agency costs borne by the Fund. Those costs are equal to a
fixed per account charge of $12,000 per year plus $7.50 per account, together
with out-of-pocket and transaction related expenses applicable to Class A,
Class B and Class C shares where applicable plus 0.04% of the average daily
net assets of the other classes of the Funds.     
   
  From time to time, Goldman Sachs or any of its affiliates may purchase and
hold shares of the Funds. Goldman Sachs reserves the right to redeem at any
time some or all of the shares acquired for its own account.     
 
 
                                   DIVIDENDS
   
  Each Fund will declare a daily dividend which will be paid monthly. Over the
course of the fiscal year, dividends accrued and paid will constitute all or
substantially all of the Funds' net investment income. From time to time a
portion of such dividends may constitute a return of capital. In the case of
Core Fixed Income Fund, net loss, if any, from certain foreign currency
transactions or instruments that is otherwise taken into account in
calculating net investment income or net realized capital gains for accounting
purposes may not be taken into account in determining the amount of dividends
to be declared and paid, with the result that a portion of the Fund's
dividends may be treated as a return of capital, nontaxable to the extent of a
shareholder's tax basis in his shares. The Funds also intend that all net
realized capital gains will be declared as a dividend at least annually. In
determining amounts of capital gains to be distributed, capital losses,
including any available capital loss carryovers from prior years, will be
offset against capital gains.     
   
  A Fund's net investment income is determined on a daily basis. On days on
which net asset value is calculated, such determination is made immediately
prior to the calculation of a Fund's net asset value. On days on which net
asset value is not calculated, such determination is made as of 3:00 p.m.
Chicago time.     
   
  Payment of dividends from net investment income will be made on the last
calendar day of each month in additional shares of the Fund at the net asset
value on such day, unless cash distributions are elected, in which case, cash
payment will be made on the first Business Day of the succeeding month.
Payment of dividends with     
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
respect to capital gains, if any, when declared will be made in additional
shares of the Fund at the net asset value on the payment date, unless cash
distributions are elected. This election to receive dividends in cash is
initially made on the Account Information Form and may be changed upon written
notice to the Transfer Agent at any time prior to the record date for a
particular dividend or distribution. If cash dividends are elected with
respect to the Fund's monthly net investment income dividends, then cash
dividends must also be elected with respect to the non-long-term capital gains
component, if any, of the Fund's annual dividend.
 
  At the time of an investor's purchase of shares of a Fund, a portion of the
net asset value per share may be represented by realized or unrealized
appreciation of any Fund's portfolio securities. Therefore, subsequent
distributions on such shares from such income or realized appreciation may be
taxable to the investor even if the net asset value of the shares is, as a
result of the distributions, reduced below the cost of such shares and the
distributions (or portions thereof) represent a return of a portion of the
purchase price.
 
 
                                NET ASSET VALUE
   
  The net asset value per share of each class of a Fund is calculated by the
Fund's custodian as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock
Exchange (normally, but not always, 3:00 p.m. Chicago time, 4:00 p.m. New York
time) on each Business Day (as such term is defined under "Additional
Information") immediately after the determination, if any, of the income to be
declared as a dividend. Net asset value per share of each class is calculated
by determining the net assets of each class and dividing by the number of
outstanding shares of that class.     
 
  Each Fund's portfolio securities for which accurate market quotations are
readily available are valued on the basis of quotations, which may be
furnished by a pricing service or provided by dealers in such securities and
other portfolio securities are valued at fair value, based on yield
equivalents, a pricing matrix or other sources, under valuation procedures
established by the Trustees. Debt obligations with a remaining maturity of 60
days or less are valued at amortized cost. The Board of Trustees has
determined that the amortized cost of such securities approximates fair market
value.
 
 
                            PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
 
 
  From time to time each Fund may publish yield, distribution rate and average
annual total return and the Short Duration Tax-Free Fund may publish its tax
equivalent yield in advertisements and communications to shareholders or
prospective investors. Average annual total return is determined by computing
the average annual percentage change in value of $1,000 invested at the
maximum public offering price for specified periods ending with the most
recent calendar quarter, assuming reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions at net asset value. The total return calculation assumes a
complete redemption of the investment at the end of the relevant period. Each
Fund may also from time to time advertise total return on a cumulative,
average, year-by-year or other basis for various specified periods by means of
quotations, charts, graphs or schedules. In addition to the above, each Fund
may from time to time advertise its performance relative to certain averages,
performance rankings, indices, other information prepared by recognized mutual
fund statistical services and investments for which reliable performance data
is available.
 
  Yield is computed by dividing net investment income earned during a recent
thirty-day period by the product of the average daily number of shares
outstanding and entitled to receive dividends during the period
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
and the maximum offering price per share on the last day of the relevant
period. The results are compounded on a bond equivalent (semiannual) basis and
then annualized. Net investment income per share is equal to the dividends and
interest earned during the period, reduced by accrued expenses for the period.
The calculation of net investment income for these purposes may differ from
the net investment income determined for accounting purposes.
 
  Tax equivalent yield represents the yield an investor would have to earn to
equal, after taxes, the Short Duration Tax-Free Fund's tax-free yield. Tax
equivalent yield is calculated by dividing the Short Duration Tax-Free Fund's
tax-exempt yield by one minus a stated federal tax rate.
 
  Quotations of distribution rates are calculated by annualizing the most
recent distribution of net investment income for a monthly, quarterly or other
relevant period and dividing this amount by the net asset value per share or
maximum public offering price on the last day of the period for which the
distribution rates are being calculated.
 
  Each Fund's yield, total return and distribution rate will be calculated
separately for each class of shares in existence. Because each class of shares
may be subject to different expenses, the yield, total return and distribution
rate calculations with respect to each class of shares for the same period
will differ. See "Shares of the Trust."
 
  The investment results of a Fund will fluctuate over time and any
presentation of investment results for any prior period should not be
considered a representation of what an investment may earn or what the Fund's
performance may be in any future period. In addition to information provided
in shareholder reports, the Funds may, in their discretion, from time to time,
make a list of their holdings available to investors upon request.
 
 
                              SHARES OF THE TRUST
 
 
  Each Fund is a series of the Goldman Sachs Trust, which was formed under the
laws of the State of Delaware on January 28, 1997. The Funds were formerly
series of Goldman Sachs Trust, a Massachusetts business trust, and were
reorganized into the Trust as of April 30, 1997. The Trustees have authority
under the Trust's Declaration of Trust to create and classify shares of
beneficial interest in separate series, without further action by
shareholders. Additional series may be added in the future. The Trustees also
have authority to classify or reclassify any series or portfolio of shares
into one or more classes.
 
  When issued, shares are fully paid and non-assessable. In the event of
liquidation, shareholders are entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of
the applicable Fund available for distribution to such shareholders. All
shares are freely transferable and have no preemptive, subscription or
conversion rights. Shareholders are entitled to one vote per share, provided
that at the option of the Trustees, shareholders will be entitled to a number
of votes based upon the net asset values represented by their shares.
   
  The Trust does not intend to hold annual meetings of shareholders. However,
pursuant to the Trust's By-Laws, the recordholders of at least 10% of the
shares outstanding and entitled to vote at a special meeting may require the
Trust to hold such special meeting of shareholders for any purpose, and
recordholders may, under certain circumstances, as permitted by the Act,
communicate with other shareholders in connection with requiring a special
meeting of shareholders. The Trustees will call a special meeting of
shareholders for the purpose of electing Trustees, if, at any time, less than
a majority of Trustees holding office at the time were elected by
shareholders.     
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
   
  In the interest of economy and convenience, the Trust does not issue
certificates representing the Fund's shares. Instead, the Transfer Agent
maintains a record of each shareholder's ownership. Each shareholder of record
receives confirmation of purchase and redemption orders from the Transfer
Agent. Fund shares and any dividends and distributions paid by the Funds are
reflected in account statements from the Transfer Agent.     
   
  As of February 1, 1998, the shareholder listed below owned beneficially and
of record 25% or more of the outstanding shares of the following Fund: Short
Duration Government Fund--State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 1992,
Boston, MA 02105-1992 (29.64%).     
 
 
                                   TAXATION
 
 
FEDERAL TAXES
 
  Each Fund is treated as a separate entity for tax purposes, has elected to
be treated as a regulated investment company and intends to qualify for such
treatment for each taxable year under Subchapter M of the Code. To qualify as
such, a Fund must satisfy certain requirements relating to the sources of its
income, diversification of its assets and distribution of its income to
shareholders. As a regulated investment company, a Fund will not be subject to
federal income or excise tax on any net investment income and net realized
capital gains that are distributed to its shareholders in accordance with
certain timing requirements of the Code.
   
  The Short Duration Tax-Free Fund intends to satisfy certain requirements of
the Code so that it may distribute the tax-exempt interest it receives as
"exempt-interest dividends," as defined in the Code. If such requirements are
satisfied, distributions of the Short Duration Tax-Free Fund that are
attributable to interest on tax-exempt obligations and that the Fund properly
designates as exempt-interest dividends will be exempt from regular federal
income tax, although all or a portion of these distributions may be subject to
the federal alternative minimum tax and may be includable in the tax base for
determining taxability of social security or railroad retirement benefits.
Persons who are "substantial users" (or related persons to such substantial
users) of facilities financed by industrial development or certain private
activity bonds should consult their own tax advisers before purchasing shares
of the Short Duration Tax-Free Fund. Interest on indebtedness incurred or
continued to purchase or carry shares of the Short Duration Tax-Free Fund is
not deductible to the extent attributable to the Short Duration Tax-Free
Fund's distributions that are exempt-interest dividends.     
   
  Dividends paid by a Fund from net investment income, certain net realized
foreign exchange gains, the excess of net short-term capital gain over net
long-term capital loss and original issue discount or market discount income
will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income, except for any exempt-
interest dividends paid by Short Duration Tax-Free Fund, as described above.
Distributions out of the net capital gain (the excess of net long-term capital
gain over net short-term capital loss), if any, of a Fund, will be taxed to
shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time a
shareholder has held his or her shares or whether such gain was reflected in
the price paid for the shares. Such long-term capital gain will constitute 20%
or 28% rate gain, depending upon the Fund's holding period for the assets the
sale of which generated the gain. These tax consequences will apply whether
distributions are received in cash or reinvested in shares. Certain
distributions paid by a Fund in January of a given year may be taxable to
shareholders as if received the prior December 31. Shareholders will be
informed annually about the amount and character of distributions received
from the Funds for federal income tax purposes.     
 
  Investors should consider the tax implications of buying shares immediately
prior to a distribution. Investors who purchase shares shortly before the
record date for a distribution other than a daily dividend will pay a per
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
share price that includes the value of the anticipated distribution and will
be taxed on any taxable distribution even though the distribution represents a
return of a portion of the purchase price.
 
  Redemptions and exchanges of shares are taxable events.
 
  Individuals and certain other classes of shareholders may be subject to 31%
backup withholding of federal income tax on distributions (other than exempt-
interest dividends), redemptions and exchanges if they fail to furnish their
correct taxpayer identification number and certain certifications required by
the Internal Revenue Service or if they are otherwise subject to backup
withholding. Individuals, corporations and other shareholders that are not
U.S. persons under the Code are subject to different tax rules and may be
subject to non-resident alien withholding at the rate of 30% (or a lower rate
provided by an applicable tax treaty) on amounts treated as ordinary dividends
from the Funds.
   
  The Core Fixed Income Fund may be subject to foreign withholding or other
foreign taxes on income or gain from certain foreign securities. In general,
the Fund may deduct these taxes in computing its taxable income, if any. As an
alternative, if more than 50% of the value of its total assets is comprised of
stock or securities of foreign corporations at the end of its taxable year and
the Fund so elects, the Fund's shareholders will include in their gross
incomes (in addition to dividends and distributions they receive) their pro
rata shares of qualified foreign taxes paid by the Fund and may be entitled
under the Code to claim foreign tax credits or deductions with respect to such
taxes.     
 
OTHER TAXES
 
  In addition to federal taxes, a shareholder may be subject to state, local
or foreign taxes on payments received from the Funds, including exempt-
interest dividends. A state income (and possibly local income and/or
intangible property) tax exemption is generally available to the extent (if
any) a Fund's distributions are derived from interest on (or, in the case of
intangible property taxes, the value of its assets is attributable to) certain
U.S. government obligations and/or tax-exempt municipal obligations issued by
or on behalf of the particular state or a political subdivision thereof,
provided in some states that certain thresholds for holdings of such
obligations and/or reporting requirements are satisfied. For a further
discussion of certain tax consequences of investing in shares of the Funds,
see "Taxation" in the Additional Statement. Shareholders are urged to consult
their own tax advisers regarding specific questions as to federal, state and
local taxes as well as to any foreign taxes.
                             
                          ADDITIONAL INFORMATION     
          
  As used in this Prospectus, the term "Business Day" means any day the New
York Stock Exchange is open for trading, which is Monday through Friday except
for holidays. The New York Stock Exchange is closed on the following holidays:
New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day (observed), Good
Friday, Memorial Day (observed), Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day
and Christmas Day.     
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
 
                              ADMINISTRATION PLAN
 
  The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has adopted an Administration Plan with
respect to the Administration Shares which authorizes a Fund to compensate
certain institutions ("Service Organizations") for providing account
administration services to their customers who are beneficial owners of such
Shares. The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, enters into agreements with Service
Organizations which purchase Administration Shares on behalf of their
customers ("Service Agreements"). The Service Agreements provide for
compensation to the Service Organizations in an amount up to 0.25% (on an
annualized basis) of the average daily net assets of the Administration Shares
of the Fund attributable to or held in the name of the Service Organization
for its customers. The services provided by the Service Organizations may
include acting, directly or through an agent, as the sole shareholder of
record, maintaining account records for customers and processing orders to
purchase, redeem or exchange Administration Shares for customers.
   
  Normally, purchase, exchange and redemption orders processed by a Service
Organization on behalf of its customers will not be effective until received
by Goldman Sachs as described herein. The Trust may, however, authorize
certain Service Organizations to accept on the Trust's behalf orders placed by
their customers and, if approved by the Trust, to designate other
intermediaries to accept such orders. In these cases, a Fund will be deemed to
have received an order in proper form when the order is accepted by the
authorized Service Organization or intermediary on a Business Day, and the
order will be priced at a Fund's net asset value per share next determined
after such acceptance. The Service Organization or intermediary will be
responsible for transmitting accepted orders to the Trust within the period
agreed upon by them. A customer may contact its Service Organization to learn
whether the Service Organization is authorized to accept orders. Service
Organizations that are authorized to accept orders for the Trust may receive
payments from the Funds or Goldman Sachs that are in addition to the payments
payable by the Trust under the Administration Plan.     
          
  Holders of Administration Shares of a Fund bear all expenses and fees paid
to Service Organizations under the Administration Plan as well as any other
expenses which are attributed to such Shares.     
   
  Service Organizations may charge other fees to their customers who are the
beneficial owners of Administration Shares in connection with their customer
accounts. These fees would be in addition to any amounts received by the
Service Organization under a Service Agreement and may affect the return
earned on an investment in the Fund. The Trust, on behalf of the Funds,
accrues payments made pursuant to a Service Agreement daily. All inquiries of
beneficial owners of Administration Shares should be directed to the owners'
Service Organizations.     
   
  For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, the Trust, on behalf of each
Fund, paid Service Organizations fees at the annual rate of 0.25% of each
Fund's average daily net assets attributable to Administration Shares.     
 
 
                            REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
 
  Recordholders of Administration Shares of the Funds will receive an annual
report containing audited financial statements and a semi-annual report. Each
recordholder of Administration Shares will also be provided with a printed
confirmation for each transaction in its account and a monthly account
statement. A year-to-date statement for any account will be provided to a
Service Organization upon request made to Goldman Sachs.
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
  Service Organizations will be responsible for providing services similar to
those described above to their customers who are the beneficial owners of such
Shares. For example, Service Organizations are responsible for providing each
customer exercising investment discretion with monthly statements with respect
to such customer's account in lieu of an immediate confirmation of each
transaction.
 
 
                       PURCHASE OF ADMINISTRATION SHARES
   
  Customers of Service Organizations may invest in Administration Shares only
through their Service Organizations. Administration Shares may be purchased on
any Business Day at the net asset value per share next determined after
receipt of an order by Goldman Sachs from a Service Organization. (See
"Administration Plan" for a description of limited situations where a Service
Organization or other intermediary may be authorized to accept orders for the
Funds.) No sales load will be charged. Currently, net asset value is
determined as of the close of regular trading on the New York Stock Exchange
(normally, but not always, 3:00 p.m. Chicago time, 4:00 p.m. New York time),
as described under "Net Asset Value." Purchases of Administration Shares of
the Funds must be settled within three (3) Business Days of the receipt of a
complete purchase order. Payment of the proceeds of redemption of shares
purchased by check may be delayed for a period of time as described under
"Redemption of Administration Shares."     
 
  The Service Organizations are responsible for the timely transmittal of
purchase orders to Goldman Sachs and payments to Northern or Goldman Sachs. In
order to facilitate timely transmittal, the Service Organizations have
established times by which purchase orders and payments must be received by
them.
 
PURCHASE PROCEDURES
   
  Purchases of Administration Shares by a Service Organization may be made by
placing an order with Goldman Sachs at 800-621-2550 and either wiring federal
funds to the Northern Trust Company ("Northern") as subcustodian for State
Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street") on the next Business Day or
initiating an ACH transfer to ensure receipt by Northern on the next Business
Day. Purchases may also be made by a Service Organization by check (except
that the Trust will not accept a check drawn on a foreign bank or a third-
party check) or Federal Reserve draft made payable to Goldman Sachs Fixed
Income Funds -- Name of Fund and Class of shares and should be directed to
Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds -- Name of Fund and Class of shares, c/o GSAM
Shareholder Services, 4900 Sears Tower, Chicago, Illinois 60606.     
 
OTHER PURCHASE INFORMATION
   
  The Funds do not have any minimum purchase or account requirements with
respect to Administration Shares. A Service Organization may, however, impose
a minimum amount for initial and subsequent investments in Administration
Shares, and may establish other requirements such as a minimum required
account balance. A Service Organization may effect redemptions of noncomplying
accounts, and may impose a charge for any special services rendered to its
customers. Customers should contact their Service Organizations for further
information concerning such requirements and charges.     
     
    PURCHASE BY FEDERAL FUNDS WIRE OR ACH TRANSFER. If a purchase order is
  received with a specified settlement date from a Service Organization in
  proper form before the determination of net asset value that day and
  payment is made by wire transfer or ACH transfer, shares will be issued and
  dividends will begin to accrue on the purchased shares on the later of (i)
  the Business Day after receipt of the purchase order or     
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
     
  (ii) the day of receipt of a federal funds wire or an ACH transfer by
  Northern. For purchases without a specified settlement date, shares will be
  issued and dividends declared with respect to such shares will begin to
  accrue on the Business Day after payment is so received.     
     
    PURCHASE BY CHECK OR FEDERAL RESERVE DRAFT. If a purchase order is
  received with a specified settlement date from a Service Organization in
  proper form before the determination of net asset value that day and
  payment is made by check or Federal Reserve draft, shares will be issued
  and dividends will begin to accrue on the purchased shares on the Business
  Day after the date payment is received. For purchases without a specified
  settlement date, shares will be issued and dividends declared with respect
  to such shares will begin to accrue on the Business Day after payment is so
  received.     
   
  The Funds reserve the right to redeem Administration Shares of any Service
Organization whose account balance is less than $50 as a result of earlier
redemptions. Such redemptions will not be implemented if the value of a
recordholder's account falls below the minimum account balance solely as a
result of market conditions. A Fund will give sixty (60) days' prior written
notice to Service Organizations whose Administration Shares are being redeemed
to allow them to purchase sufficient additional Administration Shares to avoid
such redemption.     
 
  The Funds and Goldman Sachs each reserves the right to reject any specific
purchase order (including exchanges) or to restrict purchases or exchanges by
a particular purchaser (or group of related purchasers). This may occur, for
example, when a purchaser or group of purchasers' pattern of frequent
purchases, sales or exchanges of Administration Shares of a Fund is evident,
or if purchases, sales or exchanges are, or a subsequent abrupt redemption
might be, of a size that would disrupt management of a Fund.
 
  In the sole discretion of Goldman Sachs, a Fund may accept securities
instead of cash for the purchase of shares of the Fund. Such purchases will be
permitted only if the Investment Adviser determines that any securities
acquired in this manner are consistent with the Fund's investment objectives,
restrictions and policies and are desirable investments for the Fund.
   
  The Investment Advisers, Distributor, and/or their affiliates, also pay
additional compensation from time to time, out of their assets and not as an
additional charge to the Funds, to selected Service Organizations and other
persons in connection with the sale of shares of the Funds and other
investment portfolios of the Trust (such as additional payments based on new
sales, amounts exceeding pre-established thresholds, or the length of time
customers' assets have remained in the Trust) and, subject to applicable NASD
regulations, contribute to various non-cash and cash incentive arrangements to
promote the sale of shares, as well as sponsor various educational programs,
sales contests and/or promotions in which participants may receive
reimbursement of expenses, entertainment and prizes such as travel awards,
merchandise, cash, investment research and educational information and related
support materials. This additional compensation can vary among Service
Organizations depending upon such factors as the amounts their customers have
invested (or may invest) in particular investment portfolios of the Trust, the
particular program involved, or the amount of reimbursable expenses.
Additional compensation based on sales may, but is currently not expected to,
exceed .50% (annualized) of the amount invested. For further information, see
the Additional Statement.     
 
 
                              EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
 
  Administration Shares of the Funds may be exchanged by a Service
Organization for (i) Administration Shares of any other mutual fund sponsored
by Goldman Sachs and designated as an eligible fund for this purpose
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
and (ii) the corresponding class of any Goldman Sachs Money Market Fund at the
net asset value next determined either by writing to Goldman Sachs, Attention:
Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds -- Name of Fund and Class of shares, c/o GSAM
Shareholder Services, 4900 Sears Tower, Chicago, Illinois 60606 or, if
previously elected in the Fund's Account Information Form, by telephone at
800-621-2550 (7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Chicago time). A shareholder should
obtain and read the prospectus relating to any other fund and its shares and
consider its investment objective, policies and applicable fees before making
an exchange. Administration Shares acquired by telephone exchange must be
registered in the same name(s) and have the same address as Administration
Shares of the Fund for which the exchange is being made.
   
  In an effort to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent exchanges by telephone,
Goldman Sachs employs reasonable procedures as set forth under "Redemption of
Administration Shares" to confirm that such instructions are genuine. In times
of drastic economic or market changes, the telephone exchange privilege may be
difficult to implement. For federal income tax purposes, an exchange is
treated as a redemption of the Administration Shares surrendered in the
exchange, on which an investor may be subject to tax, followed by a purchase
of Administration Shares, or the corresponding class of any Goldman Sachs
Money Market Fund received in the exchange. Shareholders should consult their
own tax advisers concerning the tax consequences of an exchange. Exchanges are
available only in states where exchanges may legally be made. The exchange
privilege may be materially modified or withdrawn at any time on sixty (60)
days' written notice to the recordholders of Administration Shares and is
subject to certain limitations. See "Purchase of Administration Shares."     
 
 
                      REDEMPTION OF ADMINISTRATION SHARES
   
  The Funds will redeem their Administration Shares upon request of the
recordholder of such Shares on any Business Day at the net asset value next
determined after receipt of such request in proper form by Goldman Sachs. (See
"Administration Plan" for a description of limited situations where a Service
Organization or other intermediary may be authorized to accept redemptions for
the Funds.) If Administration Shares to be redeemed were recently purchased by
check, a Fund may delay transmittal of redemption proceeds until such time as
it has assured itself that good funds have been collected for the purchase of
such Administration Shares. This may take up to fifteen (15) days. Redemption
requests may be made by a Service Organization by writing to or calling the
Transfer Agent at the address or telephone number set forth on the back cover
page of this Prospectus. A Service Organization may request redemptions by
telephone if the optional telephone redemption privilege is elected on the
Account Information Form. It may be difficult to implement redemptions by
telephone in times of drastic economic or market changes.     
   
  In an effort to prevent unauthorized or fraudulent redemption or exchange
requests by telephone, Goldman Sachs employs reasonable procedures specified
by the Trust to confirm that such instructions are genuine. Among other
things, any redemption request that requires money to go to an account or
address other than that designated on the Account Information Form must be in
writing and signed by an authorized person designated on the Account
Information Form. Any such written request is also confirmed by telephone with
both the requesting party and the designated bank account to verify
instructions. Exchanges among accounts with different names, addresses and
social security or taxpayer identification numbers must be in writing and
signed by an authorized person designated on the Account Information Form.
Other procedures may be implemented from time to time concerning telephone
redemptions and exchanges. If reasonable procedures are not implemented, the
Trust may     
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
   
be liable for any loss due to unauthorized or fraudulent transactions. In all
other cases, neither the Funds, the Trust nor Goldman Sachs will be
responsible for the authenticity of redemption or exchange instructions
received by telephone. Administration Shares of each Fund earn dividends
declared on the day the shares are redeemed.     
   
  The Funds will arrange for the proceeds of redemptions effected by any means
to be wired to the recordholder of Administration Shares or, if the
recordholder elects in writing, by check. Redemption proceeds paid by wire
transfer will normally be wired on the next Business Day in federal funds (for
a total one-day delay), but may be paid up to three (3) days after receipt of
a properly executed redemption request. Wiring of redemption proceeds may be
delayed one additional Business Day if the Federal Reserve Bank is closed on
the day redemption proceeds would ordinarily be wired. Redemption proceeds
paid by check will normally be mailed to the address of record within three
(3) Business Days of receipt of a properly executed redemption request. Once
wire transfer instructions have been given by Goldman Sachs, neither the
Funds, the Trust nor Goldman Sachs assumes any further responsibility for the
performance of intermediaries or the customer's Service Organization in the
transfer process. If a problem with such performance arises, the customer
should deal directly with such intermediaries or Service Organizations.     
 
  Additional documentation regarding a redemption by any means may be required
to effect a redemption when deemed appropriate by the Transfer Agent. The
request for such redemption will not be considered to have been received in
proper form until such additional documentation has been submitted to the
Transfer Agent by the recordholder of Administration Shares.
 
  Service Organizations are responsible for the timely transmittal of
redemption requests by their customers to the Transfer Agent. In order to
facilitate timely transmittal of redemption requests, Service Organizations
have established times by which redemption requests must be received by them.
Additional documentation may be required when deemed appropriate by a Service
Organization.
 
                               ----------------
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
 
                                   APPENDIX
 
 
                   GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER
               IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON ACCOUNT INFORMATION FORM
 
  You are required by law to provide a Fund with your correct Taxpayer
Identification Number (TIN), regardless of whether you file tax returns.
Failure to do so may subject you to penalties. Failure to provide your correct
TIN and to sign your name in the Certification section of the Account
Information Form could result in withholding of 31% by a Fund for the federal
backup withholding tax on distributions, redemptions, exchanges and other
payments relating to your account.
 
  Any tax withheld may be credited against taxes owed on your federal income
tax return.
 
  If you do not have a TIN, you should apply for one immediately by contacting
your local office of the Social Security Administration or the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS). Backup withholding could apply to payments relating to
your account while you are awaiting receipt of a TIN.
 
  Special rules apply for certain entities. For example, for an account
established under a Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minors Act, the TIN of the
minor should be furnished.
 
  If you have been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup
withholding because you failed to report your interest and/or dividend income
on your tax return and you have not been notified by the IRS that such
withholding should cease, you must cross out item (2) in the Certification
section of the Account Information Form.
 
  If you are an exempt recipient, you should furnish your TIN and certify your
exemption by signing the Certification section and writing "exempt" after your
signature. Exempt recipients include: corporations, tax-exempt pension plans
and IRA's, governmental agencies, financial institutions, registered
securities and commodities dealers and others.
 
  If you are a nonresident alien or foreign entity, you must provide a
completed Form W-8 to the Fund in order to avoid backup withholding on certain
payments. Other payments to you may be subject to nonresident alien
withholding of up to 30%.
 
  For further information regarding backup and nonresident alien withholding,
see Sections 3406, 1441 and 1442 of the Internal Revenue Code and consult your
tax adviser.
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET
MANAGEMENT
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004
 
GOLDMAN SACHS FUNDS
MANAGEMENT, L.P.
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004
 
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
DISTRIBUTOR
85 BROAD STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004
 
GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
TRANSFER AGENT
4900 SEARS TOWER
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606
 
STATE STREET BANK AND TRUST COMPANY
CUSTODIAN
1776 HERITAGE DRIVE
NORTH QUINCY, MASSACHUSETTS, 02171
   
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP     
   
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS     
   
225 FRANKLIN STREET     
   
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 02110     
 
TOLL FREE (IN U.S.) . . . . . . . .  800-621-2550
 
 
FIPROADMIN
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
GOLDMAN SACHS
FIXED INCOME FUNDS
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
PROSPECTUS
ADMINISTRATION SHARES
 
 
 
GOLDMAN
SACHS
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART B
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                 CLASS A SHARES
                                 CLASS B SHARES
                                 CLASS C SHARES
                 GOLDMAN SACHS ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND
                  GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
                   GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND
                      GOLDMAN SACHS GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
                      GOLDMAN SACHS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
                      GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FUND
                        GOLDMAN SACHS GLOBAL INCOME FUND
                         GOLDMAN SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND
                   (EACH A PORTFOLIO OF GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST)

                              Goldman Sachs Trust
                                4900 Sears Tower
                            Chicago, Illinois 60606
    
  This Statement of Additional Information (the "Additional Statement") is not a
prospectus.  This Additional Statement should be read in conjunction with the
prospectus for the Class A, Class B and Class C Shares of Goldman Sachs
Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration Government Fund,
Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund, Goldman Sachs Government Income
Fund, Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund,
Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund and Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund dated March
1, 1998, as amended and/or supplemented from time to time, which may be obtained
without charge from Goldman, Sachs & Co. by calling the telephone number, or
writing to one of the addresses, listed below. Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate
Government Fund currently does not offer Class B or Class C Shares.     
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                        TABLE OF CONTENTS
<S>                                                       <C>
 
   Introduction                                           B-3
   Other Investments and Practices                        B-11
   Investment Restrictions                                B-58
   Management                                             B-61
   Portfolio Transactions                                 B-77
   Shares of the Trust                                    B-80
   Net Asset Value                                        B-86
   Taxation                                               B-88
   Performance Information                                B-100
   Other Information                                      B-112
   Financial Statements                                   B-113
   Other Information Regarding Purchases, Redemptions,
     Exchanges and Dividends                              B-114
   Distribution and Authorized Dealer Service Plans       B-118
   Appendix A                                             1-A
   Appendix B                                             1-B
</TABLE>

    
   The date of this Additional Statement is March 1, 1998.     
<PAGE>
 
   GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST                    GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
   4900 Sears Tower                       Distributor
   Chicago, Illinois 60606                85 Broad Street
                                          New York, NY 10004
 

   GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT
   ADVISER TO GOLDMAN SACHS MUNICIPAL
    INCOME FUND
   GOLDMAN SACHS GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
   GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION TAX FREE
    FUND
   GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FUND
   GOLDMAN SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND
   ONE NEW YORK PLAZA
   NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004

   GOLDMAN SACHS FUNDS MANAGEMENT, L.P.   GOLDMAN,SACHS & CO.
    Adviser to Goldman Sachs              Transfer Agent
    ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND       4900 SEARS TOWER
    AND SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND    CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606
   One New York Plaza
   New York, New York 10004

   GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT
    INTERNATIONAL
   ADVISER TO GOLDMAN SACHS
    GLOBAL INCOME FUND
   133 PETERBOROUGH COURT
   LONDON EC4A 2BB ENGLAND


                         TOLL FREE .......800-526-7384
<PAGE>
 
                     OTHER INFORMATION REGARDING PURCHASES,
                      REDEMPTIONS,EXCHANGES AND DIVIDENDS
                                        
     The following information supplements the information in the Prospectus
under the captions "How to Invest," "How to Sell Shares of the Funds" and
"Dividends."  Please see the Prospectus for more complete information.

OTHER PURCHASE INFORMATION
- --------------------------

     If shares of a Fund are held in a "street name" account with an Authorized
Dealer, all recordkeeping, transaction processing and payments of distributions
relating to the beneficial owner's account will be performed by the Authorized
Dealer, and not by the Fund and its Transfer Agent.  Since the Funds will have
no record of the beneficial owner's transactions, a beneficial owner should
contact the Authorized Dealer to purchase, redeem or exchange shares, to make
changes in or give instructions concerning the account or to obtain information
about the account.  The transfer of shares in a "street name" account to an
account with another dealer or to an account directly with the Fund involves
special procedures and will require the beneficial owner to obtain historical
purchase information about the shares in the account from the Authorized Dealer.

     Authorized Dealers and other financial intermediaries provide varying
arrangements for their clients to purchase and redeem Fund shares.  Some may
establish higher minimum investment requirements and others may limit the
availability of certain privileges with respect to the purchase and redemption
of shares or the reinvestment of dividends.  Firms may arrange with their
clients for other investment or administrative services and may independently
establish and charge additional amounts to their clients for such services,
which charges would reduce a client's return.  If shares of a Fund are held in a
"street name" account or were purchased through an Authorized Dealer,
shareholders should contact the Authorized Dealer to purchase, redeem or
exchange shares, to make changes in or give information about the account.

     The Adviser, Distributor and/or their affiliates may pay, out of their own
assets, compensation to Authorized Dealers and other persons for the sale and
distribution of Class A, Class B and Class C Shares of the Funds and/or for the
servicing of those shares.  These payments ("Additional Payments") would be in
addition to the payments by the Funds described in the Funds' Prospectus and
this Statement of Additional Information for distribution and shareholder
servicing and processing, and would also be in addition to the sales commissions
payable to dealers as set forth in the Prospectus.  These Additional Payments
may take the form of "due diligence" payments for an Authorized Dealer's
examination of the Funds and payments for providing extra employee training and
information relating to the Funds; "listing" fees for the placement of the Funds
on a dealer's list of mutual funds

                                     B-121
<PAGE>
 
available for purchase by its customers; "finders" or "referral" fees for
directing investors to the Funds; "marketing support" fees for providing
assistance in promoting the sale of the Funds' Class A, Class B and Class C
Shares; and payments for the sale of Class A, Class B and Class C Shares and/or
the maintenance of Shares balances. In addition, the Adviser, Distributor and/or
their affiliates may make Additional Payments for subaccounting, administrative
and/or shareholder processing services that are in addition to the shareholder
servicing and processing fees paid by the Funds. The Additional Payments made by
the Adviser, Distributor and their affiliates may be a fixed dollar amount, may
be based on the number of customer accounts maintained by an Authorized Dealer,
or may be based on a percentage of the value of Shares sold to, or held by,
customers of the Authorized Dealers involved, and may be different for different
Authorized Dealers. Furthermore, the Adviser, Distributor and/or their
affiliates may contribute to various non-cash and cash incentive arrangements to
promote the sale of shares, as well as sponsor various educational programs,
sales contests and/or promotions in which participants may receive prizes such
as travel awards, merchandise and cash and/or investment research pertaining to
particular securities and other financial instruments or to the securities and
financial markets generally, educational information and related support
materials and hardware and/or software. The Adviser, Distributor and their
affiliates may also pay for the travel expenses, meals, lodging and
entertainment of Authorized Dealers and their salespersons and guests in
connection with educational, sales and promotional programs, subject to
applicable NASD regulations. The Distributor currently expects that such
additional bonuses or incentives will not exceed 0.50% of the amount of any
sales.

RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION - (CLASS A)
- ---------------------------------

     A Class A shareholder qualifies for cumulative quantity discounts if the
current purchase price of the new investment plus the shareholder's current
holdings of existing Class A Shares (acquired by purchase or exchange) of the
Funds and Class A Shares of any other Goldman Sachs Fund (as defined in the
Prospectus) total the requisite amount for receiving a discount.  For example,
if a shareholder owns shares with a current market value of $65,000 and
purchases additional Class A Shares of the Government Income Fund with a
purchase price of $45,000, the sales charge for the $45,000 purchase would be
3.0% (the rate applicable to a single purchase of more than $100,000).  Class A
Shares purchased without the imposition of a sales charge and shares of another
class of the Funds may not be aggregated with Class A Shares purchased subject
to a sales charge. Class A Shares of the Funds and any

                                     B-122
<PAGE>
 
other Goldman Sachs Fund purchased (i) by an individual, his spouse and his
children, and (ii) by a trustee, guardian or other fiduciary of a single trust
estate or a single fiduciary account, will be combined for the purpose of
determining whether a purchase will qualify for such right of accumulation and,
if qualifying, the applicable sales charge level. For purposes of applying the
right of accumulation, shares of the Funds and any other Goldman Sachs Fund
purchased by an existing client of the Private Client Services Division of
Goldman Sachs will be combined with Class A Shares held by any other Private
Client Services account. In addition, Class A Shares of the Funds and Class A
Shares of any other Goldman Sachs Fund purchased by partners, directors,
officers or employees of the same business organization or by groups of
individuals represented by and investing on the recommendation of the same
accounting firm, certain affinity groups or other similar organization
(collectively, "eligible persons") may be combined for the purpose of
determining whether a purchase will qualify for the right of accumulation and,
if qualifying, the applicable sales charge level. This right of accumulation is
subject to the following conditions: (i) the business organization's, group's or
firm's agreement to cooperate in the offering of the Funds' shares to eligible
persons; and (ii) notification to the Funds at the time of purchase that the
investor is eligible for this right of accumulation.

STATEMENT OF INTENTION - (CLASS A)
- ----------------------------------

     If a shareholder anticipates purchasing at least $100,000 ($500,000 in the
case of Adjustable Rate Government Fund and $250,000 in the case of Short
Duration Government and Short Duration Tax-Free Funds) of Class A Shares of a
Fund alone or in combination with Class A Shares of any other Goldman Sachs Fund
within a 13-month period, the shareholder may purchase shares of the Fund at a
reduced sales charge by submitting a Statement of Intention (the "Statement").
Shares purchased pursuant to a Statement will be eligible for the same sales
charge discount that would have been available if all of the purchases had been
made at the same time.  The shareholder or his Authorized Dealer must inform
Goldman Sachs that the Statement is in effect each time shares are purchased.
There is no obligation to purchase the full amount of shares indicated in the
Statement. A shareholder may include the value of all Class A Shares on which a
sales charge has previously been paid as an "accumulation credit" toward the
completion of the Statement, but a price readjustment will be made only on Class
A Shares purchased within ninety (90) days before submitting the Statement.  The
Statement authorizes the Transfer Agent to hold in escrow a sufficient number of
shares which can be redeemed to make up any difference in the sales charge on
the amount actually invested. For purposes of satisfying the amount specified on
the Statement, the gross amount of each investment, exclusive of any
appreciation on shares previously purchased, will be taken into account.

CROSS-REINVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
- -------------------------------------------------

     A Fund shareholder should obtain and read the prospectus relating to any
other Goldman Sachs Fund or ILA Portfolio (as defined in the Prospectus) and its
shares or units and consider its investment objective, policies and applicable
fees before electing cross-reinvestment into that Fund or Portfolio. The
election to cross-reinvest dividends and capital gain 

                                     B-123
<PAGE>
 
distributions will not affect the tax treatment of such dividends and
distributions, which will be treated as received by the shareholder and then
used to purchase shares of the acquired fund. Such reinvestment of dividends and
distributions in shares of other Goldman Sachs Funds or in units of ILA
Portfolios is available only in states where such reinvestment may legally be
made.

AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE PROGRAM
- --------------------------

     A Fund shareholder may elect cross-reinvestment into an identical account
or an account registered in a different name or with a different address, social
security or other taxpayer identification number, provided that the account in
the acquired fund has been established, appropriate signatures have been
obtained and the minimum initial investment requirement has been satisfied.  A
Fund shareholder should obtain and read the prospectus relating to any other
Goldman Sachs Fund and its shares and consider its investment objective,
policies and applicable fees and expenses before electing an automatic exchange
into that Goldman Sachs Fund.

SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
- --------------------------

     A systematic withdrawal plan (the "Systematic Withdrawal Plan") is
available to shareholders of a Fund whose shares are worth at least $5,000.  The
Systematic Withdrawal Plan provides for monthly payments to the participating
shareholder of any amount not less than $50.

     Dividends and capital gain distributions on shares held under the
Systematic Withdrawal Plan are reinvested in additional full and fractional
shares of the applicable Fund at net asset value. The Transfer Agent acts as
agent for the shareholder in redeeming sufficient full and fractional shares to
provide the amount of the systematic withdrawal payment.  The Systematic
Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time.  Goldman Sachs reserves the right
to initiate a fee of up to $5 per withdrawal, upon thirty (30) days
written notice to the shareholder.  Withdrawal payments should not be considered
to be dividends, yield or income.  If periodic withdrawals continuously exceed
new purchases and reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions, the
shareholder's original investment will be correspondingly reduced and ultimately
exhausted.  The maintenance of a withdrawal plan concurrently with purchases of
additional Class A, Class B or Class C Shares would be disadvantageous because
of the sales charge imposed on purchases of Class A Shares or the imposition of
a CDSC on redemptions of Class A, Class B and Class C Shares.  The CDSC
applicable to Class B and Class C Shares redeemed under a systematic withdrawal
plan may be waived.  See "How to Invest--Waiver or Reduction of Contingent
Deferred Sales Charge" in the Prospectus.  In addition, each withdrawal
constitutes a redemption of shares, and any gain or loss realized must be
reported for federal and state income tax purposes.  A shareholder should


                                     B-124
<PAGE>
 
consult his or her own tax adviser with regard to the tax consequences of
participating in the Systematic Withdrawal Plan. For further information or to
request a Systematic Withdrawal Plan, please write or call the Transfer Agent.

OFFERING PRICE OF CLASS A SHARES
- --------------------------------
    
     Class A Shares of Government Income, Municipal Income, Core Fixed Income,
Global Income and High Yield Funds are sold at a maximum sales charge of 4.5%,
Adjustable Rate Government Fund at 1.5% and Short Duration Government and Short
Duration Tax-Free Funds at 2%. Using the offering price as of October 31, 1997,
the maximum offering price of the Class A shares of each Fund's shares then in
existence would be as follows:     


<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                            Net Asset   Maximum Sales    Offering Price
                              Value         Charge         to Public
 
<S>                        <C>          <C>             <C>
Adjustable Rate                 $ 9.88           $0.15            $10.03
 Government
Municipal Income                 14.99            0.71             15.70
Government Income                14.59            0.68             15.27
Global Income                    15.10            0.71             15.81
Short Duration                    9.88            0.20             10.08
 Government
Short Duration Tax-Free          10.08            0.21             10.29
Core Fixed Income                10.06            0.47             10.53
High Yield                        9.97            0.47             10.44
</TABLE>      


               DISTRIBUTION AND AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICE PLANS



  CLASS A DISTRIBUTION PLANS.  As described in the Prospectus, the Trust with
  --------------------------                                                 
respect to the Class A Shares of each Fund has adopted a distribution plan (the
"Class A Plans") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act.  See "Distribution and
Authorized Dealer Service Plans" in the Prospectus.

  The Class A Plans were most recently approved on April 23, 1997 by a majority
vote of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the Trustees who are
not interested Trustees of the Trust, and have no direct or indirect financial
interest in the Class A Plans (the "non-interested Trustees"), cast in person at
a meeting called for the purpose of approving the Plans.  The Plans were
approved by the sole initial shareholder of Class A Shares of Adjustable Rate
Fund on May 12, 1995, Municipal Income Fund on July 16, 1993, Government Income
Fund on January 29, 1993, and Global Income Fund on December 5, 1991.

  The compensation payable under the Class A Plans may not exceed 0.25% per
annum of each Fund's average daily net assets


                                     B-125
<PAGE>
 
attributable to its Class A Shares. Currently, Goldman Sachs is waiving its
entire fee under the Class A Plans applicable to each Fund other than Global
Income Fund and is limiting the fee payable by Global Income Fund to 0.21% of
average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares. Goldman Sachs has no
current intention of modifying or discontinuing such waivers and limitation, but
may do so in the future at its discretion.

  Effective June 30, 1995, the Class A Plan for Adjustable Rate Government,
Government Income, Municipal and Global Income Funds was amended to reduce the
fee payable under the Plan from 0.50% to 0.25% of a Fund's average daily net
assets attributable to Class A Shares.  At the same time, each Fund adopted an
Authorized Dealer Service Plan. See "Authorized Dealer Service Plans."  For the
fiscal years ended October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, each Fund paid Goldman Sachs
the following amounts under the Class A Plans:


<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                     1997          1996            1995
                                 ------------  -------------  --------------
<S>                              <C>           <C>            <C>
Adjustable Rate Government
  with fee waivers                   $      0       $      0        $      0
  without fee waivers                  81,928         30,905          17,967
 
Municipal Income
  with fee waivers                          0              0          70,023
  without fee waivers                 143,712        131,925         195,152
 
Government Income
  with fee waivers                          0              0          25,630
  without fee waivers                 125,705         73,949          76,499
 
Global Income
  with fee waivers                    382,046        493,170         645,259
  without fee waivers                 454,906        549,164       1,257,211
 
Core Fixed Income(1)
  with fee waivers                          0
  without fee waivers                   4,437           N/A            N/A
 
Short Duration Government(1)
  with fee waivers                          0
  without fee waivers                   3,709           N/A            N/A
 
Short Duration Tax-Free(1)
  with fee waivers                          0
  without fee waivers                   2,364           N/A            N/A
</TABLE>      

                                     B-126
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                     1997          1996            1995
                                 ------------  -------------  --------------
<S>                              <C>           <C>            <C>
High Yield(2)                                     N/A            N/A
  with fee waivers                         0
  without fee waivers                152,945
</TABLE>      

- ----------------------
     
1    Class A Shares of the Core Fixed Income, Short Duration Government and
     Short Duration Tax-Free Funds commenced operations on May 1, 1997.    
    
2    High Yield Fund commenced operations on August 1, 1997.     

     Goldman Sachs may pay up to the entire amount of such fee under the Plans
to Authorized Dealers for providing services in connection with the sale of each
Fund's shares.  To the extent such fee is not paid to such dealers, Goldman
Sachs may retain such fee as compensation for its services and expenses incurred
in accordance with the Plans of distributing a Fund's shares.  If such fee
exceeds its expenses, Goldman Sachs may realize a profit from these
arrangements.

     The Plans are compensation plans which provide for the payment of a
specified fee without regard to the expenses actually incurred by Goldman Sachs.
If a Plan were terminated by the Trustees of the Trust and no successor plan
were adopted, the Fund would cease to make payments under the Plan to Goldman
Sachs and Goldman Sachs would be unable to recover the amount of any of its
unreimbursed expenditures.  However, Goldman Sachs does not intend to make
expenditures for which it may be compensated under a Plan at a rate that
materially exceeds the rate of compensation received under the Plan.
    
     During the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, Goldman Sachs incurred the
following distribution expenses under the Class A Plan on behalf of Adjustable
Rate Government, Government Income, Municipal Income, Global Income Short
Duration Government, Short Duration Tax-Free, Core Fixed Income, and High Yield
Funds (Goldman Sachs used the fees, if any, received under the Plan in the same
proportion to the amounts set forth below).     

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>

   Fiscal Year     Compensation to    Compensation     Allocable       Printing and      Preparation
  ended October       Dealers        and Expenses     Overhead,        Mailing of           and
    31, 1997                             of the      Telephone and   Prospectuses to    Distribution
                                      Distributor        Travel         Other than        of Sales
                                     and its Sales      Expenses         Current       Literature and
                                       Personnel                       Shareholders      Advertising
- ---------------    --------------    -------------   -------------   ---------------   --------------
<S>                <C>               <C>             <C>             <C>               <C> 
Adjustable Rate
Government(1)            N/A              N/A             N/A              N/A               N/A
 
Municipal                N/A              N/A             N/A              N/A               N/A
 Income(2)
</TABLE>      

                                     B-127
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>

<S>                   <C>              <C>            <C>                <C>              <C>
Government               N/A              N/A             N/A              N/A               N/A
 Income(2)

Global Income         $126,000         $88,000        $109,000           $15,000          $38,000
 
Short Duration           N/A              N/A             N/A              N/A               N/A
  Government(1)
 
Short Duration           N/A              N/A             N/A              N/A               N/A
  Tax-Free(1)
 
Core Fixed               N/A              N/A             N/A              N/A               N/A
 Income(1)
 
High Yield(1)            N/A              N/A             N/A              N/A               N/A
</TABLE>      

- -------------------------
 
/1/ Since inception of this class, Goldman Sachs has waived the 0.25% Class A
    Plan fee, as no distribution revenue has therefore been earned, no expenses
    are reflected above.

/2/ Commencing June 1, 1995, Goldman Sachs is waiving the 0.25% Class A Plan
    fee; as no distribution revenue has therefore been earned after June 1,
    1995, no expenses are reflected above.

     Under the Class A Plans, Goldman Sachs, as distributor of each Fund's Class
A Shares, will provide to the Trustees of the Trust for their review, and the
Trustees of the Trust will review at least quarterly a written report of the
services provided and amounts expended by Goldman Sachs under the Plans and the
purposes for which such services were performed and expenditures were made.

     The Class A Plans will remain in effect until May 1, 1998 and from year to
year thereafter, provided such continuance is approved annually by a majority
vote of the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the non-interested
Trustees of the Trust who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the
Class A Plans.  A Class A Plan may not be amended to increase materially the
amount to be spent for the services described therein without approval of a
majority of the outstanding Class A Shares of the applicable Fund.  All material
amendments of the Class A Plan must also be approved by the Trustees of the
Trust in the manner described above.  A Class A Plan may be terminated at any
time without payment of any penalty by a vote of a majority of the non-
interested Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the Class A Shares
of the applicable Fund.  So long as a Class A Plan is in effect, the selection
and nomination of non-interested Trustees of the Trust shall be committed to the
discretion of the non-interested Trustees of the Trust.  The Trustees of the
Trust have determined that in their judgment there is a reasonable likelihood
that the Plans will benefit the Funds and their Class A Shareholders.

     CLASS B DISTRIBUTION PLAN.  As described in the Prospectus, the Trust has
     -------------------------                                                
adopted on behalf of each Fund distribution plans (the "Class B Plans") pursuant
to Rule 12b-1 under the Act with respect to Class B Shares.  See "Distribution
and Authorized Dealer Service Plans" in the Prospectus.


                                     B-128
<PAGE>
 
     The Class B Plans were most recently approved on April 23, 1997 by a
majority vote of the Trust's Board of Trustees, including the non-interested
Trustees and have no direct or indirect financial interest in the Class B Plans
(the "non-interested Trustees"), cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of approving the Class B Plans.
    
     The compensation payable under the Class B Plans is equal to 0.75% per
annum of the average daily net assets attributable to Class B Shares of each
Fund other than the Short Duration Government and Short Duration Tax-Free Funds.
With respect to these Funds, Goldman Sachs has voluntarily agreed to limit such
fee to 0.60% of the Funds' average daily net assets.  The fees received by
Goldman Sachs under the Class B Plans and contingent deferred sales charge on
Class B Shares may be sold by Goldman Sachs as distributor to entities which
provide financing for payments to Authorized Dealers in respect of sales of
Class B Shares.  To the extent such fee is not paid to such dealers, Goldman
Sachs may retain such fee as compensation for its services and expenses of
distributing the Funds' Class B Shares.  If such fee exceeds its expenses,
Goldman Sachs may realize a profit from these arrangements.     

     For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1997 and October 31, 1996, each Fund
paid Goldman Sachs the following amounts under the Class B Plans:

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                        1997               1996
                                 ------------------  -----------------
 
Municipal Income
<S>                              <C>                 <C>
  with fee waivers                            6,660                378
  without fee waivers                         6,660                378
 
Government Income
  with fee waivers                           25,662                332
  without fee waivers                        25,662                332
 
Global Income
  with fee waivers                           10,696                374
  without fee waivers                        10,696                374
 
Core Fixed Income(1)
  with fee waivers                            1,016                N/A
  without fee waivers                         1,016                N/A

Short Duration Government(1)

  with fee waivers                            1,363                N/A
  without fee waivers                         1,704                N/A
 
Short Duration Tax-Free(1)
  with fee waivers                              149                N/A
  without fee waivers                           186                N/A
</TABLE>      


                                     B-129
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                        1997               1996
                                 ------------------  ----------------
<S>                              <C>                 <C>
 
High Yield(2)
  with fee waivers                           10,016        N/A
  without fee waivers                        10,016        N/A
</TABLE>      
________________________
    
(1)  Class B Shares of Core Fixed Income, Short Duration and Short Duration Tax-
     Free commenced operations on May 1, 1997.     
    
(2)  High Yield Fund commenced operations on August 1, 1997.  No Class B shares
     were outstanding as of October 31, 1995.     
 
*    No Class B Shares were outstanding as of October 31, 1995.

     Goldman Sachs may pay up to the entire amount of such fee under the Plans
to Authorized Dealers for providing services in connection with the sale of each
Fund's shares.  To the extent such fee is not paid to such dealers, Goldman
Sachs may retain such fee as compensation for its services and expenses incurred
in accordance with the Plans of distributing a Fund's shares.  If such fee
exceeds its expenses, Goldman Sachs may realize a profit from these
arrangements.

     The Class B Plans are compensation plans which provide for the payment of a
specified distribution fee without regard to the distribution expenses actually
incurred by Goldman Sachs.  If the Class B Plans were terminated by the Trust's
Board of Trustees and no successor plan were adopted, the Funds would cease to
make distribution payments to Goldman Sachs and Goldman Sachs would be unable to
recover the amount of any of its unreimbursed distribution expenditures.
           
     During the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, Goldman Sachs incurred the
following expenses in connection with distribution under the Class B Plan on
behalf of each Fund (Goldman Sachs used the fees, if any, received under the
Plan in the same proportion to the amounts set forth below).     

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                      Compensation
                                           and                                            Preparation
                                        Expenses                       Printing and           and
                                         of the         Allocable       Mailing of        Distribution
  Fiscal Year                          Distributor      Overhead,      Prospectuses         of Sales
     ended                               and its        Telephone     to Other than        Literature
  October 31,       Compensation          Sales        and Travel        Current              and
     1997            to Dealers         Personnel       Expenses       Shareholders       Advertising
- ---------------  ------------------  ---------------  -------------  ----------------  ------------------
<S>              <C>                 <C>              <C>            <C>               <C>
 
Adjustable Rate
  Government(1)        N/A                 N/A             N/A             N/A                N/A
 
Municipal                 $5,534(1)        N/A             N/A             N/A                N/A
 Income

Government               $20,309(1)        N/A             N/A             N/A                N/A
 Income
 
Global Income            $ 8,575(1)        N/A             N/A             N/A                N/A
</TABLE>     


                                     B-130
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
<S>              <C>                 <C>              <C>            <C>               <C>
Short Duration
 Government                  862           N/A             N/A             N/A                N/A
 Fund(1)(2)
 
 
Short Duration
 Tax-Free              N/A                 N/A             N/A             N/A                N/A
 Fund(1)(2)
 
 
 
Core Fixed                   605           N/A             N/A             N/A                N/A
 Income
 Fund(1)(2)
 
High Yield                 3,626           N/A             N/A             N/A                N/A
 Fund(1)(3)
</TABLE>

_______________________

(1) Advance commissions paid to dealers of 4% on Class B shares are considered
    deferred assets which are amortized over a period of six years; amounts
    presented above reflect amortization expense recorded during the period
    presented.

(2) Class B Shares for Core Fixed Income, Short Duration Government and Short
    Duration Tax-Free Funds commenced operations on May 1, 1997.
 
(3) High Yield Fund commenced operations on August 1, 1997.

     Under the Class B Plans, Goldman Sachs, as distributor of the Funds'
shares, will provide to the Board of Trustees for its review, and the Board will
review at least quarterly, a written report of the services provided and amounts
expended by Goldman  Sachs under the Class B Plans and the purposes for which
such services were performed and expenditures were made.

     The Class B Plans will remain in effect with respect to the Funds from year
to year, provided such continuance is approved annually by a majority vote of
the Board of Trustees, including a majority of the non-interested Trustees.  A
Class B Plan may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent
for the services described therein as to any Fund without approval of a majority
of the outstanding Class B Shares of that Fund.  All material amendments of the
Class B Plan must also be approved by the Board of Trustees of the Trust in the
manner described above. With respect to any Fund, a Class B Plan may be
terminated at any time without payment of any penalty by a vote of the  majority
of the non-interested Trustees or by vote of a majority of the outstanding
voting securities of the Class B Shares of that Fund. So long as a Class B Plan
is in effect, the selection and nomination of non-interested Trustees shall be
committed to the discretion of the non-interested Trustees.  The Trustees have
determined that in their judgment there is a reasonable likelihood that the
Class B Plans will benefit each Fund and their respective Class B shareholders.

     Class C Distribution Plans.  As described in the Prospectus, the Trust has
     --------------------------                                                
adopted, on behalf of the Funds, distribution plans (the "Class C Plans")
pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act with respect to the Class C Shares.  See
"Distribution and Authorized Dealer Service Plans" in the Prospectus.


                                     B-131
<PAGE>
 
     The Class C Plans of each Fund were approved for the Funds on July 22,
1997, on behalf of the Trust by a majority vote of the Trustees, including a
majority of the non-interested Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial
interest in the Class C Plans, cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of approving the Class C Plans.

     With respect to each fund, the compensation payable under the Class C Plans
is equal to 0.75% per annum of the average daily net assets attributable to
Class C Shares of each Fund.  The fees received by Goldman Sachs under the Class
C Plans and contingent deferred sales charge on Class C Shares may be sold by
Goldman Sachs as distributor to entities which provide financing for payments to
Authorized Dealers in respect of sales of Class C Shares.  To the extent such
fee is not paid to such dealers, Goldman Sachs may retain such fee as
compensation for its services and expenses of distributing the Funds' Class C
Shares.  If such fee exceeds its expenses, Goldman Sachs may realize a profit
from these arrangements.

     For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, each Fund paid Goldman Sachs
the following amounts under the Class C Plans:

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                                    1997(1)
                                               ------------------
 
<S>                                            <C>
Municipal Income                                         $    40
  with fee waivers                                            40
  without fee waivers
 
Government Income
  with fee waivers                                           827
  without fee waivers                                        827
 
Global Income
  with fee waivers                                           285
  without fee waivers                                        285
 
Core Fixed Income
  with fee waivers                                           145
  without fee waivers                                        145
 
Short Duration Government
  with fee waivers                                            83
  without fee waivers                                         83
 
Short Duration Tax-Free
  with fee waivers                                            12
  without fee waivers                                         12
 
High Yield
  with fee waivers                                         1,296
  without fee waivers                                      1,296
</TABLE>     
________________________

                                     B-132
<PAGE>
 
(1)  Class C Shares of each Fund commenced operations on August 15, 1997.
         
     Goldman Sachs may pay up to the entire amount of such fee under the Plans
to Authorized Dealers for providing services in connection with the sale of each
Fund's shares.  To the extent such fee is not paid to such dealers, Goldman
Sachs may retain such fee as compensation for its services and expenses incurred
in accordance with the Plans of distributing a Fund's shares.  If such fee
exceeds its expenses, Goldman Sachs may realize a profit from these
arrangements.

     The Class C Plans are compensation plans which provide for the payment of a
specified distribution fee without regard to the distribution expenses actually
incurred by Goldman Sachs.  If the Class C Plans were terminated by the Trustees
and no successor plan were adopted, the Funds would cease to make distribution
payments to Goldman Sachs and Goldman Sachs would be unable to recover the
amount of any of its unreimbursed distribution expenditures.

     During the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, Goldman Sachs incurred the
following expenses in connection with distribution under the Class C Plan on
behalf of each Fund (Goldman Sachs used the fees, if any, received under the
Plan in the same proportion to the amounts set forth below).

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Printing and
                                       Compensation      Allocable       Mailing of       Preparation and
                                     and Expenses of     Overhead,     Prospectuses to    Distribution of
                                     the Distributor     Telephone       Other than      Sales Literature
 Fiscal Year ended    Compensation    and its Sales     and Travel         Current        and Advertising
 October 31, 1997      to Dealers                        Expenses       Shareholders
- ------------------    ------------   ---------------    ----------     ---------------   ----------------
<S>                  <C>             <C>               <C>            <C>                <C>
Municipal Income         $  175               N/A            N/A                N/A                N/A
                        
Government Income         2,004               N/A            N/A                N/A                N/A
                        
Global Income             1,082               N/A            N/A                N/A                N/A
                        
Short Duration          
 Government Fund(1)         237               N/A            N/A                N/A                N/A
                        
Short Duration          
 Tax-Free Fund(1)            33               N/A            N/A                N/A                N/A
                        
Core Fixed Income           585               N/A            N/A                N/A                N/A
 Fund                   
                        
High Yield Fund(2)        3,508               N/A            N/A                N/A                N/A
</TABLE>                

_______________________

/(1)/  Advance commissions paid to dealers of 1% on Class C Shares are
       considered deferred assets which are amortized over a period of one year;
       amounts presented above reflect amortization expense recorded during the
       period presented.

/(2)/  High Yield Fund commenced operations on August 1, 1997.


                                     B-133
<PAGE>
 
     Under the Class C Plans, Goldman Sachs, as distributor of the Funds'
shares, will provide to the Board of Trustees for its review, and the Board will
review at least quarterly, a written report of the services provided and amounts
expended by Goldman Sachs under the Class C Plans and the purposes for which
such services were performed and expenditures were made.

     The Class C Plans will remain in effect until May 1, 1998 and from year to
year, provided such continuance is approved annually by a majority vote of the
Trustees, including a majority of the non-interested Trustees.  A Class C Plan
may not be amended to increase materially the amount to be spent for the
services described therein as to any Fund without approval of a majority of the
outstanding Class C Shares of that Fund.  All material amendments of the Class C
Plans must also be approved by the Trustees in the manner described above. With
respect to any Fund, a Class C Plan may be terminated at any time without
payment of any penalty by a vote of the majority of the non-interested Trustees
or by vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Class C
Shares of that Fund.  So long as Class C Plans are in effect, the selection and
nomination of non-interested Trustees shall be committed to the discretion of
the non-interested Trustees. The Trustees have determined that in their judgment
there is a reasonable likelihood that the Class C Plans will benefit each Fund
and their respective Class C shareholders.

     AUTHORIZED DEALER SERVICE PLAN.  As described in the Prospectus, the Trust
     ------------------------------                                            
with respect to each Fund has adopted non-Rule 12b-1 Authorized Dealer Service
Plans (the "Service Plans") with respect to Class A, Class B and Class C Shares.
See "Distribution and Authorized Dealer Service Plans" in the Prospectus.

     The compensation under the Service Plans may not exceed 0.25% per annum of
the average daily net assets attributable to the class of shares to which the
plan relates.  Up to the entire amount of the fee under the Service Plans may be
paid to Authorized Dealers for providing personal and account maintenance
services in connection with each Fund's Shares.  Under the Service Plans,
Goldman Sachs will provide to the Trustees for their review at least quarterly a
written report of the services provided and amount expended under the Service
Plans.

     For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1997 and October 31, 1996 the
Adjustable Rate Government, Government Income, Municipal Income and Global
Income Funds paid Goldman Sachs the following amounts under their respective
Service Plans with respect to their Class A Shares and Class B shares*:

                                     B-134
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                         CLASS A                         CLASS B        CLASS C

                           1997          1996          1995         1997       1996      1997
                        ----------   ------------  ------------  ----------  --------  --------
<S>                      <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>       <C>
Adjustable
 Rate Government          81,928        30,905        17,967         N/A       N/A       N/A
Municipal Income         143,714       131,925        55,106       2,222       126        13
Government Income        125,744        74,060        25,239       8,546       111       273
Global Income            454,817       549,164       281,949       3,565       125        95
Core Fixed Income(1)       4,437           N/A           N/A         346       N/A        49
Short Duration                                                                            36
 Government(1)             3,709           N/A           N/A         568       N/A
Short Duration                                                                             4
 Tax-Free(1)               2,364           N/A           N/A          62       N/A
High Yield(2)            152,941           N/A           N/A       3,342       N/A       432
</TABLE>     

- -----------------------
 
/1/    Class A and Class B Shares commenced operations on May 1, 1997.

/2/    High Yield Fund commenced operations on August 1, 1997.
    
*      No Class C Shares were outstanding as of October 31, 1995 and 1996.     

       The Service Plans applicable to Class A, Class B and Class C Shares were
most recently approved on April 23, 1997 by a majority of the Board of Trustees
of the Trust.  The Service Plans will remain in effect until May 1, 1998 and
from year to year thereafter, provided that such continuance is approved
annually by a majority vote of the Trustees, including a majority of the non-
interested Trustees who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the
Service Plans.


                                     B-135
<PAGE>
 
                                     PART B

                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                                 SERVICE SHARES

                 GOLDMAN SACHS ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND
                  GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
                   GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND
                      GOLDMAN SACHS GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
                      GOLDMAN SACHS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
               GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FIXED INCOME FUND
                        GOLDMAN SACHS GLOBAL INCOME FUND
                         GOLDMAN SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND
                   (EACH A PORTFOLIO OF GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST)
                                        
                              Goldman Sachs Trust
                                4900 Sears Tower
                            Chicago, Illinois 60606

    
  This Statement of Additional Information (the "Additional Statement") is not a
prospectus.  This Additional Statement should be read in conjunction with the
prospectuses for the Service Shares of each of Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate
Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration Government Fund, Goldman Sachs
Short Duration Tax-Free Fund, Goldman Sachs Government Income Fund, Goldman
Sachs Municipal Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fixed Income Fund,
Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund and Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund, each dated
March 1, 1998, as amended and/or supplemented from time to time (each a
"Prospectus"), which may be obtained without charge from institutions ("Service
Organizations") that hold Service Shares for the benefit of their customers, or
by calling Goldman, Sachs & Co. at the telephone number, or writing to one of
the addresses, listed below.      



                                 TABLE OF CONTENTS

   Introduction                       B-3
   Other Investments and Practices    B-12
   Investment Restrictions            B-61
   Management                         B-63
   Portfolio Transactions             B-80
   Shares of the Trust                B-84
   Net Asset Value                    B-90
   Taxation                           B-92
   Performance Information            B-104
   Other Information                  B-119
   Financial Statements               B-120
   Service Plan                       B-121
   Appendix A                         1-A
   Appendix B                         1-B
    
The date of this Additional Statement is March 1, 1998.      
<PAGE>
 
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT      GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT
ADVISER TO GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT          INTERNATIONAL
  DURATION TAX-FREE FUND,           ADVISER TO GOLDMAN SACHS
  GOLDMAN SACHS GOVERNMENT              GLOBAL INCOME FUND
  INCOME FUND, GOLDMAN SACHS        133 PETERBOROUGH COURT
  MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND,            LONDON EC4A 2BB, ENGLAND
  GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED 
  INCOME FUND AND GOLDMAN           GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
  SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND             DISTRIBUTOR
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA                  85 BROAD STREET
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004            NEW YORK, NEW YORK  10004

GOLDMAN SACHS FUNDS                 GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
MANAGEMENT, L.P.                    TRANSFER AGENT
ADVISER TO GOLDMAN SACHS            4900 SEARS TOWER
  ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT        CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606
  FUND AND GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT
  DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004
 
 
 



                    TOLL FREE (IN U.S.) .......800-621-2550



<PAGE>
 
                                 SERVICE PLAN


    
     Each Fund has adopted a service plan (the "Plan") with respect to its
Service Shares which authorizes it to compensate Service Organizations for
providing certain administration services and personal and account maintenance
services to their customers who are or may become beneficial owners of such
Shares. Pursuant to the Plan, a Fund will enter into agreements with Service
Organizations which purchase Service Shares of the Fund on behalf of their
customers ("Service Agreements").  Under such Service Agreements, the Service
Organizations may perform some or all of the following services:  (a) act,
directly or through an agent, as the sole shareholder of record and nominee for
all customers, (b) maintain account records for each customer who beneficially
owns Service Shares of a Fund, (c) answer questions and handle correspondence
from customers regarding their accounts, (d) process customer orders to
purchase, redeem and exchange Service Shares of a Fund, and handle the
transmission of funds representing the customers' purchase price or redemption
proceeds, (e) issue confirmations for transactions in shares by customers, (f)
provide facilities to answer questions from prospective and existing investors
about Service Shares of a Fund, (g) receive and answer investor correspondence,
including requests for prospectuses and statements of additional information,
(h) display and make prospectuses available on the Service Organization's
premises, (i) assist customers in completing application forms, selecting
dividend and other account options and opening custody accounts with the Service
Organization and (j) act as liaison between customers and a Fund, including
obtaining information from a Fund, working with a Fund to correct errors and
resolve problems and providing statistical and other information to a Fund.  As
compensation for such services, a Fund will pay each Service Organization a
service fee in an amount up to 0.50% (on an annualized basis) of the average
daily net assets of the Service Shares of such Fund attributable to or held in
the name of such Service Organization; provided, however, that the fee paid for
personal and account maintenance services shall not exceed 0.25% of such average
daily net assets. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1997, October 31, 1996
and October 31, 1995 service fees were paid by the Funds as follows:      



<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
               Fund                  1997       1996         1995 
               ----                  ----       ----         ----        
<S>                                  <C>        <C>         <C>
Adjustable Rate Government           $292        (1)          (1)  
Short Duration Government          12,087     $1,222          (2)   
Short Duration Tax-Free             6,435      2,322       $1,797 
Government Income                       2        (3)          (3)  
Municipal Income                        2        (4)          (4) 
Core Fixed Income                   6,207        422          (5) 
Global Income                         523        (6)          (6) 
High Yield(7)                           8        N/A          N/A
</TABLE>      


_________________________
    
(1)  No Service Shares of Adjustable Rate Government Fund were outstanding at
     October 31, 1996 and 1995.      


                                      121
<PAGE>
 
(2)  No Service Shares of Short Duration Government Fund were outstanding at
     October 31, 1995.
(3)  No Service Shares of Government Income Fund were outstanding at October 31,
     1996 and 1995.
(4)  No Service Shares of Municipal Income Fund were outstanding at October 31,
     1996 and 1995.
(5)  No Service Shares of Core Fixed Income Fund were outstanding at October 31,
     1995.
(6)  No Service Shares of Global Income Fund were outstanding at October 31,
     1996 and 1995.
         
(7)  High Yield Fund commenced operations on August 1, 1998.      


     Each Fund has adopted its Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act in
order to avoid any possibility that payments to the Service Organizations
pursuant to the Service Agreements might violate the 1940 Act.  Rule 12b-1,
which was adopted by the SEC under the Act, regulates the circumstances under
which an investment  company or series thereof may bear expenses associated with
the distribution of its shares.  In particular, such an investment company or
series thereof cannot engage directly or indirectly in financing any activity
which is primarily intended to result in the sale of shares issued by the
company unless it has adopted a plan pursuant to, and complies with the other
requirements of, such Rule.  The Trust believes that fees paid for the services
provided in the Plan and described above are not expenses incurred primarily for
effecting the distribution of Service Shares.  However, should such payments be
deemed by a court or the SEC to be distribution expenses, such payments would be
duly authorized by the Plan.


     The Glass-Steagall Act prohibits all entities which receive deposits from
engaging to any extent in the business of issuing, underwriting, selling or
distributing securities, although institutions such as national banks are
permitted to purchase and sell securities upon the order and for the account of
their customers.  In addition, under some state securities laws, banks and other
financial institutions purchasing Service Shares on behalf of their customers
may be required to register as dealers. Should future legislative or
administrative action or judicial or administrative decisions or interpretations
prohibit or restrict the activities of one or more of the Service Organizations
in connection with the Funds, such Service Organizations might be required to
alter materially or discontinue the services performed under their Service
Agreements.  If one or more of the Service Organizations were restricted from
effecting purchases or sales of Service Shares automatically pursuant to pre-
authorized instructions, for example, effecting such transactions on a manual
basis might affect the size and/or growth of a Fund.  Any such alteration or
discontinuance of services could require the Board of Trustees to consider
changing a Fund's method of operations or providing alternative means of
offering Service Shares of a Fund to customers of such Service Organizations, in
which case the operation of such Fund, its size and/or its growth might be
significantly altered.  It is not anticipated, however, that any


                                      122
<PAGE>
 
alternation of a Fund's operations would have any effect on the net asset value
per share or result in financial losses to any shareholder.


     Conflict of interest restrictions (including the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974) may apply to a Service Organization's receipt of
compensation paid by a Fund in connection with the investment of fiduciary
assets in Service Shares of such Fund.  Service Organizations, including banks
regulated by the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board or the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and investment advisers and other money
managers subject to the jurisdiction of the SEC, the Department of Labor or
state securities regulators, are urged to consult legal advisers before
investing fiduciary assets in Service Shares of the Funds.


     The Plans with respect to the Adjustable Rate Government, Short Duration
Government, Short Duration Tax-Free and Core Fixed Income Funds were approved by
The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P., as the sole shareholder of Service Shares of each
Fund.  The Trustees, including a majority of the Trustees who are not interested
persons of the Trust and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in
the operation of the Plans or the related Service Agreements, most recently
voted to approve each Fund's Plan and Service Agreements at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on such Plans and Service Agreements on April 23, 1997,
including Global and High Yield Funds.  Each Plan and Service Agreement will
remain in effect until April 30, 1998 and will continue in effect thereafter
only if such continuance is specifically approved annually by a vote of the
Board of 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 Service Shareholders of the applicable Fund, and all
material amendments of each Plan must also be approved by the Board of Trustees
in the manner described above.  Each Plan may be terminated at any time by a
majority of the Board of Trustees as described above or by vote of a majority of
the outstanding Service Shares of the applicable Fund.  The Service Agreements
may be terminated at any time, without payment of any penalty, by vote of a
majority of the Board of Trustees as described above or by a vote of a majority
of the outstanding Service Shares of the applicable Fund on not more than sixty
(60) days' written notice to any other party to the Service Agreements.  The
Service Agreements will terminate automatically if assigned.  So long as the
Plans are in effect, the selection and nomination of those Trustees who are not
interested persons will be committed to the discretion of the Trust's Nominating
Committee, which consists of all of the non-interested members of the Board of
Trustees.  The Board of Trustees has determined that, in its judgment, there is
a reasonable likelihood that a Fund's Plan will benefit such Fund and its
holders of Service Shares.  In the Board of Trustees' quarterly review of the
Plans and Service Agreements, the Board will consider their continued
appropriateness and the level of compensation provided therein.


                                      123
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART B
                                        
                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                             INSTITUTIONAL SHARES

                 GOLDMAN SACHS ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND
                 GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
                  GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND
                     GOLDMAN SACHS GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
                      GOLDMAN SACHS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
                     GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FUND
                       GOLDMAN SACHS GLOBAL INCOME FUND
                         GOLDMAN SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND
                   (EACH A PORTFOLIO OF GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST)
                                        
                              Goldman Sachs Trust
                               4900 Sears Tower
                            Chicago, Illinois 60606
   
This Statement of Additional Information (the "Additional Statement") is not a
prospectus.  This Additional Statement describes each of the above-referenced
series of Goldman Sachs Trust.  This Additional Statement should be read in
conjunction with the prospectus for the Institutional Shares of Goldman Sachs
Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration Government Fund,
Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund, Goldman Sachs Government Income
Fund, Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund,
Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund and Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund, dated March
1, 1998, as amended and/or supplemented from time to time (the "Prospectus"),
which may be obtained without charge from Goldman, Sachs & Co. by calling the
telephone number, or writing to one of the addresses, listed below.    

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                                   <C> 
   Introduction                       B-3
   Other Investments and Practices    B-12
   Investment Restrictions            B-61
   Management                         B-63
   Portfolio Transactions             B-80
   Shares of the Trust                B-84
   Net Asset Value                    B-90
   Taxation                           B-92
   Performance Information            B-104
   Other Information                  B-119
   Financial Statements               B-120
   Appendix A                         1-A
   Appendix B                         1-B
</TABLE> 
   
The date of this Additional Statement is March 1, 1998.    
<PAGE>
 
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT                  GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET
Adviser to Goldman Sachs                        MANAGEMENT INTERNATIONAL
 Short Duration Tax-Free Fund,                  Adviser to Goldman Sachs
 Goldman Sachs Government                        Global Income Fund
 Income Fund, Goldman Sachs                     133 Peterborough Court
 Municipal Income Fund,                         London EC4A 2BB, England
 Goldman Sachs Core Fixed
 Income Fund and Goldman
 Sachs High Yield Fund                          Goldman, Sachs & Co.
One New York Plaza                              Distributor
New York, New York 10004                        85 Broad Street
                                                New York, NY 10004
GOLDMAN SACHS FUNDS
 MANAGEMENT, L.P.
Adviser to Goldman Sachs                        GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
 Adjustable Rate Government Fund                Transfer Agent
 and Goldman Sachs Short Duration               4900 Sears Tower
 Government Fund                                Chicago, Illinois 60606
One New York Plaza
New York, New York 10004



                    TOLL FREE (IN U.S.) .......800-621-2550
<PAGE>
 
INTRODUCTION
   
     Goldman Sachs Trust (the "Trust") was formed under the laws of the state of
Delaware on January 28, 1997.  The Trust is a successor to a Massachusetts
business trust that was merged with the Trust on April 30, 1997.  The Trust
assumed its current name on March 22, 1991.  The Trustees of the Trust have
authority under the Declaration of Trust to create and classify shares into
separate series and to classify and reclassify any series of shares into one or
more classes without further action by shareholders. Pursuant thereto, the
Trustees have created the following series, among others:  Goldman Sachs
Adjustable Rate Government Fund ("Adjustable Rate Government Fund"), Goldman
Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund ("Core Fixed Income"), Goldman Sachs Global Income
Fund ("Global Income Fund"), Goldman Sachs Government Income Fund ("Government
Income Fund"), Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund ("Municipal Income Fund"),
Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund ("Short Duration Tax-Free Fund"),
Goldman Sachs Short Duration Government Fund ("Short Duration Government Fund")
and Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund ("High Yield Fund") and 34 other series of
shares.  Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Core Fixed Income, Global Income Fund,
Government Income Fund, Municipal Income Fund, Short Duration Tax-Free Fund,
Short Duration Government Fund and High Yield Fund are each sometimes referred
to herein as a "Fund" and collectively as the "Funds." Short Duration Government
Fund, Short Duration Tax-Free Fund and Core Fixed Income are each authorized to
issue six classes of shares:  Institutional Shares, Administration Shares,
Service Shares, Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares. Adjustable
Rate Government Fund is authorized to issue four classes of shares:
Institutional Shares,  Administration Shares, Service Shares and Class A Shares.
Government Income Fund, Municipal Income Fund, Global Income Fund and High Yield
Fund are authorized to issue five classes of shares: Institutional Shares,
Service Shares, Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares. Additional
series may be added in the future from time to time.    

     Goldman Sachs Asset Management ("GSAM"), a separate operating division of
Goldman, Sachs & Co. ("Goldman Sachs"), serves as the investment adviser to Core
Fixed Income, Government Income Fund, Municipal Income Fund, Short Duration Tax-
Free Fund and High Yield Fund. Goldman Sachs Asset Management International
("GSAMI"), an affiliate of Goldman Sachs, serves as investment adviser to the
Global Income Fund.  Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P. ("GSFM"), an affiliate
of Goldman Sachs, serves as the investment adviser to Adjustable Rate Government
Fund and Short Duration Government Fund.  GSAM, GSAMI and GSFM are each
sometimes referred to herein as the "Adviser" and collectively herein as the
"Advisers." In addition, Goldman Sachs serves as each Fund's distributor and
transfer agent. Each Fund's custodian is State Street Bank and Trust Company.

     Because each Fund's shares may be redeemed upon request of a shareholder on
any business day at net asset value, the Funds 

                                      B-3
<PAGE>
 
offer greater liquidity than many competing investments, such as certificates of
deposit and direct investments in certain securities in which the respective
Fund may invest. However, unlike certificates of deposits, shares of the Funds
are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

     The following information relates to and supplements the description of
each Fund's investment policies contained in the Prospectus.  See the Prospectus
for a fuller description of each Fund's investment objective and policies.
Investing in the Funds entails certain risks and there is no assurance that a
Fund will achieve its objective.

     EXPERIENCED MANAGEMENT.  Successfully creating and managing a diversified
     ----------------------                                                   
portfolio of securities requires professionals with extensive experience.
Goldman Sachs' highly skilled portfolio management team brings together many
years of experience in the analysis, valuation and trading of U.S. and foreign
fixed-income securities.

ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND AND SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND

     Adjustable Rate Government Fund and Short Duration Government Fund are both
designed for investors who seek a high level of high current income, relative
stability of principal and the high credit quality of securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government or its agencies, instrumentalities or
sponsored enterprises, without incurring the administrative and accounting
burdens involved in direct investment.

     Market and economic conditions may affect the investments of Adjustable
Rate Government and Short Duration Government Funds differently than the
investments normally purchased by such investors.  Relative to U.S. Treasury and
non-fluctuating money market instruments, the market value of adjustable rate
mortgage securities in which Adjustable Rate and Short Duration Government Funds
may invest may be adversely affected by increases in market interest rates.
Conversely, decreases in market interest rates may result in less capital
appreciation for adjustable rate mortgage securities in relation to U.S.
Treasury and money market investments.

     HIGH CURRENT INCOME.  Adjustable Rate Government and Short Duration
     -------------------                                                
Government Funds seek a higher current yield than a money market fund or than
that offered by bank certificates of deposit and money market accounts. However,
the Adjustable Rate and Short Duration Government Funds do not maintain a
constant net asset value per share and are subject to greater fluctuations in
the value of their shares than a money market fund. Unlike bank certificates of
deposit and money market accounts, investments in shares of the Funds are not
insured or guaranteed by any government agency. Each of the Adjustable Rate and
Short Duration 

                                      B-4
<PAGE>
 
Government Funds seeks to provide such high current income without sacrificing
credit quality.

     RELATIVE LOW VOLATILITY OF PRINCIPAL.  Adjustable Rate Government Fund
     -------------------------------------                                 
seeks to minimize net asset value fluctuations by investing primarily in
adjustable rate mortgage pass-through securities and other mortgage securities
with periodic interest rate resets, maintaining a maximum duration of two years
and a target duration equal to that of a six-month to one-year U.S. Treasury
security, and utilizing certain active management techniques to seek to hedge
interest rate risk.  Short Duration Government Fund seeks to minimize net asset
value fluctuations by utilizing certain interest rate hedging techniques and by
maintaining a maximum duration of not more than three years.  The duration
target of the Short Duration Government Fund is that of the 2-year U.S. Treasury
Security plus or minus .5 years.  There is no assurance that these strategies
for the Adjustable Rate Government Fund and Short Duration Government Fund will
always be successful.

     PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION.  Investors who invest in
     -------------------------------------------                         
securities of the Government National Mortgage Association ("Ginnie Mae") and
other mortgage-backed securities may prefer professional management and
administration of their mortgage-backed securities portfolios.  A well-
diversified portfolio of such securities emphasizing minimal fluctuation of net
asset value requires significant active management as well as significant
accounting and administrative resources.  Members of Goldman Sachs' highly
skilled portfolio management team bring together many years of experience in the
analysis, valuation and trading of U.S. fixed-income securities.

GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND

     Government Income Fund is designed for investors who seek the relatively
high current income, relative safety of principal and the high credit quality of
securities issued by the U.S. government or its agencies, instrumentalities or
sponsored enterprises, without incurring the administrative and account burdens
involved in direct investment.

     Government Income Fund's overall returns are generally likely to move in
the same direction as interest rates. Therefore, when interest rates decline,
Government Income Fund's return is also likely to decline. In exchange for
accepting a higher degree of share price fluctuation, investors have the
potential to achieve a higher return from the Government Income Fund than from
shorter-term investments.

     High Current Income.  Government Income Fund is designed to have a higher
     -------------------                                                      
current yield than a money market fund, since it can invest in longer-term,
higher yielding securities, and may utilize certain investment techniques not
available to a money market 

                                      B-5
<PAGE>
 
fund. Similarly, Government Income Fund's yield is expected to exceed that
offered by bank certificates of deposit and money market accounts. However,
Government Income Fund does not maintain a constant net asset value per share
and is subject to greater fluctuation in the value of its shares than a money
market fund. Unlike bank certificates of deposit and money market accounts,
investments in shares of Government Income Fund are not insured or guaranteed by
any government agency. Government Income Fund seeks to provide high current
income without, however, sacrificing credit quality.

     Liquidity. Because Government Income Fund's shares may be redeemed upon
     ---------                                                              
request of a shareholder on any business day at net asset value, Government
Income Fund offers greater liquidity than many competing investments such as
certificates of deposit and direct investments in certain securities in which
Government Income Fund may invest.

     A Sophisticated Investment Process.  Government Income Fund's investment
     ----------------------------------                                      
process starts with a review of trends for the overall economy as well as for
different sectors of the U.S. government and mortgage-backed securities markets.
Goldman Sachs' portfolio managers then analyze yield spreads, implied volatility
and the shape of the yield curve.  In planning the Government Income Fund's
portfolio investment strategies, the Adviser is able to draw upon the economic
and fixed-income research resources of Goldman Sachs.  The Adviser will use a
sophisticated analytical process involving Goldman Sachs' proprietary mortgage
prepayment model and option-adjusted spread model to structure and maintain the
Government Income Fund's investment portfolio.  In determining the Government
Income Fund's investment strategy and making market timing decisions, the
Adviser will have access to information from Goldman Sachs' economists, fixed-
income analysts and mortgage specialists.

     Convenience of a Fund Structure.  Government Income Fund eliminates many of
     -------------------------------                                            
the complications that direct ownership of U.S. government and mortgage-backed
securities entails. Government Income Fund automatically reinvests all principal
payments within the Fund and distributes only current income each month, thereby
conserving principal and eliminating the investor's need to segregate and
reinvest the principal portion of each payment on his own.

SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE AND MUNICIPAL INCOME FUNDS

     Short Duration Tax-Free Fund and Municipal Income Fund (the "Tax Exempt
Funds") are not money market funds.  Each is designed for investors who seek the
tax benefits associated with investing in municipal securities and who are able
to accept greater risk with the possibility of higher returns than investors in
municipal money market funds.  While municipal money market funds almost always
maintain a constant net asset value, they must meet stringent high quality
credit standards, their portfolios must be 

                                      B-6
<PAGE>
 
broadly diversified and their portfolio securities must have remaining
maturities of 397 days or less. An example of an "eligible" investment for the
Tax Exempt Funds is auction rate municipal securities, which generally have
higher yields than money market municipal securities, but which typically are
not eligible investments for municipal money market funds.

     In addition, unlike a municipal money market fund, the Tax Exempt Funds'
increased investment flexibility permits their portfolios to be more easily
adjusted to reflect the shape of the current yield curve as well as to respond
to anticipated developments that might affect the shape of the yield curve.

     Investors who wish to invest in municipal securities may find that a mutual
fund structure offers some important advantages when compared to investing in
individual municipal securities, including:

          .  The ratings given to municipal securities by the rating
             organizations are difficult to evaluate. For example, some
             municipal securities with relatively low credit ratings have yields
             comparable to municipal securities with much higher ratings. The
             credit research professionals at Goldman Sachs closely follow
             market events and are well positioned to judge current and expected
             credit conditions of municipal issuers;

          .  Because of the relative inefficiency of the secondary market in
             municipal securities, the value of an individual municipal security
             is often difficult to determine.  As such, investors may obtain a
             wide range of different prices when asking for quotes from
             different dealers.  In addition, a dealer may have a large
             inventory of a particular issue that it wants to reduce. Obtaining
             the best overall prices can require extensive negotiation, which is
             a function performed by the portfolio manager;

          .  Market expertise is also an important consideration for municipal
             investors, and because the Tax Exempt Funds take relatively large
             positions in different securities, the Tax Exempt Funds may be able
             to obtain more favorable prices in the municipal securities market
             than investors with relatively small positions; and

          .  Industry and geographical diversification are important
             considerations for municipal investors. The Tax Exempt Funds are
             designed to provide this diversification.

                                      B-7
<PAGE>
 
CORE FIXED INCOME

     Core Fixed Income is designed for investors seeking a total return
consisting of both income and capital appreciation that exceeds the total return
of the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index, without incurring the
administrative and accounting burdens involved in direct investment.  Such
investors also prefer liquidity, experienced professional management and
administration, a sophisticated investment process, and the convenience of a
mutual fund structure.  Core Fixed Income may be appropriate as part of a
balanced investment strategy consisting of stocks, bonds and cash or as a
complement to positions in other types of fixed-income investments.

     Core Fixed Income's overall returns are generally likely to move in the
opposite direction from interest rates.  Therefore, when interest rates decline,
Core Fixed Income's return is likely to increase. Conversely,  when interest
rates increase, Core Fixed Income's return is likely to decline.  However, the
Adviser believes that, given the flexibility of managers to invest in a
diversified portfolio of securities, Core Fixed Income's return is not likely to
decline as quickly as that of other fixed-income funds with a comparable average
portfolio duration.  In exchange for accepting a higher degree of potential
share price fluctuation, investors have the opportunity to achieve a higher
return from Core Fixed Income than from shorter-term investments.
    
     A number of investment strategies will be used to achieve the Core Fixed
Income's investment objective, including market sector selection, determination
of yield curve exposure, and issuer selection.  In addition, the Adviser will
attempt to take advantage of pricing inefficiencies in the fixed-income markets.
Market sector selection is the underweighting or overweighting of one or more of
the five market sectors (i.e., U.S. Treasuries, U.S. government agencies,
corporate securities, mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities) in
which the Fund primarily invests. The decision to overweight or underweight a
given market sector is based on expectations of future yield spreads between
different sectors. Yield curve exposure strategy consists of overweighting or
underweighting different maturity sectors to take advantage of the shape of the
yield curve. Issuer selection is the purchase and sale of corporate securities
based on a corporation's current and expected credit standing. To take advantage
of price discrepancies between securities resulting from supply and demand
imbalances or other technical factors, the Fund may simultaneously purchase and
sell comparable, but not identical, securities. The Adviser will usually have
access to the research of, and proprietary technical models developed by,
Goldman Sachs and will apply quantitative and qualitative analysis in
determining the appropriate allocations among the categories of issuers and
types of securities.      

                                      B-8
<PAGE>
 
     A SOPHISTICATED INVESTMENT PROCESS.  Core Fixed Income will attempt to
     ----------------------------------                                    
control its exposure to interest rate risk, including overall market exposure
and the spread risk of particular sectors and securities, through active
portfolio management techniques.  Core Fixed Income's investment process starts
with a review of trends for the overall economy as well as for different sectors
of the fixed- income securities  markets.  Goldman Sachs' portfolio managers
then analyze yield spreads, implied volatility and the shape of the yield curve.
In planning Core Fixed Income's portfolio investment strategies, the Adviser is
able to draw upon the economic and fixed-income research resources of Goldman
Sachs.  The Adviser will use a sophisticated analytical process including
Goldman Sachs' proprietary mortgage prepayment model and option-adjusted spread
model to assist in structuring and maintaining Core Fixed Income's investment
portfolio.  In determining Core Fixed Income's investment strategy and making
market timing decisions, the Adviser will have access to input from Goldman
Sachs' economists, fixed-income analysts and mortgage specialists.

GLOBAL INCOME FUND

     Global Income Fund is designed for investors seeking a combination of high
income, capital appreciation, stability of principal, experienced professional
management, flexibility and liquidity.  However, investing in the Fund involves
certain risks and there is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its
investment objective.

     In selecting securities for the Fund, portfolio managers consider such
factors as the security's duration, sector and credit quality rating as well as
the security's yield and prospects for capital appreciation. In determining the
countries and currencies in which the Fund will invest, the Fund's portfolio
managers form opinions based primarily on the views of Goldman Sachs' economists
as well as information provided by securities dealers, including information
relating to factors such as interest rates, inflation, monetary and fiscal
policies, taxation, and political climate. The portfolio managers apply the
Black-Litterman Model (the "Model") to their views to develop a portfolio that
produces, in the view of the Adviser, the optimal expected return for a given
level of risk. The Model factors in the opinions of the portfolio managers,
adjusting for their level of confidence in such opinions, with the views implied
by an international capital asset pricing formula. The Model is also used to
maintain the level of portfolio risk within the guidelines established by the
Adviser.

     High Income.  Global Income Fund's portfolio managers will seek out the
     -----------                                                            
highest yielding bonds in the global fixed-income market that meet the Global
Income Fund's credit quality standards and certain other criteria.

                                      B-9
<PAGE>
 
     Capital Appreciation.  Investing in the foreign bond markets offers the
     --------------------                                                   
potential for capital appreciation due to both interest rate and currency
exchange rate fluctuations.  The portfolio managers attempt to identify
investments with appreciation potential by carefully evaluating trends affecting
a country's currency as well as a country's fundamental economic strength.
However, there is a risk of capital depreciation as a result of unanticipated
interest rate and currency fluctuations.

     Portfolio Management Flexibility.  Global Income Fund is actively managed.
     --------------------------------                                           
The Fund's portfolio managers invest in countries that, in their judgment, meet
the Fund's investment guidelines and often have strong currencies and stable
economies and in securities that they believe offer favorable performance
prospects.

     Relative Stability of Principal.  Global Income Fund may be able to reduce
     -------------------------------                                           
principal fluctuation by investing in foreign countries with economic policies
or business cycles different from those of the United States and in foreign
securities markets that do not necessarily move in the same direction or
magnitude as the U.S. market.  Investing in a broad range of U.S. and foreign
fixed-income securities and currencies reduces the dependence of the Fund's
performance on developments in any particular market to the extent that adverse
events in one market are offset by favorable events in other markets.  The
Fund's policy of investing primarily in high quality securities may also reduce
principal fluctuation. However, there is no assurance that these strategies will
always be successful.

     Professional Management.  Individual U.S. investors may prefer professional
     -----------------------                                                    
management of their global bond and currency portfolios because a well-
diversified portfolio requires a large amount of capital and because the size of
the global market requires access to extensive resources and a substantial
commitment of time.

HIGH YIELD FUND

     High Yield Fund's Investment Process.  GSAM starts the investment process
     -------------------------------------                                    
with economic analysis based on research generated by the Goldman Sachs Global
Economic Research Group and others to determine broad growth trends, industry-
specific events and market forecasts.  The market value of non-investment grade
fixed income securities tends to reflect individual developments within a
company to a greater extent than higher rated corporate debt or Treasury bonds
that react primarily to fluctuations in interest rates.  Therefore, determining
the creditworthiness of issuers is critical.  To that end, the High Yield Fund's
portfolio managers have access to Goldman, Sachs & Co.'s highly regarded Credit
Research and Global Investment Research Departments, as well as analysis from
the firm's High Yield Research Group, a dedicated group of 14 professionals in
the high yield and emerging market corporate bond research area, consisting of
industry and 

                                      B-10
<PAGE>
 
   
regional market specialists. In addition, the Fund's portfolio managers may
review the opinions of the two largest independent credit rating agencies,
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group and Moody's Investors Services, Inc. High Yield
Fund's portfolio managers and credit analysts also conduct their own in-depth
analysis of each issue considered for inclusion in the Fund's portfolio. The
portfolio managers and credit analysts evaluate such factors as a company's
competitive position, the strength of its balance sheet, its ability to
withstand economic downturns and its potential to generate ample cash flow to
service its debt. The ability to analyze accurately a company's future cash flow
by correctly anticipating the impact of economic, industry-wide and specific
events are critical to successful high yield investing. GSAM's goal is to
identify companies with the potential to strengthen their balance sheets by
increasing their earnings, reducing their debt or effecting a turnaround. GSAM
analyzes trends in a company's debt picture (i.e., the level of its interest
coverage) as well as new developments in its capital structure on an ongoing
basis. GSAM believes that this constant reassessment is more valuable than
relying on a "snapshot" view of a company's ability to service debt at one or
two points in time.    

     High Yield Fund's portfolio is diversified among different sectors and
industries on a global basis in an effort to reduce overall risk.  While GSAM
will avoid excessive concentration in any one industry, the Fund's specific
industry weightings are the result of individual security selection.  Emerging
market debt considered for the High Yield Fund's portfolio will be selected by
specialists knowledgeable about the political and economic structure of those
economies.

     Return on and Risks of High Yield Securities.  Over the past decade, high
     ---------------------------------------------                            
yield bonds have delivered consistently higher yields and total return (and
higher volatility) than either investment grade corporate bonds or U.S. Treasury
bonds.  However, because these non-investment grade securities involve higher
risks in return for higher income, they are best suited to long-term investors
who are financially secure enough to withstand volatility and the risks
associated with such investments.  See "Other Investments and Practices."
Different types of fixed income securities may react differently to changes in
the economy. High yield bonds, like stocks, tend to perform best when the
economy is strong, inflation is low and companies experience healthy profits,
which can lead to higher stock prices and higher credit ratings.  Government
bonds are likely to appreciate more in a weaker economy when interest rates are
declining.  In certain types of markets, adding some diversification in the high
yield asset class may help to increase returns and decrease overall portfolio
risk.

     For high yield, non-investment grade securities, as for most investments,
there is a direct relationship between risk and return.  Along with their
potential to deliver higher yields and greater capital appreciation than most
other types of fixed income 

                                      B-11
<PAGE>
 
securities, high yield securities are subject to higher risk of loss, greater
volatility and are considered speculative by traditional investment standards.
The most significant risk associated with high yield securities is credit risk:
the risk that the company issuing a high yield security may have difficulty in
meeting its principal and/or interest payments on a timely basis. As a result,
extensive credit research and diversification are essential factors in managing
risk in the high yield arena. To a lesser extent, high yield bonds are also
subject to interest rate risk: when interest rates increase, the value of fixed
income securities tends to decline.

                        OTHER INVESTMENTS AND PRACTICES

OBLIGATIONS OF THE UNITED STATES, ITS AGENCIES, INSTRUMENTALITIES 
AND SPONSORED ENTERPRISES

     Each Fund may invest in U.S. government securities ("U.S. Government
Securities"), which are obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government
and its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. Some U.S.
Government Securities (such as Treasury bills, notes and bonds, which differ
only in their interest rates, maturities and times of issuance) are supported by
the full faith and credit of the United States of America.  Others, such as
obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities
or sponsored enterprises, are supported either by (a) the full faith and credit
of the U.S. government (such as securities of the Small Business
Administration), (b) the right of the issuer to borrow from the Treasury (such
as securities of Federal Home Loan Banks), (c) the discretionary authority of
the U.S. government to purchase the agency's obligations (such as securities of
Federal National Mortgage Association ("Fannie Mae")) or (d) only the credit of
the issuer (such as securities of the Financing Corporation).  The U.S.
government is under no legal obligation, in general,  to purchase the
obligations of its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises.  No
assurance can be given that the U.S. government will provide financial support
to the U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises in
the future.

     U.S. Government Securities include (to the extent consistent with the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act")) securities for which the
payment of principal and interest is backed by an irrevocable letter of credit
issued by the U.S. government, or its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored
enterprises.  U.S. Government Securities also include (to the extent consistent
with the Act) participations in loans made to foreign governments or their
agencies that are guaranteed as to principal and interest by the U.S. government
or its agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises.  The secondary
market for certain of these participations is extremely limited.  In the absence
of a substantial secondary market, such participations are regarded as illiquid.
Each Fund may also purchase U.S. Government 

                                      B-12
<PAGE>
 
Securities in private placements, subject to the Fund's limitation on investment
in illiquid securities.

     The Funds may also invest in separately traded principal and interest
components of securities guaranteed or issued by the U.S. Treasury if such
components are traded independently under the separate trading of registered
interest and principal of securities program ("STRIPS").

CUSTODIAL RECEIPTS

     Each Fund may acquire custodial receipts in respect of U.S. Government
Securities.  Such custodial receipts evidence ownership of future interest
payments, principal payments or both on certain notes or bonds.  These custodial
receipts are known by various names, including "Treasury Receipts," "Treasury
Investors Growth Receipts" ("TIGRs"), and "Certificates of Accrual on Treasury
Securities" ("CATS").  For certain securities law purposes, custodial receipts
are not considered U.S. Government Securities.

MORTGAGE LOANS AND MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

     Adjustable Rate, Short Duration Government, Core Fixed Income Global
Income, High Yield and Government Income Funds (collectively, the "Taxable
Funds") may each invest in mortgage loans and mortgage pass-through securities
and other securities representing an interest in or collateralized by adjustable
and fixed-rate mortgage loans ("Mortgage-Backed Securities").

     GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS.  Each mortgage pool underlying Mortgage-Backed
     -----------------------                                                
Securities consists of mortgage loans evidenced by promissory notes secured by
first mortgages or first deeds of trust or other similar security instruments
creating a first lien on owner occupied and non-owner occupied one-unit to four-
unit residential properties, multi-family (i.e., five or more) properties,
agriculture properties, commercial properties and mixed use properties (the
"Mortgaged Properties").  The Mortgaged Properties may consist of detached
individual dwelling units, multi-family dwelling units, individual condominiums,
townhouses, duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, row houses, individual units in
planned unit developments and other attached dwelling units.  The Mortgaged
Properties may also include residential investment properties and second homes.

     The investment characteristics of adjustable and fixed rate Mortgage-Backed
Securities differ from those of traditional fixed-income securities.  The major
differences include the payment of interest and principal on Mortgage-Backed
Securities on a more frequent (usually monthly) schedule, and the possibility
that principal may be prepaid at any time due to prepayments on the underlying
mortgage loans or other assets.  These differences can result in significantly
greater price and yield volatility than is the case with traditional fixed-
income securities.  As a result, a 

                                      B-13
<PAGE>
 
faster than expected prepayment rate will reduce both the market value and the
yield to maturity from those which were anticipated. A prepayment rate that is
slower than expected will have the opposite effect of increasing yield to
maturity and market value. To the extent that the Funds invest in Mortgage-
Backed Securities, the Advisers will seek to manage these potential risks by
investing in a variety of Mortgage-Backed Securities and by using certain
hedging techniques.

     ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE LOANS ("ARMs").  ARMs generally provide for a
     ---------------------------------------                               
fixed initial mortgage interest rate for a specified period of time.
Thereafter, the interest rates (the "Mortgage Interest Rates") may be subject to
periodic adjustment based on changes in the applicable index rate (the "Index
Rate").  The adjusted rate would be equal to the Index Rate plus a fixed
percentage spread over the Index Rate established for each ARM at the time of
its origination.

     Adjustable interest rates can cause payment increases that some mortgagors
may find difficult to make.  However, certain ARMs may provide that the Mortgage
Interest Rate may not be adjusted to a rate above an applicable lifetime maximum
rate or below an applicable lifetime minimum rate for such ARM.  Certain ARMs
may also be subject to limitations on the maximum amount by which the Mortgage
Interest Rate may adjust for any single adjustment period (the "Maximum
Adjustment").  Other ARMs ("Negatively Amortizing ARMs") may provide instead or
as well for limitations on changes in the monthly payment on such ARMs.
Limitations on monthly payments can result in monthly payments which are greater
or less than the amount necessary to amortize a Negatively Amortizing ARM by its
maturity at the Mortgage Interest Rate in effect in any particular month.  In
the event that a monthly payment is not sufficient to pay the interest accruing
on a Negatively Amortizing ARM, any such excess interest is added to the
principal balance of the loan, causing negative amortization, and will be repaid
through future monthly payments.  It may take borrowers under Negatively
Amortizing ARMs longer periods of time to build up equity and may increase the
likelihood of default by such borrowers.  In the event that a monthly payment
exceeds the sum of the interest accrued at the applicable Mortgage Interest Rate
and the principal payment which would have been necessary to amortize the
outstanding principal balance over the remaining term of the loan, the excess
(or "accelerated amortization") further reduces the principal balance of the
ARM.  Negatively Amortizing ARMs do not provide for the extension of their
original maturity to accommodate changes in  their Mortgage Interest Rate.  As a
result, unless there is a  periodic recalculation of the payment amount (which
there generally is), the final payment may be substantially larger than the
other payments.  These limitations on periodic increases in interest rates and
on changes in monthly payments protect borrowers from unlimited interest rate
and payment increases.

                                      B-14
<PAGE>
 
     There are two main categories of indices which provide the basis for rate
adjustments on ARMs: those based on U.S. Treasury securities and those derived
from a calculated measure, such as a cost of funds index or a moving average of
mortgage rates. Commonly utilized indices include the one-year, three-year and
five-year constant maturity Treasury rates, the three-month Treasury bill rate,
the 180-day Treasury bill rate, rates on longer-term Treasury securities, the
11th District Federal Home Loan Bank Cost of Funds, the National Median Cost of
Funds, the one-month, three-month, six-month or one-year London Interbank
Offered Rate, the prime rate of a specific bank or commercial paper rates. Some
indices, such as the one-year constant maturity Treasury rate, closely mirror
changes in market interest rate levels. Others, such as the 11th District
Federal Home Loan Bank Cost of Funds index, tend to lag behind changes in market
rate levels and tend to be somewhat less volatile. The degree of volatility in
the market value of each Taxable Fund's portfolio and therefore in the net asset
value of each Taxable Fund's shares will be a function of the length of the
interest rate reset periods and the degree of volatility in the applicable
indices.

     FIXED-RATE MORTGAGE LOANS.  Generally, fixed-rate mortgage loans included
     -------------------------                                                
in a mortgage pool (the "Fixed-Rate Mortgage Loans") will bear simple interest
at fixed annual rates and have original terms to maturity ranging from 5 to 40
years.  Fixed-Rate Mortgage Loans generally provide for monthly payments of
principal and interest in substantially equal installments for the term of the
mortgage note in sufficient amounts to fully amortize principal by maturity,
although certain Fixed-Rate Mortgage Loans provide for a large final "balloon"
payment upon maturity.

     LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS OF MORTGAGE LOANS.  The following is a discussion of
     --------------------------------------                                   
certain legal and regulatory aspects of the mortgage loans in which the Taxable
Funds may invest.  These regulations may impair the ability of a mortgage lender
to enforce its rights under the mortgage documents. These regulations may
adversely affect the Funds' investments in Mortgage-Backed Securities (including
those issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or
instrumentalities) by delaying the Funds' receipt of payments derived from
principal or interest on mortgage loans affected by such regulations.

1.   Foreclosure.  A foreclosure of a defaulted mortgage loan may be delayed due
     -----------                                                                
     to compliance with statutory notice or service of process provisions,
     difficulties in locating necessary parties or legal challenges to the
     mortgagee's right to foreclose.  Depending upon market conditions, the
     ultimate proceeds of the sale of foreclosed property may not equal the
     amounts owed on the Mortgage-Backed Securities.
 
     Furthermore, courts in some cases have imposed general equitable principles
     upon foreclosure generally designed to relieve the borrower from the legal
     effect of default and 

                                      B-15
<PAGE>
 
     have required lenders to undertake affirmative and expensive actions to
     determine the causes for the default and the likelihood of loan
     reinstatement.

2.   Rights of Redemption.  In some states, after foreclosure of a mortgage
     --------------------                                                  
     loan, the borrower and foreclosed junior lienors are given a statutory
     period in which to redeem the property, which right may diminish the
     mortgagee's ability to sell the property.

3.   Legislative Limitations.  In addition to anti-deficiency and related
     -----------------------                                             
     legislation, numerous other federal and state statutory provisions,
     including the federal bankruptcy laws and state laws affording relief to
     debtors, may interfere with or affect the ability of a secured mortgage
     lender to enforce its security interest.  For example, a bankruptcy court
     may grant the debtor a reasonable time to cure a default on a mortgage
     loan, including a payment default.  The court in certain instances may also
     reduce the monthly payments due under such mortgage loan, change the rate
     of interest, reduce the principal balance of the loan to the then-current
     appraised value of the related mortgaged property, alter the mortgage loan
     repayment schedule and grant priority of certain liens over the lien of the
     mortgage loan.  If a court relieves a borrower's obligation to repay
     amounts otherwise due on a mortgage loan, the mortgage loan servicer will
     not be required to advance such amounts, and any loss may be borne by the
     holders of securities backed by such  loans.  In addition, numerous federal
     and state consumer protection laws impose penalties for failure to comply
     with specific requirements in connection with origination and servicing of
     mortgage loans.
 
4.   "Due-on-Sale" Provisions.  Fixed-rate mortgage loans may contain a so-
     ------------------------                                             
     called "due-on-sale" clause permitting acceleration of the maturity of the
     mortgage loan if the borrower transfers the property.  The Garn-St. Germain
     Depository Institutions Act of 1982 sets forth nine specific instances in
     which no mortgage lender covered by that Act may exercise a "due-on-sale"
     clause upon a transfer of property. The inability to enforce a "due-on-
     sale" clause or the lack of such a clause in mortgage loan documents may
     result in a mortgage loan being assumed by a purchaser of the property that
     bears an interest rate below the current market rate.

5.   Usury Laws.  Some states prohibit charging interest on mortgage loans in
     ----------                                                              
     excess of statutory limits. If such limits are exceeded, substantial
     penalties may be incurred and, in some cases, enforceability of the
     obligation to pay principal and interest may be affected.

     GOVERNMENT GUARANTEED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES.  There are several types
     ------------------------------------------------                          
     of guaranteed Mortgage-Backed Securities currently 

                                      B-16
<PAGE>
 
available, including guaranteed mortgage pass-through certificates and multiple
class securities, which include guaranteed Real Estate Mortgage Investment
Conduit Certificates ("REMIC Certificates"), other collateralized mortgage
obligations and stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities. The Taxable Funds are
permitted to invest in other types of Mortgage-Backed Securities that may be
available in the future to the extent consistent with their respective
investment policies and objectives.

GUARANTEED MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES

     GINNIE MAE CERTIFICATES.  Ginnie Mae is a wholly-owned corporate
     -----------------------                                         
instrumentality of the United States authorized to guarantee the timely payment
of the principal of and interest on certificates that are based on and backed by
a pool of mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration ("FHA
Loans"), or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration ("VA Loans"), or by pools
of other eligible mortgage loans.  In order to meet its obligations, Ginnie Mae
is authorized to borrow from the U.S. Treasury in an unlimited amount.

     FANNIE MAE CERTIFICATES.  Fannie Mae is a stockholder-owned corporation
     -----------------------                                                
chartered under an act of the U.S. Congress. Each Fannie Mae Certificate is
issued and guaranteed by Fannie Mae and represents an undivided interest in a
pool of mortgage loans (a "Pool") formed by Fannie Mae.  Each Pool consists of
residential mortgage loans ("Mortgage Loans") either previously owned by Fannie
Mae or purchased by it in connection with the formation of the Pool.  The
Mortgage Loans may be either conventional Mortgage Loans (i.e., not insured or
guaranteed by any U.S. government agency) or Mortgage Loans that are either
insured by the FHA or guaranteed by the VA. However, the Mortgage Loans in
Fannie Mae Pools are primarily conventional Mortgage Loans.  The lenders
originating and servicing the Mortgage Loans are subject to certain eligibility
requirements established by Fannie Mae.

     Fannie Mae has certain contractual responsibilities.  With respect to each
Pool, Fannie Mae is obligated to distribute scheduled monthly installments of
principal and interest after Fannie Mae's servicing and guaranty fee, whether or
not received, to Certificate holders.  Fannie Mae also is obligated to
distribute to holders of Certificates an amount equal to the full principal
balance of any foreclosed Mortgage Loan, whether or not such principal balance
is actually recovered. The obligations of Fannie Mae under its guaranty of the
Fannie Mae Certificates are obligations solely of Fannie Mae.

     FREDDIE MAC CERTIFICATES.  The Federal Home Loan Corporation ("Freddie
     ------------------------                                              
Mac") is a publicly held U.S. government sponsored enterprise.  The principal
activity of Freddie Mac currently is the purchase of first lien, conventional,
residential mortgage loans and participation interests in such mortgage loans
and their resale in the form of mortgage securities, primarily Freddie Mac

                                      B-17
<PAGE>
 
Certificates.  A Freddie Mac Certificate represents a pro rata interest in a
group of mortgage loans or participations in mortgage loans (a "Freddie Mac
Certificate group") purchased by Freddie Mac.

     Freddie Mac guarantees to each registered holder of a Freddie Mac
Certificate the timely payment of interest at the rate provided for by such
Freddie Mac Certificate (whether or not received on the underlying loans).
Freddie Mac also guarantees to each registered Certificate holder ultimate
collection of all principal of the related mortgage loans, without any offset or
deduction, but does not, generally, guarantee the timely payment of scheduled
principal.  The obligations of Freddie Mac under its guaranty of Freddie Mac
Certificates are obligations solely of Freddie Mac.

     The mortgage loans underlying the Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae Certificates
consist of adjustable rate or fixed-rate mortgage loans with original terms to
maturity of between five and thirty years.  Substantially all of these mortgage
loans are secured by first liens on one- to four-family residential properties
or multi-family projects.  Each mortgage loan must meet the applicable standards
set forth in the law creating Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. A Freddie Mac
Certificate group may include whole loans, participation interests in whole
loans, undivided interests in whole loans and participations comprising another
Freddie Mac Certificate group.

     CONVENTIONAL MORTGAGE LOANS.  The conventional mortgage loans underlying
     ---------------------------                                             
the Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae Certificates consist of adjustable rate or fixed-
rate mortgage loans with original terms to maturity of between five and thirty
years.  Substantially all of these mortgage loans are secured by first liens on
one- to four-family residential properties or multi-family projects.  Each
mortgage loan must meet the applicable standards set forth in the law creating
Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae.  A Freddie Mac Certificate group may include whole
loans, participation interests in whole loans, undivided interests in whole
loans and participations comprising another Freddie Mac Certificate group.

     MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH SECURITIES.  The Taxable Funds may invest in
     --------------------------------                                  
government guaranteed mortgage pass-through securities ("Mortgage Pass-
Throughs"), that are fixed or adjustable rate Mortgage-Backed Securities which
provide for monthly payments that are a "pass-through" of the monthly interest
and principal payments (including any prepayments) made by the individual
borrowers on the pooled mortgage loans, net of any fees or other amounts paid to
any guarantor, administrator and/or servicer of the underlying mortgage loans.

     The following discussion describes only a few of the wide variety of
structures of Mortgage Pass-Throughs that are available or may be issued.

                                      B-18
<PAGE>
 
     DESCRIPTION OF CERTIFICATES.  Mortgage Pass-Throughs may be issued in one
     ---------------------------                                              
or more classes of senior certificates and one or more classes of subordinate
certificates.  Each such class may bear a different pass-through rate.
Generally, each certificate will evidence the specified interest of the holder
thereof in the payments of principal or interest or both in respect of the
mortgage pool comprising part of the trust fund for such certificates.

     Any class of certificates may also be divided into subclasses entitled to
varying amounts of principal and interest.  If a REMIC election has been made,
certificates of such subclasses may be entitled to payments on the basis of a
stated principal balance and stated interest rate, and payments among different
subclasses may be made on a sequential, concurrent, pro rata or disproportionate
                                                    --- ----                    
basis, or any combination thereof.  The stated interest rate on any such
subclass of certificates may be a fixed rate or one which varies in direct or
inverse relationship to an objective interest index.

     Generally, each registered holder of a certificate will be entitled to
receive its pro rata share of monthly distributions of all or a portion of
            --- ----                                                      
principal of the underlying mortgage loans or of interest on the principal
balances thereof, which accrues at the applicable mortgage pass-through rate, or
both.  The difference between the mortgage interest rate and the related
mortgage pass-through rate (less the amount, if any, of retained yield) with
respect to each mortgage loan will generally be paid to the servicer as a
servicing fee.  Since certain adjustable rate mortgage loans included in a
mortgage pool may provide for deferred interest (i.e., negative amortization),
the amount of interest actually paid by a mortgagor in any month may be less
than the amount of interest accrued on the outstanding principal balance of the
related  mortgage loan during the relevant period at the applicable mortgage
interest rate. In such event, the amount of interest that is treated as deferred
interest will be added to the principal balance of the related mortgage loan and
will be distributed pro rata to certificate-holders as principal of such
                    --- ----
mortgage loan when paid by the mortgagor in subsequent monthly payments or at
maturity.

     MULTIPLE CLASS MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES AND COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
     ---------------------------------------------------------------------
OBLIGATIONS.  Each Taxable Fund may invest in multiple class securities
- -----------                                                            
including collateralized mortgage obligations ("CMOs") and REMIC Certificates
issued by U.S. government agencies, instrumentalities (such as Fannie Mae) and
sponsored enterprises (such as Freddie Mac) or, in the case of Core Fixed Income
Global and Government Income Funds, by trusts formed by private originators of,
or investors in, mortgage loans, including savings and loan associations,
mortgage bankers, commercial banks, insurance companies, investment banks and
special purpose subsidiaries of the foregoing.  In general, CMOs are debt

                                      B-19
<PAGE>
 
obligations of a legal entity that are collateralized by, and multiple class
Mortgage-Backed Securities represent direct ownership interests in, a pool of
mortgage loans or Mortgage-Backed Securities the payments on which are used to
make payments on the CMOs or multiple class Mortgage-Backed Securities.

     Fannie Mae REMIC Certificates are issued and guaranteed as to timely
distribution of principal and interest by Fannie Mae.  In addition, Fannie Mae
will be obligated to distribute the principal balance of each class of REMIC
Certificates in full, whether or not sufficient funds are otherwise available.

     Freddie Mac guarantees the timely payment of interest on Freddie Mac REMIC
Certificates and also guarantees the payment of principal as payments are
required to be made on the underlying mortgage participation certificates
("PCs").  PCs represent undivided interests in specified level payment,
residential mortgages or participations therein purchased by Freddie Mac and
placed in a PC pool.  With respect to principal payments on PCs, Freddie Mac
generally guarantees ultimate collection of all principal of the related
mortgage loans without offset or deduction.  Freddie Mac also guarantees timely
payment of principal of certain PCs.

     CMOs and guaranteed REMIC Certificates issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
are types of multiple class Mortgage-Backed Securities.  Investors may purchase
beneficial interests in REMICs, which are known as "regular" interests or
"residual" interests. The Funds do not intend to purchase residual interests in
REMICs. The REMIC Certificates represent beneficial ownership interests in a
REMIC trust, generally consisting of mortgage loans or Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac
or Ginnie Mae guaranteed Mortgage-Backed Securities (the "Mortgage Assets").
The obligations of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac under their respective guaranty of
the REMIC Certificates are obligations solely of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac,
respectively.

     CMOs and REMIC Certificates are issued in multiple classes. Each class of
CMOs or REMIC Certificates, often referred to as a "tranche," is issued at a
specific adjustable or fixed interest rate and must be fully retired no later
than its final distribution date.  Principal prepayments on the Mortgage Loans
or the Mortgage Assets underlying the CMOs or REMIC Certificates may cause some
or all of the classes of CMOs or REMIC Certificates to be retired substantially
earlier than their final scheduled distribution dates. Generally, interest is
paid or accrues on all classes of CMOs or REMIC Certificates on a monthly basis.

     The principal of and interest on the Mortgage Assets may be allocated among
the several classes of CMOs or REMIC Certificates in various ways.  In certain
structures (known as "sequential pay" CMOs or REMIC Certificates), payments of
principal, including any principal prepayments, on the Mortgage Assets generally
are applied to the classes of CMOs or REMIC Certificates in the order 

                                      B-20
<PAGE>
 
of their respective final distribution dates. Thus no payment of principal will
be made on any class of sequential pay CMOs or REMIC Certificates until all
other classes having an earlier final distribution date have been paid in full.

     Additional structures of CMOs and REMIC Certificates include, among others,
"parallel pay" CMOs and REMIC Certificates. Parallel pay CMOs or REMIC
Certificates are those which are structured to apply principal payments and
prepayments of the Mortgage Assets to two or more classes concurrently on a
proportionate or disproportionate basis.  These simultaneous payments are taken
into account in calculating the final distribution date of each class.

     A wide variety of REMIC Certificates may be issued in parallel pay or
sequential pay structures.  These securities include accrual certificates (also
known as "Z-Bonds"), which only accrue interest at a specified rate until all
other certificates having an earlier final distribution date have been retired
and are converted thereafter to an interest-paying security, and planned
amortization class certificates ("PAC Certificates"), which are parallel pay
REMIC Certificates that generally require that specified amounts of principal be
applied on each payment date to one or more classes of REMIC Certificates, even
though all other principal payments and  prepayments of the Mortgage Assets are
then required to be applied to one or more other classes of the Certificates.
The scheduled principal payments for the PAC Certificates generally have the
highest priority on each payment date after interest due has been paid to all
classes entitled to receive interest currently. Shortfalls, if any, are added to
the amount payable on the next payment date. The PAC Certificate payment
schedule is taken into account in calculating the final distribution date of
each class of PAC. In order to create PAC tranches, one or more tranches
generally must be created that absorb most of the volatility in the underlying
Mortgage Assets. These tranches tend to have market prices and yields that are
much more volatile than other PAC classes.

     STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES.  The Taxable Funds may invest in
     -----------------------------------                                  
Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities ("SMBS"), which are derivative multi-class
mortgage securities, issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies
or instrumentalities.  Core Fixed Income, Government Income Fund and Global Fund
may also invest in privately-issued SMBS.  Although the market for such
securities is increasingly liquid, privately-issued SMBS may not be readily
marketable and will be considered illiquid for purposes of each Fund's
limitation on investments in illiquid securities. The Adviser may determine that
SMBS which are U.S. Government Securities are liquid for purposes of each Fund's
limitation on investments in illiquid securities in accordance with procedures
adopted by the Board of Trustees.  The market value of the class consisting
entirely of principal payments generally is unusually volatile in response to
changes in interest rates.  The yields on 

                                      B-21
<PAGE>
 
a class of SMBS that receives all or most of the interest from Mortgage Assets
are generally higher than prevailing market yields on other Mortgage-Backed
Securities because their cash flow patterns are more volatile and there is a
greater risk that the initial investment will not be fully recouped.

PRIVATELY ISSUED MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES

     RATINGS.  The ratings assigned by a rating organization to Mortgage Pass-
     -------                                                                 
Throughs address the likelihood of the receipt of all distributions on the
underlying mortgage loans by the related certificate-holders under the
agreements pursuant to which such certificates are issued.  A rating
organization's ratings take into consideration the credit quality of the related
mortgage pool, including any credit support providers, structural and legal
aspects associated with such certificates, and the extent to which the payment
stream on such mortgage pool is adequate to make payments required by such
certificates.  A rating organization's ratings on such certificates do not,
however, constitute a statement regarding frequency of prepayments on the
related mortgage loans.  In addition, the rating assigned by a rating
organization to a certificate does not address the remote possibility that, in
the event of the insolvency of the issuer of certificates where a subordinated
interest was retained, the issuance and sale of the senior certificates may be
recharacterized as a financing and, as a result of such recharacterization,
payments on such certificates may be affected.

     CREDIT ENHANCEMENT.  Credit support falls generally into two categories:
     ------------------                                                       
(i) liquidity protection and (ii) protection against losses resulting from
default by an obligor on the underlying assets.  Liquidity protection refers to
the provision of advances, generally by the entity administering the pools of
mortgages, the provision of a reserve fund, or a combination thereof, to ensure,
subject to certain limitations, that scheduled payments on the underlying pool
are made in a timely fashion.  Protection against losses resulting from default
ensures ultimate payment of the obligations on at least a portion of the assets
in the pool.  Such credit support can be provided by, among other things,
payment guarantees, letters of credit, pool insurance, subordination, or any
combination thereof.

     SUBORDINATION; SHIFTING OF INTEREST; RESERVE FUND.  In order to achieve
     -------------------------------------------------                      
ratings on one or more classes of Mortgage Pass-Throughs, one or more classes of
certificates may be subordinate certificates which provide that the rights of
the subordinate certificate-holders to receive any or a specified portion of
distributions with respect to the underlying mortgage loans may be subordinated
to the rights of the senior certificate-holders.  If so structured, the
subordination feature may be enhanced by distributing to the senior certificate-
holders on certain distribution dates, as payment of principal, a specified
percentage (which generally declines over time) of all 

                                      B-22
<PAGE>
 
principal payments received during the preceding prepayment period ("shifting
interest credit enhancement"). This will have the effect of accelerating the
amortization of the senior certificates while increasing the interest in the
trust fund evidenced by the subordinate certificates. Increasing the interest of
the subordinate certificates relative to that of the senior certificates is
intended to preserve the availability of the subordination provided by the
subordinate certificates. In addition, because the senior certificate-holders in
a shifting interest credit enhancement structure are entitled to receive a
percentage of principal prepayments which is greater than their proportionate
interest in the trust fund, the rate of principal prepayments on the mortgage
loans will have an even greater effect on the rate of principal payments and the
amount of interest payments on, and the yield to maturity of, the senior
certificates.

     In addition to providing for a preferential right of the senior
certificate-holders to receive current distributions from the mortgage pool, a
reserve fund may be established relating to such certificates (the "Reserve
Fund").  The Reserve Fund may be created with an initial cash deposit by the
originator or servicer and augmented by the retention of distributions otherwise
available to the subordinate certificate-holders or by excess servicing fees
until the Reserve Fund reaches a specified amount.

     The subordination feature, and any Reserve Fund, are intended to enhance
the likelihood of timely receipt by senior certificate-holders of the full
amount of scheduled monthly payments of principal and interest due to them and
will protect the senior certificate-holders against certain losses; however, in
certain circumstances the Reserve Fund could be depleted and temporary
shortfalls could result.  In the event that the Reserve Fund is depleted before
the subordinated amount is reduced to zero, senior certificate-holders will
nevertheless have a preferential right to receive current distributions from the
mortgage pool to the extent of the then outstanding subordinated amount.  Unless
otherwise specified, until the subordinated amount is reduced to zero, on any
distribution date any amount otherwise distributable to the subordinate
certificates or, to the extent specified, in the Reserve Fund will generally be
used to offset the amount of any losses realized with respect to the mortgage
loans ("Realized Losses").  Realized Losses remaining after application of such
amounts will generally be applied to reduce the ownership interest of the
subordinate certificates in the mortgage pool.  If the subordinated amount has
been reduced to zero, Realized Losses generally will be allocated pro rata among
                                                                  --- ----      
all certificate-holders in proportion to their respective outstanding interests
in the mortgage pool.

     ALTERNATIVE CREDIT ENHANCEMENT.  As an alternative, or in addition to the
     ------------------------------                                           
credit enhancement afforded by subordination, credit enhancement for Mortgage
Pass-Throughs may be provided by

                                      B-23
<PAGE>
 
mortgage insurance, hazard insurance, by the deposit of cash, certificates of
deposit, letters of credit, a limited guaranty or by such other methods as are
acceptable to a rating agency.  In certain circumstances, such as where credit
enhancement is provided by guarantees or a letter of credit, the security is
subject to credit risk because of its exposure to an external credit enhancement
provider.

     VOLUNTARY ADVANCES.  Generally, in the event of delinquencies in payments
     ------------------                                                       
on the mortgage loans underlying the Mortgage Pass-Throughs, the servicer agrees
to make advances of cash for the benefit of certificate-holders, but only to the
extent that it determines such voluntary advances will be recoverable from
future payments and collections on the mortgage loans or otherwise.

     OPTIONAL TERMINATION.  Generally, the servicer may, at its option with
     --------------------                                                  
respect to any certificates, repurchase all of the underlying mortgage loans
remaining outstanding at such time as the aggregate outstanding principal
balance of such mortgage loans is less than a specified percentage (generally 5-
10%) of the aggregate outstanding principal balance of the mortgage loans as of
the cut-off date specified with respect to such series.

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES

     Core Fixed Income, Government Income, High Yield and Global Income Funds
may invest in asset-backed securities.  Such securities are often subject to
more rapid repayment than their stated maturity date would indicate as a result
of the pass-through of prepayments of principal on the underlying loans.  During
periods of declining interest rates, prepayment of loans underlying asset-backed
securities can be expected to accelerate.  Accordingly, a Fund's ability to
maintain positions in such securities will be affected by reductions in the
principal amount of such securities resulting from prepayments, and its ability
to reinvest the returns of principal at comparable yields is subject to
generally prevailing interest rates at that time.

     Credit card receivables are generally unsecured and the debtors on such
receivables are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal
consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set-off
certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due.
Automobile receivables generally are secured by automobiles rather than
residential real property.  Most issuers of automobile receivables permit the
loan servicers to retain possession of the underlying obligations.  If the
servicer were to sell these obligations to another party, there is a risk that
the purchaser would acquire an interest superior to that of the holders of the
asset-backed securities.  In addition, because of the large number of vehicles
involved in a typical issuance and technical requirements under state laws, the
trustee for the holders of the automobile receivables may not have a proper
security interest in the 

                                      B-24
<PAGE>
 
underlying automobiles. Therefore, there is the possibility that, in some cases,
recoveries on repossessed collateral may not be available to support payments on
these securities.

LOAN PARTICIPATIONS

     The High Yield Fund may invest in loan participations. Usually, neither the
co-lender nor any other participant guarantees the participations in any way.
As a result, the principal credit risk associated with acquiring participation
interests is the credit risk associated with the underlying corporate borrower.
The High Yield Fund may incur additional credit risk, however, when a Fund is in
the position of participant rather than a co-lender because the High Yield 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.

     Typically, the High Yield Fund will look to the agent bank to collect
principal of and interest on a participation interest, to monitor compliance
with loan covenants, to enforce all credit remedies, such as foreclosures on
collateral, and to notify co- lenders of any adverse change in the borrower's
financial condition or declaration of insolvency.  The agent bank is compensated
for these services by the borrower pursuant to the terms of the loan agreement.

     The High Yield Fund does not believe that price quotations currently
obtainable from banks, dealers or pricing services consistently represent the
market values of participation interests.  Therefore, the Adviser will,
following guidelines established by the board of trustees of the Trust (the
"Board of Trustees") value the participation interests held by the High Yield
Fund at fair value, which approximates market value.  In valuing a participation
interest, the Adviser may consider the factors it deems appropriate, including:
(i) the characteristics of the participation interest, including the cost, size,
interest rate, period until next interest rate reset, maturity and base lending
rate of the participation interest, the terms and conditions of the loan and any
related agreements and the position of the loan in the borrower's debt
structure; (ii) the nature, adequacy and value of the collateral, including the
High Yield Fund's rights, remedies and interest with respect to the collateral;
(iii) the creditworthiness of the borrower, based on an evaluation of its
financial condition, financial statements and information about the borrower's
business, cash flows, capital structure and future prospects; (iv) the market
for the participation interest, including price quotations for and trading in
the participation interest and similar participation interests or instruments
and the market environment and investor attitudes towards the participation
interest or participation interests generally; (v) the quality and
creditworthiness of any intermediate participants; and (vi) general economic or
market conditions.

                                      B-25
<PAGE>
 
ZERO COUPON, DEFERRED INTEREST, PAY-IN-KIND AND CAPITAL APPRECIATION BONDS

     Each Fund may invest in zero coupon bonds, deferred interest and capital
appreciation bonds and pay-in-kind ("PIK") securities. Zero coupon, deferred
interest and capital appreciation bonds are debt securities issued or sold at a
discount from their face value and which do not entitle the holder to any
periodic payment of interest prior to maturity or a specified date.  The
original issue discount varies depending on the time remaining until maturity or
cash payment date, prevailing interest rates, the liquidity of the security and
the perceived credit quality of the issuer.  These securities also may take the
form of debt securities that have been stripped of their unmatured interest
coupons, the coupons themselves or receipts or certificates representing
interests in such stripped debt obligations or coupons.  The market prices of
zero coupon, deferred interest, capital appreciation bonds and PIK securities
generally are more volatile than the market prices of interest bearing
securities and are likely to respond to a greater degree to changes in interest
rates than interest bearing securities having similar maturities and credit
quality.

     PIK securities may be debt obligations or preferred shares that provide the
issuer with the option of paying interest or dividends on such obligations in
cash or in the form of additional securities rather than cash. Similar to zero
coupon bonds and deferred interest bonds, PIK securities are designed to give an
issuer flexibility in managing cash flow. PIK securities that are debt
securities can either be senior or subordinated debt and generally trade flat
(i.e., without accrued interest). The trading price of PIK debt securities
generally reflects the market value of the underlying debt plus an amount
representing accrued interest since the last interest payment.

     Zero coupon, deferred interest, capital appreciation and PIK securities
involve the additional risk that, unlike securities that periodically pay
interest to maturity, a Fund will realize no cash until a specified future
payment date unless a portion of such securities is sold and, if the issuer of
such securities defaults, a Fund may obtain no return at all on its investment.
In addition, even though such securities do not provide for the payment of
current interest in cash, the Funds are nonetheless required to accrue income on
such investments for each taxable year and generally are required to distribute
such accrued amounts (net of deductible expenses, if any) to avoid being subject
to tax. Because no cash is generally received at the time of the accrual, a Fund
may be required to liquidate other portfolio securities to obtain sufficient
cash to satisfy federal tax distribution requirements applicable to the Fund.
See "Taxation."

                                      B-26
<PAGE>
 
VARIABLE AND FLOATING RATE SECURITIES

     The interest rates payable on certain securities in which each Fund may
invest are not fixed and may fluctuate based upon changes in market rates.  A
variable rate obligation has an interest rate which is adjusted at predesignated
periods in response to changes in the market rate of interest on which the
interest rate is based. Variable and floating rate obligations are less
effective than fixed rate instruments at locking in a particular yield.
Nevertheless, such obligations may fluctuate in value in response to interest
rate changes if there is a delay between changes in market interest rates and
the interest reset date for the obligation. The absence of an unconditional
demand feature on variable and floating rate municipal securities exercisable
within seven days would, and the failure of the issuer or a third party to honor
its obligations under a demand or put feature might, require a variable or
floating rate obligation to be treated as illiquid for purposes of the Tax
Exempt Funds' limitation on illiquid investments.

     Each Fund may invest in "leveraged" inverse floating rate debt instruments
("inverse floaters"), including "leveraged inverse floaters."  The interest rate
on inverse floaters 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 the degree of leverage of an inverse floater, the greater
the volatility of its market value.  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 each Fund's limitation on
illiquid investments.

CORPORATE DEBT OBLIGATIONS

     Core Fixed Income Global Income, Government Income and High Yield Funds may
invest in corporate debt obligations, including obligations of industrial,
utility and financial issuers.  Corporate debt obligations are subject to the
risk of an issuer's inability to meet principal and interest payments on the
obligations and may also be subject to price volatility due to such factors as
market interest rates, market perception of the creditworthiness of the issuer
and general market liquidity.
    
     TRUST PREFERREDS.  The Government Income, Core Fixed Income, Global Income
     ----------------                                                          
and High Yield Funds may invest in trust preferred securities.  A trust
preferred or capital security is a long dated bond (for example 30 years) with
preferred features.  The preferred features are that payment of interest can be
deferred for a specified period without initiating a default event.  From a
bondholder's viewpoint, the securities are senior in claim to standard preferred
but are junior to other bondholders.  From the      

                                      B-27
<PAGE>

     
issuer's viewpoint, the securities are attractive because their interest is
deductible for tax purposes like other types of debt instruments.     

     HIGH YIELD SECURITIES.  Bonds rated BB or below by Standard & Poor's
     ---------------------                                               
Ratings Group (Standard & Poor's) or Ba or below by Moody's Investor Service,
Inc. ("Moody's") (or comparable rated and unrated securities) are commonly
referred to as "junk bonds" and are considered speculative; the ability of their
issuers to make principal and interest payments may be questionable.  In some
cases, such bonds may be highly speculative, have poor prospects for reaching
investment grade standing and be in default.  As a result, investment in such
bonds will entail greater risks than those associated with investment grade
bonds (i.e., bonds rated AAA, AA, A or BBB by Standard and Poor's or Aaa, Aa, A
or Baa by Moody's).  Analysis of the creditworthiness of issuers of high yield
securities may be more complex than for issuers of higher quality debt
securities, and the ability of a Fund to achieve its investment objective may,
to the extent of its investments in high yield securities, be more dependent
upon such creditworthiness analysis than would be the case if the Fund were
investing in higher quality securities.  See Appendix B for a description of the
corporate bond and preferred stock ratings by Standard & Poor's, Moody's, Fitch
Investors Service Corp. and Duff & Phelps.

     The amount of high yield, fixed-income securities proliferated in the 1980s
and early 1990s as a result of increased merger and acquisition and leveraged
buyout activity.  Such securities are also issued by less-established
corporations desiring to expand.  Risks associated with acquiring the securities
of such issuers generally are greater than is the case with higher rated
securities because such issuers are often less creditworthy companies or are
highly leveraged and generally less able than more established or less leveraged
entities to make scheduled payments of principal and interest.

     The market values of high yield, fixed-income securities tends to reflect
those individual corporate developments to a greater extent than do those of
higher rated securities, which react primarily to fluctuations in the general
level of interest rates. Issuers of such high yield securities may not be able
to make use of more traditional methods of financing and their ability to
service debt obligations may be more adversely affected than issuers of higher
rated securities by economic downturns, specific corporate developments or the
issuers' inability to meet specific projected business forecasts. These non-
investment grade securities also tend to be more sensitive to economic
conditions than higher-rated securities. Negative publicity about the junk bond
market and investor perceptions regarding lower-rated securities, whether or not
based on fundamental analysis, may depress the prices for such securities.

                                      B-28
<PAGE>
 
     Since investors generally perceive that there are greater risks associated
with non-investment grade securities of the type in which High Yield Fund
invests, the yields and prices of such securities may tend to fluctuate more
than those for higher-rated securities.  In the lower quality segments of the
fixed-income securities market, changes in perceptions of issuers'
creditworthiness tend to occur more frequently and in a more pronounced manner
than do changes in higher quality segments of the fixed-income securities
market, resulting in greater yield and price volatility.

     Another factor which causes fluctuations in the prices of Fixed-Income
securities is the supply and demand for similarly rated securities.  In
addition, the prices of fixed-income securities fluctuate in response to the
general level of interest rates.  Fluctuations in the prices of portfolio
securities subsequent to their acquisition will not affect cash income from such
securities but will be reflected in the High Yield Fund's net asset value.

     The risk of loss from default for the holders of high yield, fixed-income
securities is significantly greater than is the case for holders of other debt
securities because such high yield Fixed-Income securities are generally
unsecured and are often subordinated to the rights of other creditors of the
issuers of such securities.  Investment by the High Yield Fund in already
defaulted securities poses an additional risk of loss should nonpayment of
principal and interest continue in respect of such securities.  Even if such
securities are held to maturity, recovery by the High Yield Fund of its initial
investment and any anticipated income or appreciation is uncertain.  The High
Yield Fund may be required to liquidate other portfolio securities to satisfy
the High Yield Fund's annual distribution obligations in respect of accrued
interest income on securities which are subsequently written off, even though
the High Yield Fund has not received any cash payments of such interest.

     The secondary market for high yield, fixed-income securities is
concentrated in relatively few markets and is dominated by institutional
investors, including mutual funds, insurance companies and other financial
institutions.  Accordingly, the secondary market for such securities is not as
liquid as and is more volatile than the secondary market for higher-rated
securities.  In addition, the trading volume for high-yield, fixed-income
securities is generally lower than that of higher rated securities and the
secondary market for high yield, fixed-income securities could contract under
adverse market or economic conditions independent of any specific adverse
changes in the condition of a particular issuer.  These factors may have an
adverse effect on the High Yield Fund's ability to dispose of particular
portfolio investments.  Prices realized upon the sale of such lower rated or
unrated securities, under these circumstances, may be less than the prices used
in calculating the High Yield Fund's net asset value.  A less liquid secondary
market 

                                      B-29
<PAGE>
 
also may make it more difficult for the High Yield Fund to obtain precise
valuations of the high yield securities in its portfolio.

     Certain proposed and recently enacted federal laws could adversely affect
the secondary market for high yield securities and the financial condition of
issuers of these securities.  The form of proposed legislation and the
probability of such legislation being enacted is uncertain.

     Non-investment grade or high-yield, fixed-income securities also present
risks based on payment expectations.  High yield, fixed-income securities
frequently contain "call" or buy-back features which permit the issuer to call
or repurchase the security from its holder.  If an issuer exercises such a "call
option" and redeems the security, the High Yield Fund may have to replace such
security with a lower-yielding security, resulting in a decreased return for
investors.  In addition, if the High Yield Fund experiences unexpected net
redemptions of the High Yield Fund's shares, it may be forced to sell its
higher-rated securities, resulting in a decline in the overall credit quality of
the High Yield Fund's portfolio and increasing the exposure of the High Yield
Fund to the risks of high yield securities.  The High Yield Fund may also incur
additional expenses to the extent that it is required to seek recovery upon a
default in the payment of principal or interest on a portfolio security.

     Credit ratings issued by credit rating agencies are designed to evaluate
the safety of principal and interest payments of rated securities.  They do not,
however, evaluate the market value risk of non-investment grade securities and,
therefore, may not fully reflect the true risks of an investment.  In addition,
credit rating agencies may or may not make timely changes in a rating to reflect
changes in the economy or in the conditions of the issuer that affect the market
value of the security. Consequently, credit ratings are used only as a
preliminary indicator of investment quality. Investments in non-investment grade
and comparable unrated obligations will be more dependent on the Adviser's
credit analysis than would be the case with investments in investment-grade debt
obligations. The Adviser employs its own credit research and analysis, which
includes a study of existing debt, capital structure, ability to service debt
and to pay dividends, the issuer's sensitivity to economic conditions, its
operating history and the current trend of earnings. The Adviser continually
monitors the investments in the High Yield Fund's portfolio and evaluates
whether to dispose of or to retain non-investment grade and comparable unrated
securities whose credit ratings or credit quality may have changed.

BANK OBLIGATIONS

     Government Income, Global Income, High Yield and Core Fixed Income may each
invest in obligations issued or guaranteed by United States and foreign banks
(Government Income Fund may only invest in U.S. dollar denominated securities).
Bank obligations, including without limitation time deposits, bankers'
acceptances 

                                      B-30
<PAGE>
 
and certificates of deposit, may be general obligations of the parent bank or
may be obligations only of the issuing branch pursuant to the terms of the
specific obligations or government regulation.

     Banks are subject to extensive governmental regulations which may limit
both the amount and types of loans which may be made and interest rates which
may be charged.  Foreign banks are subject to different regulations and are
generally permitted to engage in a wider variety of activities than U.S. banks.
In addition, the profitability of the banking industry is largely dependent upon
the availability and cost of funds for the purpose of financing lending
operations under prevailing money market conditions. General economic conditions
as well as exposure to credit losses arising from possible financial
difficulties of borrowers play an important part in the operations of this
industry.

MUNICIPAL SECURITIES

     Core Fixed Income, Municipal Income, High Yield and Short Duration Tax-Free
Funds may invest in bonds, notes and other instruments issued by or on behalf of
states, territories and possessions of the United States (including the District
of Columbia) and their political subdivisions, agencies or instrumentalities
("Municipal Securities"), the interest on which is exempt from regular federal
income tax (i.e., excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes but
not necessarily exempt from the federal alternative minimum tax or from the
income taxes of any state or local government). In addition, Municipal
Securities include participation interests in such securities the interest on
which is, in the opinion of bond counsel or counsel selected by the Adviser,
excluded from gross income for federal income tax purposes. The Core Fixed
Income Municipal Income, High Yield and Short Duration Tax-Free Funds may revise
their definition of Municipal Securities in the future to include other types of
securities that currently exist, the interest on which is or will be, in the
opinion of such counsel, excluded from gross income for federal income tax
purposes, provided that investing in such securities is consistent with each
Fund's investment objective and policies.

     Municipal Securities are often issued to obtain funds for various public
purposes including refunding outstanding obligations, obtaining funds for
general operating expenses, and obtaining funds to lend to other public
institutions and facilities.  Municipal Securities also include certain "private
activity bonds" or industrial development bonds, which are issued by or on
behalf of public authorities to provide financing aid to acquire sites or
construct or equip facilities within a municipality for privately or publicly
owned corporations.

     The two principal classifications of Municipal Securities are "general
obligations" and "revenue obligations."  General obligations are secured by the
issuer's pledge of its full faith and credit for the payment of principal and
interest, although the 

                                      B-31
<PAGE>
 
characteristics and enforcement of general obligations may vary according to the
law applicable to the particular issuer. Revenue obligations, which include, but
are not limited to, private activity bonds, resource recovery bonds,
certificates of participation and certain municipal notes, are not backed by the
credit and taxing authority of the issuer, and are payable solely from the
revenues derived from a particular facility or class of facilities or, in some
cases, from the proceeds of a special excise or other specific revenue source.
Nevertheless, the obligations of the issuer of a revenue obligation may be
backed by a letter of credit, guarantee or insurance. General obligations and
revenue obligations may be issued in a variety of forms, including commercial
paper, fixed, variable and floating rate securities, tender option bonds,
auction rate bonds and zero coupon bonds, deferred interest bonds and capital
appreciation bonds.

     In addition to general obligations and revenue obligations, there is a
variety of hybrid and special types of Municipal Securities.  There are also
numerous differences in the security of Municipal Securities both within and
between these two principal classifications.

     For the purpose of applying a Fund's investment restrictions, the
identification of the issuer of a Municipal Security which is not a general
obligation is made by the Adviser based on the characteristics of the Municipal
Security, the most important of which is the source of funds for the payment of
principal and interest on such securities.

     An entire issue of Municipal Securities may be purchased by one or a small
number of institutional investors such as Short Duration Tax-Free, Municipal
Income, High Yield and Core Fixed Income. Thus, the issue may not be said to be
publicly offered.  Unlike some securities that are not publicly offered, a
secondary market exists for many Municipal Securities that were not publicly
offered initially and such securities may be readily marketable.

     The obligations of the issuer to pay the principal of and interest on a
Municipal Security are subject to the provisions of bankruptcy, insolvency and
other laws affecting the rights and remedies of creditors, such as the Federal
Bankruptcy Act, and laws, if any, that may be enacted by Congress or state
legislatures extending the time for payment of principal or interest or imposing
other constraints upon the enforcement of such obligations.  There is also the
possibility that, as a result of litigation or other conditions, the power or
ability of the issuer to pay when due principal of or interest on a Municipal
Security may be materially affected.

     MUNICIPAL LEASES, CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION AND OTHER PARTICIPATION
     -----------------------------------------------------------------------
INTERESTS.  The Core Fixed Income, High Yield, Municipal Income, and Short-
- ---------                                                                 
Duration Tax-Free Funds may invest in municipal leases, certificates of
participation and other participation interests. A municipal lease is an
obligation in the form of a lease or installment purchase which is issued by a
state 

                                      B-32
<PAGE>
 
or local government to acquire equipment and facilities. Income from such
obligations is generally exempt from state and local taxes in the state of
issuance. Municipal leases frequently involve special risks not normally
associated with general obligations or revenue bonds. Leases and installment
purchase or conditional sale contracts (which normally provide for title to the
leased asset to pass eventually to the governmental issuer) have evolved as a
means for governmental issuers to acquire property and equipment without meeting
the constitutional and statutory requirements for the issuance of debt. The debt
issuance limitations are deemed to be inapplicable because of the inclusion in
many leases or contracts of "non-appropriation" clauses that relieve the
governmental issuer of any obligation to make future payments under the lease or
contract unless money is appropriated for such purpose by the appropriate
legislative body on a yearly or other periodic basis. In addition, such leases
or contracts may be subject to the temporary abatement of payments in the event
the issuer is prevented from maintaining occupancy of the leased premises or
utilizing the leased equipment. Although the obligations may be secured by the
leased equipment or facilities, the disposition of the property in the event of
non-appropriation or foreclosure might prove difficult, time consuming and
costly, and result in a delay in recovering or the failure to fully recover a
Fund's original investment.

     Certificates of participation represent undivided interests in municipal
leases, installment purchase agreements or other instruments.  The certificates
are typically issued by a trust or other entity which has received an assignment
of the payments to be made by the state or political subdivision under such
leases or installment purchase agreements.

     Certain municipal lease obligations and certificates of participation may
be deemed to be illiquid for the purpose of the Funds' limitation on investments
in illiquid  securities.  Other municipal lease obligations and certificates of
participation acquired by a Fund may be determined by the Adviser, pursuant to
guidelines adopted by the Trustees of the Trust, to be liquid securities for the
purpose of such limitation. In determining the liquidity of municipal lease
obligations and certificates of participation, the Adviser will consider a
variety of factors including: (1) the willingness of dealers to bid for the
security; (2) the number of dealers willing to purchase or sell the obligation
and the number of other potential buyers; (3) the frequency of trades or quotes
for the obligation; and (4) the nature of the marketplace trades. In addition,
the Adviser will consider factors unique to particular lease obligations and
certificates of participation affecting the marketability thereof. These include
the general creditworthiness of the issuer, the importance to the issuer of the
property covered by the lease and the likelihood that the marketability of the
obligation will be maintained throughout the time the obligation is held by a
Fund.

     The Core Fixed Income, High Yield, Municipal Income and Short Duration Tax-
Free Funds may purchase participations in Municipal 

                                      B-33
<PAGE>
 
Securities held by a commercial bank or other financial institution. Such
participations provide a Fund with the right to a pro rata undivided interest in
the underlying Municipal Securities. In addition, such participations generally
provide a Fund with the right to demand payment, on not more than seven days'
notice, of all or any part of such Fund's participation interest in the
underlying Municipal Security, plus accrued interest. A Fund will only invest in
such participations if, in the opinion of bond counsel, counsel for the issuers
of such participations or counsel selected by the Adviser, the interest from
such participations is exempt from regular federal income tax.

     MUNICIPAL NOTES.  Municipal Securities in the form of notes generally are
     ---------------                                                          
used to provide for short-term capital needs, in anticipation of an issuer's
receipt of other revenues or financing, and typically have maturities of up to
three years. Such instruments may include tax anticipation notes, revenue
anticipation notes, bond anticipation notes, tax and revenue anticipation notes
and construction loan notes. Tax anticipation notes are issued to finance the
working capital needs of governments. Generally, they are issued in anticipation
of various tax revenues, such as income, sales, property, use and business
taxes, and are payable from these specific future taxes. Revenue anticipation
notes are issued in expectation of receipt of other kinds of revenue, such as
federal revenues available under federal revenue sharing programs. Bond
anticipation notes are issued to provide interim financing until long-term bond
financing can be arranged. In most cases, the long-term bonds then provide the
funds needed for repayment of the notes. Tax and revenue anticipation notes
combine the funding sources of both tax anticipation notes and revenue
anticipation notes. Construction Loan Notes are sold to provide construction
financing. These notes are secured by mortgage notes insured by the FHA;
however, the proceeds from the insurance may be less than the economic
equivalent of the payment of principal and interest on the mortgage note if
there has been a default. The obligations of an issuer of municipal notes are
generally secured by the anticipated revenues from taxes, grants or bond
financing. An investment in such instruments, however, presents a risk that the
anticipated revenues will not be received or that such revenues will be
insufficient to satisfy the issuer's payment obligations under the notes or that
refinancing will be otherwise unavailable.

     TAX-EXEMPT COMMERCIAL PAPER.  Issues of commercial paper typically
     ---------------------------                                       
represent short-term, unsecured, negotiable promissory notes.  These obligations
are issued by state and local governments and their agencies to finance working
capital needs of municipalities or to provide interim construction financing and
are paid from general revenues of municipalities or are refinanced with long-
term debt.  In most cases, tax-exempt commercial paper is backed by letters of
credit, lending  agreements, note 

                                      B-34
<PAGE>
 
repurchase agreements or other credit facility agreements offered by banks or
other institutions.

     PRE-REFUNDED MUNICIPAL SECURITIES.  The principal of and interest on pre-
     ---------------------------------                                       
refunded Municipal Securities are no longer paid from the original revenue
source for the securities.  Instead, the source of such payments is typically an
escrow fund consisting of U.S. Government Securities.  The assets in the escrow
fund are derived from the proceeds of refunding bonds issued by the same issuer
as the pre-refunded Municipal Securities.  Issuers of Municipal  Securities use
this advance refunding technique to obtain more favorable terms with respect to
securities that are not yet subject to call or redemption by the issuer.  For
example, advance refunding enables an issuer to refinance debt at lower market
interest rates, restructure debt to improve cash flow or eliminate restrictive
covenants in the indenture or other governing instrument for the pre-refunded
Municipal Securities. However, except for a change in the revenue source from
which principal and interest payments are made, the pre-refunded Municipal
Securities remain outstanding on their original terms until they mature or are
redeemed by the issuer. Pre-refunded Municipal Securities are usually purchased
at a price which represents a premium over their face value.

     PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS.  Short Duration Tax-Free, Municipal Income, High
     ----------------------                                                  
Yield, and Core Fixed Income may each invest in certain types of Municipal
Securities, generally referred to as industrial development bonds (and referred
to under current tax law as private activity bonds), which are issued by or on
behalf of public authorities to obtain funds to provide privately operated
housing facilities, airport, mass transit or port facilities, sewage disposal,
solid waste disposal or hazardous waste treatment or disposal facilities and
certain local facilities for water supply, gas or electricity.  Other types of
industrial development bonds, the proceeds of which are used for the
construction, equipment, repair or improvement of privately operated industrial
or commercial facilities,  may constitute Municipal Securities, although the
current federal tax laws place substantial limitations on the size of such
issues.  A Tax Exempt Fund's distributions of its interest income from private
activity bonds may subject certain investors to the federal alternative minimum
tax whereas Core Fixed Income's distributions of any tax-exempt interest it
receives from any source will be taxable for regular federal income tax
purposes.

     TENDER OPTION BONDS.  A tender option bond is a Municipal Security
     -------------------                                               
(generally held pursuant to a custodial arrangement) having a relatively long
maturity and bearing interest at a fixed rate substantially higher than
prevailing short-term, tax-exempt rates.  The bond is typically issued with the
agreement of a third party, such as a bank, broker-dealer or other financial
institution, which grants the security holders the option, at periodic
intervals, to tender their securities to the institution and receive the face
value thereof. As consideration for providing 

                                      B-35
<PAGE>
 
the option, the financial institution receives periodic fees equal to the
difference between the bond's fixed coupon rate and the rate, as determined by a
remarketing or similar agent at or near the commencement of such period, that
would cause the securities, coupled with the tender option, to trade at par on
the date of such determination. Thus, after payment of this fee, the security
holder effectively holds a demand obligation that bears interest at the
prevailing short-term, tax-exempt rate. However, an institution will not be
obligated to accept tendered bonds in the event of certain defaults or a
significant downgrade in the credit rating assigned to the issuer of the bond.
The liquidity of a tender option bond is a function of the credit quality of
both the bond issuer and the financial institution providing liquidity. Tender
option bonds are deemed to be liquid unless, in the opinion of the Adviser, the
credit quality of the bond issuer and the financial institution is deemed, in
light of the Fund's credit quality requirements, to be inadequate and the bond
would not otherwise be readily marketable. The Tax Exempt Funds intend to invest
in tender option bonds the interest on which will, in the opinion of bond
counsel, counsel for the issuer of interests therein or counsel selected by the
Adviser, be exempt from regular federal income tax. However, because there can
be no assurance that the Internal Revenue Service (the "Service") will agree
with such counsel's opinion in any particular case, there is a risk that a Tax
Exempt Fund will not be considered the owner of such tender option bonds and
thus will not be entitled to treat such interest as exempt from such tax.
Additionally, the federal income tax treatment of certain other aspects of these
investments, including the proper tax treatment of tender option bonds and the
associated fees in relation to various regulated investment company tax
provisions is unclear. The Tax Exempt Funds intend to manage their portfolio in
a manner designed to eliminate or minimize any adverse impact from the tax rules
applicable to these investments.

     AUCTION RATE SECURITIES.  The Core Fixed Income, High Yield, Municipal
     -----------------------                                               
Income and Short Duration Tax-Free Funds may invest in auction rate securities.
Auction rate securities consist of auction rate Municipal Securities and auction
rate preferred securities issued by closed-end investment companies that invest
primarily in Municipal Securities (collectively, "auction rate securities").
Provided that the auction mechanism is successful, auction rate securities
usually permit the holder to sell the securities in an auction at par value at
specified intervals.  The dividend is reset by "Dutch" auction in which bids are
made by broker-dealers and other institutions for a certain amount of securities
at a specified minimum yield.  The dividend rate set by the auction is the
lowest interest or dividend rate that covers all securities offered for sale.
While this process is designed to permit auction rate securities to be traded at
par value, there is some risk that an auction will fail due to insufficient
demand for the securities.

                                      B-36
<PAGE>
 
     Dividends on auction rate preferred securities issued by a closed-end fund
may be designated as exempt from federal income tax to the extent they are
attributable to exempt income earned by the fund on the securities in its
portfolio and distributed to holders of the preferred securities, provided that
the preferred securities are treated as equity securities for federal income tax
purposes and the closed-end fund complies with certain tests under the Code.

     A Fund's investments in auction rate securities of closed-end funds are
subject to the limitations prescribed by the Act and certain state securities
regulations.  The Funds will indirectly bear their proportionate share of any
management and other fees paid by such closed-end funds in addition to the
advisory fees payable directly by the Funds.

     INSURANCE.  The Funds may invest in "insured" tax-exempt Municipal
     ---------                                                         
Securities.  Insured Municipal Securities are securities for which scheduled
payments of interest and principal are guaranteed by a private (nongovernmental)
insurance company.  The insurance only entitles a Fund to receive the face or
par value of the securities held by the Fund.  The insurance does not guarantee
the market value of the Municipal Securities or the value of the shares of a
Fund.

     The Funds may utilize new issue or secondary market insurance.  A new issue
insurance policy is purchased by a bond issuer who wishes to increase the credit
rating of a security. By paying a premium and meeting the insurer's underwriting
standards, the bond issuer is able to obtain a high credit rating (usually, Aaa
from Moody's or AAA from Standard & Poor's) for the issued security.  Such
insurance is likely to increase the purchase price and resale value of the
security.  New issue insurance policies are non-cancelable and continue in force
as long as the bonds are outstanding.

     A secondary market insurance policy is purchased by an investor (such as a
Fund) subsequent to a bond's original issuance and generally insures a
particular bond for the remainder of its term.  The Funds may purchase bonds
which have already been insured under a secondary market insurance policy by a
prior investor, or the Funds may directly purchase such a policy from insurers
for bonds which are currently uninsured.

     An insured Municipal Security acquired by a Fund will typically be covered
by only one of the above types of policies. All of the insurance policies used
by a Fund will be obtained only from insurance companies rated, at the time of
purchase, Aaa by Moody's or AAA by Standard & Poor's.  The Municipal Securities
invested in by the High Yield Fund will not be subject to this requirement.

                                      B-37
<PAGE>
 
     STANDBY COMMITMENTS.  In order to enhance the liquidity of Municipal
     -------------------                                                 
Securities, the Tax Exempt Funds may acquire the right to sell a security to
another party at a guaranteed price and date. Such a right to resell may be
referred to as a "standby commitment" or liquidity put, depending on its
characteristics. The aggregate price which a Fund pays for securities with
standby commitments may be higher than the price which otherwise would be paid
for the securities. Standby commitments may not be available or may not be
available on satisfactory terms.

     Standby commitments may involve letters of credit issued by domestic or
foreign banks supporting the other party's ability to purchase the security from
a Tax Exempt Fund.  The right to sell may be exercisable on demand or at
specified intervals, and may form part of a security or be acquired separately
by a Tax Exempt Fund.  In considering whether a security meets a Tax Exempt
Fund's quality standards, the particular Tax Exempt Fund will look to the
creditworthiness of the party providing the Fund with the right to sell as well
as the quality of the security itself.

     The Tax Exempt Funds value Municipal Securities which are subject to
standby commitments at amortized cost.  The exercise price of the standby
commitments is expected to approximate such amortized cost.  No value is
assigned to the standby commitments for purposes of determining a Tax Exempt
Fund's net asset value. The cost of a standby commitment is carried as
unrealized depreciation from the time of purchase until it is exercised or
expires.  Since the value of a standby commitment is dependent on the ability of
the standby commitment writer to meet its obligation to repurchase, a Tax Exempt
Fund's policy is to enter into standby commitment transactions only with banks,
brokers or dealers which present a minimal risk of default.

     The Adviser understands that the Service has issued a favorable 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 Service 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.  The Tax Exempt Funds intend to take the position that they are the owner
of any Municipal Securities acquired subject to a standby commitment or acquired
or held with certain other types of put rights and that tax-exempt interest
earned with respect to such Municipal Securities will be tax-exempt in their
hands.  There is no assurance that standby commitments will be available to the
Tax Exempt Funds nor have the Tax Exempt Funds assumed that such commitments
would continue to be available under all market conditions.

                                      B-38
<PAGE>
 
     CALL RISK AND REINVESTMENT RISK.  Municipal Securities may include "call"
     -------------------------------                                          
provisions which permit the issuers of such securities, at any time or after a
specified period, to redeem the securities prior to their stated maturity. In
the event that Municipal Securities held in a Fund's portfolio are called prior
to the maturity, the Fund will be required to reinvest the proceeds on such
securities at an earlier date and may be able to do so only at lower yields,
thereby reducing the Fund's return on its portfolio securities.

FOREIGN INVESTMENTS

     Core Fixed Income, High Yield and Global Income Funds may invest in
securities of foreign issuers and in fixed-income securities quoted or
denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars. Investing in the securities
of foreign issuers involves certain special considerations, including those set
forth below, which are not typically associated with investing in U.S. issuers.
Since investments in the securities of foreign issuers may involve currencies of
foreign countries, and since Core Fixed Income High Yield and Global Income
Funds may temporarily hold funds in  bank deposits in foreign currencies during
completion of investment programs, Core Fixed Income High Yield and Global
Income Funds may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in currency
rates and in exchange control regulations and may incur costs in connection with
conversions between various currencies.

     Foreign companies are not subject to uniform accounting, auditing and
financial reporting standards, practices and requirements comparable to those
applicable to U.S. companies.  In addition, there may be less publicly available
information about a foreign company than about a comparable U.S. company.
Volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets are less than in the United
States markets and securities of many foreign companies are less liquid and more
volatile than securities of comparable U.S. companies. Commissions on foreign
securities exchanges are often fixed and generally are higher than negotiated
commissions or dealer mark-ups in the U.S. markets, although each Fund endeavors
to achieve the most favorable net results on its portfolio transactions.  There
is generally less government supervision and regulation of securities markets
and exchanges, brokers, dealers and listed companies than in the United States.
Mail service between the United States and foreign countries may be slower or
less reliable than within the United States, thus increasing the risk of delayed
settlement of portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio
securities.

     Foreign markets also have different clearance and settlement procedures,
and in certain markets there have been times when settlements have been unable
to keep pace with the volume of securities transactions, making it difficult to
conduct such transactions.  Such delays in settlement could result in temporary

                                      B-39
<PAGE>
 
periods when a portion of the assets of Core Fixed Income, High Yield Fund or
Global Income Fund is uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability
of Core Fixed Income, High Yield Fund or Global Income Fund to make intended
security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the Fund to miss
attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of portfolio
securities due to settlement problems could result either in losses to Core
Fixed Income, High Yield Fund or Global Income Fund due to subsequent declines
in value of the portfolio securities, or, if Core Fixed Income, High Yield Fund
or Global Income Fund has entered into a contract to sell the securities, could
result in possible liability to the purchaser. In addition, with respect to
certain foreign countries, there is the possibility of expropriation or
confiscatory taxation, political or social instability, or diplomatic
developments which could adversely affect Core Fixed Income High Yield or Global
Income Funds' investments in those countries. Moreover, individual foreign
economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such
respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation, capital
reinvestment, resources self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.

INVESTING IN EMERGING COUNTRIES
   
     MARKET CHARACTERISTICS.  Debt securities of most emerging markets issuers
     ----------------------                                                   
may be less liquid and are generally subject to greater price volatility than
securities of issuers in the U.S. and other developed countries.  The markets
for securities of emerging markets may have substantially less volume than the
market for similar securities in the U.S. and may not be able to absorb, without
price disruptions, a significant increase in trading volume or trade size.
Additionally, market making and arbitrage activities are generally less
extensive in such markets, which may contribute to increased volatility and
reduced liquidity of such markets.  The less liquid the market, the more
difficult it may be for the Fund to price accurately its portfolio securities or
to dispose of such securities at the times determined to be appropriate.  The
risks associated with reduced liquidity may be particularly acute to the extent
that a Fund needs cash to meet redemption requests, to pay dividends and other
distributions or to pay its expenses.    

     Securities markets of emerging markets may also have less efficient
clearance and settlement procedures than U.S. markets, making it difficult to
conduct and complete transactions. Delays in the settlement could result in
temporary periods when a portion of a Fund's assets is uninvested and settlement
could result in temporary periods when a portion of the Fund's assets is
uninvested and no return is earned thereon. Inability to make intended security
purchases could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities.
Inability to dispose of portfolio securities could result either in losses to
the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if

                                      B-40
<PAGE>
 
the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in
possible liability of the Fund to the purchaser.

     Transaction costs, including brokerage commissions and dealer mark-ups, in
emerging markets may be higher than in the U.S. and other developed securities
markets.  As legal systems in emerging markets develop, foreign investors may be
adversely affected by new or amended laws and regulations.  In circumstances
where adequate laws exist, it may not be possible to obtain swift and equitable
enforcement of the law.

     ECONOMIC, POLITICAL AND SOCIAL FACTORS.  Emerging markets may be subject to
     --------------------------------------                                     
a greater degree of economic, political and social instability than the U.S.,
Japan and most Western European countries.  Such instability may result from,
among other things: (i) authoritarian governments or military involvement in
political and economic decision-making, including changes or attempted changes
in government through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated
with demands for improved economic, political and social conditions; (iii)
internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; and
(v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection and conflict.  Many emerging
markets have experienced in the past, and continue to experience, high rates of
inflation.  In certain countries inflation has at times accelerated rapidly to
hyperinflationary levels, creating a negative interest rate environment and
sharply eroding the value of outstanding financial assets in those countries.
The economies of many emerging markets are heavily dependent upon international
trade and are accordingly affected by protective trade barriers and the economic
conditions of their trading partners.  In addition, the economies of some
emerging markets may differ unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects
as growth of gross domestic product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment,
resources, self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.

     RESTRICTIONS ON INVESTMENT AND REPATRIATION.  Certain emerging markets
     -------------------------------------------                           
require governmental approval prior to investments by foreign persons or limit
investments by foreign persons to only a specified percentage of an issuer's
outstanding securities or a specific class of securities which may have less
advantageous terms (including price) than securities of the issuer available for
purchase by nationals.  Repatriation of investment income and capital from
certain emerging markets is subject to certain governmental consents.  Even
where there is no outright restriction on repatriation of capital, the mechanics
of repatriation may affect the operation of a Fund.

SOVEREIGN DEBT OBLIGATIONS

     Investments in sovereign debt obligations involves special risks not
present in corporate debt obligations. The issuer of the sovereign debt or the
governmental authorities that control the repayment of the debt may be unable or
unwilling to repay principal or interest when due, and a Fund may have limited
recourse in the event of a default. During periods of economic 

                                      B-41
<PAGE>
 
uncertainty, the market prices of sovereign debt, and a Fund's net asset value,
may be more volatile than prices of debt obligations of U.S. issuers. In the
past, the governments of certain emerging markets have encountered difficulties
in servicing their debt obligations, withheld payments of principal and interest
and declared moratoria on the payment of principal and interest on their
sovereign debts.

     A sovereign debtor's willingness or ability to repay principal and pay
interest in a timely manner may be affected by, among other factors, its cash
flow situation, the extent of its foreign currency reserves, the availability of
sufficient foreign exchange, the relative size of the debt service burden, the
sovereign debtor's policy toward principal international lenders and local
political constraints.  Sovereign debtors may also be dependent on expected
disbursements from foreign governments, multinational agencies and other
entities to reduce principal and interest arrearages on their debt.  The failure
of a sovereign debtor to implement economic reforms, achieve specified levels of
economic performance or repay principal or interest when due may result in the
cancellation of the third parties' commitments to lend funds to the sovereign
debtor, which may further impair such debtor's ability or willingness to timely
service its debts.

     FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS.  Core Fixed Income High Yield
     -------------------------------------------                               
and Global Income Funds may enter into forward foreign currency exchange
contracts for hedging purposes and to seek to increase total return.  A forward
foreign currency exchange contract involves an obligation to purchase or sell a
specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed number of days from
the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a price set at the time
of the contract.  These contracts are traded in the interbank market conducted
directly between currency traders (usually large commercial banks) and their
customers.  A forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no
commissions are generally charged at any stage for trades.

     At the maturity of a forward contract, Global Income Fund, High Yield Fund
and Core Fixed Income may either accept or make delivery of the currency
specified in the contract or, at or prior to maturity, enter into a closing
purchase transaction involving the purchase or sale of an offsetting contract.
Closing purchase transactions with respect to forward contracts are usually
effected with the currency trader who is a party to the original forward
contract.

     Global Income, High Yield or Core Fixed Income Incomes may enter into
forward foreign currency exchange contracts in several circumstances.  First,
when Global Income, High Yield or Core Fixed Income enter into a contract for
the purchase or sale of a security quoted or denominated in a foreign currency,
or when Global Income, High Yield or Core Fixed Income anticipate the receipt in
a foreign currency of a dividend or interest payment on such a security which it
holds, Global Income, High Yield or Core 

                                      B-42
<PAGE>
 
Fixed Income may desire to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of the security or
the U.S. dollar equivalent of such dividend or interest payment, as the case may
be. 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 transactions, Global Income, High Yield or Core Fixed Income will
attempt to protect themselves against an adverse 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, or on which the
dividend or interest payment is declared, and the date on which such payments
are made or received.

     Additionally, when the Adviser 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 U.S. dollars, the
amount of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of a Fund's
portfolio securities quoted or denominated in such foreign currency.  The
precise matching of the forward contract amounts and the value of the securities
involved will not generally be possible because 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 on which the
contract is entered into and the date it matures.  Using 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 a Fund can
achieve at some future point in time. The precise projection of short-term
currency market movements is not possible, and short-term hedging provides a
means of fixing the U.S. dollar value of only a portion of a Fund's foreign
assets.

      Global Income, High Yield and Core Fixed Income Fund may engage in cross-
hedging by using forward contracts in one currency to hedge against fluctuations
in the value of securities denominated or quoted in a different currency if the
Advisers determine that there is a pattern of correlation between the two
currencies.  The Global Income, High Yield and Core Fixed Income may also
purchase and sell forward contracts to seek to increase total return when the
Advisers anticipate that the foreign currency will appreciate or depreciate in
value, but securities quoted or denominated in that currency do not present
attractive investment opportunities and are not held in a Fund's portfolio.

     Global Income, High Yield and Core Fixed Income Funds' custodian will place
cash or liquid assets, into a segregated account of the Fund in an amount equal
to the value of the Fund's total assets committed to the consummation of forward
foreign currency exchange contracts requiring the Fund to purchase foreign
currencies and forward contracts entered into to seek to increase total return.
If the value of the securities placed in the segregated account declines,
additional cash or securities will be 

                                      B-43
<PAGE>
 
placed in the account 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. The
segregated accounts will be marked-to-market on a daily basis. Although the
contracts are not presently regulated by the Commodity Trading Futures
Commission ("CFTC"), the CFTC may in the future assert authority to regulate
these contracts. In such event, a Fund's ability to utilize forward foreign
currency exchange contracts may be restricted. The Global Income, Core Fixed
Income and High Yield Funds will not enter into a forward contract with a term
of greater than one year.

     While Global Income, Core Fixed Income and High Yield Funds may enter into
forward contracts to seek to reduce currency exchange rate risks, transactions
in such contracts involve certain other risks.  Thus, while Global Income, Core
Fixed Income and High Yield Funds may benefit from such transactions,
unanticipated changes in currency prices may result in a poorer overall
performance for a Fund than if it had not engaged in any such transactions.
Moreover, there may be imperfect correlation between a Fund's portfolio holdings
of securities quoted or denominated in a particular currency and forward
contracts entered into by Global Income, Core Fixed Income and High Yield Funds.
Such imperfect correlation may cause the Fund to sustain losses which will
prevent the Fund from achieving a complete hedge or expose the Fund to risk of
foreign exchange loss.

     Forward contracts are subject to the risk that the counterparty to such
contract will default on its obligations. Since a forward foreign currency
exchange contract is not guaranteed by an exchange or clearinghouse, a default
on the contract would deprive a Fund of unrealized profits, transaction costs or
the benefits of a currency hedge or force the Fund to cover its purchase or sale
commitments, if any, at the current market price.  A Fund will not enter into
such transactions unless the credit quality of the unsecured senior debt or the
claims-paying ability of the counterparty is considered to be investment grade
by the Adviser.

INTEREST RATE SWAPS, MORTGAGE SWAPS, CURRENCY SWAPS AND INTEREST RATE CAPS,
FLOORS AND COLLARS

     Each Fund may enter into interest rate swaps, caps, floors and collars.  In
addition, Core Fixed Income, Adjustable Rate, Government Income, Short Duration
Government, Global Income and High Yield Funds may enter into mortgage swaps and
Core Fixed Income High Yield and Global Income Funds may also enter into
currency swaps.  Each Fund may enter into swap transactions for hedging purposes
or to seek to increase total return.  Interest rate swaps involve the exchange
by a Fund with another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive
interest, such as an exchange of fixed-rate payments for floating rate payments.
Mortgage swaps are similar to interest rate swaps in that they represent
commitments to pay and receive interest.  The notional principal amount,
however, is tied to a reference pool or pools of 

                                      B-44
<PAGE>
 
mortgages. Currency swaps involve the exchange of the parties' respective rights
to make or receive payments in specified currencies. The purchase of an interest
rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified index exceeds a
predetermined interest rate, to receive payment of interest on a notional
principal amount from the party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of
an interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified
index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest
on a notional principal amount from the party selling the interest rate floor.
An interest rate collar is the combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a
certain return within a predetermined range of interest rates. Since interest
rate, mortgage and currency swaps and interest rate caps, floors and collars are
individually negotiated, each Fund expects to achieve an acceptable degree of
correlation between its portfolio investments and its swap, cap, floor and
collar positions.

     A Fund will enter into interest rate and mortgage swaps only on a net
basis, which means that the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund
receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of the two
payments.  Interest rate and mortgage swaps do not involve the delivery of
securities, other underlying assets or principal.  Accordingly, the risk of loss
with respect to interest rate and mortgage swaps is limited to the net amount of
payments that a Fund is contractually obligated to make.  If the other party to
an interest rate swap defaults, a Fund's risk of loss consists of the net amount
of payments that such Fund is contractually entitled to receive, if any.  In
contrast, currency swaps usually involve the delivery of the entire principal
amount of one designated currency in exchange for the other designated currency.
Therefore, the entire principal value of a currency swap is subject to the risk
that the other party to the swap will default on its contractual delivery
obligations. The net amount of the excess, if any, of a Fund's obligations over
its entitlements with respect to each interest rate or currency swap will be
accrued on a daily basis and an amount of cash or liquid assets, having an
aggregate net asset value at least equal to such accrued excess will be
maintained in a segregated account by a Fund's custodian. Inasmuch as these
transactions are entered into for hedging purposes or are offset by cash or
liquid assets, as permitted by applicable law, maintained in a segregated
account the Funds and the Advisers believe that swaps do not constitute senior
securities under the Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject
to a Fund's borrowing restriction.

     The Funds will not enter into any swap transactions unless the unsecured
commercial paper, senior debt or claims-paying ability of the other party is
rated either AA or A-1 or better by Standard & Poor's or Aa or P-1 or better by
Moody's or their equivalent ratings.  If there is a default by the other party
to such a transaction, a Fund will have contractual remedies pursuant to  the
agreements related to the transaction.  The swap market 

                                      B-45
<PAGE>
 
   
has grown substantially in recent years with a large number of banks and
investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents utilizing
standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has become
relatively liquid in comparison with the markets for other similar instruments
which are traded in the interbank market. The investment advisers, under the
supervision of the Board of Trustees, are responsible for determining and
monitoring the liquidity of the Funds' transactions in swaps, caps, floors and
collars.    

     The use of interest rate, mortgage and currency swaps, as well as interest
rate caps, floors and collars, is a highly specialized activity which involves
investment techniques and risks different from those associated with ordinary
portfolio securities transactions.  If the Adviser is incorrect in its forecasts
of market values, interest rates and currency exchange rates, the investment
performance of a Fund would be less favorable than it would have been if this
investment technique were not used.

OPTIONS ON SECURITIES AND SECURITIES INDICES

     WRITING COVERED OPTIONS. Each Fund may write (sell) covered call and put
     -----------------------                                                 
options on any securities in which it may invest or on any securities index
based on securities in which it may invest.  A Fund may purchase and write such
options on securities that are listed on national domestic securities exchanges
or foreign securities exchanges or traded in the over-the-counter market.  A
call option written by a Fund obligates the Fund to sell specified securities to
the holder of the option at a specified price if the option is exercised at any
time before the expiration date. All call options written by a Fund are covered,
which means that the Fund will own the securities subject to the option so long
as the option is outstanding or use the other methods described below. The
purpose of a Fund in writing covered call options is to realize greater income
than would be realized in portfolio securities transactions alone. However, in
writing covered call options for additional income, a Fund may forego the
opportunity to profit from an increase in the market price of the underlying
security.

     A put option written by a Fund obligates the Fund to purchase specified
securities from the option holder at a specified price if the option is
exercised at any time before the expiration date. The purpose of writing such
options is to generate additional income.  However, in return for the option
premium, the Fund accepts the risk that it will be required to purchase the
underlying securities at a price in excess of the securities' market value at
the time of purchase.

     All call and put options written by a Fund are covered.  A  written call
option or put option may be covered by (i) maintaining cash or liquid assets, as
permitted by applicable law, 

                                      B-46
<PAGE>
 
either of which, in the case of Global Income Fund, Core Fixed Income or High
Yield Fund, may be quoted or denominated in any currency, in a segregated
account maintained by the Fund's custodian with a value at least equal to the
Fund's obligation under the option, (ii) entering into an offsetting forward
commitment and/or (iii) purchasing an offsetting option or any other option
which, by virtue of its exercise price or otherwise, reduces the Fund's net
exposure on its written option position.

     A Fund may terminate its obligations under an exchange-traded call or put
option by purchasing an option identical to the one it has written.  Obligations
under over-the-counter options may be terminated only by entering into an
offsetting transaction with the counterparty to such option.   Such purchases
are referred to as "closing purchase transactions."

     Each Fund may also write (sell) covered call and put options on any
securities index composed of securities in which it may invest.  Options on
securities indices are similar to options on securities, except that the
exercise of securities index options requires cash settlement payments and does
not involve the actual purchase or sale of securities.  In addition, securities
index options are designed to reflect price fluctuations in a group of
securities or segment of the securities market rather than price fluctuations in
a single security.

     The Funds may cover call options on a securities index by owning securities
whose price changes are expected to be similar to those of the underlying index
or by having an absolute and immediate right to acquire such securities without
additional cash consideration (or for additional cash consideration held in a
segregated account by their respective custodian) upon conversion or exchange of
other securities in its portfolio.  The Funds may also cover call and put
options on a securities index by maintaining cash or liquid assets, as permitted
by applicable law, with a value equal to the exercise price in a segregated
account with their custodian or by using the other methods described above.

     PURCHASING OPTIONS.  Each Fund may also purchase put and call options on
     ------------------                                                      
any securities in which it may invest or on any securities index composed of
securities in which it may invest. A Fund would also be able to enter into
closing sale transactions in order to realize gains or minimize losses on
options it had purchased.

     A Fund would normally purchase call options in anticipation of an increase,
or put options in anticipation of a decrease ("protective puts") in the market
value of securities of the type in which it may invest.  The purchase of a call
option would entitle a Fund, in return for the premium paid, to purchase
specified securities at a specified price during the option period. A Fund would
ordinarily realize a gain on the purchase of 

                                      B-47
<PAGE>
 
a call option if, during the option period, the value of such securities
exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid and transaction costs;
otherwise the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the
call option. The purchase of a put option would entitle a Fund, in exchange for
the premium paid, to sell specified securities at a specified price during the
option period. The purchase of protective puts is designed to offset or hedge
against a decline in the market value of a Fund's securities. Put options may
also be purchased by a Fund for the purpose of affirmatively benefiting from a
decline in the price of securities which it does not own. A Fund would
ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the value of the
underlying securities decreased below the exercise price sufficiently to cover
the premium and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no
gain or a loss on the purchase of the put option. Gains and losses on the
purchase of put options may be offset by countervailing changes in the value of
the underlying portfolio securities.

     A Fund may purchase put and call options on securities indices for the same
purposes as it may purchase options on securities. Options on securities indices
are similar to options on securities, except that the exercise of securities
index options requires cash payments and does not involve the actual purchase or
sale of securities. In addition, securities index options are designed to
reflect price fluctuations in a group of securities or segment of the securities
market rather than price fluctuations in a single security.

     Transactions by a Fund in options on securities and securities indices will
be subject to limitations established by each of the exchanges, boards of trade
or other trading facilities on which such options are traded governing the
maximum number of options in each class which may be written or purchased by a
single investor or group of investors acting in concert, regardless of whether
the options are written or purchased on the same or different exchanges, boards
of trade or other trading facilities or are held or written in one or more
accounts or through one or more brokers. Thus, the number of options which a
Fund may write or purchase may be affected by options written or purchased by
other investment advisory clients of the Advisers. An exchange, board of trade
or other trading facility may order the liquidation of positions found to be in
excess of these limits, and it may impose certain other sanctions.

     WRITING AND PURCHASING CURRENCY CALL AND PUT OPTIONS.  Core Fixed Income,
     ----------------------------------------------------                     
Global Income and High Yield Funds may write covered put and call options and
purchase put and call options on foreign currencies in an attempt to protect
against declines in the dollar value of portfolio securities and against
increases in the dollar cost of securities to be acquired.  Global Income, Core
Fixed Income and High Yield Funds may use options on currency to cross-hedge,
which involves writing or purchasing options on one currency to seek to hedge
against changes in exchange rates for a different currency with a pattern of
correlation.  In addition, 

                                      B-48
<PAGE>
 
Global Income, Fixed Income and High Yield Funds may purchase call options on
currency to seek to increase total return when the Advisers anticipate that the
currency will appreciate in value, but the securities denominated or quoted in
that currency do not present attractive investment opportunities and are not
included in the Fund's portfolios.

     A call option written by Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield
Funds obligates the Fund to sell specified currency to the holder of the option
at a specified price if the option is exercised at any time before the
expiration date.  A put option written by a Fund obligates the  Fund to purchase
specified currency from the option holder at a specified price if the option is
exercised at any time before the expiration date.  The writing of currency
options involves a risk that a Fund will, upon exercise of the option, be
required to sell currency subject to a call at a price that is less than the
currency's market value or be required to purchase currency subject to a put at
a price that exceeds the currency's market value.

     A Fund may terminate its obligations under a written call or put option by
purchasing an option identical to the one written. Such purchases are referred
to as "closing purchase transactions." A Fund would also be able to enter into
closing sale transactions in order to realize gains or minimize losses on
purchased options.

     Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds would normally
purchase call options in anticipation of an increase in the U.S. dollar value of
currency in which securities to be acquired by the Fund are denominated or
quoted. The purchase of a call option would entitle a Fund, in return for the
premium paid, to purchase specified currency at a specified price during the
option period. A Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option
period, the value of such currency exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the
premium paid and transaction costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no
gain or a loss on the purchase of the call option.

     Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds would normally
purchase put options in anticipation of a decline in the U.S. dollar value of
currency in which securities in its portfolio are denominated or quoted
("protective puts"). The purchase of a put option would entitle Core Fixed
Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds, in exchange for the premium paid, to
sell specified currency at a specified price  during the option period.  The
purchase of protective puts is designed merely to offset or hedge against a
decline in the U.S. dollar value of a Fund's portfolio securities due to
currency exchange rate fluctuations.  A Fund would ordinarily realize a gain if,
during the option period, the value of the underlying currency decreased below
the exercise price sufficiently to more than cover the premium and transaction
costs; otherwise the Fund would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase
of the put option.  Gains and losses on the 

                                      B-49
<PAGE>
 
purchase of protective put options would tend to be offset by countervailing
changes in the value of underlying currency.

     In addition to using options for the hedging purposes described above, Core
Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may use options on currency to
seek to increase total return.  Global Income Fund, High Yield Fund and Core
Fixed Income may write (sell) covered put and call options on any currency in an
attempt to realize greater income than would be realized on portfolio securities
transactions alone.  However, in writing covered call options for additional
income, Global Income, High Yield and Core Fixed Income may forego the
opportunity to profit from an increase in the market value of the underlying
currency.  Also, when writing put options, Global Income, High Yield and Core
Fixed Income Funds accept, in return for the option premium, the risk that it
may be required to purchase the underlying currency at a price in excess of the
currency's market value at the time of purchase.

     Global Income, High Yield and Core Fixed Income Funds would normally
purchase call options to seek to increase total return in anticipation of an
increase in the market value of a currency. Global Income, High Yield and Core
Fixed Income would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the
value of such currency exceeded the sum of the exercise price, the premium paid
and transaction costs.  Otherwise Global Income, High Yield and Core Fixed
Income Funds would realize either no gain or a loss on the purchase of the call
option.  Put options may be purchased by the Global Income,  High Yield and Core
Fixed Income for the purpose of benefiting from a decline in the value of
currencies which it does not own. Global Income, High Yield and Core Fixed
Income Funds would ordinarily realize a gain if, during the option period, the
value of the underlying currency decreased below the exercise price sufficiently
to more than cover the premium and transaction costs.  Otherwise Global Income,
High Yield and Core Fixed Income Funds would realize either no gain or a loss on
the purchase of the put option.

     YIELD CURVE OPTIONS.  Each Fund may enter into options on the yield
     -------------------                                                
"spread," or yield differential between two securities. Such options are
referred to as "yield curve" options.  In contrast to other types of options, a
yield curve option is based on the difference between the yields of designated
securities, rather than the prices of the individual securities, and is settled
through cash payments.  Accordingly, a yield curve option is profitable to the
holder if this differential widens (in the case of a call) or narrows (in the
case of a put), regardless of whether the yields of the underlying securities
increase or decrease.

     Yield curve options may be used for the same purposes as other options on
securities.  For example, a Fund  may purchase a call option on the yield spread
between two securities if it owns 

                                      B-50
<PAGE>
 
one of the securities and anticipates purchasing the other security and wants to
hedge against an adverse change in the yield spread between the two securities.
A Fund may also purchase or write yield curve options for other than hedging
purposes (i.e., in an attempt to increase its current income) if, in the
judgment of the Adviser, the Fund will be able to profit from movements in the
spread between the yields of the underlying securities. The trading of yield
curve options is subject to all of the risks associated with the trading of
other types of options. In addition, however, such options present a risk of
loss even if the yield of one of the underlying securities remains constant, or
if the spread moves in a direction or to an extent which was not anticipated.

     Yield curve options written by a Fund must be "covered."  A call (or put)
option is covered if the Fund holds another call (or put) option on the spread
between the same two securities and maintains in a segregated account with its
custodian cash or liquid assets, as permitted by applicable law, sufficient to
cover the Fund's net liability under the two options. Therefore, a Fund's
liability for such a covered option is generally limited to the difference
between the amount of the Fund's liability under the option written by the Fund
less the value of the option held by the Fund. Yield curve options may also be
covered in such other manner as may be in accordance with the requirements of
the counterparty with which the option is traded and applicable laws and
regulations. Yield curve options are traded over-the-counter, and because they
have been only recently introduced, established trading markets for these
options have not yet developed.

     RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS.  There is no assurance that a
     ------------------------------------------                               
liquid secondary market on a domestic or foreign options exchange will exist for
any particular exchange-traded option or at any particular time.  If a Fund is
unable to effect a closing purchase transaction with respect to covered options
it has written, the Fund will not be able to sell the underlying securities or
currencies or dispose of assets held in a segregated account until the options
expire or are exercised.  Similarly, if a Fund is unable to effect a closing
sale transaction with respect to options it has purchased, it would have to
exercise the options in order to realize any profit and will incur transaction
costs upon the purchase or sale of underlying securities or currencies.

     Reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on an exchange include
the following:  (i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain
options; (ii) restrictions may be imposed by an exchange on opening transactions
or closing transactions or both; (iii) trading halts, suspensions or other
restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular classes or series of
options; (iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal
operations on an exchange; (v) the facilities of an exchange or the Options
Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate to handle current trading
volume; or (vi) one or more exchanges could, for economic or other reasons,
decide or be compelled at some future date to discontinue the trading of 

                                      B-51
<PAGE>
 
options (or a particular class or series of options), in which event the
secondary market on that exchange (or in that class or series of options) would
cease to exist although outstanding options on that exchange that had been
issued by the Options Clearing Corporation as a result of trades on that
exchange would continue to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.

     A Fund's ability to terminate over-the-counter options is more limited than
with exchange-traded options and may involve the risk that broker-dealers
participating in such transactions will not fulfill their obligations. Until
such time as the staff of the SEC changes its position, the Funds will treat
purchased over-the counter options and all assets used to cover written over-
thecounter options as illiquid securities, except that with respect to options
written with primary dealers in U.S. Government Securities pursuant to an
agreement requiring a closing purchase transaction at a formula price, the
amount of illiquid securities may be calculated with reference to a formula
approved by the SEC.

     The writing and purchase of options is a highly specialized activity which
involves investment techniques and risks different from those associated with
ordinary portfolio securities transactions.  The successful use of options for
hedging purposes depends in part on the applicable Adviser's ability to predict
future price fluctuations and the degree of correlation between the options and
securities markets.

FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS

     To seek to increase total return or to hedge against changes in interest
rates or securities prices or, in the case of Core Fixed Income High Yield and
Global Income Funds, currency exchange rates, each Fund may purchase and sell
various kinds of futures contracts, and purchase and write call and put options
on any of such futures contracts.  Each Fund may also enter into closing
purchase and sale transactions with respect to any of such contracts and
options. The futures contracts may be based on various securities (such as U.S.
Government Securities), securities indices, foreign currencies in the case of
Global Income, Core Fixed Income and High Yield Funds and any other financial
instruments and indices.  A Fund will engage in futures and related options
transactions only for bona fide hedging purposes as defined below or for
purposes of seeking to increase total return to the extent permitted by
regulations of the CFTC.  All futures contracts entered into by a Fund are
traded on U.S. exchanges or boards of trade that are licensed and regulated by
the CFTC or on foreign exchanges.

     FUTURES CONTRACTS.  A futures contract may generally be described as an
     -----------------                                                      
agreement between two parties to buy and sell particular financial instruments
or currencies for an agreed price during a designated month (or to deliver the
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
contract).

                                      B-52
<PAGE>
 
     When interest rates are rising or securities prices are falling, a Fund can
seek to offset a decline in the value of its current portfolio securities
through the sale of futures contracts. When interest rates are falling or
securities prices are rising, a Fund, through the purchase of futures contracts,
can attempt to secure better rates or prices than might later be available in
the market when it effects anticipated purchases. Core Fixed Income, Global
Income and High Yield Funds may each seek to offset anticipated changes in the
value of a currency in which its portfolio securities, or securities that it
intends to purchase, are quoted or denominated by purchasing and selling futures
contracts on such currencies.

     Positions taken in the futures markets are not normally held to maturity
but are instead liquidated through offsetting transactions which may result in a
profit or a loss.  While futures contracts on securities or currency will
usually be liquidated in this manner, a Fund may instead make, or take, delivery
of the underlying securities or currency whenever it appears economically
advantageous to do so. A clearing corporation associated with  the exchange on
which futures on securities or currency are traded guarantees that, if still
open, the sale or purchase will be performed on the settlement date.

     HEDGING STRATEGIES.  Hedging, by use of futures contracts, seeks to
     ------------------                                                 
establish with more certainty than would otherwise be possible the effective
price or rate of return on portfolio securities or securities that a Fund
proposes to acquire or the exchange rate of currencies in which portfolio
securities are quoted or denominated.  A Fund may, for example, take a "short"
position in the futures market by selling futures contracts to seek to hedge
against an anticipated rise in interest rates or  a decline in market prices or
foreign currency rates that would adversely affect the U.S. dollar value of the
Fund's portfolio securities.  Such futures contracts may include contracts for
the future delivery of securities held by a Fund or securities with
characteristics similar to those of a Fund's portfolio securities. Similarly,
Core Fixed Income, High Yield Fund and Global Income Fund may each sell futures
contracts on any currencies in which its portfolio securities are quoted or
denominated or in one currency to seek to hedge against fluctuations in the
value of securities denominated in a different currency if there is an
established historical pattern of correlation between the two currencies.  If,
in the opinion of the Advisers, there is a sufficient degree of correlation
between price trends for a Fund's portfolio securities and futures contracts
based on other financial instruments, securities indices or other indices, the
Funds may also enter into such futures contracts as part of its hedging
strategy.  Although under some circumstances prices of securities in a Fund's
portfolio may be more or less volatile than prices of such futures contracts,
the Advisers will attempt to estimate the extent of this volatility difference
based on historical patterns and compensate for any such differential by 

                                      B-53
<PAGE>
 
having a Fund enter into a greater or lesser number of futures contracts or by
attempting to achieve only a partial hedge against price changes affecting a
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 the other hand, any
unanticipated appreciation in the value of a Fund's portfolio securities would
be substantially offset by a decline in the value of the futures position.

     On other occasions, a Fund may take a "long" position by purchasing futures
contracts.  This would be done, for example, when a Fund anticipates the
subsequent purchase of particular securities when it has the necessary cash, but
expects the prices or currency exchange rates then available in the applicable
market to be less favorable than prices that are currently available.

     OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS.  The acquisition of put and call options on
     ----------------------------                                             
futures contracts will give a Fund the right (but not the obligation) for a
specified price to sell or to purchase, respectively, the underlying futures
contract at any time during the option period.  As the purchaser of an option on
a futures contract, a Fund obtains the benefit of the futures position if prices
move in a favorable direction but limits its risk of loss in the event of an
unfavorable price movement to the loss of the premium and transaction costs.

     The writing of a call option on a futures contract generates a premium
which may partially offset a decline in the value of a Fund's assets.  By
writing a call option, a Fund becomes obligated, in exchange for the premium,
(upon exercise of the option) to sell a futures contract if the option is
exercised, which may have a value higher than the exercise price. Conversely,
the writing of a put option on a futures contract generates a premium which may
partially offset an increase in the price of securities that a Fund intends to
purchase.  However, a Fund becomes obligated (upon exercise of the option) to
purchase a futures contract if the option is exercised, which may have a value
lower than the exercise price. Thus, the loss incurred by a Fund in writing
options on futures is potentially unlimited and may exceed the amount of the
premium received.  The Funds will incur transaction costs in connection with the
writing of options on futures.

     The holder or writer of an option on a futures contract may terminate its
position by selling or purchasing an offsetting option on the same financial
instrument.  There is no guarantee that such closing transactions can be
effected.  A Fund's ability to establish and close out positions on such options
will be subject to the development and maintenance of a liquid market.

     Other Considerations.  Each Fund will engage in futures and related options
     --------------------                                                       
transactions only for bona fide hedging or to seek

                                      B-54
<PAGE>
 
to increase total return as permitted by CFTC regulations which permit
principals of an investment company registered under the Act to engage in such
transactions without registering as commodity pool operators. Each Fund will
determine that the price fluctuations in the futures contracts and options on
futures used for hedging purposes are substantially related to price
fluctuations in securities held by the Fund or securities or instruments which
it expects to purchase. Except as stated below, each Fund's futures transactions
will be entered into for traditional hedging purposes -- i.e., futures contracts
will be sold to protect against a decline in the price of securities (or the
currency in which they are quoted or denominated) that a Fund owns or futures
contracts will be purchased to protect a Fund against an increase in the price
of securities (or the currency in which they are quoted or denominated) it
intends to purchase. As evidence of this hedging intent, each Fund expects that
on 75% or more of the occasions on which it takes a long futures or option
position (involving the purchase of futures contracts), the Fund will have
purchased, or will be in the process of purchasing, equivalent amounts of
related securities (or assets denominated in the related currency) in the cash
market at the time when the futures or option position is closed out. However,
in particular cases, when it is economically advantageous for a Fund to do so, a
long futures position may be terminated or an option may expire without the
corresponding purchase of securities or other assets.

     In addition to bona fide hedging definition, a CFTC regulation permits the
Funds to engage in other futures transactions if the aggregate initial margin
and premiums required to establish such positions in futures contracts and
options on futures do not exceed 5% of the net asset value of a Fund's
portfolio, after taking into account unrealized profits and losses on any such
positions and excluding the amount by which such options were in-the-money at
the time of purchase.  The Funds will engage in transactions in futures
contracts and related options only to the extent such transactions are
consistent with the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code") for maintaining their qualifications as regulated
investment companies for federal income tax purposes.  See "Taxation."

     Transactions in futures contracts and options on futures involve brokerage
costs, require margin deposits and, in the case of contracts and options
obligating a Fund to purchase securities or currencies,  require the Fund to
establish with the custodian a segregated account consisting of cash or liquid
assets, as permitted by applicable law, in an amount equal to the underlying
value of such contracts and options.

     While transactions in futures contracts and options on futures may reduce
certain risks, such transactions themselves entail certain other risks. Thus,
while a Fund may benefit from the use of futures and options on futures,
unanticipated changes in interest rates or securities prices or currency
exchange rates may result in a poorer overall performance for a Fund than if it

                                      B-55
<PAGE>
 
had not entered into any futures contracts or options transactions. In the event
of an imperfect correlation between a futures position and a portfolio position
which is intended to be protected, the desired protection may not be obtained
and a Fund may be exposed to risk of loss. In addition, it is not possible to
hedge fully or protect 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.

     Perfect correlation between a Fund's futures positions and portfolio
positions will be impossible to achieve.  There are no futures contracts based
upon individual securities, except certain U.S. Government Securities.  The only
futures contracts available to hedge a Fund's portfolio are various futures on
U.S. Government Securities, securities indices and foreign currencies.

MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLLS

     The Taxable Funds (other than High Yield Fund) may enter into mortgage
"dollar rolls" in which a Fund sells securities for delivery in the current
month and simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase
similar (same type, coupon and maturity), but not identical securities on a
specified future date.  During the roll period, a Fund loses the right to
receive principal and interest paid on the securities sold.  However, a Fund
would benefit to the extent of any difference between the price received for the
securities sold and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often
referred to as the "drop") or fee income plus the interest earned on the cash
proceeds of the securities sold until the settlement date of the forward
purchase. Unless such benefits exceed the income, capital appreciation and gain
or loss due to mortgage prepayments that would have been realized on the
securities sold as part of the mortgage dollar roll, the use of this technique
will diminish the investment performance of a Fund compared with what such
performance would have been without the use of mortgage dollar rolls.  All cash
proceeds will be invested in instruments that are permissible investments for
the applicable Fund.  Each Fund will hold and maintain in a segregated account
until the settlement date cash or liquid assets, as permitted by applicable law,
in an amount equal to its forward purchase price.

     For financial reporting and tax purposes, the Funds treat mortgage dollar
rolls as two separate transactions; one involving the purchase of a security and
a separate transaction involving a sale. The Funds do not currently intend to
enter into mortgage dollar rolls that are accounted for as a financing.

     Mortgage dollar rolls involve certain risks including the following:  if
the broker-dealer to whom a Fund sells the security becomes insolvent, a Fund's
right to purchase or repurchase the mortgage-related securities subject to the
mortgage dollar roll may be restricted and the instrument which a Fund is
required to repurchase may be worth less than an instrument which a Fund
originally held.  Successful use of mortgage dollar rolls will 

                                      B-56
<PAGE>
 
depend upon the Adviser's ability to manage a Fund's interest rate and mortgage
prepayments exposure. For these reasons, there is no assurance that mortgage
dollar rolls can be successfully employed.

CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES

     Convertible securities include corporate notes or preferred stock but are
ordinarily long-term debt obligation of the issuer convertible at a stated
exchange rate into common stock of the issuer.  As with all debt securities, the
market value of convertible securities tends to decline as interest rates
increase and, conversely, to increase as interest rates decline. Convertible
securities generally offer lower interest or dividend yields than non-
convertible securities  of similar quality. However, when the market price of
the common stock underlying a convertible security exceeds the conversion price,
the price of the convertible security tends to reflect the value of the
underlying common stock.  As the market price of the underlying common stock
declines, the convertible security tends to trade increasingly on a yield basis,
and thus may not depreciate to the same extent as the underlying common stock.
Convertible securities in which the Core Fixed Income and High Yield Fund invest
will be subject to the same rating criteria as its other investments in fixed-
income securities.

LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
   
     Each Fund may lend portfolio securities.  Under present regulatory
policies, such loans may be made to institutions, such as brokers or dealers and
would be required to be secured continuously by collateral in cash, cash
equivalents, letters of credit or U.S. Government Securities maintained on a
current basis in an amount at least equal to the market value of the securities
loaned. Cash collateral may be invested in cash equivalents.  A Fund has the
right to call a loan and obtain the securities loaned at any time on five days'
notice.  For the duration of a loan, a Fund continues to receive the equivalent
of the interest or dividends paid by the issuer on the securities loaned and
also receives compensation from investment of the collateral.  A Fund would not
have the right to vote any securities having voting rights during the existence
of the loan, but a Fund would call the loan in anticipation of an important vote
to be taken among holders of the securities or 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 recovering, or even loss of
rights in, the collateral should the borrower of the securities fail
financially. However, the loans are made only to firms deemed by the applicable
Adviser to be of good standing, and when, in the judgment of the applicable
Adviser, the consideration which can be earned currently from securities loans
of this type justifies the attendant risk. If an Adviser determines to make
securities loans, the value of the securities loaned will not exceed one-third
of the value of the total assets (including assets received by a Fund as
collateral for securities loaned) of each Fund.    

                                      B-57
<PAGE>
 
RESTRICTED AND ILLIQUID SECURITIES
   
     Each Fund may purchase securities that are not registered or offered in an
exempt non-public offering ("Restricted Securities") under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended ("1933 Act"), including securities eligible for resale to
"qualified institutional buyers" pursuant to Rule 144A under the 1933 Act.
However, a Fund will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid
investments, which includes repurchase agreements maturing in more than seven
days, certain interest rate, currency and mortgage swaps, certain interest rate
caps, floors and collars, certain SMBS, municipal leases, certain over-the-
counter options, securities that are not readily marketable and Restricted
Securities, unless the Board of Trustees determines, based upon a continuing
review of the trading markets for the specific Restricted Securities, that such
Restricted Securities are liquid. Certain commercial paper issued in reliance on
Section 4(2) of the 1933 Act is treated like Rule 144A Securities. The Trustees
have adopted guidelines and delegated to the Advisers the daily function of
determining and monitoring the liquidity of the Funds' portfolio securities. The
Board of Trustees, however, will retain sufficient oversight and be ultimately
responsible for the determinations.  Since it is not possible to predict with
assurance exactly how the market for Restricted Securities sold and offered
under Rule 144A or Section 4(2) will develop, the Trustees will carefully
monitor  the Funds' investments in these securities, focusing on such  important
factors, among others, as valuation, liquidity and  availability of information.
This investment practice could have  the effect of increasing the level of
illiquidity in a Fund to the extent that qualified institutional buyers become
for a time  uninterested in purchasing these Restricted Securities.    

     The purchase price and subsequent valuation of Restricted Securities
normally reflect a discount from the price at which such securities trade when
they are not restricted, since the restriction makes them less liquid.  The
amount of the discount from the prevailing market price is expected to vary
depending upon the type of security, the character of the issuer, the party who
will bear the expenses of registering the Restricted Securities and prevailing
supply and demand conditions.

WHEN-ISSUED AND FORWARD COMMITMENT SECURITIES

     Each Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued basis or purchase or
sell securities on a forward commitment basis. These transactions involve a
commitment by a Fund to purchase or sell securities at a future date. The price
of the underlying securities (usually expressed in terms of yield) and the date
when the securities will be delivered and paid for (the settlement date) are
fixed at the time the transaction is negotiated. When-issued purchases and
forward commitment transactions are negotiated directly with the other party,
and such commitments are not traded on exchanges. The Funds will purchase
securities on a

                                      B-58
<PAGE>
 
when-issued basis or purchase or sell securities on a forward commitment basis
only with the intention of completing the transaction and actually purchasing or
selling the securities. If deemed advisable as a matter of investment strategy,
however, the Funds may dispose of or negotiate a commitment after entering into
it. A Fund also may sell securities it has committed to purchase before those
securities are delivered to the Fund on the settlement date. The Funds may
realize a capital gain or loss in connection with these transactions. For
purposes of determining each Fund's duration, the maturity of when-issued or
forward commitment securities will be calculated from the commitment date. Each
Fund is required to hold and maintain in a segregated account with the Fund's
custodian until three days prior to settlement date, cash or liquid assets, in
an amount sufficient to meet the purchase price. Alternatively, each Fund may
enter into offsetting contracts for the forward sale of other securities that it
owns. Securities purchased or sold on a when-issued or forward commitment basis
involve a risk of loss if the value of the security to be purchased declines
prior to the settlement date or if the value of the security to be sold
increases prior to the settlement date.

OTHER INVESTMENT COMPANIES

     Each Fund reserves the right to invest up to 10% of its total assets,
calculated at the time of purchase, in the securities of other investment
companies, but may not invest more than 5% of its total assets in the securities
of any one investment company or acquire more than 3% of the voting securities
of any other investment company.  Pursuant to an exemptive order obtained from
the SEC, the Funds may invest in money market funds for which the Adviser or any
of its affiliates serves as investment adviser.  A Fund will indirectly bear its
proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by investment
companies in which it invests in addition to the advisory and administration
fees paid by the Fund.  However, to the extent that a Fund invests in a money
market fund for which the Adviser acts as adviser, the management fees payable
by the Fund to the Adviser will be reduced by an amount equal to the Fund's
proportionate share of the management fees paid by such money market fund to the
Adviser or any of its affiliates.

     The Core Fixed Income High Yield and Global Income Funds may also purchase
shares of investment companies investing primarily in foreign securities,
including "country funds."  Country funds have portfolios consisting primarily
of securities of issuers located in one foreign country or region. The Core
Fixed Income High Yield and Global Income Funds may invest in World Equity
Benchmark Shares ("WEBS") and similar securities that invest in securities
included in foreign securities indices.

                                      B-59
<PAGE>
 
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS

     Each Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with selected broker-
dealers, banks or other financial institutions.  A repurchase agreement is an
arrangement under which a Fund purchases securities and the seller agrees to
repurchase the securities within a particular time and at a specified price.
Custody of the securities will be maintained by each Fund's custodian.  The
repurchase price may be higher than the purchase price, the difference being
income to a Fund, or the purchase and repurchase prices may be the same, with
interest at a stated rate due to a Fund together with the repurchase price on
repurchase. In either case, the income to a Fund is unrelated to the interest
rate on the security subject to the repurchase agreement.

     For purposes of the Act and, generally for tax purposes, a repurchase
agreement is deemed to be a loan from a Fund to the seller of the security.  For
other purposes, it is not clear whether a court would consider the security
purchased by a Fund subject to a repurchase agreement as being owned by a Fund
or as being collateral for a loan by a Fund to the seller.  In the event of
commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with respect to the seller
of the security before repurchase of the security under a repurchase agreement,
a Fund may encounter delay and incur costs before being able to sell the
security.  Such a delay may involve loss of interest or a decline in price of
the security. If the court characterizes the transaction as a loan and a Fund
has not perfected a security interest in the security, the Fund may be required
to return the security to the seller's estate and be treated as an unsecured
creditor of the seller.  As an unsecured creditor, a Fund would be at risk of
losing some or all of the principal and interest involved in the transaction.

     As with any unsecured debt instrument purchased for each Fund, the
applicable Adviser seeks to minimize the risk of loss from repurchase agreements
by analyzing the creditworthiness of the obligor, in this case the seller of the
security.  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 security subject to the repurchase agreement becomes
less than the repurchase price (including accrued interest), each Fund will
direct the seller of the security to deliver additional securities so that the
market value of all securities subject to the repurchase agreement equals or
exceeds the repurchase price.  Certain repurchase agreements
which provide for settlement in more than seven days can be liquidated before
the nominal fixed term on seven days or less notice.  Such repurchase agreements
will be regarded as liquid instruments.

     In addition, the Funds, together with other registered investment companies
having management agreements with the Advisers or their affiliates, may transfer
uninvested cash 

                                      B-60
<PAGE>
 
balances into a single joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which will
be invested in one or more repurchase agreements.

                            INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS

     The Trust has adopted the following investment restrictions on behalf of
the Funds, none of which may be changed without the approval of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the affected Fund.  The
investment objective of each Fund and all other investment policies or practices
of the Funds, except for Short Duration Tax-Free Fund's and Municipal Income
Fund's policy to invest under normal market conditions 80% of its net assets in
Municipal Securities, are considered by the Trust not to be fundamental and
accordingly may be changed without shareholder approval.  See "INVESTMENT
OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES" in the  Prospectuses.  As defined in the Act, "a
majority of the outstanding voting securities" of a Fund means the vote (a) of
67% or more of the shares of the Fund present at a meeting, if the holders of
more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present or represented
by proxy or (b) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund, whichever
is less.

     For the purposes of the limitations (except for the asset coverage
requirement with respect to borrowings), any limitation which involves a maximum
percentage shall not be considered violated unless an excess over the percentage
occurs immediately after, and is caused by, an acquisition or encumbrance of
securities or assets of, or borrowings by, a Fund.  With respect to the Tax
Exempt Funds, the identification of the issuer of a Municipal Security that is
not a general obligation is made by the Adviser based on the characteristics of
the Municipal Security, the most important of which is the source of funds for
the payment of principal and interest on such securities.

AS A MATTER OF FUNDAMENTAL POLICY, A FUND MAY NOT:

     (1)    make any investment inconsistent with the Fund's classification as a
            diversified company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as
            amended (the "Act"). This restriction does not, however, apply to
            any Fund classified as a non-diversified company under the Act.

     (2)    invest more than 25% of its total assets in the securities of one or
            more issuers conducting their principal business activities in the
            same industry (excluding the U.S. government or its agencies or
            instrumentalities). (For the purposes of this restriction, state and
            municipal governments and their agencies, authorities and
            instrumentalities are not deemed to be industries; telephone
            companies are considered to be a separate industry from water, gas
            or electric utilities; personal credit finance companies and
            business credit finance companies are 

                                      B-61
<PAGE>
 
            deemed to be separate industries; 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
            their parents). This restriction does not apply to investments in
            municipal securities which have been pre-refunded by the use of
            obligations of the U.S. government or any of its agencies or
            instrumentalities. Each of the Municipal Income and Short Duration
            Tax-Free Funds may invest 25% or more of the value of its total
            assets in municipal securities which are related in such a way that
            an economic, business or political development or change affecting
            one municipal security would also affect the other municipal
            securities. These municipal securities include (a) municipal
            securities, the interest on which is paid solely from revenues of
            similar projects such as hospitals, electric utility systems, multi-
            family housing, nursing homes, commercial facilities (including
            hotels), steel companies or life care facilities, (b) municipal
            securities whose issuers are in the same state and (c) industrial
            development obligations.

     (3)    borrow money, except (a) the Fund may borrow from banks (as defined
            in the Act) or through reverse repurchase agreements in amounts up
            to 33 1/3% or its total assets (including the amount borrowed), (b)
            the Fund may, to the extent permitted by applicable law borrow up to
            an additional 5% of its total assets for
            temporary purposes, (c) the Fund may obtain such short-term credits
            as may be necessary for the clearance of purchases and sales of
            portfolio securities, (d) the Fund may purchase securities on margin
            to the extent permitted by applicable law and (e) the Fund may
            engage in transactions in mortgage dollar rolls which are accounted
            for as financings.

     (4)    make loans, except through (a) the purchase of debt obligations in
            accordance with the Fund's investment objective and policies, (b)
            repurchase agreements with banks, brokers, dealers and other
            financial institutions, and (c) loans of securities as permitted by
            applicable law.

     (5)    underwrite securities issued by others, except to the extent that
            the sale of portfolio securities by the Fund may be deemed to be an
            underwriting.

     (6)(a) for each Fund other than Core Fixed Income, purchase, hold or deal
            in real estate, although a Fund may purchase and sell securities
            that are secured by real estate or interests therein, securities of
            real estate investment trusts and mortgage-related 

                                      B-62
<PAGE>
 
            securities and may hold and sell real estate acquired by a Fund as a
            result of the ownership of securities.

     (6)(b) in the case of the Core Fixed Income, purchase, hold or deal in real
            estate (including real estate limited partnerships) or oil, gas or
            mineral leases, although the Fund may purchase and sell securities
            that are secured by real estate or interests therein, may purchase
            mortgage-related securities and may hold and sell real estate
            acquired by the Fund as a result of the ownership of securities.

     (7)    invest in commodities or commodity contracts, except that the Fund
            may invest in currency and financial instruments and contracts that
            are commodities or commodity contracts.

     (8)    issue senior securities to the extent such issuance would violate
            applicable law.

     Each Fund may, notwithstanding any other fundamental investment restriction
or policy, invest some or all of its assets in a single open-end investment
company or series thereof with substantially the same fundamental investment
objectives, restrictions and policies as the Fund.

In addition, as non-fundamental policies, a Fund may not:

     (1)    Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising control or
            management.

     (2)    Invest more than 15% of the Fund's net assets in illiquid
            investments including repurchase agreements maturing in more than
            seven days, securities which are not readily marketable and
            restricted securities not eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144A
            under the 1933 Act.

     (3)    Purchase additional securities if the Fund's borrowings exceed
            (excluding covered mortgage dollar rolls) 5% of its net assets.

(4)  Make short sales of securities, except short sales against the box.


                                 MANAGEMENT

Trustees and Officers
- ---------------------

     Information pertaining to the Trustees and officers of the Trust is set
forth below together with their respective positions and a brief statement of
their principal occupations during the past five years.  Trustees and Officers
deemed to be "interested 

                                      B-63
<PAGE>
 
persons" of the Trust for purposes of the Act are indicated by an asterisk.
    
Ashok N. Bakhru, Age 55, 1325 Avenue of the Americas, 34th Floor, New York, New
York 10019.  Chairman and Trustee.  Executive Vice President-Finance and
Administration and Chief Financial Officer, Coty Inc. (since April 1996);
President, ABN Associates, Inc. (June 1994 through March 1996);  Senior Vice
President, Scott Paper Company (until June 1994); Director, Arkwright Mutual
Insurance Company; Trustee, International House of Philadelphia; Member of
Cornell University Council; Trustee of Walnut Street Theater.      
    
David B. Ford,* Age 51, One New York Plaza, New York, New York 10004. Trustee.
Managing Director, Goldman Sachs (since 1996); General Partner, Goldman Sachs,
(1986-1996); Co-Head of GSAM since December 1994.      
    
Douglas C. Grip,* Age 35, One New York Plaza, New York, New York 10004.
President and Trustee. Vice President, Goldman Sachs since May 1996; President,
MFS Retirement Services Inc., of Massachusetts Financial Services prior thereto.
     
    
John P. McNulty,* Age 45, One New York Plaza, New York, New York 10004.
Trustee.  Managing Director, Goldman Sachs since 1996; General Partner of
Goldman Sachs from 1990 to 1994 and 1995-1996; Co-Head of GSAM since November
1996; Limited Partner of Goldman Sachs from 1994 to November 1995.      
    
Mary P. McPherson, Age 62, Taylor Hall, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA 19010.
Trustee.  President of Bryn Mawr College since 1978; Director of Josiah Macy,
Jr. Foundation since 1977; Director of the Philadelphia Contributionship since
1985; Director of Amherst College since 1986; Director of Dayton Hudson
Corporation since 1988; Director of the Spencer Foundation since 1993; and
member of PNC Advisory Board since 1993.      
    
Alan A. Shuch,* Age 48, One New York Plaza, New York, New York 10004. Trustee.
Limited Partner, Goldman Sachs (since 1994); Director and Vice President,
Goldman Sachs Funds Management, Inc. from April 1990 to November 1994; President
and Chief Operating Officer, GSAM from September 1988 to November 1994; Limited
Partner, Goldman Sachs since December 1994.      
    
Jackson W. Smart, Jr., Age 67, One Northfield Plaza, #218, Northfield, Illinois
60093.  Trustee.  Chairman, Executive Committee, First Commonwealth, Inc. (a
managed dental care company, since January 1996); Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer, MSP Communications Inc. (a company engaged in radio broadcasting) since
November 1988;  Director, Federal Express Corporation since 1976; Evanston
Hospital Corporation (since 1980) and First Commonwealth, Inc. (since 1988) and
North American Private Equity Group (a venture capital fund).      

                                      B-64
<PAGE>
 
   
William H. Springer, Age 68, 701 Morningside Drive, Lake Forest, Illinois 60045.
Trustee. Vice Chairman and Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Ameritech
- -------
(a telecommunications holding company) from February 1987 to retirement in June
1992; Director, Walgreen Co. (a retail drugstore business); and Director, Baker,
Fentress & Co. (a closed-end non-diversified management investment company)
April 1992 to present.    
   
Richard P. Strubel, Age 58, 70 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60602.  Trustee.  Managing Director, Tandem Partners, Inc. (since
                 -------                                                  
1990); President and Chief Executive Officer, Microdot, Inc. (a diversified
manufacturer of fastening systems and connectors) from January 1984 to October
1994.    
   
Nancy L. Mucker,* Age 48, 4900 Sears Tower, Chicago, Illinois 60606.  Vice
                                                                      ----
President.  Vice President, Goldman Sachs;  Manager, Shareholder Services for
- ---------                                                                    
GSAM since November 1989.    
   
John W. Mosior,* Age 58, 4900 Sears Tower, Chicago, Illinois 60606. Vice
                                                                    ----
President.  Vice President, Goldman Sachs since April 1, 1985; Manager,
- ---------                                                              
Shareholder Services for GSAM since November 1989.    
   
James A. Fitzpatrick,* Age 33, 4900 Sears Tower, Chicago, Illinois 60606.  Vice
                                                                           ----
President.  Vice President of Goldman Sachs Asset Management since April 1997;
- ---------                                                                     
Vice President and General Manager, First Data Corporation-Investor Services
Group prior thereto.    
   
Scott M. Gilman,* Age 38, One New York Plaza, New York, New York 10004.
Treasurer.  Director, Mutual Funds Administration, GSAM since April 1994.
- ---------                                                                 
Assistant Treasurer of Goldman Sachs Funds Management, Inc. since March 1993.
Vice President, Goldman Sachs since March, 1990.    
   
John M. Perlowski,* Age 32, One New York Plaza, New York, New York 10004.
Assistant Treasurer. Vice President, Goldman, Sachs & Co., since July 1995.
- -------------------                                                        
Director/Fund Accounting & Custody, Investors Bank & Trust Co., November 1993 to
July 1995. Formerly, Manager, Audit Division, Arthur Andersen, September 1986 to
November 1993.    
   
Michael J. Richman,* Age 37, 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004.
Secretary. General Counsel of GSAM since December 1997; Vice President and
- ---------                                                                 
Assistant General Counsel of Goldman Sachs since June 1992; Counsel to the Funds
Group, GSAM since June 1992; Partner, Hale and Dorr from September 1991 to June
1992.    
   
Howard B. Surloff,* Age 32, 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004. Assistant
                                                                       ---------
Secretary. Assistant General Counsel, Goldman Sachs Asset Management and
- ---------                                                               
Associate General Counsel to the Funds Group since December 1997; Vice President
and Assistant General Counsel, Goldman Sachs since November 1993 and May 1994,
respectively; Counsel to the Funds Group, GSAM since November 1993; Associate of
Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman & Goodman, LLP prior thereto.    

                                      B-65
<PAGE>
 
   
Valerie A. Zondorak,* Age 32, 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004.
Assistant Secretary. Assistant General Counsel, Goldman Sachs Asset Management
- --------------------                                                          
and Associate General Counsel to the Funds Group since December 1997; Vice
President, Goldman Sachs (since March 1997); Counsel to the Funds Group, GSAM
(since March 1997); Associate of Shereff, Friedman, Hoffman & Goodman, LLP
(prior thereto).    
   
Steven E. Hartstein*, Age 33, 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004.
Assistant Secretary.  Legal Products Analyst, Goldman Sachs since June 1993;
- -------------------                                                         
Funds Compliance Officer, Citibank Global Asset Management from August 1991 to
June 1993); Legal Assistant, Brown & Wood prior thereto.    
   
Deborah A. Farrell*, Age 26, 85 Broad Street, New York, New York 10004.
Assistant Secretary.  Administrative Assistant, Goldman Sachs from January 1996
- -------------------                                                            
to Present.  Secretary at Cleary, Gottlieb, Stein and Hamilton from September
1990 to January 1994.    
   
Kaysie P. Uniacke*, Age 36, One New York Plaza, New York, New York 10004.
Assistant Secretary.  Managing Director, Goldman Sachs since December 1997; Vice
- -------------------                                                             
President and Senior Portfolio Manager, GSAM since 1988.    
   
Elizabeth D. Anderson*, Age 28, One New York Plaza, New York, New York 10004.
Assistant Secretary.  Portfolio Manager, GSAM since April 1996; Junior Portfolio
- -------------------                                                             
Manager, Goldman Sachs 1995-1996. Funds Trading Assistant, GSAM 1993-1995.
Compliance Analyst, Prudential Insurance, from 1991 to 1993.    
   
     The Trustees and officers of the Trust hold comparable positions with
certain other investment companies of which Goldman Sachs, GSAM or GSFM is the
investment adviser, administrator and/or distributor.  As of February 1, 1998,
the Trustees and officers as a group owned less than 1% of the outstanding
shares of beneficial interest of each Fund.    
   
     The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
compensation of each Trustee of the Trust for the one-year period ended October
31, 1997:    


<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                       Total
                                                  Retirement        Compensation
                                Pension or         Benefits         from Goldman
                                 Aggregate        Accrued as        Sachs Trust
                               Compensation         Part of        (including the
                                 from the           Trust's           Funds)/2/
                                  Funds/1/         Expenses      ------------------
                             -----------------  ---------------
Name of Trustees
 
<S>                          <C>                <C>              <C>
Ashok N. Bakhru                         $4,688               $0             $93,750
David B. Ford                                0                0                   0
Douglas C. Grip                              0                0                   0
Mary P. McPherson                        3,525                0              70,500
</TABLE>     

                                      B-66
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>    
<S>                          <C>                <C>              <C>
Alan A. Shuch                                0                0                   0
Jackson W. Smart                         3,525                0              70,500
William H. Springer                      3,525                0              70,500
Richard P. Strubel                       3,525                0              70,500
</TABLE>    

<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
- --------------------
<S>  <C>
1    Reflects amount paid by Goldman Sachs Trust, a Delaware business trust, during fiscal year ended October 31, 1997.
 
2    Goldman Sachs Trust consisted of 36 mutual funds, including eight fixed-income Funds, on October 31, 1997.
</TABLE>    

                                      B-67
<PAGE>
 
INVESTMENT ADVISERS
- -------------------

     GSAM, One New York Plaza, New York, New York 10004, a separate operating
division of Goldman Sachs, serves as the investment adviser to Municipal Income
Fund, Government Income Fund, Short Duration Tax-Free Fund, High Yield Fund and
Core Fixed Income pursuant to a management agreement. GSFM, One New York Plaza,
New York, New York 10004, serves as the investment adviser to Adjustable Rate
Government Fund and Short Duration Government Fund pursuant to  a management
agreement.  GSFM, a Delaware limited partnership, is an affiliate of Goldman
Sachs.  GSAMI, 133 Peterborough Court, London EC4A 2BB, England, serves as
investment adviser to Global Income Fund pursuant to a management agreement. As
a company with unlimited liability under the laws of England, GSAMI is regulated
by the Investment Management Regulatory Organization Limited, a United Kingdom
self-regulatory organization, in the conduct of its investment advisory
business. See "MANAGEMENT" in the Funds' Prospectuses for a description of the
applicable Adviser's duties as investment adviser.

     Founded in 1869, Goldman Sachs is among the oldest and largest investment
banking firms in the United States.  Goldman Sachs is a leader in developing
portfolio strategies and in many fields of investing and financing,
participating in financial markets worldwide and serving individuals,
institutions, corporations and governments.  Goldman Sachs is among the
principal market sources for current and thorough information on companies,
industrial sectors, markets, economies and currencies, and trades and makes
markets in a wide range of equity and debt securities 24 hours a day.  The firm
is headquartered in New York and has offices throughout the United States and in
Beijing, Brazil, Frankfurt, George Town, Hong Kong, London, Madrid, Mexico,
Milan, Montreal, Osaka, Paris, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Taipei,
Tokyo, Toronto, Vancouver and Zurich.  It has trading professionals throughout
the United States, as well as in London, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore.  The
active participation of Goldman Sachs in the world's financial markets enhances
its ability to identify attractive investments.

     The Advisers are able to draw on the substantial research and market
expertise of Goldman Sachs, whose investment research effort is one of the
largest in the industry.  With an annual equity research budget approaching $200
million, Goldman Sachs' Investment Research Department covers approximately
2,000 companies, including approximately 1,000 U.S. corporations in 60
industries.  The in-depth information and analyses generated by Goldman Sachs'
research analysts are available to the Advisers. The Advisers manage money for
some of the world's largest institutional investors.

     For more than a decade, Goldman Sachs has been among the top-ranked firms
in Institutional Investor's annual "All-America Research Team" survey.  In
addition, many of Goldman Sachs' 

                                      B-68
<PAGE>
 
economists, securities analysts, portfolio strategists and credit analysts have
consistently been highly ranked in respected industry surveys conducted in the
U.S. and abroad. Goldman Sachs is also among the leading investment firms using
quantitative analytics (now used by a growing number of investors) to structure
and evaluate portfolios. For example, Goldman Sachs' options evaluation model
analyzes each security's term, coupon and call option, providing an overall
analysis of the security's value relative to its interest risk.

     In planning the Tax Exempt Funds' strategies, the portfolio managers also
evaluate and monitor individual issues by using analytical techniques that have
traditionally been applied to corporate bonds and Mortgage-Backed Securities.
In particular, the Adviser's embedded option valuation model provides a picture
of an individual security's relative value and the portfolio's overall interest
rate risk.  By constantly reviewing the positions of securities within the
portfolio, the Adviser looks for opportunities to enhance the Tax Exempt Funds'
yields by fine-tuning the portfolio, using quantitative tools designed for
municipal portfolio management. The Adviser, which managed approximately $3
billion in tax-free securities in 1996, has assembled an experienced team of
professionals for selection of the Tax Exempt Funds' portfolio securities.

     In structuring Adjustable Rate Government Fund's and Short Duration
Government Fund's respective securities portfolio, the Adviser will review the
existing overall economic and mortgage market trends.  The Adviser will then
study yield spreads, the implied volatility and the shape of the yield curve.
The Adviser will then apply this analysis to a list of eligible securities that
meet the respective Fund's investment guidelines.  With respect to Adjustable
Rate Government Fund, this analysis is used to plan a two-part portfolio, which
will consist of a "Core Fixed Income" portfolio of ARMs and a "relative value"
portfolio of other mortgage assets that can enhance portfolio returns and lower
risk (such as investments in CMO floating-rate tranches and interest only
stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities).

     With respect to Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Government Income Fund,
Short Duration Government Fund, High Yield Fund and Core Fixed Income, the
applicable Adviser expects to utilize Goldman Sachs' sophisticated option-
adjusted analytics to help make strategic asset allocations within the markets
for U.S. government, Mortgage-Backed and other securities and to employ this
technology periodically to re-evaluate the Funds' investments
as market conditions change. Goldman Sachs has also developed a prepayment model
designed to estimate mortgage prepayments and cash flows under different
interest rate scenarios.  Because a Mortgage-Backed Security incorporates the
borrower's right to prepay the mortgage, the Advisers use a sophisticated
option-adjusted spread (OAS) model to measure expected returns.  A security's
OAS is a function of the level and shape of the yield curve, volatility and the
applicable Adviser's expectation of how 

                                      B-69
<PAGE>
 
a change in interest rates will affect prepayment levels. Since the OAS model
assumes a relationship between prepayments and interest rates, the Advisers
consider it a better way to measure a security's expected return and absolute
and relative values than yield to maturity. In using OAS technology, the
Advisers will first evaluate the absolute level of a security's OAS considering
its liquidity and its interest rate, volatility and prepayment sensitivity. The
Advisers will then analyze its value relative to alternative investments and to
its own investments. The Advisers will also measure a security's interest rate
risk by computing an option adjusted duration (OAD). The Advisers believe a
security's OAD is a better measurement of its price sensitivity than cash flow
duration, which systematically misstates portfolio duration. The Advisers also
evaluate returns for different mortgage market sectors and evaluate the credit
risk of individual securities. This sophisticated technical analysis allows the
Advisers to develop portfolio and trading strategies using Mortgage-Backed
Securities that are believed to be superior investments on a risk-adjusted basis
and which provide the flexibility to meet the respective Fund's duration targets
and cash flow pattern requirements.

     Because the OAS is adjusted for the differing characteristics of the
underlying securities, the OAS of different Mortgage-Backed Securities can be
compared directly as an indication of their relative value in the market.  The
Advisers also expect to use OAS-based pricing methods to calculate projected
security returns under different, discrete interest rate scenarios, and Goldman
Sachs' proprietary prepayment model to generate yield estimates under these
scenarios.  The OAS, scenario returns, expected returns, and yields of
securities in the mortgage market can be combined and analyzed in an optimal
risk-return matching framework.

     The Advisers will use OAS analytics to choose what they believe is an
appropriate portfolio of investments for Adjustable Rate Government Fund,
Government Income Fund, Short Duration Government Fund and Core Fixed Income
from a universe of eligible investments.  In connection with initial portfolio
selections, in addition to using OAS analytics as an aid to meeting each Fund's
particular composition and performance targets, the Advisers will also take into
account important market criteria like the available supply and relative
liquidity of various mortgage securities in structuring the portfolio.

     The Advisers also expect to use OAS analytics to evaluate the mortgage
market on an ongoing basis.  Changes in the relative value of various Mortgage-
Backed Securities could suggest tactical trading opportunities for the Funds.
The Advisers will have access to both current market analysis as well as
historical information on the relative value relationships among different
Mortgage-Backed Securities.  Current market analysis and historical information
is available in the Goldman Sachs database for most actively traded Mortgage-
Backed Securities.

                                      B-70
<PAGE>
 
     Goldman Sachs has agreed to provide the Advisers, on a non- exclusive
basis, use of its mortgage prepayment model, OAS model and any other proprietary
services which it now has or may develop, to the extent such services are made
available to other similar customers.  Use of these services by the Advisers
with respect to a Fund does not preclude Goldman Sachs from providing these
services to third parties or using such services as a basis for trading for its
own account or the account of others.

     The fixed-income research capabilities of Goldman Sachs available to the
Advisers include the Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Research Department and the
Credit Department.  The Fixed Income Research Department monitors developments
in U.S. and foreign fixed-income markets, assesses the outlooks for various
sectors of the markets and provides relative value comparisons, as well as
analyzes trading opportunities within and across market sectors. The Fixed
Income Research Department is at the forefront in developing and using computer-
based tools for analyzing fixed- income securities and markets, developing new
fixed income products and structuring portfolio strategies for investment policy
and tactical asset allocation decisions.  The Credit Department tracks specific
governments, regions and industries and from time to time may review the credit
quality of a Fund's investments.

     In addition to fixed-income research and credit research, the Advisers in
managing Global Income Fund are supported by Goldman Sachs' economics research.
The Economics Research Department, based in London, conducts economic, financial
and currency markets research which analyzes economic trends and interest and
exchange rate movements worldwide.  The Economics Research Department tracks
factors such as inflation and money supply figures, balance of trade figures,
economic growth, commodity prices, monetary and fiscal policies, and political
events that can influence interest rates and currency trends.  The success of
Goldman Sachs' international research team has brought wide recognition to its
members.  The team has earned top rankings in the annual "Extel Financial
Survey" of U.K. investment managers in the following categories:  U.K. Economy
1989-1995; International Economies 1986, 1988-1995; International Government
Bond Market 1993-1995; and Currency Movements 1986-1993.

     In allocating assets in the Global Income Fund's portfolio among
currencies, the Adviser will have access to the Global Asset Allocation Model.
The model is based on the observation that the prices of all financial assets,
including foreign currencies, will adjust until investors globally are
comfortable  holding the pool of outstanding assets.  Using the model, the
Adviser will estimate the total returns from each currency sector which are
consistent with the average investor holding a portfolio equal to the market
capitalization of the financial assets among those currency sectors.  These
estimated equilibrium returns are then combined with Goldman Sachs' research
professionals' expectations to produce an optimal currency and asset allocation
for the level of risk suitable for the Fund's investment objective and criteria.

                                      B-71
<PAGE>
 
     Each Fund's management agreement (the "Management Agreements") was most
recently approved by the Trustees of the Trust, including a majority of the
Trustees of the Trust who are not parties to such agreements or "interested
persons" (as such term is defined in the Act) of any party thereto (the "non-
interested Trustees"), on April 23, 1997.  The applicable Fund's Management
Agreement was approved by the shareholders of Adjustable Rate Government Fund on
October 30, 1991, the shareholders of Short Duration Government Fund on March
27, 1989, the sole initial shareholder of Short Duration Tax-Free Fund on
September 25, 1992, the sole initial shareholder of Core Fixed Income on October
29, 1993, and the shareholders of each other Fund on April 21, 1997.  Each
Management Agreement will remain in effect until June 30, 1998 and will continue
in effect with respect to the applicable Fund from year to year thereafter
provided such continuance is specifically approved at least annually by (a) the
vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of such Fund or a
majority of the Trustees of the Trust, and (b) the vote of a majority of the
non-interested Trustees of the Trust, cast in person at a meeting called for the
purpose of voting on such approval.

     Each Management Agreement will terminate automatically if assigned (as
defined in the Act).  Each Management Agreement is also terminable at any time
without penalty by the Trustees of the Trust or by vote of a majority of the
outstanding voting securities of a Fund on 60 days' written notice to the
applicable Adviser or by the Adviser on 60 days' written notice of the Trust.

     The Management Agreements provide that GSAM, GSFM and GSAMI, in their
capacity as advisers may each render similar services to others so long as the
services under the Management Agreements are not impaired thereby.  Pursuant to
the Management Agreements, the Advisers are entitled to receive the fee set
forth below and the Advisers are currently limiting the fee to the rate set
forth below:

<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                   Rate for Period or
                                 Contractual           Year Ended
             Fund                   Rate**          October 31, 1997
- ------------------------------  --------------  ------------------------
 
GSAM
<S>                             <C>             <C>
  Municipal Income                        .55%                      .55%
  Government Income*                      .65%                      .25%
  Short Duration Tax-Free                 .40%                      .40%
  Core Fixed Income                       .40%                      .40%
  High Yield                              .70%                      .65%
 
GSFM
  Short Duration Government*              .50%                      .40%
  Adjustable Rate Government              .40%                      .40%
 
GSAMI                                     .90%                      .59%
  Global Income
</TABLE>    
_____________________
    
*Effective March 1, 1998, the management fee for the Short Duration Government 
 and Government Income Funds will be equal to 0.50% and 0.65%, 
respectively.     



                                      B-72
<PAGE>
 
   
**   With respect to the Government Income, Municipal Income and Global Income
     Funds, a Management Agreement combining both advisory and administration
     services (and subadvisory services in the case of Global Income Fund) was
     adopted effective April 30, 1997.  The Management Agreements for the other
     Funds previously combined such services.  The contractual rate set forth in
     the table is the rate payable under the Management Agreements (and, in the
     case of Government Income, Municipal Income and Global Income Funds, is
     identical to the aggregate advisory, subadvisory and administration fee
     rate payable by such Funds under the previously separate investment
     advisory, subadvisory and administration agreements).  For the fiscal year
     ended October 31, 1997, the annual rate expressed is the combined advisory
     and administration fees paid (after voluntary fee limitations).    
   
     For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, the amounts of
the investment advisory and administration fees incurred by each Fund then in
existence were as follows:    


<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        
                                           1997             1996            1995
                                           ----             ----            ----
<S>                                     <C>             <C>             <C>
Adjustable Rate Government              $2,293,118      $2,535,709      $2,947,492
Short Duration Government(1)               422,632         411,360         517,091
Short Duration Tax-Free                    144,157         169,796         260,970
Core Fixed Income                          334,580         246,568         137,158
Global Income(2)(5)                      1,415,050       1,117,226         706,460
Government Income(3)(5)                    134,628          74,060          44,037
Municipal Income(4)                        320,868         211,283         154,707
High Yield(6)                              407,474           N/A             N/A
                                     
</TABLE>    
_________________________
   
(1)  Had expense limitations not been in effect, Short Duration Government Fund
     would have paid advisory fees of $528,290, $514,200 and $646,364
     respectively, for such years.    
   
(2)  For the same periods, Global Income Fund paid GSAMI subadvisory fees of $0,
     $837,920 and $1,412,921, respectively.  If expense limitations had not been
     in effect, Global Income Fund would have paid advisory and subadvisory fees
     of $2,158,925 for the year ended October 31, 1997 and $1,474,204 and
     $491,401, respectively, for the year ended October 31, 1996 and $789,127
     and $1,578,254, respectively, for the year ended October 31, 1995.    

(3)  Had expense limitations not been in effect, Government Income Fund would
     have paid advisory fees of $350,034, $148,120 and $101,737 respectively,
     for such years.

(4)  Had expense limitations not been in effect for the year ended October 31,
     1995, Municipal Income Fund would have paid advisory fees of $200,207 for
     the year.

                                      B-73
<PAGE>
 
(5)  Reflects combined fees under separate investment advisory and
     administration agreements which were combined in a Management Agreement
     effective May 1, 1997.
    
(6)  High Yield Fund commenced operations on August 1, 1997.  Had expense
     limitations not been in effect, High Yield Fund would have paid $438,819
     for the period.     

     The fees and services under the Investment Advisory and Administration
     Agreements are identical to the fees and services under the Management
     Agreement.

     Each Adviser performs administrative services for the applicable Funds
under the Management Agreement. Such administrative services include, subject to
the general supervision of the Trustees of the Trust, (a) providing supervision
of all aspects of the Funds' non-investment operations (other than certain
operations performed by others pursuant to agreements with the Funds), (b)
providing the Funds, to the extent not provided pursuant to the agreement with
the Trust's custodian, transfer and dividend disbursing agent or agreements with
other institutions, with personnel to perform such executive, administrative and
clerical services as are reasonably necessary to provide effective
administration of the Funds, (c) arranging, to the extent not provided pursuant
to such agreements, for the preparation, at the Funds' expense, of each  Fund's
tax returns, reports to shareholders, periodic updating of the Funds'
prospectuses and statements of additional information, and reports filed with
the SEC and other regulatory authorities, (d) providing the Funds, to the extent
not provided pursuant to such agreements, with adequate office space and certain
related office equipment and services, and (e) maintaining all of the Funds'
records other than those maintained pursuant to such agreements.

     ACTIVITIES OF GOLDMAN SACHS AND ITS AFFILIATES AND OTHER  ACCOUNTS MANAGED
     --------------------------------------------------------------------------
BY GOLDMAN SACHS.  The involvement of the Advisers and Goldman Sachs and their
- ----------------                                                              
affiliates, in the management of, or their interest in, other accounts and other
activities of Goldman Sachs may present conflicts of interest with respect to
the Funds or impede their investment activities.

     Goldman Sachs and its affiliates, including, without limitation, the
Advisers and their advisory affiliates have proprietary interests in, and may
manage or advise with respect to, accounts or funds (including separate accounts
and other funds and collective investment vehicles) which have investment
objectives similar to those of the Funds and/or which engage in transactions in
the same types of securities, currencies and instruments as the Funds.  Goldman
Sachs and its affiliates are major participants in the global currency,
equities, swap and fixed-income markets, in each case on a proprietary basis and
for the accounts of customers. As such, Goldman Sachs and its affiliates are
actively engaged in transactions in the same 

                                      B-74
<PAGE>
 
securities, currencies, and instruments in which the Funds invest. Such
activities could affect the prices and availability of the securities,
currencies, and instruments in which the Funds invest, which could have an
adverse impact on each Fund's performance. Such transactions, particularly in
respect of proprietary accounts or customer accounts other than those included
in the Advisers' and their advisory affiliates' asset management activities,
will be executed independently of the Funds' transactions and thus at prices or
rates that may be more or less favorable. When the Advisers and their advisory
affiliates seek to purchase or sell the same assets for their managed accounts,
including the Funds, the assets actually purchased or sold may be allocated
among the accounts on a basis determined in its good faith discretion of such
entitles to be equitable. In some cases, this system may adversely affect the
size or the price of the assets purchased or sold for the Funds.

     From time to time, the Funds' activities may be restricted because of
regulatory restrictions applicable to Goldman Sachs and its affiliates, and/or
their internal policies designed to comply with such restrictions.  As a result,
there may be periods, for example, when the Advisers, and/or their affiliates,
will not initiate or recommend certain types of transactions in certain
securities or instruments with respect to which, or in securities of issuers for
which, the Advisers and/or their affiliates are performing services or when
position limits have been reached.

     In connection with their management of the Funds, the Advisers may have
access to certain fundamental analysis and proprietary technical models
developed by Goldman Sachs and other affiliates.  The Advisers will not be under
any obligation, however, to effect transactions on behalf of the Funds in
accordance with such analysis and models.  In addition, neither Goldman Sachs
nor any of its affiliates will have any obligation to make available any
information regarding their proprietary activities or strategies, or the
activities or strategies used for other accounts managed by them, for the
benefit of the management of the Funds and it is not anticipated that the
Advisers will have access to such information for the purpose of managing the
Funds. The proprietary activities or portfolio strategies of Goldman Sachs and
its affiliates or the activities or strategies used for accounts managed by them
or other customer accounts could conflict with the transactions and strategies
employed by the Advisers in managing the Funds.

     The results of each Fund's investment activities may differ significantly
from the results achieved by the Advisers and their affiliates for their
proprietary accounts or accounts (including investment companies or collective
investment vehicles) managed or advised by them.  It is possible that Goldman
Sachs and its affiliates and such other accounts will achieve investment results
which are substantially more or less favorable than the results achieved by a
Fund.  Moreover, it is possible that a Fund will sustain losses during periods
in which Goldman Sachs and its 

                                      B-75
<PAGE>
 
affiliates achieve significant profits on their trading for proprietary or other
accounts. The opposite result is also possible.

     An investment policy committee which may include partners of Goldman Sachs
and its affiliates may develop general policies regarding a Fund's activities,
but will not be involved in the day-to-day management of such Fund.  In such
instances, those individuals may, as a result, obtain information regarding the
Fund's proposed investment activities which is not generally available to the
public.  In addition, by virtue of their affiliation with Goldman Sachs, any
such member of an investment policy committee will have direct or indirect
interests in the activities of Goldman Sachs and its affiliates in securities,
currencies and investments similar to those in which the Fund invests.
   
     Also, certain principals and certain of the employees of the Advisers are
also principals or employees of Goldman Sachs or their affiliated entities.    
   
     The Advisers may enter into transactions and invest in instruments and, in
the case of Global Income, High Yield and Core Fixed Income Funds, currencies on
behalf of the applicable Funds in which customers of Goldman Sachs serve as the
counterparty, principal or issuer.  In such cases, such party's interests in the
transaction will be adverse to the interests of the Funds, and such party may
have no  incentive to assure that the Funds obtain the best possible prices or
terms in connection with the transactions. Goldman Sachs and its affiliates may
also create, write or issue derivative instruments for  customers of Goldman
Sachs or its affiliates, the underlying securities currencies or instruments of
which may be those in which the Funds invest or which may be based on the
performance of a Fund.  The Funds may, subject to applicable law, purchase
investments which are the subject of an underwriting or other distribution by
Goldman Sachs or its affiliates and may also enter into transactions with other
clients of Goldman Sachs or its affiliates where such other clients have
interests adverse to those of the Funds.  At times, these activities may cause
departments of the Firm to give advice to clients that may cause these clients
to take actions adverse to the interest of the Funds.  To the extent affiliated
transactions are permitted, the Funds will deal with Goldman Sachs and its
affiliates on an arm's-length basis.    

     Each Fund will be required to establish business relationships with its
counterparties based on the Fund's own credit standing. Neither Goldman Sachs
nor its affiliates will have any obligation to allow their credit to be used in
connection with a Fund's establishment of its business relationships, nor is it
expected that a Fund's counterparties will rely on the credit of Goldman Sachs
or any of its affiliates in evaluating the Fund's creditworthiness.

                                      B-76
<PAGE>
 
     From time to time, Goldman Sachs or any of its affiliates may, but is not
required to, purchase and hold shares of a Fund in order to increase the assets
of the Fund.  Increasing a Fund's assets may enhance investment flexibility and
diversification and may contribute to economies of scale that tend to reduce a
Fund's expense ratio.  Goldman Sachs reserves the right to redeem at any time
some or all of the shares of a Fund acquired for its own account.  A large
redemption of shares of a Fund by Goldman Sachs could significantly reduce the
asset size of the Fund, which might have an adverse effect on a Fund's
investment flexibility, portfolio diversification and expense ratio.  Goldman
Sachs will consider the effect of redemptions on a Fund and other shareholders
in deciding whether to redeem its shares.

DISTRIBUTOR AND TRANSFER AGENT
- ------------------------------

     Goldman Sachs serves as the exclusive distributor of shares of the Funds
pursuant to a "best efforts" arrangement as provided by a distribution agreement
with the Trust. Pursuant to the distribution agreement, after the Funds'
Prospectuses and periodic reports have been prepared, set in type and mailed to
shareholders, Goldman Sachs will pay for the printing and distribution of copies
thereof used in connection with the offering to prospective investors.  Goldman
Sachs will also pay for other supplementary sales literature and advertising
costs. Goldman Sachs has entered into sales agreements with certain investment
dealers and financial  service firms (the "Authorized Dealers") to solicit
subscriptions for Class A, Class B and Class C Shares of each of the Funds that
offer such classes of shares. Goldman Sachs receives a portion of the sales load
imposed on the sale, in the case of Class A Shares, or redemption in the case of
Class B and Class C Shares, of such Fund shares.  No Class B Shares were
outstanding during the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995.  No Class C Shares
were outstanding during the fiscal years ended October 31, 1995 and 1996.
Goldman Sachs retained approximately the following combined commissions on sales
of Class A, B and C Shares during the following periods:

<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                       1997          1996         1995
                                   -------------  -----------  ----------
 
<S>                                <C>            <C>          <C>
Adjustable Rate Government(1)         $  156,000      $79,000     $40,000
Municipal Income(2)                       57,000       24,900      48,000
Government Income(2)                     193,000       17,300      22,000
Global Income(2)                         176,000       52,600      15,000
Short Duration Government(3)              63,000         N/A         N/A
Short Duration Tax-Free(3)                 6,000         N/A         N/A
Core Fixed Income(3)                      14,000         N/A         N/A
High Yield(3)                          3,194,000         N/A         N/A
</TABLE>     
_____________________
   
(1)  The Adjustable Rate Government Fund does not offer Class B and C 
     Shares.    

                                      B-77
<PAGE>
 
   
(2)  Prior to May 1, 1996 and August 15, 1997, the Municipal Income, Government
     Income and Global Income Funds did not offer Class B and Class C Shares
     respectively.    
   
(3)  Prior to May 1, 1996 and August 15, 1997, Short Duration, Short Duration
     Tax-Free, and Core Fixed Income Funds did not offer Class A and B and C
     Shares, respectively.  High Yield Fund commenced operations on August 1,
     1997 with the exception of Class C Shares which commenced August 15, 
     1997.    

     Goldman Sachs serves as the Trust's transfer and dividend disbursing agent.
Under its transfer agency agreement with the Trust, Goldman Sachs has undertaken
with the Trust with respect to each Fund to (i) record the issuance, transfer
and redemption of shares, (ii) provide confirmations of purchases and
redemptions, and quarterly statements, as well as certain other statements,
(iii) provide certain information to the Trust's custodian and the relevant
subcustodian in connection with redemptions, (iv) provide dividend crediting and
certain disbursing agent services, (v) maintain shareholder accounts, (vi)
provide certain state Blue Sky and other information, (vii) provide shareholders
and certain regulatory authorities with tax-related information, (viii) respond
to shareholder inquiries, and (ix) render certain other miscellaneous services.

     As compensation for the services rendered to the Trust by Goldman Sachs as
transfer and dividend disbursing agent and the assumption by Goldman Sachs of
the expenses related thereto, Goldman Sachs received fees for the fiscal years
ended October 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 by each Fund then in existence as follows:

<TABLE>   
<S>                              <C>           <C>           <C>
Fund                                     1997          1996          1995
- -------------------------------      --------      --------      --------
 
Adjustable Rate Government           $272,449      $278,337      $306,662
Short Duration Government              77,989             0             0
Short Duration Tax-Free                61,185        16,980        26,098
Core Fixed Income                      85,882        24,657        13,716
Global Income                         106,886       121,212       106,764
Municipal Income                      152,152        90,284        63,695
Government Income Fund                163,181        72,237        94,095
High Yield Fund(1)                     27,280          N/A           N/A
</TABLE>    
________________________
    
(1)  High Yield Fund commenced operations on August 1, 1997.     

     The foregoing distribution and transfer agency agreements each provide that
Goldman Sachs may render similar services to others so long as the services each
provides thereunder to the Funds are not impaired thereby.  Each such agreement
also provides that the Trust will indemnify Goldman Sachs against certain
liabilities.

                                      B-78
<PAGE>
 
EXPENSES
- --------

     Except as set forth in the Prospectuses under "MANAGEMENT" the Trust, on
behalf of each Fund, is responsible for the payment of each Fund's respective
expenses.  The expenses borne by the outstanding classes of each Fund include,
without limitation, the fees payable to the Adviser, the fees and expenses of
the Trust's custodian, transfer agent fees, brokerage fees and commissions,
filing fees for the registration or qualification of the Trust's shares under
federal or state securities laws, expenses of the organization of the Trust,
fees and expenses incurred by the Trust in connection with membership in
investment company organizations, taxes, interest, costs of liability insurance,
fidelity bonds or indemnification, any costs,  expenses or losses arising out of
any liability of, or claim for damages or other relief asserted against, the
Trust for violation of any law, legal, tax and auditing fees and expenses
(including the cost of legal and certain accounting services rendered by
employees of Goldman Sachs, or its affiliates, with respect to the Trust),
expenses of preparing and setting in type Prospectuses, Additional Statements,
proxy material, reports and notices and the printing and distributing of the
same to the Trust's shareholders and regulatory authorities, fees under any
distribution, authorized dealer service, administration or service plans
applicable to a particular class, any compensation and expenses of its "non-
interested" Trustees and extraordinary expenses, if any, incurred by the Trust.
Except for fees under any distribution, authorized dealer service,
administration or service plans applicable to a particular class and transfer
agency fees, all Fund expenses are borne on a non-class specific basis.
    
     The Advisers voluntarily have agreed to reduce or otherwise limit certain
Other Expenses (excluding management fees, fees payable under administration,
distribution, service and authorized dealer service plans, taxes, interest,
brokerage fees and litigation, indemnification, transfer agency fees in the case
of Global Income Fund and High Yield Fund and other extraordinary expenses) to
the following percentage of each Fund's average daily net assets:      
<TABLE>    
<S>                                             <C>
Short Duration Government Fund                  0.05%
Municipal Income Fund                           0.05%
Government Income Fund                          0.00%
Short Duration Tax-Free Fund                    0.05%
Core Fixed Income                               0.05%
Global Income Fund                              0.06%
High Yield Fund                                 0.14%
</TABLE>     
     Such reductions or limits are calculated monthly on a cumulative basis.
Although the Advisers have no current intention of modifying or discontinuing
such expense limitations or the limitations on the management fees, described
above under "Management -- Investment Advisers," each may do so in the future at
its discretion.  For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1997, 

                                      B-79
<PAGE>
 
October 31, 1996 and October 31, 1995, Other Expenses of each Fund were reduced
by the Advisers in the following amounts:



<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
                                  1997           1996           1995
                              -------------  -------------  -------------
<S>                           <C>            <C>            <C>
Adjustable Rate Government         $191,739       $386,863       $551,405
Short Duration Government           285,329        169,069        219,994
Short Duration Tax-Free             282,291        238,097        213,139
Core Fixed Income                   311,343        233,065        176,469
Municipal Income                    299,884        238,203        196,265
Government Income                   364,989        219,091        242,036
Global Income                       223,969        337,079         70,195
High Yield*                         200,097          N/A            N/A
</TABLE>    
______________________
    
*    High Yield Fund commenced operations on August 1, 1997.    

     Fees and expenses of legal counsel, registering shares of each Fund,
holding meetings and communicating with shareholders may include an allocable
portion of the cost of maintaining an internal legal and compliance department.
Each Fund may also bear an allocable portion of the costs incurred by the
Advisers in performing certain accounting services not being provided by the
Trust's custodian.

CUSTODIAN AND SUB-CUSTODIANS
- ----------------------------

     State Street Bank and Trust Company ("State Street"), P.O. Box 1713,
Boston, Massachusetts 02105, is the custodian of the Trust's portfolio
securities and cash.  State Street also maintains the Trust's accounting
records.  State Street may appoint sub-custodians from time to time to hold
certain securities purchased by the Trust in foreign countries and to hold cash
and currencies for the Trust.

INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
- ------------------------------

     Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants, 225 Franklin Street,
Boston, Massachusetts 02110, have been selected as auditors of the Trust.  In
addition to audit services, Arthur Andersen LLP prepares the Trust's federal and
state tax returns, and provides consultation and assistance on accounting,
internal control and related matters.

                            PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
    
     The portfolio transactions for the Funds are generally effected at a net
price without a broker's commission (i.e., a dealer is dealing with a Fund as
principal and receives compensation equal to the spread between the dealer's
cost for a given security and the resale price of such security). In certain
foreign countries, debt securities in which the Global Income Fund, Core Fixed
Income and High Yield Funds may invest are traded on exchanges at fixed
commission rates. In connection with     

                                      B-80
<PAGE>
 
portfolio transactions, the Management Agreement provides that the Advisers
shall attempt to obtain the best net price and the most favorable execution. The
Management Agreement provides that, on occasions when an Adviser deems the
purchase or sale of a security to be in the best interests of a Fund as well as
its other customers (including any other fund or other investment company or
advisory account for which the Advisers or an affiliate act as investment
adviser), a Fund, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations,
may aggregate the securities to be sold or purchased for the Fund with those to
be sold or purchased for such other customers in order to obtain the best net
price and most favorable execution. In such event, allocation of the securities
so purchased or sold, as well as the expenses incurred in the transaction, will
be made by the applicable Adviser in the manner it considers to be most
equitable and consistent with its fiduciary obligations to the applicable Fund
and such other customers. In some instances, this procedure may adversely affect
the size and price of the position obtainable for a Fund. The Management
Agreement permits each Adviser, in its discretion, to purchase and sell
portfolio securities to and from dealers who provide the Trust with brokerage or
research services in which dealers may execute brokerage transactions at a
higher cost to the Fund. Brokerage and research services furnished by firms
through which the Fund's effect their securities transactions may be used by the
Advisers in servicing other accounts and not all of these services may be used
by the Adviser in connection with the specific Fund generating the brokerage
credits. The fees received under the Management Agreement are not reduced by
reason of the Adviser receiving such brokerage and research services. In
addition, in selecting brokers and dealers, the Advisers may take into account
sales of shares of the Funds and other funds in the Goldman Sachs Group of Funds
by such brokers and dealers.
   
     For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1995, the Funds then in existence
paid no brokerage commissions.    

                                      B-81
<PAGE>
 
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1996, the Funds then in existence paid
brokerage commissions as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                    Total               Total                Brokerage  
                                                  Brokerage           Amount of             Commissions 
                                     Total       Commissions         Transaction               Paid     
                                   Brokerage       Paid to            on which              to Brokers  
                                  Commissions    Affiliated          Commissions             Providing  
                                     Paid          Persons              Paid/3/              Research   
                                  ===========  ================= =====================      =========== 
<S>                               <C>          <C>              <C>                    <C>
 
Fiscal Year Ended
October 31, 1996:
 
Adjustable Rate Fund                 $108,000  $108,000(100%)/1/  $2,121,317,579(100%)/2/         $N/A
 
Short Duration Government Fund         24,000    24,000(100%)/1/     447,205,928(100%)/2/          N/A
 
Short Duration Tax-Free Fund            1,000     1,000(100%)/1/       8,559,280(100%)/2/          N/A
 
Core Fixed Income Fund                  4,000     4,000(100%)/1/      43,548,299(100%)/2/          N/A

Government Income Fund                  1,200     1,200(100%)/1/      24,437,288(100%)/2/          N/A

Municipal Income Fund                   2,750     2,750(100%)/1/      51,101,625(100%)/2/          N/A

</TABLE> 
_______________________________
1    Percentage of total commissions paid.

2    Percentage of total amount of transactions involving the payment of
     commissions effected through affiliated persons.

3    Refers to Market Value of Futures Contracts.

                                      B-82
<PAGE>

     
For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, the Funds then in existence paid
brokerage commissions as follows:     



<TABLE>    
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                    Total               Total              Brokerage  
                                                  Brokerage           Amount of           Commissions 
                                     Total       Commissions         Transaction             Paid     
                                   Brokerage       Paid to            on which            to Brokers  
                                  Commissions    Affiliated          Commissions           Providing  
                                     Paid          Persons              Paid/3/             Research  
                                  ===========  =================  ===================     =========== 
<S>                               <C>          <C>              <C>                  <C>
 
Fiscal Year Ended
October 31, 1997:
 
Adjustable Rate Fund                  $61,000   $61,000(100%)/1/  $739,605,010(100%)/2/         $N/A
 
Short Duration Government Fund         19,000    19,000(100%)/1/   494,733,847(100%)/2/          N/A
 
Core Fixed Income Fund                  3,000     3,000(100%)/1/     8,429,994(100%)/2/          N/A
 
Government Income Fund                  2,400     2,400(100%)/1/    26,765,840(100%)/2/          N/A
 
Municipal Income Fund                   1,800     1,800(100%)/1/    33,112,625(100%)/2/          N/A
</TABLE>      
_______________________________
    
1    Percentage of total commissions paid.     
    
2    Percentage of total amount of transactions involving the payment of
     commissions effected through affiliated persons.     
    
3    Refers to Market Value of Futures Contracts.     

                                      B-83
<PAGE>
 
     During the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, the Funds acquired and sold
securities of their regular broker-dealers: Smith Barnery, Inc., Lehman
Brothers, Inc., Salomon Brothers, Inc., Merrill Lynch, Dresdner Bank, Sanwa
Securities, J.P. Morgan & Co., Inc., Bear Stearns & Co., Nomura Securities and
Morgan Stanley & Co.
   
     At October 31, 1997, Short Duration Tax-Free Fund and Municipal Income Fund
held no securities of their regular broker-dealers.  As of the same date, Short
Duration Government Fund, Global Income Fund, Adjustable Rate Government Fund,
Government Income Fund, Core Fixed Income and High Yield Fund held the following
amounts of securities of their regular broker-dealers, as defined in Rule 10b-1
under the Act, or their parents ($ in thousands):  Short Duration Government
Fund:  Lehman Brothers, Inc. ($1,350), Nomura Securities ($1,680) and Bear
Stearns ($1,680); Global Income: Morgan Stanley ($681); Adjustable Rate
Government Fund:  Lehman Brothers, Inc. ($1,856), Bear Stearns ($2,310) and
Nomura Securities ($2,310); Government Income Fund: Lehman Brothers, Inc.
($6,209), Nomura Securities ($8,100), Bear Stearns ($7,200); Salomon Brothers
($959); J.P. Morgan & Co. ($523); Morgan Stanley & Co. ($524) and Merrill Lynch
($2,240); Core Fixed Income:  Lehman Brothers, Inc. ($7,143), Nomura Securities
($8,100), Bear Stearns ($8,100), J.P. Morgan ($1,046) and Morgan Stanley & Co.
($943).  High Yield Fund:  Bear Stearns ($2,580) and Lehman Brothers, Inc.
($2,073).    

                              SHARES OF THE TRUST

     The Funds were reorganized from series of a Massachusetts business trust as
part of Goldman Sachs Trust, a Delaware business trust, by a Declaration of
Trust dated January 28, 1997 on April 30, 1997.

     The Act requires that where more than one class or series of shares exists,
each class or series must be preferred over all other classes or series in
respect of assets specifically allocated to such class or series. The Trustees
have authority to classify and reclassify any series of shares into one or more
classes of shares. As of the date of this Additional Statement, the Trustees
have authorized: (i) the issuance of six classes of shares of Short Duration
Government Fund, Short Duration Tax-Free Fund and Core Fixed Income:
Institutional Shares, Administration Shares, Service Shares, Class A Shares,
Class B Shares and Class C Shares; (ii) the issuance of four classes of shares
of Adjustable Rate Government Fund: Institutional Shares, Administration Shares,
Service Shares and Class A Shares; and (iii) the issuance of five classes of
shares of Global Income Fund, Government Income Fund, Municipal Income Fund and
High Yield Fund: Institutional Shares, Service Shares, Class A Shares, Class B
Shares and Class C Shares. As of October 31, 1997, no Service Shares of the
Adjustable Rate Government Fund were outstanding; no Class A, Class B or Class C
Shares of Short Duration Government Fund, Short Duration Tax-Free

                                      B-84
<PAGE>
 
Fund and Core Fixed Income were outstanding; no Class C Shares of Government
Income Fund and Municipal Income Fund were outstanding; and no shares of High
Yield Fund were outstanding.

     Each Institutional Share, Administration Share, Service Share, Class A
Share, Class B Share and Class C Share of a Fund represents a proportionate
interest in the assets belonging to the applicable class of the Fund.  All
expenses of a Fund are borne at the same rate by each class of shares, except
that fees under Administration and Service Plans are borne exclusively by
Administration and Service Shares, fees under Distribution and Authorized Dealer
Service Plans are borne exclusively by Class A, Class B or Class C Shares and
transfer agency fees are borne at different rates by Class A, Class B or Class C
Shares than Institutional, Administration and Service Shares.  The Trustees may
determine in the future that it is appropriate to allocate other expenses
differently between classes of shares and may do so to the extent consistent
with the rules of the SEC and positions of the Internal Revenue Service.  Each
class of shares may have different minimum investment requirements and be
entitled to different shareholder services.  Currently, shares of a class may
only be exchanged for shares of the same or an equivalent class of another fund.
See "Exchange Privilege" in the Prospectus.

     Institutional Shares may be purchased at net asset value without a sales
charge for accounts in the name of an investor or institution that is not
compensated by a Fund for services provided to the institution's customers.

     Administration Shares may be purchased for accounts held in the name of an
institution that provides certain account administration services to its
customers, including maintenance of account records and processing orders to
purchase, redeem and exchange Administration Shares.  Administration Shares bear
the cost of account administration fees at the annual rate of up to 0.25% of the
average daily net assets of such Administration Shares.

     Service Shares may be purchased at net asset value without a sales charge
for accounts held in the name of an institution that, directly or indirectly,
provides certain account administration and shareholder liaison services to its
customers, including maintenance of account records and processing orders to
purchase, redeem and exchange Service Shares. Service Shares bear the cost of
account administration fees at the annual rate of up to 0.50% of the average
daily net assets of the Fund attributable to Service Shares.

     Class A Shares are sold, with an initial sales charge, through brokers and
dealers who are members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
and certain other financial service firms that have sales agreements with
Goldman Sachs.  Class A Shares of the Funds bear the cost of distribution (Rule
12b-1) fees at the aggregate rate of up to 0.25% of the 

                                      B-85
<PAGE>
 
average daily net assets of such Class A Shares. Class A Shares also bear the
cost of an Authorized Dealer Service Plan at an annual rate of up to 0.25% of
average daily net assets attributable to Class A Shares.

     Class B Shares of the Funds are sold subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge through brokers and dealers who are members of the National Association
of Securities Dealers, Inc. and certain other financial services firms that have
sales arrangements with Goldman Sachs.  Class B shares bear the cost of
distribution (Rule 12b-1) fees at the aggregate rate of up to 0.75% of the
average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares.  Class B shares also
bear the cost of an Authorized Dealer Service Plan at an annual rate of up to
0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class B shares.

     Class C Shares of the Funds are sold subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge of up to 1.0% through brokers and dealers who are members of the National
Association of Securities Dealers Inc. and certain other financial services
firms that have sales arrangements with Goldman Sachs.  Class C Shares bear the
cost of distribution (Rule 12b-1) fees at the aggregate rate of up to 0.75% of
the average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares.  Class C Shares
also bear the cost of an Authorized Dealer Service Plan at an annual rate of up
to 0.25% of the average daily net assets attributable to Class C Shares.

     It is possible that an institution or its affiliate may offer different
classes of shares (i.e., Institutional, Administration, Service, Class A, Class
B and Class C Shares) to its customers and thus receive different compensation
with respect to different classes of shares of each Fund.  Dividends paid by
each Fund, if any, with respect to each class of shares will be calculated in
the same manner, at the same time on the same day and will be in the same
amount, except for differences caused by the fact that the respective account
administration, service, authorized dealer service plan and distribution fees
relating to a particular class will be borne exclusively by that class.
Similarly, the net asset value per share may differ depending upon the class of
shares purchased.

     Certain aspects of the shares may be altered, after advance notice to
shareholders, if it is deemed necessary in order to satisfy certain tax
regulatory requirements.

     When issued, each Fund's shares are fully paid and non- assessable by the
Trust.  In the event of liquidation of a Fund, shareholders of that Fund are
entitled to share pro rata in the net assets of that Fund available for
distribution to such shareholders.  All shares entitle their holders to one vote
per share, are freely transferable and have no preemptive, subscription or
conversion rights.

                                      B-86
<PAGE>

     
     As of February 1, 1998, the following entities and persons beneficially
owned 5% or more of the outstanding shares of the following funds:  Adjustable
Rate Government Fund -- First Trust of New York, 100 Wall Street, Suite 1600,
New York, NY (14.19%); State Treasurer/Nebraska Investment Council, 841 "O"
Street, Suite 500, Lincoln, NE 68508 (8.08%); First Security Bank of Idaho FBO,
Idaho Housing Agency, P.O. Box 30007, Salt Lake City, UT 84130 (7.55%); Meadows
Foundation Inc., 3003 Swiss Avenue, Dallas, TX 75204 (5.15%); Regents of the
University of Minnesota, 100 Church Street SE, Room 311A, Minneapolis, MN 55455
(5.08%); Short Duration Government Fund -- Central Carolina Bank & Trust Co.,
P.O. Box 931, Durham, NC 27702, (6.10%); State Street Bank & Trust Co.,
(29.64%); P.O. Box 1992, Boston, MA 02105 (24.69%);  Richfield Bank & Trust Co.,
Kirchbak Co., 6625 Lyndale Avenue South, Richfield, MN 55423 (5.50%); Norwest
Bank Iowa NA, P.O. Box 1450 NW 8477, Minneapolis, MN 55480 (6.65%); Short
Duration Tax-Free Fund -- Donald R. Gant, Partner, Goldman, Sachs & Co., 85
Broad Street, 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10004 (15.20%); K-G, Inc., 166 Oak Knoll
Terrace, Highland Park, IL  60035 (8.97%); Lafayette American Bank c/o Hubco,
1000 MacArthur Blvd., Mahwah, NJ 07430 (7.34%); Nelda Start, P.O. Box 909,
Orange, TX 77631-0909 (6.62%); Government Income Fund -- Frontier Trust Co.,
Inc. TR, FBO Dade County Public Schools, 1720 S. Gadsden Street, Tallahassee, FL
32301-5547 (5.4%); Core Fixed Income -- Local 234 Electric Workers Retirement
Fund, 10300 Merritt Street, Castroville, CA  95012 (5.29%); Vinson and Elkins
Pension Plan c/o Banc One, 910 Travis Street, FL 6, Houston, TX 77002-5802
(7.88%); Vinson and Elkins Lawyers, Retirement Plan, Texas Commerce Bank N.A.,
P.O. Box 2550, Houston, TX 77252 (25.48%) Norwest Bank Iowa, P.O. Box 1450 NW
8477, Minneapolis, MN 55480 (5.25%); Global Income Fund -- First National Bank
North Dakota, P.O. Box 6001, Grand Forks, ND 58206-6001 (5.4%); State Street
Bank and Trust, GS Profit Sharing Master Trust, P.O. Box 1992, Boston, MA 02105-
1992 (15.9%).     

     Rule 18f-2 under the Act provides that any matter required to be submitted
by the provisions of the Act, applicable state law or otherwise to the holders
of the outstanding voting securities of an investment company (such as the
Trust) shall not be deemed to have been effectively acted upon unless approved
by the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of each class or series
affected by such matter. Rule 18f-2 further provides that a class or series
shall be deemed to be affected by a matter unless the interests of each class
or series in the matter are substantially identical or the matter does not
affect any interest of such class or series. However, Rule 18f-2 exempts the
selection of independent public accountants, the approval of principal
distribution contracts and the election of Trustees from the separate voting
requirements of Rule 18f-2.

     The Trust is not required to hold annual meetings of shareholders and does
not intend to hold such meetings.  In the event that a meeting of shareholders
is held, each share of the Trust will be entitled, as determined by the
Trustees, either to one vote for each share or to one vote for each dollar of
net 

                                      B-87
<PAGE>
 
asset value represented by such shares on all matters presented to
shareholders including the election of Trustees (this method of voting being
referred to as "dollar based voting"). However, to the extent required by the
Act or otherwise determined by the Trustees, series and classes of the Trust
will vote separately from each other. Shareholders of the Trust do not have
cumulative voting rights in the election of Trustees. Meetings of shareholders
of the Trust, or any series or class thereof, may be called by the Trustees,
certain officers or upon the written request of holders of 10% or more of the
shares entitled to vote at such meetings. The shareholders of the Trust will
have voting rights only with respect to the limited number of matters
specified in the Declaration of Trust and such other matters as the Trustees
may determine or may be required by law.

     The Declaration of Trust provides for indemnification of Trustees, officers
and agents of the Trust unless the recipient is adjudicated (i) to be liable by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard
of the duties involved in the conduct of such person's office or (ii) not to
have acted in good faith in the reasonable belief that such person's actions
were in the best interest of the Trust.  The Declaration of Trust provides that,
if any shareholder or former shareholder of any series is held personally liable
solely by reason of being or having been a shareholder and not because of the
shareholder's acts or omissions or for some other reason, the shareholder or
former shareholder (or heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives
or general successors) shall be held harmless from and indemnified against all
loss and expense arising from such liability.  The Trust, acting on behalf of
any affected series, must, upon request by such shareholder, assume the defense
of any claim made against such shareholder for any act or obligation of the
series and satisfy any judgment thereon from the assets of the series.

     The Declaration of Trust permits the termination of the Trust or of any
series or class of the Trust (i) by a majority of the affected shareholders at a
meeting of shareholders of the Trust, series or class; or (ii) by a majority of
the Trustees without shareholder approval if the Trustees determine that such
action is in the best interest of the Trust or its shareholders.  The factors
and events that the Trustees may take into account in making such determination
include (i) the inability of the Trust or any successor series or class to
maintain its assets at an appropriate size; (ii) changes in laws or regulations
governing the Trust, series or class or affecting assets of the type in which it
invests; or (iii) economic developments or trends having a significant adverse
impact on their business or operations.

     The Declaration of Trust authorizes the Trustees without shareholder
approval to cause the Trust, or any series thereof, to merge or consolidate with
any corporation, association, trust or other organization or sell or exchange
all or substantially all of the property belonging to the Trust or any series
thereof.  In 

                                      B-88
<PAGE>
 
addition, the Trustees, without shareholder approval, may adopt a master-
feeder structure by investing all or a portion of the assets of a series of
the Trust in the securities of another open-end investment company.

     The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to amend the Declaration of
Trust without a shareholder vote.  However, shareholders of the Trust have the
right to vote on any amendment (i) that would affect the voting rights of
shareholders; (ii) that is required by law to be approved by shareholders; (iii)
that would amend the voting provisions of the Declaration of Trust; or (iv) that
the Trustees determine to submit to shareholders.

     The Trustees may appoint separate Trustees with respect to one or more
series or classes of the Trust's shares (the "Series Trustees").  Series
Trustees may, but are not required to, serve as Trustees of the Trust or any
other series or class of the Trust.  The Series Trustees have, to the exclusion
of any other Trustees of the Delaware Trust, all the powers and authorities of
Trustees under the Trust Instrument with respect to any other series or class.

SHAREHOLDER AND TRUSTEE LIABILITY

     Under Delaware law, the shareholders of the Funds are not generally subject
to liability for the debts or obligations of the Trust. Similarly, Delaware law
provides that a series of the Trust will not be liable for the debts or
obligations of any other series of the Trust. However, no similar statutory or
other authority limiting business trust shareholder liability exists in other
states. As a result, to the extent that a Delaware business trust or a
shareholder is subject to the jurisdiction of courts of such other states, the
courts may not apply Delaware law and may thereby subject the Delaware
business trust shareholders to liability. To guard against this risk, the
Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of shareholder liability
for acts or obligations of a Fund. Notice of such disclaimer will normally be
given in each agreement, obligation or instrument entered into or executed by
a series or the Trustees. The Declaration of Trust provides for
indemnification by the relevant Fund for all loss suffered by a shareholder as
a result of a obligation of the series. The Declaration of Trust also provides
that a series shall, upon request, assume the defense of any claim made
against any shareholder for any act or obligation of the series and satisfy
any judgment thereon. In view of the above, the risk of personal liability of
shareholders is remote.

     In addition to the requirement under Delaware law, the Declaration of Trust
provides that shareholders of a series may bring a derivative action on behalf
of the series only if the following conditions are met: (a) shareholders
eligible to bring such derivative action under Delaware law who hold at least
10% of the outstanding shares of the series, or 10% of the outstanding shares of
the series or class to which such action relates, shall 

                                      B-89
<PAGE>
 
join in the request for the Trustees to commence such action; and (b) the
Trustees must be afforded a reasonable amount of time to consider such
shareholder request and to investigate the basis of other advisers in
considering the merits of the request and shall require an undertaking by the
shareholders making such request to reimburse the Fund for the expense of any
such advisers in the event that the Trustees determine not to bring such
action.

     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 liability to which he or she
would otherwise be subject by reason or willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his
or her office.

                                 NET ASSET VALUE
    
     Under the Act, the Trustees of the Trust are responsible for determining in
good faith the fair value of securities of the Funds. In accordance with
procedures adopted by the Trustees of the Trust, the net asset value per share
of each class of each Fund is calculated by determining the value of the net
assets attributable to each class of that Fund (assets, including securities
at value, minus liabilities) and dividing by the number of outstanding shares
of that class. All securities are valued as of the close of regular trading on
the New York Stock Exchange (normally, but not always, 4:00 p.m. New York
time) on each Business Day (as defined in each Fund's Prospectus).      
    
     For the purpose of calculating the net asset value of the Funds,
investments are valued under valuation procedures established by the Trustees.
Portfolio securities, other than money market instruments for which accurate
market quotations are readily available are valued as follows: (a) via
electronic feeds to the custodian bank containing dealer-supplied bid quotations
or bid quotations from a nationally recognized pricing service; (b) securities
for which the custodian bank is unable to obtain an external price or with
respect to which the Adviser believes an external price does not reflect
accurate market values, will be valued by the Adviser in good faith based on
valuation models that take into account daily spread and yield changes on
government securities (i.e., matrix pricing); (c) overnight repurchase
agreements will be valued by the Adviser at cost; (d) term repurchase agreements
(i.e., those whose maturity exceeds seven days) and interest rate swaps, caps,
collars and floors will be valued at the average of the bid quotations obtained
daily from at least one dealer; (e) debt securities with a remaining maturity of
60 days or less are valued by the Adviser at amortized cost, which the Trustees
have determined to approximate fair value; (f) spot and forward foreign currency
exchange contracts will be valued using a pricing service such as Reuters (if
quotations are unavailable from a pricing service or, if the quotations by the
Adviser are believed to be inaccurate, the contracts will be      

                                      B-90
<PAGE>
 
    
valued by calculating the mean between the last bid and asked quotations
supplied by at least one independent dealers in such contracts); (g) exchange-
traded options and futures contracts will be valued by the custodian bank at
the last sale price on the exchange where such contracts and options are
principally traded; and (h) over-the-counter options will be valued by a
broker identified by the portfolio manager/trader.      
    
     In addition, portfolio securities of the Global Income Fund for which
accurate market quotations are available are valued as follows: (a) securities
listed on any U.S. or foreign stock exchange or on the National Association of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotations System ("NASDAQ") will be valued at the
last sale price on the exchange or system in which they are principally traded,
on the valuation date.  If there is no sale on the valuation day, securities
traded will be valued at the mean between the closing bid and asked prices, or
if closing bid and asked prices are not available, at the exchange defined close
price on the exchange or system in which such securities are principally
traded. If the relevant exchange or system has not closed by the time for
determining the Fund's net asset value; the securities will be valued at the
mean between the bid and asked prices at the time the net asset value is
determined. Over-the-counter securities not quoted on NASDAQ will be valued at
the last sale price on the valuation day or, if no sale occurs, at the mean
between the last bid and asked prices.      

     All other securities, including those for which a pricing service supplies
no exchange quotation or a quotation that is believed by the portfolio
manager/trader to be inaccurate; will be valued at fair value as stated in the
valuation procedures which were approved by the Board of Trustees.

     Money market instruments held by a Fund with a remaining  maturity of sixty
days or less will be valued by the amortized cost method, which the Trustees
have determined approximates market value.

     The value of all assets and liabilities expressed in foreign currencies
will be converted into U.S. dollar values at current exchange rates of such
currencies against U.S. dollars last quoted by any major bank.  If such
quotations are not available, the rate of exchange will be determined in good
faith by or under procedures established by the Board of Trustees.

     Generally, trading in foreign securities is substantially completed each
day at various times prior to the time the Global Income, Core Fixed Income and
High Yield Funds calculate their net asset value. Occasionally, events affecting
the values of such securities may occur between the times at which they are
determined and the calculation of net asset value which will not be reflected in
the computation of the Fund's net asset value unless the Trustees deem that such
event would materially affect the net asset value, in which case an adjustment
may be made.

                                      B-91
<PAGE>
 
                                 TAXATION

     The following is a summary of the principal U.S. federal income, and
certain state and local, tax considerations regarding the purchase, ownership
and disposition of shares in the Funds. This summary does not address special
tax rules applicable to certain classes of investors, such as tax-exempt
entities, insurance companies and financial institutions.  Each prospective
shareholder is urged to consult his own tax adviser with respect to the specific
federal, state, local and foreign tax consequences of investing in the Funds.
This summary is based on the laws in effect on the date of this Additional
Statement, which are subject to change.

GENERAL
- -------

     Each series of the Trust, including each Fund, is a separate taxable
entity.  Each Fund has qualified and elected or intends to qualify and elect to
be treated and intends to continue to qualify for each taxable year as a
regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code.
    
     Qualification as a regulated investment company under the Code requires,
among other things, that (a) a Fund derive at least 90% of its gross income
(including tax-exempt interest) for its taxable year from dividends, interest,
payments with respect to securities loans and gains from the sale or other
disposition of stocks or securities, or foreign currencies or other income
(including but not limited to gains from options, futures and forward contracts)
derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or
currencies (the "90% gross income test"); and (b) a Fund diversify its holdings
so that, at the close of each quarter of its taxable year, (i) at least 50% of
the market value of its total (gross) assets is comprised of cash, cash items,
United States Government Securities, securities of other regulated  investment
companies and other securities limited in respect of any one issuer to an amount
not greater in value than 5% of the value of the Fund's total assets and to not
more than 10% of the  outstanding voting securities of such issuer, and (ii) not
more  than 25% of the value of its total (gross) assets is invested in  the
securities of any one issuer (other than United States  Government Securities
and securities  of other regulated investment companies) or two or more issuers
controlled by a Fund and engaged in the same, similar or related trades or
businesses.      

     Future Treasury regulations could provide that qualifying income under the
90% gross income test will not include gains from foreign currency transactions
that are not directly related to Core Fixed Income's or Global Income Fund's
principal business of investing in stock or securities or options and futures
with respect to stock or securities.  Using foreign currency positions or
entering into foreign currency options, futures and forward 

                                      B-92
<PAGE>
 
contracts for purposes other than hedging currency risk with respect to
securities in Core Fixed Income's or Global Income Fund's portfolio or
anticipated to be acquired may not qualify as "directly related" under these
tests.
    
     As a regulated investment company, a Fund will not be subject to U.S.
federal income tax on the portion of its income and capital gains that it
distributes to its shareholders in any taxable year for which it distributes,
in compliance with the Code's timing and other requirements, at least 90% of
its "investment company taxable income" (which includes dividends, taxable
interest, taxable original issue discount income, market discount income,
income from securities lending, net short-term capital gain in excess of net
long-term capital loss, certain net realized foreign exchange gains, and any
other taxable income other than "net capital gain" as defined below and is
reduced by deductible expenses) and at least 90% of the excess of its gross
tax-exempt interest income, if any, over certain disallowed deductions ("net
tax-exempt interest"). A Fund may retain for investment its "net capital gain"
(which consists of the excess of its net long-term capital gain over its net
short-term capital loss). However, if a Fund retains any investment company
taxable income or net capital gain, it will be subject to tax at regular
corporate rates on the amount retained. If a Fund retains any net capital
gain, that Fund may designate the retained amount as undistributed net capital
gain in a notice to its shareholders who, if subject to U.S. federal income
tax on long-term capital gains, (i) will be required to include in income for
federal income tax purposes, as long-term capital gain, their shares of such
undistributed amount, and (ii) will be entitled to credit their proportionate
shares of the tax paid by that Fund against their U.S. federal income tax
liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the extent the credit exceeds
such liabilities. For U.S. federal income tax purposes, the tax basis of
shares owned by a shareholder of the Fund will be increased by an amount equal
under current law to 65% of the amount of undistributed net capital gain
included in the shareholder's gross income. Each Fund intends to distribute
for each taxable year to its shareholders all or substantially all of its
investment company taxable income (if any), net capital gain and any net tax-
exempt interest. Exchange control or other foreign laws, regulations or
practices may restrict repatriation of investment income, capital or the
proceeds of securities sales by foreign investors such as Global Income Fund
or Core Fixed Income and may therefore make it more difficult for Global
Income Fund or Core Fixed Income to satisfy the distribution requirements
described above, as well as the excise tax distribution requirements described
below. However, Global Income Fund and Core Fixed Income generally expect to
be able to obtain sufficient cash to satisfy such requirements from new
investors, the sale of securities or other sources. If for any taxable year a
Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company, it will be taxed on
all of its investment company taxable income and net capital gain at corporate
rates, its net tax-exempt interest (if any) may be subject to the      

                                      B-93
<PAGE>
 
alternative minimum tax, and its distributions to shareholders will be taxable
as ordinary dividends to the extent of its current and accumulated earnings
and profits.

     For federal income tax purposes, each Fund is permitted to carry forward a
net capital loss in any year to offset its own capital gains, if any, during
the eight years following the year of the loss. At October 31, 1997, the Funds
had approximately the following amounts of capital loss carry forwards:

   

                                                          Years of
                                     Amount              Expiration
                              --------------------  --------------------
Adjustable Rate Government             $49,069,000        2000-2004
Short Duration Government               14,144,000        2002-2004
Short Duration Tax-Free                  4,058,000        2002-2003
Municipal Income                           641,973           2004
     
     These amounts are available to be carried forward to offset future capital
gains to the extent permitted by the Code and applicable tax regulations.

     In order to avoid a 4% federal excise tax, each Fund must distribute or be
deemed to have distributed by December 31 of each calendar year at least 98% of
its taxable ordinary income for such year, at least 98% of the excess of its
capital gains over its capital losses (generally computed on the basis of the
one-year period ending on October 31 of such year) and 100%  of any taxable
ordinary income and the excess of capital gains over capital losses for the
prior year that were not distributed during such year and on which the Fund did
not pay federal income tax.  The Funds anticipate that they will generally make
timely distributions of income and capital gains in compliance with these
requirements so that they will generally not be required to pay the excise tax.
    
     For federal income tax purposes, dividends declared by a Fund in October,
November or December as of a record date in such a month that are actually paid
in January of the following year will be treated as if they were received by
shareholders on December 31 of the year declared.      
    
     The Tax Exempt Funds 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.  Such a
right to resell is commonly known as a "put" and is also referred to as a
"standby commitment."  The Tax Exempt Funds may pay for a standby commitment
either separately, in cash, or in the form of a higher price for the securities
that are acquired subject to the standby commitment, thus increasing the cost of
securities and reducing the yield otherwise available.  Additionally, the Tax
Exempt Funds may purchase beneficial interests in Municipal Securities held by
trusts, custodial arrangements or partnerships and/or combined with third-party
puts and other types of features such as interest      

                                      B-94
<PAGE>
 
rate swaps; those investments may require the Fund to pay "tender fees" or
other fees for the various features provided.

     The Internal Revenue Service (the "Service") 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 Service 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 Service 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 the Tax Exempt Funds intends to take
the position that it is the owner of any municipal obligations acquired subject
to a standby commitment or other third party put and that tax-exempt interest
earned with respect to such municipal obligations will be tax-exempt in its
hands. There is no assurance that the Service will agree with such position in
any particular case.  Additionally, the federal income tax treatment of certain
other aspects of these investments, including the treatment of tender fees paid
by these Funds, in relation to various regulated investment company tax
provisions is unclear.  However, the Adviser intends to manage the Tax Exempt
Funds' portfolios in a manner designed to minimize any adverse impact from the
tax rules applicable to these investments.
    
     Gains and losses on the sale, lapse, or other termination of options and
futures contracts, options thereon and certain forward contracts (except certain
foreign currency options, forward contracts and futures contracts) will
generally be treated as capital gain and losses.  Certain of the futures
contracts, forward contracts and options held by a Fund will be required to be
"marked-to-market" for federal income tax purposes, that is, treated as having
been sold at their fair market value on the last day of the Fund's taxable year.
These provisions may require a Fund to recognize income or gains without a
concurrent receipt of cash. Any gain or loss recognized on actual or deemed
sales of these futures contracts, forward contracts or options will (except for
certain foreign currency options, forward contracts, and futures contracts) be
treated as 60% long-term capital gain or loss and 40% short-term capital gain or
loss.  As a result of certain hedging transactions entered into by a Fund, that
Fund may be required to defer the recognition of losses on futures or forward
contracts and options or underlying securities or foreign currencies to the
extent of any unrecognized gains on related positions held by the Fund and the
characterization of gains or losses as long-term or short-term may be changed.
The tax provisions described above applicable to options, futures and      

                                      B-95
<PAGE>
 
forward contracts may affect the amount, timing, and character of a Fund's
distributions to shareholders. Certain tax elections may be available to the
Funds to mitigate some of the unfavorable consequences described in this
paragraph.

     Section 988 of the Code contains special tax rules applicable to certain
foreign currency transactions and instruments that may affect the amount, timing
and character of income, gain or loss recognized by Core Fixed Income and Global
Income Fund.  Under these rules, foreign exchange gain or loss realized by Core
Fixed Income or Global Income Fund with respect to foreign currencies and
certain futures and options thereon, foreign currency-denominated debt
instruments, foreign currency forward contracts, and foreign currency-
denominated payables and receivables will generally be treated as ordinary
income or loss, although in some cases elections may be available that would
alter this treatment.  If a net foreign exchange loss treated as ordinary loss
under Section 988 of the Code were to exceed a Fund's investment company taxable
income (computed without regard to such loss) for a taxable year, the resulting
loss would not be deductible by the Fund or its shareholders in future years.
Net loss, if any, from certain foreign currency transactions or instruments
could exceed net investment income otherwise calculated for accounting purposes
with the result being either no dividends being paid or a portion of Core Fixed
Income's, High Yield Fund's or Global Income Fund's dividends being treated as a
return of capital for tax purposes, nontaxable to the extent of a shareholder's
tax basis in his shares and, once such basis is exhausted, generally giving rise
to capital gains.
    
     Core Fixed Income, Global Income, and High Yield Funds may be subject to
foreign taxes on income (possibly including, in some cases, capital gains) from
foreign securities.  Tax conventions between certain countries and the U.S. may
reduce or eliminate such taxes in some cases.  Because more than 50% of Global
Income Fund's total assets at the close of any taxable year will generally
consist of stock or securities of foreign corporations, Global Income Fund will
generally qualify to file an election with the Internal Revenue Service pursuant
to which shareholders of Global Income Fund would be required to (i) include in
ordinary gross income (in addition to taxable dividends actually received) their
pro rata shares of foreign income taxes paid by Global Income Fund that are
treated as income taxes under U.S. tax regulations (which excludes, for example,
stamp taxes, securities transaction taxes, and similar taxes) even though not
actually received by such shareholders, and (ii) treat such respective pro rata
portions as foreign income taxes paid by them.  Global Income Fund may or may
not make this election for any particular taxable year. Core Fixed Income and
High Yield Funds will not satisfy the 50% requirement described above and,
therefore, will not make this election. Core Fixed Income and High Yield Funds
and, if it does not make the election, Global Income Fund will, however, be
entitled to deduct such taxes in computing the amounts they are required to
distribute.     

                                      B-96
<PAGE>
 
     If Global Income Fund makes this election, its shareholders may then deduct
such pro rata portions of qualified foreign taxes in computing their taxable
incomes, or, alternatively, use them as foreign tax credits, subject to
applicable limitations, against their U.S. federal income taxes.  Shareholders
who do not itemize deductions for federal income tax purposes will not, however,
be able to deduct their pro rata portion of qualified foreign taxes paid by
Global Income Fund, although such shareholders will be required to include their
shares of such taxes in gross income if Global Income Fund makes the election
referred to above.

     If a shareholder chooses to take a credit for the foreign taxes deemed paid
by such shareholder as a result of any such election by Global Income Fund, the
amount of the credit that may be claimed in any year may not exceed the same
proportion of the U.S. tax against which such credit is taken which the
shareholder's taxable income from foreign sources (but not in excess of the
shareholder's entire taxable income) bears to his entire taxable income.  For
this purpose, distributions from long-term and short-term capital gains or
foreign currency gains by Global Income Fund will generally not be treated as
income from foreign sources.  This foreign tax credit limitation may also be
applied separately to certain specific categories of foreign-source income and
the related foreign taxes.  As a result of these rules, which have different
effects depending upon each shareholder's particular tax situation, certain
shareholders of Global Income Fund may not be able to claim a credit for the
full amount of their proportionate shares of the foreign taxes paid by the Fund.

     Shareholders who are not liable for U.S. federal income taxes, including
tax-exempt shareholders, will ordinarily not benefit from this election.  Each
year, if any, that Global Income Fund files the election described above, its
shareholders will be notified of the amount of (i) each shareholder's pro rata
share of qualified foreign income taxes paid by Global Income Fund and (ii) the
portion of Fund dividends which represents income from each foreign country.

     If Core Fixed Income, Global Income or High Yield Funds acquire stock
(including, under proposed regulations, an option to acquire stock such as is
inherent in a convertible bond) in certain foreign corporations that receive at
least 75% of their annual gross income from passive sources (such as interest,
dividends, rents, royalties or capital gain) or hold at least 50% of their
assets in investments producing such passive income ("passive foreign
investment companies") Core Fixed Income, Global Income or High Yield Funds
could be subject to federal income tax and additional interest charges on
"excess distributions" received from such companies or gain from the sale of
such stock in such companies, even if all income or gain actually received by
Core Fixed Income, Global Income or High Yield Funds is timely distributed to
its shareholders. Core Fixed Income, Global Income or High Yield Funds would
not be able to pass through to their 

                                      B-97
<PAGE>
 
shareholders any credit or deduction for such a tax. Certain elections may, if
available, ameliorate these adverse tax consequences, but any such election
would require Core Fixed Income, Global Income or High Yield Funds to
recognize taxable income or gain without the concurrent receipt of cash. Core
Fixed Income, Global Income or High Yield Funds may limit and/or manage their
holdings in passive foreign investment companies to minimize its tax liability
or maximize its return from these investments.

     A Fund's investment in zero coupon securities, deferred interest
securities, capital appreciation bonds or other securities bearing original
issue discount or, if a Fund elects to include market discount in income
currently, market discount, as well as any "mark-to-market" gain from certain
options, futures or forward contracts, as described above, will generally cause
it to realize income or gain prior to the receipt of cash payments with respect
to these securities or contracts.  In order to obtain cash to enable it to
distribute this income or gain, maintain its qualification as a regulated
investment company and avoid federal income or excise taxes, a Fund may be
required to liquidate portfolio securities that it might otherwise have
continued to hold.

     The federal income tax rules applicable to mortgage dollar rolls and
interest rate and currency swaps, floors, caps and collars are unclear in
certain respects, and a Fund may also be required to account for these
instruments under tax rules in a manner that, under certain circumstances, may
limit its transactions in these instruments.

TAXABLE U.S. SHAREHOLDERS  DISTRIBUTIONS

     TAX EXEMPT FUNDS.  Each Tax Exempt Fund expects to qualify to pay "exempt-
interest dividends," as defined in the Code.  To qualify to pay exempt-interest
dividends, the applicable Fund must, at the close of each quarter of its taxable
year, have at least 50% of the value of its total assets invested in Municipal
Securities whose interest is excluded from gross income under Section 103(a) of
the Code. In purchasing Municipal Securities, each Tax Exempt Fund intends to
rely on opinions of nationally recognized bond counsel for each issue as to
the excludability of interest on such obligations from gross income for
federal income tax purposes. A Tax Exempt Fund will not undertake independent
investigations concerning the tax-exempt status of such obligations, nor does
it guarantee or represent that bond counsels' opinions are correct. Bond
counsels' opinions will generally be based in part upon covenants by the
issuers and related parties regarding continuing compliance with federal tax
requirements. Tax laws not only limit the purposes for which tax-exempt bonds
may be issued and the supply of such bonds, but also contain numerous and
complex requirements that must be satisfied on a continuing basis in order for
bonds to be and remain tax-exempt. If the issuer of a bond or a user of a bond-
financed 

                                      B-98
<PAGE>
 
facility fails to comply with such requirements at any time, interest on the
bond could become taxable, retroactive to the date the obligation was issued.
In that event, a portion of a Tax Exempt Fund's distributions attributable to
interest the Fund received on such bond for the current year and for prior
years could be characterized or recharacterized as taxable income. The
availability of tax-exempt obligations and the value of a Tax Exempt Fund's
portfolio may be affected by restrictive federal income tax legislation
enacted in recent years or by similar, future legislation. If a Tax Exempt
Fund satisfies the applicable requirements, dividends paid by the Fund which
are attributable to tax exempt interest on Municipal Securities and designated
by the Fund as exempt-interest dividends in a written notice mailed to its
shareholders within sixty days after the close of its taxable year may be
treated by shareholders as items of interest excludable from their gross
income under Section 103(a) of the Code. Exempt-interest dividends a Tax
Exempt Fund receives from other regulated investment companies, including
exempt-interest dividends on auction rate preferred securities of such
companies held by a Fund, are treated as interest on Municipal Securities and
may be distributed by a Tax Exempt Fund as exempt-interest dividends. The
recipient of tax-exempt income is required to report such income on his
federal income tax return. However, a shareholder is advised to consult his
tax adviser with respect to whether exempt-interest dividends retain the
exclusion under Section 103(a) if such shareholder would be treated as a
"substantial user" under Section 147(a)(1) with respect to some or all of the
tax-exempt obligations held by a Tax Exempt Fund. The Code provides that
interest on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or carry shares of
a Tax Exempt Fund is not deductible to the extent attributable to exempt-
interest dividends.

     Although all or a substantial portion of the dividends paid by a Tax Exempt
Fund may be excluded by shareholders of such Fund from their gross income for
federal income tax purposes, each Tax Exempt Fund may purchase specified private
activity bonds, the interest from which (including a Fund's distributions
attributable to such interest) may be a preference item for purposes of the
federal alternative minimum tax (both individual and corporate). All exempt-
interest dividends from a Tax Exempt Fund, whether or not attributable to
private activity bond interest, may increase a corporate shareholder's
liability, if any, for corporate alternative minimum tax, and will be taken into
account in determining the extent to which a shareholder's Social Security or
certain railroad retirement benefits are taxable.

     ALL FUNDS.  Distributions from investment company taxable income, as
defined above, are taxable to shareholders who are subject to tax as ordinary
income whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares.  Taxable
distributions include distributions from any Fund, including Short Duration Tax-
Free Fund and Municipal Income Fund, that are attributable to (i) taxable
income, including but not limited to dividends, taxable 

                                      B-99
<PAGE>
 
    
bond interest, recognized market discount income, original issue discount
income accrued with respect to taxable bonds, income from repurchase
agreements, income from securities lending, income from dollar rolls, income
from interest rate or currency swaps, caps, floors and collars, and a portion
of the discount from certain stripped tax-exempt obligations or their coupons
or (ii) capital gains from the sale of securities or other investments
(including from the disposition of rights to when-issued securities prior to
issuance) or from options, futures or certain forward contracts. Any portion
of such taxable distributions that is attributable to a Fund's net capital
gain, as defined above, may be designated by the Fund as a "capital gain
dividend," taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain (20% or 28%, as
applicable) whether received in cash or additional shares and regardless of
the length of time their shares of a Fund have been held.     

     It is expected that distributions made by the Funds will ordinarily not
qualify for the dividends-received deduction for corporations because qualifying
distributions may be made only from a Fund's dividend income that it receives
from stock in U.S. domestic corporations.  The Funds do not intend to purchase
stock of domestic corporations other than in limited instances, including
investments in investment companies, distributions from which may in rare cases
qualify as dividends for this purpose. The dividends-received deduction, if
available, is reduced to the extent the shares with respect to which the
dividends are received are treated as debt-financed under the federal income tax
law and is eliminated if the shares are deemed to have been held for less than a
minimum period, generally 46 days.  Receipt of certain distributions qualifying
for the deduction may result in reduction of the tax basis of the corporate
shareholder's shares and may give rise to or increase its liability for federal
corporate alternative minimum tax.

     Distributions in excess of a Fund's current and accumulated earnings and
profits, as computed for federal income tax purposes, will first reduce a
shareholder's basis in his shares and, after the shareholder's basis is
reduced to zero, will generally constitute capital gains to a shareholder who
holds his shares as capital assets. Amounts that are not allowable as a
deduction in computing taxable income, including expenses associated with
earning tax-exempt interest income, do not reduce a Fund's current earnings
and profits for these purposes. Consequently, the portion, if any, of Short
Duration Tax-Free Fund's or Municipal Income Fund's distributions from gross
tax-exempt interest income that exceeds its net tax-exempt interest would be
taxable as ordinary income to the extent of such disallowed deductions even
though such excess portion may represent an economic return of capital.

     Shareholders receiving a distribution in the form of newly issued shares
will be treated for U.S. federal income tax purposes as receiving a distribution
in an amount equal to the amount of cash that they would have received had they
elected to receive 

                                     B-100
<PAGE>
 
cash and will have a cost basis in the shares received equal to such amount.
    
     After the close of each calendar year, each Fund will inform shareholders
of the federal income tax status of its dividends and distributions for such
year, including the portion of such dividends, if any, that qualifies as tax-
exempt or as capital gain, the portion, if any, that should be treated as a tax
preference item for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax and the
foreign tax credits, if any, associated with such dividends. Shareholders who
have not held shares of Short Duration Tax-Free Fund or Municipal Income Fund
for such Fund's full taxable year may have designated as tax-exempt or as a tax
preference item a percentage of distributions which is not equal to the actual
amount of tax-exempt income or tax preference item income earned by Short
Duration Tax-Free Fund or Municipal Income Fund during the period of their
investment in Short Duration Tax-Free Fund or Municipal Income Fund, as the case
may be.     
    
     All distributions, whether received in shares or in cash, as well as
redemptions and exchanges, must be reported by each shareholder who is required
to file a U.S. Federal income tax return.     
    
     Different tax treatment, including penalties on certain excess
contributions and deferrals, certain pre-retirement and post-retirement
distributions, and certain prohibited transactions is accorded to accounts
maintained as qualified retirement plans. Shareholders should consult their tax
advisers for more information.     

TAXABLE U.S. SHAREHOLDERS -- SALE OF SHARES

     When a shareholder's shares are sold, redeemed or otherwise disposed of in
a transaction that is treated as a sale for tax purposes, the shareholder will
generally recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the
shareholder's adjusted tax basis in the shares and the cash, or fair market
value of any property, received. Assuming the shareholder holds the shares as a
capital asset at the time of such sale, such gain or loss should be capital in
character, and long-term if the shareholder has a tax holding period for the
shares of more than one year, otherwise short-term, subject to the rules
described below. Shareholders should consult their own tax advisers with
reference to their particular circumstances to determine whether a redemption
(including an exchange) or other disposition of Fund Shares is properly treated
as a sale for tax purposes, as is assumed in this discussion.  All or a portion
of a sales charge paid in purchasing Class A shares of Adjustable Rate
Government Fund or Global Income Fund cannot be taken into account for purposes
of determining gain or loss on the redemption or exchange of such shares within
90 days after their purchase to the extent shares of that Fund or another fund
are subsequently acquired without payment of a sales charge pursuant to the
reinvestment or exchange privilege.  Any 

                                     B-101
<PAGE>
 
disregarded portion of such charge will result in an increase in the
shareholder's tax basis in the shares subsequently acquired. If a shareholder
received a capital gain dividend with respect to shares and such shares have a
tax holding period of six months or less at the time of the sale or
redemption, then any loss the shareholder realizes on the sale or redemption
will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of such capital gain
dividend. Also, any losses realized by shareholders who dispose of shares of
Short Duration Tax-Free or Municipal Income Funds with a tax holding period of
six months or less are disallowed to the extent of any exempt-interest
dividends received with respect to such shares. Additionally, any loss
realized on a sale or redemption of shares of a Fund may be disallowed under
"wash sale" rules to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced with other
shares of the same Fund within a period of 61 days beginning 30 days before
and ending 30 days after the shares are disposed of, such as pursuant to a
dividend reinvestment in shares of the Fund. If disallowed, the loss will be
reflected in an adjustment to the basis of the shares acquired.

BACKUP WITHHOLDING

     Each Fund will be required to report to the Service all taxable
distributions, as well as gross proceeds from the redemption or exchange of Fund
shares, except in the case of certain exempt recipients, i.e., corporations and
certain other investors distributions to which are exempt from the information
reporting provisions of the Code.  Under the backup withholding provisions of
Code Section 3406 and applicable Treasury regulations, all such reportable
distributions and proceeds may be subject to backup withholding of federal
income tax at the rate of 31% in the case of non-exempt shareholders who fail to
furnish the Funds with their correct taxpayer identification number and with
certain required certifications or if the Service or a broker notifies the Funds
that the number furnished by the shareholder is incorrect or that the
shareholder is subject to backup withholding as a result of failure to report
interest or dividend income. However, any taxable distributions from Short
Duration Tax-Free Fund or Municipal Income Fund will not be subject to backup
withholding if the applicable Fund reasonably estimates that at least 95% of its
distributions will be exempt-interest dividends. A Fund may refuse to accept an
application that does not contain any required taxpayer identification number or
certification that the number provided is correct.  If the backup 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. Any amounts withheld may be credited against a shareholder's U.S.
federal income tax liability.  Investors should consult their tax advisers about
the applicability of the backup withholding provisions.

                                     B-102
<PAGE>
 
NON-U.S. SHAREHOLDERS

     The foregoing discussion relates solely to U.S. federal income tax law as
it applies to "U.S. persons" (i.e., U.S. citizens and residents and U.S.
domestic corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates) subject to tax under
such law. Dividends from investment company taxable income distributed by a Fund
to a shareholder who is not a U.S. person will be subject to U.S. withholding
tax at the rate of 30% (or a lower rate provided by an applicable tax treaty)
unless the dividends are effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business of
the shareholder, in which case the dividends will be subject to tax on a net
income basis at the graduated rates applicable to U.S. individuals or domestic
corporations. Distributions of net capital gain, including amounts retained by a
Fund which are designated as undistributed capital gains, to a shareholder who
is not a U.S. person will not be subject to U.S. federal income or withholding
tax unless the distributions are effectively connected with the shareholder's
trade or business in the United States or, in the case of a shareholder who is a
nonresident alien individual, the shareholder is present in the United States
for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other conditions are
met. Non-U.S. shareholders may also be subject to U.S. withholding tax on deemed
income resulting from any election by Global Income Fund to treat qualified
foreign taxes it pays as passed through to shareholders (as described above),
but they may not be able to claim a U.S. tax credit or deduction with respect
to such taxes.

     Any capital gain realized by a shareholder who is not a U.S. person upon a
sale or redemption of shares of a Fund will not be subject to U.S. federal
income or withholding tax unless the gain is effectively connected with the
shareholder's trade or business in the United States, or in the case of a
shareholder who is a nonresident alien individual, the shareholder is present in
the United States for 183 days or more during the taxable year and certain other
conditions are met.

     Non-U.S. persons who fail to furnish a Fund with an IRS Form W-8 or
acceptable substitute may be subject to backup withholding at the rate of 31% on
capital gain dividends and the proceeds of redemptions and exchanges.  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 and
receipt of distributions from a Fund.

STATE AND LOCAL TAXES

     A Fund may be subject to state or local taxes in certain jurisdictions in
which the Fund may be deemed to be doing business. In addition, in those states
or localities which have income tax laws, the treatment of a Fund and its
shareholders under such laws may differ from their treatment under federal
income tax laws, and investment in a Fund may have tax consequences for
shareholders different from those of a direct 

                                     B-103
<PAGE>
 
investment in such Fund's portfolio securities. Shareholders should consult
their own tax advisers concerning these matters.

                           PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

     Each Fund may from time to time quote or otherwise use yield and total
return information in advertisements, shareholder reports or sales literature.
Thirty-day yield and average annual total return values are computed pursuant to
formulas specified by the SEC.  Each Fund may also from time to time quote
distribution rates in reports to shareholders and in sales literature.

     The Service Shares of Adjustable Rate Government Fund commenced operations
on March 27, 1997; the Service shares of Government Income and Municipal Income
Funds commenced operations August 15, 1997.  The Service Shares of these funds
had no operating or performance history prior thereto.  However, in accordance
with interpretive positions expressed by the staff of the SEC, each of these
Funds has adopted the performance records of its respective Class A Shares
from that class' inception date (May 15, 1995, February 10, 1993 and July 20,
1993 respectively) to the inception dates of Service Shares stated above. Any
quotation of performance data of these Funds relating to this period will
include the adjusted performance record of the applicable Class A Shares. The
performance records of the applicable Class A Shares reflect the expenses
expected to be incurred by the Fund as stated in the expense table in the
Prospectus. These expenses include any sales charges and asset-based charges
(i.e., fees under Distribution and Authorized Dealer Service Plans) imposed
and other operating expenses. Total return quotations will be calculated
pursuant to SEC-approved methodology.

     Thirty-day yield is derived by dividing net investment income per share
earned during the period by the maximum public offering price per share on the
last day of such period.  Yield is then annualized by assuming that yield is
realized each month for twelve months and is reinvested every six months.  Net
investment income per share is equal to the dividends and interest earned during
the period, reduced by accrued expenses for the period. The calculation of net
investment income for these purposes may differ from the net investment income
determined for accounting purposes.

     Tax equivalent yield represents the yield an investor would have to earn to
equal, after taxes, a Tax Exempt Fund's tax-free yield. Tax equivalent yield is
calculated by dividing a Tax Exempt Fund's tax-exempt yield by one minus a
stated federal and/or state tax rate.

     Distribution rate for a specified period is calculated by annualizing
distributions of net investment income for such period and dividing this amount
by the net asset value per share on the last day of the period.

                                     B-104
<PAGE>
 
     Average annual total return for a specified period is derived by
calculating the actual dollar amount of the investment return on a $1,000
investment made at the maximum public offering price applicable to the relevant
class (i.e., net asset value in the case of each class other than Class A) at
the beginning of the period, and then calculating the annual compounded rate of
return which would produce that amount, assuming a redemption (and in the case
of Class B and Class C Shares payment of any contingent deferred sales charge)
at the end of the 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.

     Year-by-year total return and cumulative total return for a specified
period are each derived by calculating the percentage rate required to make a
$1,000 investment (made at the maximum public offering price per share with
all distributions reinvested) at the beginning of such period equal to the
actual total value of such investment at the end of such period.

     The following table presents thirty-day yield, tax equivalent yield (Short
Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds only), distribution rate and
average annual total return (capital plus reinvestment of all distributions) for
each class of shares outstanding for the periods indicated.

     Thirty-day yield, tax equivalent yield (Short Duration Tax- Free and
Municipal Income Funds only), distribution rate and average annual total return
are calculated separately for each class of shares in existence of each Fund.
Each class of shares of each Fund is subject to different fees and expenses and
may have different returns for the same period.  Any performance data for Class
A, Class B or Class C Shares which is based upon a Fund's net asset value per
share would be reduced if a sales charge were taken into account.
 
     The Service Shares of Adjustable Rate Government Fund commenced operations
on March 27, 1997; the Service Shares of Government Income and Municipal Income
Funds commenced or performance history prior thereto.  However, in accordance
with interpretive positions expressed by the staff of the SEC, each of these
Funds has adopted the performance records of its respective Class A shares from
that class' inception date (May 15, 1995, February 10, 1993 and July 20, 1993,
respectively) to the inception dates of the Service Shares stated above.  Any
quotation of performance data of these Funds relating to this period will
include the adjusted performance record of the applicable Class A Shares.  The
performance records of the applicable Class A Shares reflect the expenses
expected to be incurred by the Fund as stated in the expense table in the
Prospectus.  These expenses include any sales charges and asset-based charges
(i.e., fees under distribution and Authorized Dealer Service Plans) imposed and
other operating expenses.  Total return quotations will be calculated pursuant
to SEC-approved methodology.

                                     B-105
<PAGE>
 
                                     YIELD
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      Investment     SEC 30-Day      Pro-Forma
               Fund                     Period         Yield         Yield(1)
- -----------------------------------  ------------  --------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>             <C>
 
                                       30-Days
                                        ended
                                       10/31/97
ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND
  Institutional Shares                                      5.98%          5.98%
  Administration Shares                                     5.74%          5.74%
  Service Shares(2)                                         5.48%          5.48%
  Class A Shares
    (assumes 1.5% sales charge)                             5.64%          5.39%
 
SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
  Institutional Shares                                      6.19%          5.82%
  Administration Shares                                     5.93%          5.55%
  Service Shares                                            5.68%          5.31%
  Class A Shares(4)
    (assumes 2.0% sales charge)                             5.75%          5.14%
  Class B Shares(4)                                         5.35%          4.82%
  Class C Shares(5)                                          N/A            N/A

SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND
  Institutional Shares                                      4.09%          3.30%
  Administration Shares                                     3.84%          3.05%
  Service Shares                                            3.59%          2.81%
  Class A Shares(4)
    (assumes 2.0% sales charge)                             3.77%          2.78%
  Class B Shares(4)                                         3.23%          2.28%
  Class C Shares(5)                                          N/A            N/A
 
CORE FIXED INCOME
  Institutional Shares                                      6.27%          5.89%
  Administration Shares                                     6.03%          5.66%
  Service Shares                                            5.76%          5.38%
  Class A Shares(4)
    (assumes 4.5% sales charge)                             5.75%          5.14%
  Class B Shares(4)                                         5.27%          4.89%
  Class C Shares(5)                                         5.23%          4.82%
 
GLOBAL INCOME FUND
  Institutional Shares                                      5.10%          4.66%
  Service Shares(2)                                         4.59%          4.15%
  Class A Shares
    (assumes 4.5% sales charge)                             4.36%          3.95%
  Class B Shares                                            4.02%          3.64%
  Class C Shares(7)                                         4.01%          3.63%
</TABLE>      

                                     B-106
<PAGE>
 
                                     YIELD
                                        
<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                      Investment     SEC 30-Day      Pro-Forma
               Fund                     Period         Yield         Yield(1)
- -----------------------------------  ------------  --------------  -------------
<S>                                  <C>           <C>             <C>
 
                                       30-Days
                                        ended
                                      10/31/97
MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
  Institutional Shares(6)                                    N/A            N/A
  Service Shares (6)                                         N/A            N/A
  Class A Shares                                            4.16%          3.42%
    (assumes 4.5% sales charge)
  Class B Shares                                            3.60%          3.08%
  Class C Shares(7)                                         3.61%          2.97%
 
GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
  Institutional Shares(6)                                    N/A            N/A
  Service Shares(6)                                          N/A            N/A
  Class A Shares
    (assumes 4.5% sales charge)                             5.81%          4.54%
  Class B Shares                                            5.33%          4.26%
  Class C Shares(7)                                         5.31%          4.22%
 
HIGH YIELD FUND(8)
  Institutional Shares                                       N/A            N/A
  Service Shares                                             N/A            N/A
  Class A Shares
   (assumes 4.5% sales charge)                               N/A            N/A
  Class B Shares(7)                                          N/A            N/A
  Class C Shares                                             N/A            N/A
</TABLE>      

                                     B-107
<PAGE>
 
                               DISTRIBUTION RATE

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                                                        30 Day              Pro-Forma
                                                Investment           Distribution          Distribution
Fund                                              Period                 Rate                Rate(1)
- -----------------------------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------
<S>                                        <C>                   <C>                   <C>
 
                                                 30 Days
                                                  ended
                                                 10/31/97
 
ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERMENT FUND
  Institutional Shares                                                  6.00%                 6.00%
  Administration Shares                                                 5.75%                 5.75%
  Service Shares(2)                                                     5.50%                 5.50%
  Class A Shares                                                    
     assumes no sales charge                                            5.75%                 5.47%
                                                                    
SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND                                      
  Institutional Shares                                                  6.15%                 5.78%
  Administration Shares                                                 5.89%                 5.51%
  Service Shares                                                        5.65%                 5.28%
  Class A Shares(4)                                                 
     assumes no sales charge                                            5.90%                 5.27%
  Class B Shares(4)                                                     5.29%                 4.77%
  Class C Shares(5)                                                     5.13%                 4.75%
                                                                    
SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND                                        
  Institutional Shares                                                  4.04%                 3.25%
  Administration Shares                                                 3.79%                 3.00%
  Service Shares(4)                                                     3.54%                 2.76%
  Class A Shares                                                    
     assumes no sales charge                                            3.79%                 2.79%
  Class B Shares(4)                                                     3.18%                 2.24%
  Class C Shares(5)                                                     2.99%                 2.03%
                                                                    
CORE FIXED INCOME                                                   
  Institutional Shares                                                  6.15%                 5.77%
  Administration Shares                                                 5.90%                 5.53%
  Service Shares(4)                                                     5.64%                 5.27%
  Class A Shares                                                    
     assumes no sales charge                                            5.90%                 5.27%
  Class B Shares(4)                                                     5.15%                 4.77%
  Class C Shares(5)                                                     5.10%                 4.69%
                                                                    
GLOBAL INCOME FUND                                                  
  Institutional Shares                                                  5.77%                 5.38%
  Service Shares(2)                                                     5.35%                 4.96%
  Class A Shares                                                    
     assumes no sales charge                                            5.24%                 4.81%
  Class B Shares                                                        4.73%                 4.34%
  Class C Shares(7)                                                     4.77%                 4.39%
</TABLE>      

                                     B-108
<PAGE>
 
                               DISTRIBUTION RATE
                                        
<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                                                        30 Day              Pro-Forma
                                                Investment           Distribution          Distribution
Fund                                              Period                 Rate                Rate(1)
- -----------------------------------------  --------------------  --------------------  --------------------
<S>                                        <C>                   <C>                   <C>
 
                                                 30 Days
                                                  ended
                                                10/31/97
 
MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
  Institutional Shares(6)                                                4.51%                 4.45%
  Service Shares(6)                                                      4.04%                 3.51%
  Class A Shares                                                  
     assumes no sales charge                                             4.29%                 3.52%
  Class B Shares                                                         3.54%                 3.02%
  Class C Shares(7)                                                      3.55%                 2.92%
                                                                  
GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND                                            
  Institutional Shares(6)                                                6.32%                 5.40%
  Service Shares(6)                                                      5.84%                 4.77%
  Class A Shares                                                  
     assumes no sales charge                                             6.06%                 4.74%
  Class B Shares                                                         5.31%                 4.24%
  Class C Shares(7)                                                      5.29%                 4.21%
                                                                  
HIGH YIELD FUND(8)                                                
  Institutional Shares                                                   8.25%                 7.87%
  Service Shares                                                         7.78%                 7.39%
  Class A Shares                                                  
     assumes no sales charge                                             7.98%                 7.35%
  Class B Shares                                                         7.21%                 6.83%
  Class C Shares(7)                                                      7.17%                 6.78%
</TABLE>      

                                     B-109
<PAGE>
 
                            TAX-EQUIVALENT YIELD(3)


<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                                             
                                                                                         Pro-Forma      
                                              Investment        Tax-Equivalent        Tax-Equivalent    
Fund                                            Period               Rate                Yield(1)       
- ----------------------------------------  ------------------   -----------------   --------------------- 
<S>                                       <C>                 <C>                  <C>
                                               30 Days
                                                ended
                                               10/31/97

SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND(3)
   Institutional Shares                                               6.69%                  5.38%
   Administration Shares                                              6.27%                  4.97%
   Service Shares                                                     5.86%                  4.57%
   Class A Shares                                                   
     assumes no sales charge                                          6.27%                  4.62%
   Class B Shares                                                     5.26%                  3.71%
   Class C Shares                                                     4.95%                  3.36%
                                                                    
MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND(3)                                            
   Institutional Shares                                               7.47%                  7.37%
   Service Shares                                                     6.69%                  5.81%
   Class A Shares                                                   
     assumes no sales charge                                          7.10%                  5.83%
   Class B Shares                                                     5.86%                  5.00%
   Class C Shares                                                     5.88%                  4.83%
</TABLE>      

_______________________________
    
(1)  Yield, tax equivalent yield and distribution rate if the applicable Adviser
     had not voluntarily agreed to limit its advisory fees and to maintain
     expenses at a specified level.     
    
(2)  Service Shares commenced operations on March 27, 1997 for Adjustable Rate
     Government Fund, and March 12, 1997 for Global Income Fund.     
    
(3)  The tax-equivalent rate of Short Duration Tax-Free Fund and Municipal
     Income Fund is computed based on the 39.6% federal income tax rate.     
    
(4)  Class A and B Shares of Short Duration Government, Short Duration Tax-Free
     and Core Fixed Income commenced operations on May 1, 1997.     
    
(5)  Class C Shares commenced operations on August 15, 1997.     
    
(6)  Institutional and Service Shares of Municipal Income and Government Income
     Funds commenced operations on August 15, 1997.     
    
(7)  Class C Shares commenced operations on August 15, 1997.     
    
(8)  High Yield Fund commenced operations on August 1, 1997.     

     The above tables should not be considered a representation of future
performance.

                                     B-110
<PAGE>
 
                           VALUE OF $1,000 INVESTMENT
                                 (TOTAL RETURN)


<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                                                              Average Annual
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   Investment        Investment           With Fee        Without Fee
                                      Date             Period            Reductions        Reductions
              Fund                                                         and/or            and/or
- --------------------------------                                          Expense           Expense
                                                                        Limitations       Limitations
                                   --------------------------------------------------------------------
ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND
<S>                               <C>            <C>                  <C>               <C>
  Institutional Shares            7/17/91/1a/    ended 10/31/97                  5.54%             5.43%
 
                                                 one year ended
                                  11/1/96        10/31/97                        6.70%             6.67%
 
                                                 five years ended
                                  11/1/92        10/31/97                        5.25%             5.20%
 
 
  Administration Shares           4/15/93/1b/    ended 10/31/97                  5.07%             5.02%

                                                 one year ended
                                  11/1/96        10/31/97                        6.43%             6.40%
 
  Service Shares                  3/27/97/1c/    ended 10/31/97                  3.81%             3.78%
 
  Class A Shares                  5/12/95/1d/    ended 10/31/97
     assumes 1/5% sales charge                                                   5.75%             5.43%
     assumes no sales charge                                                     6.41%             6.09%
                                                 one year ended
                                  11/1/96        10/31/97
     assumes 1.5% sales charge                                                   4.83%             4.53%
     assumes no sales charge                                                     6.43%             6.13%
 
SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
 
  Institutional Shares            8/15/88/2a/    ended 10/31/97                  7.22%             6.82%
 
                                                 one year ended
                                  11/1/96        10/31/97                        7.07%             6.68%
 
                                                 five years ended
                                  11/1/92        10/31/97                        5.83%             5.57%
 
  Administration Shares           2/28/96/2b/    ended 10/31/97                  6.53%             6.19%
                                                 one year ended
                                  11/1/96        10/31/97                        6.91%             6.52%
 
 
  Service Shares                  4/10/96/2b/    ended 10/31/97                  7.07%             6.73%
 
                                  11/1/96        one year ended
                                                 10/31/97                        6.63%             6.24%
 
  Class A Shares                  5/1/97/2c/     ended 10/31/97
     assumes 2.0% sales charge                                                   2.06%             1.74%
     assumes no sales charge                                                     4.14%             3.82%

  Class B Shares                  5/1/97/2c/     ended 10/31/97                  3.94%             3.65%
 
  Class C Shares                  8/15/97/2d/    ended 10/31/97                  1.44%             1.36%
</TABLE>      

                                     B-111
<PAGE>
 
                           VALUE OF $1,000 INVESTMENT
                                 (TOTAL RETURN)

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Average Annual
                         ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                            Investment        Investment          With Fee        Without Fee
                               Date             Period           Reductions       Reductions
          Fund                                                     and/or           and/or
- -------------------------                                          Expense          Expense
                                                                 Limitations      Limitations
                         ---------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND
<S>                        <C>            <C>                  <C>              <C>
  Institutional Shares     10/1/92/3a/    ended 10/31/97                 4.44%            3.88%
 
                           11/1/96        one year ended                 5.40%            4.59%
                                          10/31/97
 
                           11/1/92        five years ended               4.59%            4.06%
                                          10/31/97
 
  Administration Shares    5/20/93/3b/    ended 10/31/97                 3.87%            3.41%
 
                           11/1/96        one year ended                 5.14%            4.33%
                                          10/31/97
 
  Service Shares           9/20/94/3c/    ended 10/31/97                 4.49%            3.93%
 
                           11/1/96        one year ended                 4.77%            3.96%
                                          10/31/97
 
  Class A Shares           5/1/97/3d/     ended 10/31/97
   assumes 2.05% sales                                                   1.35%            0.83%
   charge
   assumes no sales                                                      3.39%            2.86%
   charge
 
  Class B Shares           5/1/97/3d/     ended 10/31/97                 3.07%            2.59%
 
  Class C Shares           8/15/97/3e/    ended 10/31/97                 0.97%            0.80%
 
CORE FIXED INCOME
 
  Institutional Shares     1/15/94/4a/    10/31/97                       7.08%            6.50%
 
                           11/1/96        one year ended
                                          10/31/97                       9.19%            8.78%
 
  Administration Shares    2/28/96/4b/    ended 10/31/97                 7.45%            7.05%
 
                           11/1/96        one year ended
                                          10/31/97                       8.92%            8.52%
 
  Service Shares           3/13/96/4b/    ended 10/31/96                 8/31%            7.93%
 
                           11/1/96        one year ended                 8.65%            8.25%
                                          10/31/97
 
  Class A Shares           5/1/97/4c/     ended 10/31/97/4c/
   assumes 4/5% sales                                                    2.10%            1.78%
    charge
   assumes no sales                                                      6.94%            6.61%
    charge
 
  Class B Shares           5/1/97/4c/     ended 10/31/97                 6.63%            6.42%
  Class C Shares           8/15/97/4d/    ended 10/31/97                 2.74%            2.64%
</TABLE>      

                                     B-112
<PAGE>
 
                           VALUE OF $1,000 INVESTMENT
                                 (TOTAL RETURN)

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Average Annual
                           -------------------------------------------------------------------
                             Investment       Investment          With Fee       Without Fee
                                Date            Period           Reductions       Reductions
           Fund                                                    and/or           and/or
- ---------------------------                                       Expense          Expense
                                                                Limitations      Limitations
                           -------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>            <C>                  <C>             <C>
GLOBAL INCOME FUND/5c/
 
Class A Shares                8/2/91/5a/      ended 10/31/97
     assumes 4.5% sales                                                 7.49%             7.15%
      charge
     assumes no sales                                                   8.28%             7.94%
      charge
 
                              11/1/96         one year ended
                                                 10/31/97
     assumes 4.5% sales                                                 3.76%             4.31%
      charge                                                            9.66%             9.20%
     assumes no sales
      charge
                              11/1/92         five years ended
                                                 10/31/97
     assumes 4.5% sales                                                 7.20%             6.85%
      charge                                                            8.19%             7.83%
     assumes no sales
      charge
 
  Class B Shares              5/1/96/5b/      ended 10/31/96           10.27%             9.84%
 
                              11/1/96         one year ended            9.04%             8.63%
                                              ended 10/31/97
 
  Institutional Shares        8/1/95/5d/      ended 10/31/96           11.75%            11.28%
 
                              11/1/96         one year ended           10.26%             9.83%
                                              10/31/97
 
  Service Shares              3/12/97/5e/     ended 10/31/97            6.42%             6.19%
 
  Class C Shares              8/15/97/5f/     ended 10/31/97            3.03%             2.96%
 
MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
 
  Class A Shares              7/20/93/6a/     ended 10/31/97
     assumes 4.5% sales                                                 5.04%             4.06%
      charge
     assumes no sales                                                   6.18%             5.18%
      charge
 
                              11/1/96         one year ended
                                              10/31/97
     assumes 4.5% sales                                                 4.29%             3.50%
      charge
     assumes no sales                                                   9.23%             8.40%
      charge
 
  Class B Shares              5/1/96/6b/      ended 10/31/96            8.63%             8.02%
 
                              11/1/96         one year ended
                                                10/31/97                8.48%             7.92%
 
  Class C Shares              8/15/97/6c/     ended 10/31/97            1.75%             1.61%
 
  Institutional Shares        8/15/97/6c/     ended 10/31/97            2.10%             1.50%

  Service Shares              8/15/97/6c/     ended 10/31/97            1.93%             1.80%

</TABLE>      

                                     B-113
<PAGE>
 
                           VALUE OF $1,000 INVESTMENT
                                 (TOTAL RETURN)

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
                                                                           Average Annual
                           -----------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Investment        Investment          With Fee          Without Fee
                                 Date             Period           Reductions         Reductions
           Fund                                                      and/or             and/or
- ---------------------------                                          Expense            Expense
                                                                   Limitations        Limitations
                           -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>            <C>                 <C>                <C>
GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
 
Class A Shares                 2/10/93/7a/      ended 10/31/97
     assume 4.5% sales                                                     6.10%              3.84%
      charge
     assumes no sales                                                      7.14%              4.85%
      charge
 
                               11/1/96          one year ended
                                                10/31/97
     assumes 4.5% sales                                                    3.80%              2.45%
      charge
     assumes no sales                                                      8.72%              7.30%
      charge
 
  Class B Shares               5/1/96/7b/       ended 10/31/97             8.59%              7.36%
 
                               11/1/96          one year ended             7.96%              6.82%
                                                10/31/97
 
  Class C Shares               8/15/97/7c/      ended 10/31/97             2.72%              2.49%
 
  Institutional Shares         8/15/97/7c/      ended 10/31/97             2.94%              2.72%
 
  Service Shares               8/15/97/7c/      ended 10/31/97             2.85%              2.60%
 
HIGH YIELD FUND
 
  Class A Shares               8/1/97/8a/       ended 10/31/97
     assumes 4.5% sales                                                   (3.06%)            (3.21%)
      charge
     assumes no sales                                                      1.50%              1.35%
      charge
 
  Class B Shares               8/1/97/8a/       ended 10/31/97             1.31%              1.21%
 
  Class C Shares               8/15/97/8b/      ended 10/31/97             1.46%              1.38%
 
  Institutional Shares         8/1/97/8a/       ended 10/31/97             1.58%              1.48%
 
  Service Shares               8/1/97/8a/       ended 10/31/97             1.46%              1.36%
</TABLE>      
_____________________________
    
/1a/     Institutional Shares of Adjustable Rate Government Fund commenced 
         operations on July 17, 1991.     
    
/1b/     Administration Shares of Adjustable Rate Government Fund commended 
         operations on April 15, 1993.     
    
/1c/     Service Shares of Adjustable Rate Government Fund commenced operations 
         on March 27, 1997.     
    
/1d/     Class A shares of Adjustable Rate Government Fund commenced operations 
         on May 12, 1995.     
    
/2a/     Institutional Shares of Short Duration Government Fund commenced 
         operations on August 15, 1988.     
    
/2b/     Administration Shares of Short Duration Government Fund commenced
         operations on February 28, 1996.Service Shares of Short Duration
         Government Fund commenced operations on April 10, 1996.     
    
/2c/     Class A and Class B Shares of Short Duration Government Fund commenced
         operations on May 1, 1997. An aggregate total return (not annualized)
         is shown instead of an average annual total return since Class A and
         Class B      

                                     B-114
<PAGE>
 
         Shares have not completed a full 12 months of operation as of October
         31, 1997.
/2d/     Class C Shares of Short Duration Government Fund commenced operations
         on August 15, 1997. An aggregate total return (not annualized) is shown
         instead of an average annual total return since Class C Shares have not
         completed a full 12 months of operation as of October 31, 1997.
/3a/     Institutional Shares of Short Duration Tax-Free Fund commenced
         operations on October 1, 1992.
/3b/     Administration Shares of Short Duration Tax-Free Fund commenced
         operations on May 20, 1993.
/3c/     Service Shares of Short Duration Tax-Free Fund commenced operations on
         September 20, 1994.
/3d/     Class A and Class B Shares of Short Duration Tax-Free Fund commenced
         operations on May 1, 1997. An aggregate total return (not annualized)
         is shown instead of an average annual total return since Class A and
         Class B shares have not completed a full 12 months of operation as of
         October 31, 1997.
/3e/     Class C Shares of Short Duration Tax-Free Fund commenced operations on
         August 15, 1997. An aggregate total return (not annualized) is shown
         instead of an average annual total return since Class C Shares have not
         completed a full 12 months of operation as of October 31, 1997.
/4a/     Institutional Shares of Core Fixed Income commenced operations on
         January 5, 1994.
/4b/     Administration Shares of Core Fixed Income commenced operations on
         February 28, 1996. Service Shares of Core Fixed Income commenced
         operations on March 13, 1996.
/4c/     Class A and Class B Shares of Core Fixed Income commenced operations on
         May 1, 1997. An aggregate total return (not annualized) is shown
         instead of an average annual total return since Class A and Class B
         Shares have not completed a full 12 months of operation as of October
         31, 1997.
/4d/     Class C Shares of Core Fixed Income commenced operations on August 15,
         1997. An aggregate total return (not annualized) is shown instead of an
         average annual total return since Class C Shares have not completed a
         full 12 months of operation as of October 31, 1997.
/5a/     Class A Shares of Global Income Fund commenced operations on August 2,
         1991. 
/5b/     Class B Shares of Global Income Fund commenced operations on May 1,
         1996.
/5c/     On November 27, 1992, the maximum sales charge was changed from 3% to
         4.5% of the offering price. All performance figures in this table
         incorporate the sales charge currently in effect.
/5d/     Institutional Shares of Global Income Fund commenced operations on
         August 1, 1995.
/5e/     Service Shares of Global Income Fund commenced operations on March 12,
         1997. An aggregate total return (not annualized) is shown instead of an
         average annual total refund since Service Shares have not completed a
         full 12 months of operation since October 31, 1997.
/5f/     Class C Shares of Global Income Fund commenced operations August 15,
         1997. An aggregate total return (not annualized) is shown instead of an
         average annual total return since Class C Shares have not completed a
         full 12 months of operation as of October 31, 1997.
/6a/     Class A shares of Municipal Income Fund commenced operations on July
         20, 1993.
/6b/     Class B Shares of Municipal Income Fund commenced operations on May 1, 
         1996.
/6c/     Class C, Institutional and Service Shares of the Municipal Income Fund
         commenced operations on August 15, 1997. An aggregate total return (not
         annualized) is shown instead on an average annual total return since
         Class C Shares have not completed a full 12 months of operation as
         October 31, 1997.
/7a/     Class A, Shares of Government Income Fund commenced operations on
         February 10, 1993.
/7b/     Class B Shares of Government Income Fund commenced operations on 
         May 1, 1996.
/7c/     Class C, Institutional and Service Shares of the Government Income Fund
         commenced operations on August 15, 1997. An aggregate total return (not

                                     B-115
<PAGE>

     
         annualized) is shown instead on an average annual total return since
         Class C Shares have not completed a full 12 months of operation as of
         October 31, 1997.     
    
/8a/     Class A, Class B, Institutional and Service Shares, Shares of High
         Yield Fund commenced operations on August 1, 1997. An aggregate total
         return (not annualized) is shown instead of an average annual total
         return Since Class A, Class B, Institutional and Service Shares of High
         Yield Fund have not completed a full 12 months of operation as of
         October 31, 1997.     
    
/8b/     Class C Shares of High Yield Fund commenced operations on August 15,
         1997. An aggregate total return (not annualized) is shown instead of an
         average annual total return since Class C Shares of High Yield Fund
         have not completed a full 12 months of operation as of October 31,
         1997.     

The above table should not be considered a representation of future performance.

     Occasionally statistics may be used to specify a Fund's volatility or risk.
Measures of volatility or risk are generally used to compare a Fund's net asset
value or performance relative to a market index.  One measure of volatility is
beta.  Beta is the volatility of a fund relative to the total market.  A beta of
more than 1.00 indicates volatility greater than the market, and a beta of less
than 1.00 indicates volatility less than the market. Another measure of
volatility or risk is standard deviation. Standard deviation is used to measure
variability of net asset value or total return around an average, over a
specified period of time.  The premise is that greater volatility connotes
greater risk undertaken in achieving performance.

     Each Fund may from time to time advertise comparative performance as
measured by various independent sources, including, but not limited to, Lipper
                                                                        ------
Analytical Services, Inc.,  Donaghues Money Fund Report,  Barron's, The Wall
- -------------------------   ---------------------------   --------  --------
Street Journal, Weisenberger Investment Companies Service, Business Week,
- --------------  -----------------------------------------  ------------- 
Changing Times, Financial World, Forbes, Fortune, Morningstar Mutual Funds The
- --------------  ---------------  ------  -------  ------------------------ ---
New York Times, Personal Investor, Sylvia Porter's Personal Finance and Money.
- --------------  -----------------  --------------------------------     ----- 

     In addition, Adjustable Rate, Government Income and Short Duration
Government Funds may from time to time advertise their performance relative to
certain indices and benchmark investments, including: (a) the Shearson Lehman
Government/Corporate (Total) Index, (b) Shearson Lehman Government Index, (c)
Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year Treasury Index, (d) Merrill Lynch 2-Year Treasury Curve
Index, (e) the Salomon Brothers Treasury Yield Curve Rate of Return Index, (f)
the Payden & Rygel 2-Year Treasury Note Index, (g) 1 through 3 year U.S.
Treasury Notes, (h) constant maturity U.S. Treasury yield indices, (i) the
Consumer Price Index, (j) the London Interbank Offered Rate, (k) other taxable
investments such as certificates of deposit, money market deposit accounts,
checking accounts, savings accounts, money market mutual funds, repurchase
agreements, commercial paper and (l) historical data concerning the performance
of adjustable and fixed-rate mortgage loans.

                                     B-116
<PAGE>
 
     Short Duration Tax-Free and Municipal Income Funds may from time to time
advertise their performance relative to certain indices, any components of such
indices and benchmark investments, including but not limited to: (a) the Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc. Mutual Fund Performance Analysis, Fixed Income
Analysis and Mutual Fund Indices (which measure total return and average current
yield for the mutual fund industry and rank mutual fund performance); (b) the
Lehman Brothers Municipal Bond Indices; (c) the Merrill Lynch Municipal Bond
Institutional Total Rate of Return Indices; (d) Bond Buyer Indices; (e)
IBC/Donoghue's Money Fund Averages/Institutional Only Tax Free; and constant
maturity U.S. Treasury yield indices.

     Core Fixed Income, Global Income and High Yield Funds may each from time to
time advertise its performance relative to certain indices and benchmark
investments, including: (a) the Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. Mutual Fund
Performance Analysis, Fixed Income Analysis and Mutual Fund Indices (which
measure total return and average current yield for the mutual fund industry and
rank mutual fund performance); (b) the CDA Mutual Fund Report published by CDA
Investment Technologies, Inc. (which analyzes price, risk and various measures
of return for the mutual fund industry); (c) the Consumer Price Index published
by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (which measures changes in the price of
goods and services); (d) Stocks, Bonds, Bills and Inflation published by
Ibbotson Associates (which provides historical performance figures for stocks,
government securities and inflation); (e) the Salomon Brothers' World Bond Index
(which measures the total return in U.S. dollar terms of government bonds,
Eurobonds and foreign bonds of ten countries, with all such bonds having a
minimum maturity of five years); (f) the  Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index
or its component indices; (g) the Standard & Poor's Bond Indices (which measure
yield and price of corporate, municipal and U.S. government bonds); (h) the J.P.
Morgan Global Government Bond Index; (i) other taxable investments including
certificates of deposit (CDs), money market deposit accounts (MMDAs), checking
accounts, savings accounts, money market mutual funds and repurchase agreements;
(j) historical investment data supplied by the research departments of Goldman
Sachs, Lehman Brothers Inc., First Boston Corporation, Morgan Stanley & Co.
Incorporated, Salomon Brothers, Inc., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
Incorporated and Donaldson Lufkin and Jenrette Securities Corporation; and (k)
Donoghue's Money Fund Report (which provides industry averages for 7-day
annualized and compounded yields of taxable, tax-free and U.S. government money
funds).

     The composition of the investments in the above-referenced indices and the
characteristics of a Fund's benchmark investments are not identical to, and in
some cases may be very different from, those of a Fund's portfolio.  These
indices and averages are generally unmanaged and the items included in the
calculations of such indices and averages may not be identical to the formulas
used by the a Fund to calculate its performance figures.

                                     B-117
<PAGE>
 
     From time to time advertisements or communications to shareholders may
summarize the substance of information contained in shareholder reports
(including the investment composition of a Fund), as well as the views of
Goldman Sachs as to current market, economic, trade and interest rate trends,
legislative, regulatory and monetary developments, investment strategies and
regulated matters believed to be of relevance to a Fund.

The Trust may from time to time use comparisons, graphs or charts in
advertisements to depict the following types of information:

..    The performance of various types of securities (taxable money market funds,
     U.S. Treasury securities, adjustable rate mortgage securities, government
     securities, municipal bonds) over time.  However, the characteristics of
     these securities are not identical to, and may be very different from,
     those of a Fund's portfolio;

..    Volatility of total return of various market indices (i.e. Lehman
     Government Bond Index, S&P 500, IBC/Donoghue's Money Fund Average/ All
     Taxable Index) over varying periods of time.

..    Credit Ratings of domestic government bonds in various countries

..    Price volatility comparisons of types of securities over different periods
     of time.

..    Price and yield comparisons of a particular security over different periods
     of time.

     In addition, the Trust may from time to time include rankings of Goldman,
Sachs & Co.'s research department by publications such as the Institutional
Investor and the Wall Street Journal in advertisements.

     In addition, from time to time, advertisements or information may include a
discussion of asset allocation models developed by GSAM and/or its affiliates,
certain attributes or benefits to be derived from asset allocation strategies
and the Goldman Sachs mutual funds that may be offered as investment options for
the strategic asset allocations.  Such advertisements and information may also
include GSAM's current economic outlook and domestic and international market
views to suggest periodic tactical modifications to current asset allocation
strategies.  Such advertisements and information may include other material
which highlight or summarize the services provided in support of an asset
allocation program.

     In addition, advertisements or shareholder communications may include a
discussion of certain attributes or benefits to be 

                                     B-118
<PAGE>
 
derived by an investment in a Fund. Such advertisements or information may
include symbols, headlines or other material which highlight or summarize the
information discussed in more detail therein.

     Performance data is based on historical results and is not intended to
indicate future performance.  Total return, thirty-day yield, tax equivalent
yield and distribution rate will vary based on changes in market conditions,
portfolio expenses, portfolio investments and other factors.  The value of a
Fund's shares will fluctuate and an investor's shares may be worth more or less
than their original cost upon redemption.  The Trust may also, at its
discretion, from time to time make a list of a Fund's holdings available to
investors upon request.

                               OTHER INFORMATION

     A Fund will redeem shares solely in cash up to the lesser of $250,000 or 1%
of its net asset value of each Fund during any 90- day period for any one
shareholder.  Each Fund, however, reserves the right to pay redemptions
exceeding $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of each respective Fund at the
time of redemption by a distribution in kind of securities (instead of cash)
from such Fund.  The securities distributed in kind would be readily marketable
and would be valued for this purpose using the same method employed in
calculating each Fund's net asset value per share.  See "Net Asset Value."  If a
shareholder receives redemption proceeds in kind, the shareholder should expect
to incur transaction costs upon the disposition of the securities received in
the redemption.

     The right of a shareholder to redeem shares and the date of payment by a
Fund may be suspended for more than seven days for any period during which the
New York Stock Exchange is closed, other than the customary weekends or
holidays, or when trading on such Exchange is restricted as determined by the
SEC; or during any emergency, as determined by the SEC, as a result of which it
is not reasonably practicable for a Fund to dispose of securities owned by it or
fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or for such other period as the
SEC may by order permit for the protection of shareholders of a Fund.

     The term "a vote of the majority of the outstanding shares" of a Fund means
the vote of the lesser of (i) 67% or more of the shares present at a meeting, if
the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund are present
or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the
Fund.

     The Prospectuses and this Additional Statement do not contain all the
information included in the Registration Statement filed with the SEC under the
1933 Act with respect to the securities offered by the Prospectuses.  Certain
portions of the Registration Statement have been omitted from the Prospectuses
and this 

                                     B-119
<PAGE>
 
Additional Statement pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. The
Registration Statement including the exhibits filed therewith may be examined at
the office of the SEC in Washington, D.C.

     Statements contained in the Prospectuses or in this Additional Statement as
to the contents of any contract or other document referred to are not
necessarily complete, and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of
such contract or other document filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement of which the Prospectuses and this Additional Statement form a part,
each such statement being qualified in all respects by such reference.

                             FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
    
The audited financial statements and related report of Arthur Andersen LLP,
independent public accounts, for each Fund contained in each Fund's 1997 Annual
Report are hereby incorporated by reference and attached hereto.  A copy of the
annual reports may be obtained without charge by writing Goldman, Sachs & Co.,
4900 Sears Tower, Chicago, Illinois 60606 or by calling Goldman, Sachs & Co., at
the telephone number on the back cover of each Fund's Prospectus.  No other
portions of the Fund's Annual Report are incorporated herein by reference.     

                                     B-120
<PAGE>
 
 
                                   APPENDIX
 
 
                   GUIDELINES FOR CERTIFICATION OF TAXPAYER
               IDENTIFICATION NUMBER ON ACCOUNT INFORMATION FORM
 
  You are required by law to provide a Fund with your correct Taxpayer
Identification Number (TIN), regardless of whether you file tax returns.
Failure to do so may subject you to penalties. Failure to provide your correct
TIN and to sign your name in the Certification section of the Account
Information Form could result in withholding of 31% by a Fund for the federal
backup withholding tax on distributions, redemptions, exchanges and other
payments relating to your account.
 
  Any tax withheld may be credited against taxes owed on your federal income
tax return.
 
  If you do not have a TIN, you should apply for one immediately by contacting
your local office of the Social Security Administration or the Internal
Revenue Service (IRS). Backup withholding could apply to payments relating to
your account while you are awaiting receipt of a TIN.
 
  Special rules apply for certain entities. For example, for an account
established under a Uniform Gifts or Transfers to Minors Act, the TIN of the
minor should be furnished.
 
  If you have been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup
withholding because you failed to report your interest and/or dividend income
on your tax return and you have not been notified by the IRS that such
withholding should cease, you must cross out item (2) in the Certification
section of the Account Information Form.
 
  If you are an exempt recipient, you should furnish your TIN and certify your
exemption by signing the Certification section and writing "exempt" after your
signature. Exempt recipients include: corporations, tax-exempt pension plans
and IRA's, governmental agencies, financial institutions, registered
securities and commodities dealers and others.
 
  If you are a nonresident alien or foreign entity, you must provide a
completed Form W-8 to the Fund in order to avoid backup withholding on certain
payments. Other payments to you may be subject to nonresident alien
withholding of up to 30%.
 
  For further information regarding backup and nonresident alien withholding,
see Sections 3406, 1441 and 1442 of the Internal Revenue Code and consult your
tax adviser.
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
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.

     UNRATED:  Where no rating has been assigned or where a rating has been
suspended or withdrawn, it may be for reasons unrelated to the quality of the
issue.

     Should no rating be assigned, the reason may be one of the following:

     1.   An application for rating was not received or accepted.

     2.   The issue or issuer belongs to a group of securities or companies that
          are not rated as a matter of policy.

     3.   There is a lack of essential data pertaining to the issue or issuer.

     4.   The issuer was privately placed, in which case the rating is not
          published in Moody's publications.

     Suspension or withdrawal may occur if new and material circumstances arise,
the effects of which preclude satisfactory analysis; if there is no longer
available reasonable up-to-date data to permit a judgment to be formed; if a
bond is called for redemption; or for other reasons.

     NOTE:  Those bonds in the Aa, A, Baa, Ba and B groups which Moody's
believes possess the strongest investment attributes are designed by the symbols
Aa1, A1, Baa1 and B1.
   
     Moody's also provides credit ratings for commercial paper. These are
promissory obligations (1) not having an original maturity in excess of one
year, unless explicitly noted.    

                                      2-A
<PAGE>
 
                 Description of Ratings of State and Municipal
                               Commercial Paper
                 ---------------------------------------------
                                        
                        MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
                                           
     Moody's commercial paper ratings are opinions of the ability of issuers to
repay punctually senior debt obligations which have an original maturity in
excess of nine months.  Moody's three highest commercial paper rating categories
are as follows:    

     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 structures with moderate reliance on
               debt and ample asset protection.

          -    Broad margins in earnings coverage of fixed financial charges and
               high internal cash generation.

          -    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.

                                      3-A
<PAGE>
 
                        STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP
    
     AAA:  Bonds and debt rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by Standard
& Poor's.  Capacity to meet the financial commitment on the obligation is
extremely strong.     
    
     AA:   Bonds and debt rated AA have a very strong capacity to meet the
financial commitment on the obligation and differ from the higher rated issues
only in small degree.     
    
     A:    Bonds and debt rated A have a strong capacity to meet the financial
commitment on the obligation although they are somewhat more susceptible to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic conditions than bonds
in higher rated categories.     
    
     BBB:  Bonds and debt rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity
to meet the financial commitment on the obligation.  Whereas they normally
exhibit adequate protection parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity of the 
obligtor.     
    
     BB, B, CCC, CC, C:  Bonds and debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C are regarded
as having significant speculative characteristics with respect to the capacity
meet the financial commitment on the obligation.  BB indicates the least degree
of speculation and C the highest. While such bonds will likely have some quality
and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties of
major risk exposures to adverse conditions.     
    
     BB:   Bonds and debt rated BB have less vulnerability to non-payment than
other speculative issues.  However, such securities face major ongoing
uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial, or economic conditions
which could lead to the obligtor's inadequate capacity to meet the financial
commitment on the obligation.     
    
     B:    Bonds and debt rated B are more vulnerable to non-payment but the
obligor currently has the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.  Adverse business, financial, or economic conditions will likely
impair capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation.     
    
     CCC:  Bonds and debt rated CCC is currently vulnerable to non-payment, and
are dependent upon favorable business, financial, and economic conditions to
meet its financial commitment on the obligation. In the event of adverse
business, financial, or economic conditions, such securities are not likely to
have the capacity to meet its financial commitment on the obligation.     
     
     CC:   The rating CC is typically applied to bonds and debt that are
currently highly vulnerable to non-payment.     

                                      4-A
<PAGE>

     
     C:    The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy
petition has been filed or similar action has been taken, but debt service
payments on this obligation are continued.     
    
     D:    Bonds and debt rated D are 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 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.     
    
     R     This rating is attached to highlight derivative, hybrid, and certain
other obligations that Standard & Poor's believes may experience high volatility
or high variability in expected returns due to non-credit risks.  Examples of
such obligations are: securities whose principal or interest return is indexed
to equities, commodities, or currencies, certain swaps and options; and
interest-only and principal-only mortgage securities.  The absence of an "r"
symbol should not be taken as an indication that an obligation will exhibit no
volatility or variability in total return.     
    
                        STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP     
    
     A Standard & Poor's commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the
likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more than
365 days.  Standard & Poor's commercial paper rating categories are as 
follows:     
    
     A-1   Obligations are rated in the highest category indicating that the
obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment 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   Obligations are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than obligations rated "A-1".
However, the obligor's capacity to meet its financial commitment on the
obligation is satisfactory.     
    
     A-3   Obligations exhibit 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-    Obligations are regarded as having significant speculative
characteristics.  The obligor currently has the      

                                      5-A
<PAGE>
     
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  -  Obligations are currently vulnerable to nonpayment and are dependent
on favorable business, financial, and economic conditions for the obligor to
meet its financial obligation.

     D  -  Obligations are 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 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 a similar action
if payments on an obligation are jeopardized.

                               FITCH IBCA, INC.
Bond Ratings
- ------------

     The ratings represent Fitch's assessment of the issuer's ability to meet
the obligations of a specific debt issue or class of debt.  The ratings take
into consideration special features of the issue, its relationship to other
obligations of the issuer, the current financial condition and operative
performance of the issuer and of any guarantor, as well as the political and
economic environment that might affect the issuer's future financial strength
and credit quality.

     AAA:  Bonds rated AAA are considered to be investment grade and of the
highest credit quality.  The obligor has an exceptionally strong capacity for
timely payment at financial commitments, which is unlikely to be adversely
affected by reasonably foreseeable events.

     AA:   Bonds rated AA are considered to be investment grade and of very high
credit quality.  These ratings denote a very low expectation of investment risk
and indicate very strong capacity for timely payment of financial commitments.
This capacity is not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable events.

     A:    Bonds rated A are considered to be investment grade and of high
credit quality. These ratings denote a low expectation of investment risk and
indicate strong capacity of timely payment of financial commitments.

     BBB:  Bonds rated BBB are considered to be investment grade and of good
credit quality.  These ratings denote that there is currently a low expectation
of investment risk.  The capacity for timely payment of financial commitments is
adequate, but adverse circumstances and in economic conditions are more likely
to impair this category.     

                                      6-A
<PAGE>

     
     BB:   Bonds are considered to be speculative.  These ratings indicate that
there is a possibility of credit risk developing, particularly as the result of
adverse economic changes over time; however, business or financial alternatives
may be available to allow financial commitments to be met.  Securities rated in
this category are not investment grade.     
    
     B:    Bonds are considered highly speculative.  These ratings indicate that
significant credit risk is present, but a limited margin of safety remains.
Financial commitments are currently being met; however, capacity for continued
payment is contingent upon a sustained, favorable business and economic
environment.     
    
     CCC:  Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics that, if not
remedied, may lead to default.  The ability to meet obligations requires an
advantageous business and economic environment.     
    
     CC:   Bonds are minimally protected.  Default in payment of interest and/or
principal seems probable over time.    
    
     C:    Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or 
principal.     
    
     DDD, DD, AND D:  Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal
payments.  Such bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the
basis of their ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the
obligor. DDD represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and D
represents the lowest potential for recovery.     
    
     PLUS (+) AND MINUS (-) signs are used with a rating symbol to indicate the
relative position of a credit within the rating category.  The Fitch IBCA
ratings from and including "AA" to "b" may be modified by the addition of a plus
or minus sign.     
    
Investment Grade Short-Term Ratings     
- -----------------------------------
    
     Fitch IBCA's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that have time
horizons of less than 12 months for most obligations or up to three years for
U.S. public finance securities.     
    
F 1:      Highest Credit Quality.  Issues assigned this rating reflect the
          strongest capacity for timely payment of financial commitments; may
          have an added "+" to denote any exceptionally strong credit 
          feature.     
    
F 2:      Good Credit Quality.  Issues assigned this rating have a satisfactory
          capacity for timely payment of financial commitments, but the margin
          of safety is not as great as for issues assigned F 1 ratings.     

                                      7-A
<PAGE>

     
F 3:      Fair Credit Quality.  Issues assigned this rating have characteristics
          suggesting that the degree of capacity for timely payment of financial
          commitments is adequate; however, near-term  adverse changes could
          result in a reduction to non-investment grade.     
    
B         Securities possess speculative credit quality.  This designation
          indicates minimal capacity for timely payment of financial
          commitments, plus vulnerability to near-term adverse changes in
          financial and economic conditions.     
    
C         Securities possess high default risk.  This designation indicates that
          the capacity for meeting financial commitments is solely reliant upon
          a sustained, favorable business and economic environment.     
    
D:        Default.  Issues assigned this rating are in actual or imminent
          payment default.     
    
LOC:      The symbol LOC indicates that the rating is based on a letter of
          credit issued by a commercial bank.     

    
                                 DUFF & PHELPS     
                                 -------------
    
Long-Term Debt and Preferred Stock     
- ----------------------------------
    
     AAA:  Highest credit quality.  The risk factors are negligible, being only
slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.     
    
     AA+, AA, AA-:  High credit quality. Protection factors are strong.  Risk is
modest but may vary slightly from time to time because economic conditions.
However, risk factors are more variable and greater in periods of stress.     
    
     A=, A, A-: Debt possesses protection factors which are average but
adequate.  However, risk factors are more variable and greater in periods of
economic stress.     
    
     BBB+, BBB, BBB-:  Below average protection factors but still considered
sufficient for prudent investment.  Considerable variability in risk during
economic cycles.     
    
     BB+, BB, BB-:  Below investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations
when due.  Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate
according to industry conditions or company fortunes.  Overall quality may move
up or down frequently within this category.     
    
     B+, B, B-:  Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations
will not be met when due.  Financial protection factors will fluctuate widely
according to economic cycles, industry conditions and/or company fortunes.
Potential exists for      

                                      8-A
<PAGE>

     
frequent changes in the rating within this category or into a higher or lower
rating grade.     
    
     CCC:  Well below investment grade securities.  Considerable uncertainty
exists as to timely payment of principal, interest or preferred dividends.
Protection factors are narrow and risk can be substantial with unfavorable
economic/industry conditions, and/or with unfavorable company developments.     
    
     D:    Defaulted debt obligation.     
    
Commercial Paper/Certificates of Deposits     
- -----------------------------------------
    
D-1+:     Highest certainty of timely payment.  Short-term liquidity,
          including internal operating factors and/or ready access to
          alternative sources of funds, is clearly outstanding, and safety is
          just below risk-free U.S. Treasury short-term obligations.     
    
D-1:      Very high certainty of timely payment.  Liquidity factors are
          excellent and supported by good fundamental protection factors.  Risk
          factors are minor.     
    
D-1-:     High certainty of timely payment.  Liquidity factors are strong
          and supported by good fundamental protection factors.  Risk factors
          are very small.     
    
D-2:      Good certainty of timely payment.  Liquidity factors and company
          fundamentals are sound. Although ongoing funding needs may enlarge
          total financing requirements, access to capital markets is good. Risk
          factors are small.     
    
D-3:      Satisfactory liquidity and other protection factors qualify issues as
          investment grade. Risk factors are larger and subject to more
          variation.  Nevertheless, timely payment is expected.     
    
D-4:      Speculative investment characteristics.  Liquidity is not sufficient
          to insure against disruption in debt service.  Operating factors and
          market access may be subject to a high degree of variation.     
    
D-5:      Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal and/or interest 
          payments.     
    
Notes:    Bonds which are unrated may expose the investor to risks with respect
          to capacity to pay interest or repay principal which are similar to
          the risks of lower-rated bonds.  The Fund is dependent on the
          Investment Adviser's judgment, analysis and experience in the
          evaluation of such bonds.     
    
          Investors should note that the assignment of a rating to a bond by a
          rating service may not reflect the effect of recent developments on
          the issuer's ability to make interest and principal payments.     

                                      9-A
<PAGE>
 
              Description of Ratings of State and Municipal Notes
              ---------------------------------------------------

                        MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
    
     Moody's ratings for state and municipal short-term obligations will be
designated Moody's Investment Grade ("MIG") and variable rate demand obligations
are designated Variable Moody's Investment Grade ("VMIG"). Such ratings
recognize the differences between short-term credit risk and long-term risk.
Symbols used will be as follows:     
    
     MIG-1/VMIG-1:  This designation denotes best quality enjoying 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 carrying specific
risk but having protection commonly regarded as required of an investment
security and not distinctly or predominantly speculative.     
    
     SG:  This designation denotes speculative quality.  Debt instruments in
this category lack margins of protection.     

    
                        STANDARD & POOR'S RATINGS GROUP     
    
     A Standard & Poor's note rating reflects the liquidity concerns and market
     access risks unique to notes.  Notes due in three years or less will likely
     receive a note rating.     
    
Note rating symbols are as follows:     
    
SP-1:     Strong capacity to pay principal and interest.  Those issues
          determined to possess very strong characteristics will be given a plus
          (+) designation.     
    
SP-2:     Satisfactory capacity to pay principal and interest with some
          vulnerability to adverse financial and economic changes over the term
          of the notes.     
    
SP-3:     Speculative capacity to pay principal and interest.     

                                      10-A
<PAGE>
 
                                  APPENDIX B

                  BUSINESS PRINCIPLES OF GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
    
     Goldman Sachs is noted for its Business Principles, which guide all of the
firm's activities and serve as the basis for its distinguished reputation among
investors worldwide.     
    
     OUR CLIENT'S INTERESTS ALWAYS COME FIRST.  Our experience shows that if we
serve our clients well, our own success will follow.     
    
     OUR ASSETS ARE OUR PEOPLE, CAPITAL AND REPUTATION.  If any of these assets
diminish, reputation is the most difficult to restore.  We are dedicated to
complying fully with the letter and spirit of the laws, rules and ethical
principles that govern us. Our continued success depends upon unswerving
adherence to this standard.     
    
     WE TAKE GREAT PRIDE IN THE PROFESSIONAL QUALITY OF OUR WORK. We have an
uncompromising determination to achieve excellence in everything we undertake.
Though we may be involved in a wide variety and heavy volume of activity, we
would, if it came to a choice, rather be best than biggest.     
    
     WE STRESS CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION IN EVERYTHING WE DO. While recognizing
that the old way may still be the best way, we constantly strive to find a
better solution to a client's problems.  We pride ourselves on having pioneered
many of the practices and techniques that have become standard in the 
industry.     
    
     WE STRESS TEAMWORK IN EVERYTHING WE DO.  While individual creativity is
always encouraged, we have found that team effort often produces the best
results.  We have no room for those who put their personal interests ahead of
the interests of the firm and its clients.     
    
     INTEGRITY AND HONESTY ARE THE HEART OF OUR BUSINESS.  We expect our people
to maintain high ethical standards in everything they do, both in their work for
the firm and in their personal lives.     

                                      1-B
<PAGE>
 
                   GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.'S INVESTMENT BANKING
                           AND SECURITIES ACTIVITIES

Goldman, Sachs & Co. is a leading global investment banking and securities firm
with a number of distinguishing characteristics.

..    Privately owned and ranked among Wall Street's best capitalized firms,
     with partners' capital of approximately $______ billion as of November __,
     1997.


..    With thirty-four offices worldwide Goldman Sachs employs over 9,000
     professionals focused on opportunities in major markets.

..    The number one underwriter of all international equity issues from 1993-
     1996.
 
..    A research budget of $200 million for 1997.

..    Premier lead manager of negotiated municipal bond offerings over the past
     six years (1990-1995).

..    The number one lead manager of U.S. common stock offerings for the past
     eight years (1989-1996).*

..    The number one lead manager for initial public offerings (IPOs) worldwide
     (1989-1996).


*    Source: Securities Data Corporation. Common stock ranking excludes REITS,
     -----------------------------------                                      
     Investment Trusts and Rights.

                                      2-B
<PAGE>
 
                 GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.'S HISTORY OF EXCELLENCE

1865      End of Civil War

1869      Marcus Goldman opens Goldman Sachs for business

1890      Dow Jones Industrial Average first published

1896      Goldman Sachs joins New York Stock Exchange

1906      Goldman Sachs takes Sears Roebuck & Co. public (longest-standing
          client relationship)

          Dow Jones Industrial Average tops 100

1925      Goldman Sachs finances Warner Brothers, producer of the first talking
          film

1956      Goldman Sachs co-manages Ford's public offering, the largest to date

1970      Goldman Sachs opens London office
 
1972      Dow Jones Industrial Average breaks 1000
 
1986      Goldman Sachs takes Microsoft public
 
1991      Goldman Sachs provides advisory services for the largest privatization
          in the region of the sale of Telefonos de Mexico
 
1995      Dow Jones Industrial Average breaks 5000

1996      Goldman Sachs takes Deutsche Telekom public

          Dow Jones Industrial Average breaks 6000

1997      Dow Jones Industrial Average breaks 7000

          Goldman Sachs increases assets under management by 100% over 1996

                                      3-B
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART B

                      STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

                             ADMINISTRATION SHARES

                 GOLDMAN SACHS ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND
                  GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
                   GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND
               GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FIXED INCOME FUND

                   (EACH A PORTFOLIO OF GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST)
                                        
                              Goldman Sachs Trust
                                4900 Sears Tower
                            Chicago, Illinois 60606

    
  This Statement of Additional Information (the "Additional Statement") is not a
prospectus.  This Additional Statement should be read in conjunction with the
prospectuses for the Administration Shares of each of GS Adjustable Rate
Government Fund, GS Short Duration Government Fund, GS Short Duration Tax-Free
Fund and GS Core Fixed Income Fixed Income, each dated March 1, 1998, as amended
and/or supplemented from time to time (each a "Prospectus"), which may be
obtained without charge from institutions ("Service Organizations") that hold
Administration Shares for the benefit of their customers, or from Goldman, Sachs
& Co. by calling the telephone number, or writing to one of the addresses,
listed below.  Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund does not offer Administration
Shares.      

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
   Introduction                       B-3
   Other Investments and Practices    B-12
   Investment Restrictions            B-61
   Management                         B-63
   Portfolio Transactions             B-80
   Shares of the Trust                B-84
   Net Asset Value                    B-90
   Taxation                           B-92
   Performance Information            B-104
   Other Information                  B-119
   Financial Statements               B-120
   Administration Plan                B-121
   Appendix A                         1-A
   Appendix B                         1-B
   Appendix C                         1-C

    
The date of this Additional Statement is March 1, 1998.      
<PAGE>
 
GOLDMAN SACHS ASSET MANAGEMENT            GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
ADVISER TO GS SHORT DURATION              DISTRIBUTOR
  TAX-FREE FUND AND GS CORE FIXED INCOME FIXED         85 BROAD STREET
  INCOME FUND                             NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004

GOLDMAN SACHS FUNDS                       GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
MANAGEMENT, L.P.                          TRANSFER AGENT
ADVISER TO GS ADJUSTABLE RATE             4900 SEARS TOWER
  GOVERNMENT FUND                         CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60606
  AND GS SHORT DURATION
  GOVERNMENT FUND
ONE NEW YORK PLAZA
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10004


                         TOLL FREE .......800-621-2550


<PAGE>
 
                                 ADMINISTRATION PLAN

     Each Fund has adopted an administration plan (the "Plan") with respect to
its Administration Shares which authorizes it to compensate Service
Organizations for providing certain account administration services to their
customers who are beneficial owners of such Shares.  Pursuant to the Plans, a
Fund enters into agreements with Service Organizations which purchase
Administration Shares on behalf of their customers ("Service Agreements").
Under such Service Agreements the Service Organizations may perform some or all
of the following services:  (a) act, directly or through an agent, as the sole
shareholder of record and nominee for all customers, (b) maintain account
records for each customer who beneficially owns Administration Shares of a Fund,
(c) answer questions and handle correspondence from customers regarding their
accounts, (d) process customer orders to purchase, redeem and exchange
Administration Shares of a Fund and handle the transmission of funds
representing the customers' purchase price or redemption proceeds, and (e) issue
confirmations for transactions in shares by customers.  As compensation for such
services, a Fund will pay each Service Organization an account administration
fee in an amount up to 0.25% (on an annualized basis) of the average daily net
assets of the Administration Shares of such Fund attributable to or held in the
name of such Service Organization. For the fiscal years ended October 31, 1997,
1996 and 1995, administration fees accrued by the Funds were as follows:

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION>
Fund                                1997           1996         1995
- ----                                ----           ----         ----   
 
<S>                            <C>             <C>           <C>
Adjustable Rate Government       $ 9,699         $9,833       $12,632   
Core Fixed Income                 14,647            741             *   
Short Duration Government          3,203            107           425   
Short Duration Tax-Free              222            129         1,244 
</TABLE>      
__________________
    
*    No Administration Shares of Core Fixed Income Fund were outstanding at
     October 31, 1995.      


     Conflict of interest restrictions (including the Employee Retirement Income
Security Act of 1974) may apply to a Service Organization's receipt of
compensation paid by a Fund in connection with the investment of fiduciary
assets in Administration Shares of a Fund.  Service Organizations, including
banks regulated by the Comptroller of the Currency, the Federal Reserve Board or
the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and investment advisers and other
money managers subject to the jurisdiction of the SEC, the Department of Labor
or state securities commissions, are urged to consult legal advisers before
investing fiduciary assets in Administration Shares of a Fund.  In addition,
under some state securities laws, banks and other financial institutions
purchasing Administration Shares on behalf of their customers may be required to
register as dealers.

                                     B-121
<PAGE>
 
     The Plans with respect to Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Short Duration
Government Fund, Short Duration Tax-Free Fund and Core Fixed Income Fund were
approved by The Goldman Sachs Group, L.P., as the sole shareholder of
Administration Shares of each Fund. The Board of Trustees, including a majority
of the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Trust and who have no
direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of the Plans or the
related Service Agreements, most recently voted to approve each Plan and Service
Agreements at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such Plans and
Service Agreements on April 23, 1997. The Plans and Service Agreements will
remain in effect until April 30, 1998 and will continue in effect thereafter
only if such continuance is specifically approved annually by a vote of the
Board of 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 Administration Shareholders of the applicable Fund and
all material amendments of the Plans must also be approved by the Board of
Trustees in the manner described above. Each Plan may be terminated at any time
by a majority of the Board of Trustees as described above or by vote of a
majority of the outstanding Administration Shares of the applicable Fund. The
Service Agreements may be terminated at any time, without payment of any
penalty, by a vote of a majority of the Board of Trustees as described above or
by a vote of a majority of the outstanding Administration Shares of the
applicable Fund on not more than sixty (60) days' written notice to any other
party to the Service Agreements. The Service Agreements will terminate
automatically if assigned. So long as the Plans are in effect, the selection and
nomination of those Trustees who are not interested persons will be committed to
the discretion of the Trust's Nominating Committee, which consists of all of the
non-interested members of the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees has
determined that, in its judgment, there is a reasonable likelihood that each
Fund's Plan will benefit such Fund and the holders of its Administration Shares.
In the Board of Trustees' quarterly review of the Plans and Service Agreements,
the Board will consider continued appropriateness and the level of compensation
provided therein.

                                     B-122

<PAGE>
 
The Goldman Sachs

FIXED INCOME FUNDS

                     Goldman Sachs Government Income Fund

                     Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund

                     Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund

                     Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund




ANNUAL REPORT                                                   Goldman Sachs

October 31, 1997
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
DEAR SHAREHOLDERS:
 
  We are pleased to present the annual report for the Goldman Sachs Fixed
Income Funds for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997. In addition to
reviewing the performance and activity of the Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds
during this period, we will also provide a brief overview of the economy and
bond market to help put their performance in perspective. Though the U.S.
economy continued to grow at a healthy pace, inflation remained subdued and the
fixed income markets achieved favorable results.
 
ECONOMIC REVIEW
  The U.S. economy was strong throughout the period under review, but during
the summer and fall, growth cooled slightly from the torrid pace of earlier in
the year. Annualized real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) climbed 3.8% for the
fourth quarter of 1996 and a dramatic 4.9% for the first quarter of 1997,
fueled by a sharp increase in retail sales, rising factory orders and buoyant
construction outlays. To curb potential overheating, the Federal Reserve raised
the Federal funds rate a quarter-percentage point to 5.50% at the end of March.
During the second quarter, real GDP moderated to a 3.3% rate (annualized) when
an unusually cool spring impacted weather-sensitive sectors such as retail
sales and construction. Though consumer consumption picked up significantly
during the summer, overall economic growth was somewhat restrained because of
weaker export growth and a slower rate of inventory accumulation. As a result,
third-quarter GDP expanded at a 3.3% annual rate, the same pace as the prior
quarter. In October, the pattern of economic activity remained robust, as
retail sales held firm, consumer confidence remained high and the unemployment
rate sank to a 24-year low. Despite continued economic strength, consumer
inflation shrank to 2.1% over the 12-month period, its lowest level since 1986.
 
FIXED INCOME MARKET REVIEW
  When the Funds' fiscal year began in November 1996, bonds rallied on
expectations of a continuation of the slow-growth, low-inflation environment.
However, this optimistic view quickly soured when a steady flow of stronger-
than-expected economic data revived inflation fears. From December through
March, bond yields climbed as investors feared that the acceleration would
prompt the Fed to raise rates. When the Fed eventually increased the Federal
funds rate, the move was perceived as the first in a series of hikes.
  During the second quarter of 1997, prospects for the bond market brightened
due to slowing economic growth. As the threat of inflation receded, the need
for additional rate hikes subsided and bonds began to recoup their earlier
losses. However, fixed income investors remained wary of reports suggesting
that the economy was reaccelerating. In this skittish environment, the bond
market came under renewed pressure when signs of strengthening activity emerged
during the summer. The decline proved to be short-lived: Bonds quickly
recovered on the back of reassuring inflation data and a surge of buying
interest. Treasury prices continued to rise sharply through the end of the
period, when demand soared as investors sought a safe haven in the wake of
steep sell-offs in global equity markets. By the end of October, Treasury
yields fell to 20-month lows.
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S>                                   <C>
Market Overview                         1
Goldman Sachs Government Income Fund    3
Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund       11
Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund    20
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>                            <C>
Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund   29
Financial Statements            38
Notes to Financial Statements   42
Financial Highlights            51
</TABLE>
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

 
THE YIELD CURVE SHIFTED LOWER FOR MOST MATURITIES
  During the period under review, the yield on six-month Treasury bills rose
from 5.26% on October 31, 1996 to approximately 5.31% on October 31, 1997. For
the same period, the yield on the 30-year U.S. Treasury bond fell from 6.64% to
6.15%.
 
HISTORICAL TREASURY YIELD CURVE
 
                                    [GRAPH]


                      10/31/96                 10/31/97

        3-Month        0.0514                   0.0519
        6-Month        0.0526                   0.0531
        1-Year         0.054                    0.0535
        2-Year         0.0573                   0.0561
        3-Year         0.0586                   0.0568
        5-Year         0.0607                   0.0572
        10-Year        0.0634                   0.0583
        30-Year        0.0664                   0.0615

 
Source: Bloomberg, L.P.
 
The one- to 30-year portion of the yield curve shifted downward while the short
end of the curve rose slightly.
 
OUTLOOK: FED IS LIKELY TO REMAIN ON HOLD WHILE IT ASSESSES THE IMPACT OF THE
ASIAN FINANCIAL CRISIS
  Uncertainty regarding the U.S. economic and financial outlook has climbed
sharply recently, as the tug-of-war between a strong domestic economy and the
expected trade drag from emerging market economies has intensified. Though most
domestic economic indicators continue to point toward considerable forward
momentum, Federal Reserve officials are likely to defer any rate hikes until
they can assess the potential impact of Asia's financial crisis on U.S.
economic activity. If evidence mounts that the repercussions from the recent
turmoil will be insufficient to slow U.S. growth to a sustainable long-term
pace, Goldman Sachs' economists expect the Fed to resume tightening in 1998.
 
 
  We thank you for your investment in the Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds, and
we look forward to continuing to help you achieve your investment goals in the
future.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
/s/ David B. Ford
 
David B. Ford
Co-Head,
Goldman Sachs Asset Management
 
 
/s/ John P. McNulty
John P. McNulty
Co-Head,
Goldman Sachs Asset Management
 
 
/s/ Sharmin Mossavar-Rahmani
 
Sharmin Mossavar-Rahmani
Chief Investment Officer - Fixed Income Investments,
Goldman Sachs Asset Management
 
November 28, 1997
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

                                       2
 

<PAGE>
 
Letter to Shareholders
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
  The Goldman Sachs Government Income Fund seeks to provide shareholders with a
high level of current income consistent with safety of principal. Under normal
conditions, at least 65% of the portfolio's total assets will be invested in
U.S. government securities and in repurchase agreements collateralized by such
securities. The fund may also invest in securities of nongovernmental issuers,
including asset-backed securities, privately issued mortgage-backed securities
and corporate debt obligations. Such securities will be rated triple-A at the
time of investment or, if unrated, deemed to be of comparable quality by
Goldman Sachs Asset Management, the fund's investment adviser. The fund's
interest rate sensitivity is expected to be comparable to that of a five-year
bond.
 
NEW SHARE CLASSES
  To accommodate different clients' needs and preferences, the fund added three
new share classes as of August 15, 1997: Class C, Institutional and Service
shares.
 
MORTGAGE-BACKED SECURITIES PERFORMED WELL, BUOYED BY LOW VOLATILITY AND STRONG
INVESTOR DEMAND
  Mortgage-backed securities (MBS) performed well throughout the 12-month
period under review, supported by an accommodative interest rate environment.
During most of the period, rates remained within a generally narrow range,
which reassured investors that the pace of mortgage refinancing was likely to
remain subdued. (In contrast, declining interest rates tend to accelerate the
pace of mortgage refinancing, which depresses MBS prices.) As a result, the MBS
sector enjoyed strong demand from a wide range of investors, who viewed these
securities as a yield-enhanced alternative to Treasuries. Most of the MBS
sector's gains were achieved during the first half of the period, when yield
spreads relative to Treasuries narrowed significantly. Although the sector's
outperformance slowed during the balance of the period, spreads remained firm
due to low volatility and MBS's continued attractiveness relative to Treasuries
and agencies.
 
PERFORMANCE REVIEW
  The fund's strongest performers during the period under review were its
investments in collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs), which benefited
along with other mortgage-backed securities in the favorable interest rate
environment.
  We are pleased to report that the fund performed well relative to its peers.
For the 12-month period ended October 31, 1997, the fund's Class A shares
ranked within
 
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             CLASS A    CLASS B   CLASS C*  INSTITUTIONAL* SERVICE*
                            (10/31/96- (10/31/96- (8/15/97-   (8/15/97-    (8/15/97-
                            10/31/97)  10/31/97)  10/31/97)   10/ 31/97)   10/31/97)
                            ---------- ---------- --------- -------------- ---------
  <S>                       <C>        <C>        <C>       <C>            <C>
  Total Return (based on        8.72%      7.96%     2.72%        2.94%       2.85%
   net asset value [NAV])
    Return From Monthly         7.04%      6.22%     1.19%        1.40%
     Distributions                                                            1.31%
    Return From Price           1.68%      1.74%     1.53%        1.54%       1.54%
     Appreciation
  Total Return of Lehman
   Brothers Government /
   Mortgage Index               8.82%      8.82%     2.93%        2.93%       2.93%
  NAV (as of 10/31/97)        $14.59     $14.61    $14.60       $14.59      $14.59
  NAV Change                  +$0.23     +$0.24    +$0.22       +$0.22      +$0.22
  Total Distributions Paid
   Per Share+                  $0.97      $0.86     $0.17        $0.20       $0.19
</TABLE>
 
* New share class opened during the period. Performance and NAV change are
cumulative from inception date.
+ Dividends are declared daily and paid on a monthly basis. The fund
distributes substantially all of its taxable income, as is required for all
investment companies.
 
The fund's NAV and yield are not guaranteed by the U.S. government or by its
agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. All performance figures
represent past performance and in no way guarantee future results, which will
fluctuate as market conditions change. The investment return and principal
value of an investment in the fund will fluctuate, and therefore an investor's
shares when redeemed may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Goldman, Sachs & Co., the distributor of the fund, is not a bank, and fund
shares distributed by Goldman, Sachs & Co. are not deposits or obligations of,
or endorsed or guaranteed by, any bank or depository institution, nor are they
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Federal
Reserve Board or any other government agency.
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

the top 20% of intermediate U.S. government income funds (16th out of 123)
based on total return, according to Lipper Analytical Services, Inc. In
addition, the fund's Class B shares were ranked in the top third of its
category, 39th out of 123 funds, for the same period. (Please note that Lipper
rankings do not take sales charges into account and that past performance is
not a guarantee of future results. Class C, Institutional and Service shares
were not ranked for this period because they have been in existence less than
12 months.)
 
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
  During the period, we adhered to our strategy of focusing on securities that
we believed would fare well relative to the overall market regardless of the
direction of interest rates. Our investment philosophy is to match the fund's
duration (4.2 years as of October 31) to that of its benchmark and seek excess
return over the benchmark through sector weightings and specific security
selection.
 
                 PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF OCTOBER 31, 1997*
 
                                  [PIE CHART]

Fixed Rate Mortgage Pass-Throughs       29.6%
U.S. Treasuries                         22.7%
CMOs                                    18.6%
Asset-Backed Securities                 17.9%
U.S. Government Agency Obligations       8.2%
Municipal Bonds                          2.7%
Repos/Cash Equivalents                   0.3%

 
* The percentages shown are of total portfolio investments that have settled
and include an offset to cash equivalents relating to unsettled trades. These
percentages may differ from those in the accompanying Statement of Investments,
which reflect portfolio holdings as a percentage of net assets.
 
.. Fixed Rate Mortgage Pass-Throughs. As of October 31, fixed rate mortgage
pass-throughs represented 29.6% of the portfolio, compared with 40.4% a year
earlier. After yield spreads between pass-throughs and Treasuries narrowed
during the period due to the favorable market environment and strong investor
demand, we reduced the fund's allocation to the sector in favor of more
attractively valued securities.
  We also used mortgage dollar rolls during the period, which helped the
portfolio to benefit from short-term supply and demand imbalances in the
mortgage settlement process. (Mortgage dollar rolls refer to transactions that
involve selling mortgage securities owned by the fund and simultaneously
contracting to buy back similar mortgage securities with the same coupon on a
specified future date--usually one month forward.) At all times, we "cover" the
mortgage dollar rolls by keeping cash or high-grade liquid assets equal to the
dollar amount of the forward commitment in a segregated account with the fund's
custodian.
 
.. U.S. Treasuries and Repurchase Agreements/Cash Equivalents. The portfolio
held a 22.7% allocation in U.S. Treasuries as of October 31, up from 16.2% a
year earlier. We added to the fund's holdings in Treasuries as we trimmed its
exposure to alternative sectors, such as pass-throughs, that had become more
fully valued and appeared to have limited potential for further outperformance.
The fund's repurchase agreement/cash equivalent holdings, which accounted for
1.1% of the portfolio a year ago, represented a scant 0.3% by the end of the
period.
 
.. CMOs. CMO securities performed well during the period as the sector benefited
from the same favorable influences as other mortgage-backed securities. During
the period, we trimmed the CMO allocation to 18.6%, down from 22.0% last
October, as these securities became more fully valued. Within the sector,
planned amortization class (PAC) CMOs were 9.0% of the portfolio, sequential-
pay/support CMOs were 7.1% of the portfolio and the remainder was invested in a
variety of other CMO structures, discussed below.

- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
Letter to Shareholders
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND (continued)
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
 
.. Asset-Backed Securities (ABS). As of October 31, 17.9% of the portfolio was
invested in asset-backed securities. ABSs continued to perform well during the
period, but heavy issuance during the second half of the period caused yield
spreads to widen and restrained the sector's relative performance.
 
.. U.S. Government Agency Obligations. During the period, the fund's allocation
to agency obligations was raised to 8.2%, up from 0.4% a year ago, as we added
securities backed by Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. These
securities are guaranteed by the U.S. government and offer nearly twice the
yield spread of conventional (i.e., GNMA, FNMA, FHLMC) agencies.
 
.. Municipal Bonds. We added a small position in municipal bonds (2.7% as of
October 31) to take advantage of seasonal supply imbalances in the municipal
sector. We expect to "unwind" this trade when equilibrium is restored.
 
.. Issuer Composition. The portfolio composition of the fund's mortgage-backed
security holdings by issuer was 16.5% in Federal National Mortgage Association
(FNMA) issues, 11.5% in Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC) issues
and 10.6% in Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA) issues.
 
.. Credit Quality. As of October 31, 69.5% of the portfolio was invested in U.S.
government and agency securities, 27.5% of the portfolio was invested in
triple-A-rated securities, 2.7% was invested in municipal bond issues and 0.3%
was invested in repurchase agreements/cash equivalents.
 
.. Prudent Use of Derivatives. As noted, the portfolio held PAC CMOs and
sequential-pay/support CMOs, which are generally considered to be lower risk
derivative instruments. The portfolio also had small positions in higher risk
derivative securities, which we used in seeking to enhance return without
incurring undue risk. These included inverse floaters, interest-only (IO) CMOs
and principal-only (PO) CMOs, and their combined position accounted for 2.5% of
the portfolio as of the end of the period. In addition, we used futures in
seeking to manage the duration to approximate that of the benchmark.
 
MARKET OUTLOOK
  We believe Federal Reserve officials are likely to keep monetary policy on
hold until the first half of 1998, when tight labor markets may generate
sufficient wage pressures to prompt the Fed to raise rates.
  In terms of individual fixed income sectors, the recent turmoil in the
financial markets caused the spreads of mortgage pass-throughs to widen
relative to Treasuries. Lower coupon pass-throughs underperformed higher coupon
pass-throughs during this volatile period and, as a result, currently represent
a more attractive risk/return trade-off. In the CMO sector, liquidity is poor
in the wake of the recent gyrations in the financial markets, largely due to
investor attention being diverted elsewhere rather than sector-specific
reasons. Similarly, the ABS sector also came under pressure at the end of the
period due to supply pressures and general uncertainty related to the Asian
financial crisis. Although investors have been buying selectively at these
wider yield spread levels, we believe the sector may remain soft through year-
end.
 
 
/s/ Jonathan A. Beinner
 
Jonathan A. Beinner

 
/s/ Erica Adelberg 

Erica Adelberg 


/s/ James B. Clark
 
James B. Clark
 
Portfolio Managers
Goldman Sachs Government Income Fund
November 28, 1997
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
the following data is supplied for the periods ended October 31, 1997. The
performance for each class of the Goldman Sachs Government Income Fund
(assuming both the maximum sales charge of 4.5% and no sales charge for Class A
shares and the appropriate redemption fee and no redemption fee for the Class B
and Class C shares), is compared with its benchmarks--the Lehman Brothers
Mutual Fund Government/Mortgage Index ("Lehman Gov't/MBS Index") and the Lehman
Brothers Mutual Fund General U.S. Government Index ("Lehman U.S. Gov't Index").
All performance data shown represents past performance and should not be
considered indicative of future performance which will fluctuate as market
conditions change. The investment return and principal value of an investment
will fluctuate with changes in market conditions so that an investor's shares,
when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.
 
                         [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] 
 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>  
                        Class A Shares (a)      Class A Shares (a)      Lehman Gov't/MBS        Lehman U.S. Gov't 
                        (No Sales Charge)       (W/Sales Charge)             Index                   Index       
<S>                     <C>                     <C>                     <C>                     <C>               
3/1/93                       10000                     9550                   10000                   10000 
10/31/93                     10506                    10033                   10584                   10699
10/31/94                     10192                     9734                   10267                   10220
10/31/95                     11710                    11183                   11819                   11792
10/31/96                     12392                    11834                   12500                   12395
10/31/97                     13472                    12866                   13603                   13468
</TABLE> 

                         [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                          Class B Shares          Class B Shares        Lehman Gov't/MBS        Lehman U.S. Gov't   
                       (W/out redempt. charge)  (W/redempt. charge)          Index                   Index          
<S>                     <C>                     <C>                     <C>                     <C>                 
5/1/96                       10000                    10000                   10000                   10000         
10/31/96                     10485                    10485                   10512                   10508         
10/31/97                     11319                    10919                   11439                   11418         
</TABLE> 

                         [GRAPH APPEARS HERE] 
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                         Class C Shares          Class C Shares       Lehman Gov't/MBS        Lehman U.S. Gov't  
                     (W/out redempt. charge)   (W/redempt. charge)           Index                   Index 
<S>                     <C>                     <C>                     <C>                     <C>                
8/15/97                      10000                    10000                   10000                   10000        
10/31/97                     10272                    10172                   10293                   10326        
</TABLE> 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 
 
                             [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

            Institutional Shares    Lehman Gov't/MBS Index    Lehman U.S. Gov't 

8/15/97           50000                   50000                   50000
10/31/97          51470                   51465                   51630 

                             [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

            Service Shares          Lehman Gov't/MBS Index    Lehman U.S. Gov't 
                                     
                                     
8/15/97           50000                   50000                   50000 
10/31/97          51425                   51465                   51630 

                                        ------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           Average Annual Total
                                                  Return
                                        ------------------------
                                                       Since
                                           One Year Inception(b)
          <S>                              <C>      <C>
          Class A Shares, excluding sales
           charge                           8.72%      7.14%
              --------------------------------------------------
          Class A Shares, including sales
           charge                           2.45%      6.06%
              --------------------------------------------------
          Class B Shares, excluding
           redemption charge                7.96%      8.59%
              --------------------------------------------------
          Class B Shares, including
           redemption charge                3.19%      4.59%
              --------------------------------------------------
          Class C Shares, excluding
           redemption charge                 N/A       2.72%(c)
              --------------------------------------------------
          Class C Shares, including
           redemption charge                 N/A       1.72%(c)
              --------------------------------------------------
          Institutional Shares               N/A       2.94%(c)
              --------------------------------------------------
          Service Shares                     N/A       2.85%(c)
</TABLE>
 
(a) For comparative purposes, initial investments are assumed to be made on the
    first day of the month following the Fund's commencement of operations.
(b) Class A, Class B, Class C, Institutional and Service shares commenced
    operations February 10, 1993, May 1, 1996, August 15, 1997, August 15, 1997
    and August 15, 1997, respectively.
(c) An aggregate total return (not annualized) is shown instead of an average
    annual total return since the Class C, Institutional and Service had not
    completed a full twelve months of operations.
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Statement of Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal             Interest                     Maturity
   Amount                Rate                         Date                            Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>                          <C>                            <C>
MORTGAGE BACKED OBLIGATIONS--47.3%
FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORP. (FHLMC)--5.0%
$  1,000,000             7.00%                      TBA-15 Yr(a)                   $ 1,014,060
   2,000,000             6.50                       TBA-15 Yr(a)                     1,999,360
   1,000,000             7.50                       TBA-30 Yr(a)                     1,022,180
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   $ 4,035,600
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (FNMA)--13.7%
$    493,919             6.50%                      08/01/25                       $   488,051
     273,298             6.50                       09/01/25                           269,712
     319,238             6.50                       10/01/25                           315,050
     376,084             6.50                       11/01/25                           371,150
      69,575             6.50                       12/01/25                            68,510
     405,889             6.50                       12/01/25                           400,478
   2,000,000             6.50                       TBA-7 Yr(a)                      2,004,360
   1,000,000             7.50                       TBA-15 Yr(a)                     1,025,620
   6,000,000             7.00                       TBA-30 Yr(a)                     6,018,720
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   $10,961,651
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOVERNMENT NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION--10.3%
$    216,326             9.00%                      10/15/19                       $   234,443
      92,691             9.00                       12/15/19                           100,338
     290,474             7.50                       04/15/23                           297,916
     306,387             7.00                       05/15/23                           308,970
     330,300             7.00                       06/15/23                           333,084
     330,759             7.00                       07/15/23                           333,547
     521,822             7.50                       07/15/23                           535,191
     161,311             8.00                       12/15/26                           167,410
     470,106             8.00                       12/15/26                           487,881
     330,803             8.00                       12/15/26                           343,209
   1,000,000             7.00                       TBA-30 Yr(a)                     1,005,620
   3,000,000             7.50                       TBA-30 Yr(a)                     3,067,500
   1,000,000             8.00                       TBA-30 Yr(a)                     1,037,810
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   $ 8,252,919
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS--18.3%
INTEREST ONLY--0.2%
FNMA Interest-Only Stripped Security, Series 151, Class 2
$    574,420             9.50%(b)                   07/25/22                       $   163,164
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   $   163,164
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVERSE FLOATER--1.8%
FHLMC Series 1666, Class SB
$  1,082,875             6.24%(c)                   01/15/24                       $ 1,030,984
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal              Interest                        Maturity
   Amount                 Rate                            Date                          Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>                             <C>                          <C>
MORTGAGE BACKED OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
INVERSE FLOATER (CONTINUED)
FNMA Remic Trust, Series 1992-62, Class S
$    404,038              9.42%(c)                      05/25/99                     $   410,220
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     $ 1,441,204
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NON-AGENCY COMMERCIAL MBS--1.9%
First Union--Lehman Brothers Commercial Mortgage Services
 Series 1997-C1, Class A2
$    400,000              7.30%                         12/18/06                     $   422,469
JP Morgan Commercial Mortgage Finance Corp., Series 1997-C4
     500,000              7.32                          12/26/28                         522,813
Morgan Stanley Capital Commercial Mortgage, Inc. Series 1997-C1
     500,000              7.46                          05/15/06                         524,063
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     $ 1,469,345
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLANNED AMORTIZATION CLASS (PAC) CMOS--8.9%
FHLMC Series 1919, Class D
$  3,000,000              6.50%                         06/15/22                     $ 3,007,020
FHLMC Series 1985, Class PC
   1,000,000              6.35                          05/17/18                       1,005,310
FNMA Remic Trust, Series 1997-9, Class B
   1,000,000              6.50                          10/25/22                       1,005,580
GE Capital Mortgage Services, Inc. Series 1997-8, Class A13
   2,000,000              7.25                          10/25/27                       2,054,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     $ 7,071,910
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPAL ONLY--0.5%
FNMA Remic Trust, Series G-35, Class N
$    521,085             6.30%(d)                       10/25/21                     $   423,595
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     $   423,595
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEQUENTIAL FIXED RATE CMOS--2.1%
Citicorp Mortgage Securities Inc. Series 1993-11, Class A6
$    743,151              6.25%                         09/25/08                     $   737,005
GE Capital Mortgage Services, Inc., Series 1994-10, Class A22
     996,703              6.50                          03/25/24                         932,196
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     $ 1,669,201
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPORT--2.9%
Housing Securities, Inc., Series 1994-1, Class A13
$  1,455,585              6.50%                         03/25/09                     $ 1,415,105
</TABLE>
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
Statement of Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND (continued)
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal               Interest                       Maturity
   Amount                  Rate                           Date                            Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>                            <C>                            <C>
MORTGAGE BACKED OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
Salomon Brothers Mortgage Securities
$  1,000,000               6.00%                        09/30/08                       $   959,490
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                       $ 2,374,595
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS                                             $14,613,014
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL MORTGAGE BACKED OBLIGATIONS (COST $37,315,183)                                   $37,863,184
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AGENCY DEBENTURES--2.9%
Sri Lanka Aid
$  2,375,000               5.84%                        02/21/16                       $ 2,356,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL AGENCY DEBENTURES
 (COST $2,339,375)                                                                     $ 2,356,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES--17.4%
AESOP Funding Series 1997-1, Class A2(g)
$  1,350,000               6.40%                        10/20/03                       $ 1,364,573
AFC Series 1997-1, Class A
   1,307,028               5.88                         07/25/27                         1,302,532
Chemical Bank Master Credit Card Trust, Series 1995-2, Class A
     720,000               6.23                         06/15/03                           723,370
CPS Auto Grantor Trust
     737,835               6.30                         08/15/02                           740,115
Fasco Auto Trust, Series 1996-1
     940,730               6.65                         11/15/01                           953,693
Fingerhut Master Trust, Series 1996-1, Class A
     590,000               6.45                         02/20/02                           594,053
First Merchants Auto Trust Series 1996-B, Class A1
     846,804               5.74                         03/15/00                           846,279
First USA Credit Card Master Trust Series 1997-6, Class A
   1,600,000               6.42                         03/17/05                         1,616,992
Ford Credit Auto Loan Master Trust, Series 1996-1, Class A
     650,000               5.50                         02/15/03                           636,591
Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investments, Inc. Series 1997-FF2, Class A
   2,240,134               5.93                         08/25/28                         2,240,134
Mid-State Trust Series 4, Class A
   1,138,418               8.33                         04/01/30                         1,227,977
Olympic Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 1994-B, Class A2
     313,954               6.85                         06/15/01                           318,912
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal                Interest                     Maturity
   Amount                   Rate                         Date                          Value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>                          <C>                          <C>
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (CONTINUED)
Premier Auto Trust, Series 1993-6, Class A2
$    159,891                4.65%                      11/02/99                     $   158,692
Premier Auto Trust, Series 1994-1, Class A3
      65,058                4.75                       02/02/00                          64,935
Prudential Securities, Series 1995-2, Class A
     630,842                6.02                       11/15/15                         632,817
Sears Credit Account Master Trust, Series 1995-2, Class A
     460,000                8.10                       06/15/04                         475,953
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
 (COST $13,870,581)                                                                 $13,897,618
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INSURED REVENUE BONDS--2.7%
New Jersey Economic Development Authority Series A
$  2,000,000                7.43%                      02/15/29                     $ 2,171,840
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INSURED REVENUE BONDS
 (COST $2,000,000)                                                                  $ 2,171,840
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY OBLIGATIONS--5.0%
Small Business Administration
$  1,676,696                7.15%                      03/01/17                     $ 1,737,543
   1,380,207                7.50                       04/01/17                       1,456,022
     800,000                7.30                       05/01/17                         834,128
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY OBLIGATIONS
 (COST $3,856,903)                                                                  $ 4,027,693
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS--22.0%
United States Treasury Bonds
$    450,000                7.50%                      11/15/16                     $   514,899
   2,120,000                8.75                       05/15/20                       2,763,950
     700,000                7.88                       02/15/21                         840,112
     100,000(e)             8.13                       05/15/21                         123,187
     690,000                7.63                       02/15/25                         817,001
United States Treasury Notes
   3,400,000                6.00                       08/15/99                       3,419,652
   2,310,000(e)             6.88                       08/31/99                       2,358,371
   3,900,000                5.63                       11/30/00                       3,888,417
   1,750,000                6.63                       07/31/01                       1,800,855
United States Treasury Principal Only Stripped Securities(d)
     950,000                5.93                       11/15/04                         630,069
   1,850,000                5.96                       05/15/20                         450,826
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS
 (COST $17,086,592)                                                                 $17,607,339
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal              Interest                       Maturity
  Amount                  Rate                           Date                            Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>                            <C>                            <C>
REPURCHASE AGREEMENT--25.3%
Joint Repurchase Agreement Account(e)
$20,200,000               5.76%                        11/03/97                       $20,200,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL REPURCHASE AGREEMENT
 (COST $20,200,000)                                                                   $20,200,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
 (COST $96,668,634(F))                                                                $98,123,674
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Futures contracts open at October 31, 1997 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                Number of
                                Contracts                     Unrealized
           Type              Long (Short)(h) Settlement Month Gain (Loss)
- ---------------------------  --------------- ---------------- -----------
<S>                          <C>             <C>              <C>
5 Year U.S. Treasury Notes          31        December 1997     $ 24,594
10 Year U.S. Treasury Notes        (21)       December 1997      (20,938)
U.S. 20 Year Long Term Bond          9        December 1997       55,162
                                                              ----------
                                                                $ 58,818
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION:
Gross unrealized gain for investments in which value
 exceeds cost                                                  $1,557,196
Gross unrealized loss for investments in which cost
 exceeds value                                                   (102,858)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized gain                                            $1,454,338
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(a) TBA (To Be Assigned) securities are purchased on a forward commitment basis
    with an approximate (generally + / -2.5%) principal amount and no definite
    maturity date. The actual principal amount and maturity date will be
    determined upon settlement when the specific mortgage pools are assigned.
(b) Represents security with notional or nominal principal amount. The actual
    effective yield of this security is different than the stated coupon due to
    the amortization of related premiums.
(c) Variable rate security. Coupon rate disclosed is that which is in effect at
    October 31, 1997.
(d) The interest rate disclosed for these securities represents effective
    yields to maturity.
(e) Portions of these securities are being segregated for open TBA purchases,
    open futures contracts and futures margin requirements.
(f) The aggregate cost for Federal income tax purposes is $96,669,336.
(g) Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act
    of 1933. Such securities may be resold, normally to qualified institutional
    buyers in transactions exempt from registration. Total market value of the
    Rule 144A securities amounted to $1,364,573 as of October 31, 1997.
(h) Each 5-Year and 10-Year U.S. Treasury Note and each U.S. Long 20-Year Term
    Bond contract represents $100,000 in notional par value. The total notional
    amount and market value at risk are $6,100,000 and $3,412,969,
    respectively. The determination of notional amounts as presented here are
    indicative only of volume of activity and not a measure of market risk.
 
The percentage shown for each investment category reflects the value of
investments in that category as a percentage of net assets.
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
 
Letter to Shareholders
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS GLOBAL INCOME FUND
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
  The Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund seeks high total return, composed of
both current income and capital appreciation. All securities purchased by the
fund will be rated, at the time of investment, at least BBB by S&P or Baa by
Moody's. The fund will invest at least 50% of its total assets in securities
rated AAA by S&P or Aaa by Moody's, at the time of investment. The maximum
duration of the fund is 7.5 years and its approximate interest rate sensitivity
is comparable to that of a six-year bond. Under normal market conditions, the
fund's neutral position is to be fully hedged into U.S. dollars to best serve
the needs of U.S. shareholders. However, the fund may engage in currency
transactions, both to hedge exchange rate risk and to seek to enhance returns.
 
NEW SHARE CLASSES
  To accommodate different clients' needs and preferences, the fund added
Service shares on March 12, 1997 and Class C shares on August 15, 1997.
 
MOST GLOBAL BONDS PERFORMED WELL, SUPPORTED BY FAVORABLE ECONOMIC CONDITIONS
AND EMU-RELATED YIELD CONVERGENCE
  Global bonds performed well during the period under review. Though fears of
rising inflation impacted several major markets during the first quarter of
1997, most of these bonds subsequently rebounded. Government bonds in the U.S.
and Europe closed the period on a particularly strong note. Demand for these
securities surged when they were perceived as a safe haven in the wake of the
spreading Asian financial crisis.
  In Europe, the U.K. and the higher yielding markets (e.g., Spain and Italy)
significantly outperformed the "core" and "near core" markets (e.g., Germany,
France and the Netherlands). The U.K. was the strongest European performer
during the fiscal year under review, which was particularly notable because it
trailed most other markets early in the period. Within continental Europe,
Spain and Italy achieved the best returns as their markets were buoyed by weak
economic growth and low inflation. In addition, these markets benefited from
convergence trades triggered by rising optimism regarding their inclusion in
the European Monetary Union (EMU). However, "core" European markets lagged, as
a rebound in German manufacturing and production toward the end of the period
led the Bundesbank to increase interest rates in a preemptive strike against
inflation.
  The dollar bloc achieved positive returns, but performance varied widely.
Australia posted the strongest performance of the major global bond markets, as
lower-than-expected wage and inflation data prompted the Reserve Bank to
continue to cut interest rates. In contrast, the U.S. trailed all other bond
markets. Though Treasuries performed well during the latter half of the period,
their 12-month return suffered because of their weak performance during the
first quarter of 1997, when accelerating growth pushed yields higher. In Japan,
Japanese Governments Bonds (JGBs) rallied as poor economic conditions--
including weak production, a buildup in inventories and anemic domestic
demand--made interest rate hikes increasingly unlikely. As a result, JGBs fared
better than Treasuries and several European bonds.
 
PERFORMANCE REVIEW: COUNTRY ALLOCATIONS CONTRIBUTED TO PERFORMANCE
  During the period under review, the fund underperformed its benchmark, the
J.P. Morgan Global Government Bond Index (hedged into U.S. dollars) (the
"Index"). The Index covers 14 major bond markets and reflects their currency
exposures. The largest contributors to the fund's performance included its
overweighted positions in the U.K. and Italy, two of the strongest markets
during the period. However, the fund's underweightings in Canada and Japan
proved to be a drag on its performance relative to the benchmark when those
markets performed well.
  However, we are pleased to report that the fund fared well relative to its
peers. For the three-year period ended October 31, 1997, Morningstar, Inc., an
independent
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
rating agency, rated the fund's Class A shares five stars (in a universe of
1,338 taxable bond funds), its highest rating./1/
  The fund also performed well compared with its peers in Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc.'s global income category. For the 12-month period ended October
31, the Institutional, Class A and Class B shares ranked 6th, 10th and 14th,
respectively, out of 137 global income funds based on total return. For the
five-year period ended October 31, 1997, the fund's Class A shares ranked
within the top quartile (10th out of 48 funds) of its category. (Please note
that Lipper rankings do not take sales charges into account and that past
performance is not a guarantee of future results. Class C and Service shares
were not ranked for these periods because they were in existence less than 12
months.)
  Though the portfolio is typically fully hedged into U.S. dollars, we
successfully employed several currency strategies during the period. For
example, the fund held long U.S. dollar positions against the yen and several
European currencies, which benefited performance when continued weakness in
Japanese and European economies was reflected in their exchange rates.
 
- ------------------------
 
/1/ Source: (C)1997 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved. Morningstar
proprietary ratings reflect historical risk-adjusted performance as of
10/31/97. The ratings are subject to change every month. Past performance is no
guarantee of future results. Morningstar ratings are calculated from a fund's
three-, five-, and ten-year average annual returns (where applicable) in excess
of 90-day Treasury bill returns with appropriate fee and sales charge
adjustments and a risk factor that reflects fund performance below 90-day
Treasury bill returns. The fund's Class A shares received four stars for the
five-year period and were rated among 732 taxable bond funds. The Morningstar
ratings apply only to the fund's Class A shares; the fund's Class B, Class C,
Institutional and Service shares have not been rated. Class B, Class C,
Institutional and Service shares are subject to additional fees and expenses,
which may have the effect of lowering performance and may affect any future
Morningstar rating. Morningstar rates each fund against its peers in the same
category. In all, there are four Morningstar categories (domestic equity,
international equity, taxable bond and municipal). Morningstar ratings range
from five stars (highest) to one star (lowest). Funds with five-star ratings
are in the top 10% of their category, four-star ratings in the next 22.5%,
three stars the next 35%, two stars the next 22.5% and one star the lowest 10%
of their categories.
 
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              CLASS A     CLASS B    CLASS C*  INSTITUTIONAL  SERVICE*
                            (10/31/96 - (10/31/96 - (8/15/97 -  (10/31/96 -  (3/12/97 -
                             10/31/97)   10/31/97)  10/31/97)    10/31/97)   10/31/97)
                            ----------- ----------- ---------- ------------- ----------
  <S>                       <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>           <C>
  Total Return (based on
   net asset value [NAV])       9.66%       9.04%       3.03%      10.26%        6.42%
    Return From Monthly
     Distributions              5.62%       5.15%       1.27%       6.21%        0.22%
    Return From Price
     Appreciation               4.04%       3.89%       1.76%       4.05%        6.20%
  Total Return of J.P.
   Morgan Global
   Government Bond Index       10.58%      10.58%       3.01%      10.58%        7.41%
  NAV (as of 10/31/97)        $15.10      $15.08      $15.06      $15.09       $15.09
  NAV Change                  +$0.57      +$0.55      +$0.26      +$0.57       +$0.40
  Total Distributions Paid
   Per Share+                  $0.79       $0.73       $0.19       $0.87        $0.52
</TABLE>
 
* New share class opened during the period. Performance and NAV change are
cumulative from inception date.
+ The fund declares and pays dividends on a monthly basis. The fund distributes
substantially all of its taxable income, as is required for all investment
companies.
 
The fund's foreign investments and active management techniques entail risks in
addition to those customarily associated with investing in dollar-denominated
securities of U.S. issuers. Compared with U.S. securities markets, foreign
markets may be less liquid, more volatile and less subject to governmental
regulation, and may make available less public information about issuers. The
fund may incur losses because of changes in securities prices expressed in
local currencies, movements in exchange rates or both. All performance figures
represent past performance and in no way guarantee future results, which will
fluctuate as market conditions change. The investment return and principal
value of an investment in the fund will fluctuate, and therefore an investor's
shares when redeemed may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Goldman, Sachs & Co., the distributor of the fund, is not a bank, and fund
shares distributed by Goldman, Sachs & Co. are not deposits or obligations of,
or endorsed or guaranteed by, any bank or depository institution, nor are they
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Federal
Reserve Board or any other government agency.
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
Letter to Shareholders
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS GLOBAL INCOME FUND (continued)
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

 
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
 
                 PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF OCTOBER 31, 1997*
 
                                 [PIE CHART]

U.S.                    31.5%
U.K.                    14.1%
Japan                   12.1%
Italy                   11.1%
Germany                 11.0%
New Zealand              7.4%
Spain                    4.0%
Cash                     3.5%
France                   3.0%
Sweden                   1.3%
Australia                1.0%
 
* The percentages shown are of total portfolio investments that have settled
and include an offset to cash equivalents relating to unsettled trades. These
percentages may differ from those in the accompanying Statement of Investments,
which reflect portfolio holdings as a percentage of net assets.
 
.. Dollar Bloc. As of October 31, 1997, 39.9% of the fund was invested in the
dollar bloc countries (e.g., the U.S., Australia and New Zealand) compared with
43.8% for the Index. Though the fund was underweighted in the dollar bloc in
terms of market positions, the sector represented a neutral allocation relative
to the benchmark on a duration-weighted basis.
  U.S. As noted, the U.S. lagged other major bond markets. The fund was
underweighted in U.S. Treasuries relative to the Index (31.5% versus 39.6% as
of October 31), which worked in its favor when Treasuries came under pressure
during the first quarter of 1997 amid accelerating growth and a Federal Reserve
rate hike. When Treasuries later rallied, however, the underweighting detracted
from the fund's performance relative to the benchmark.
  Other Dollar Bloc Countries. In June, we initiated a position in New Zealand
(7.4% of the portfolio as of October 31), in the expectation that economic
weakness would push interest rates lower (and bond prices higher). When yield
spreads between the U.S. and New Zealand narrowed, the allocation contributed
to performance. The portfolio also held an overweighted position in Australian
bonds during the first half of the period, which we then sold at a profit after
that market rallied. Toward the end of the period, we reestablished a neutral
weighting in Australia (1.0% as of October 31). The fund briefly held a
position in Canada, but was not invested in that market during most of the
period because Canada's strengthening economy indicated an unattractive
risk/return trade-off.
 
.. Europe. The fund was overweighted in Europe compared with the Index, 44.5%
versus 41.7%. This strategy worked to the fund's advantage because most
European bonds performed well due to favorable bond market conditions
throughout the region.
  U.K. During the first half of the period, the U.K. gilt sold off when a surge
in consumer spending contributed to a sharp acceleration in growth and fueled
fears of inflation. However, later in the year, gilts rebounded dramatically.
Fixed income investors were encouraged when the newly independent Bank of
England demonstrated its determination to fight inflation by initiating a
series of rate hikes. In January, we increased the fund's U.K. allocation to an
overweighting when our analysis indicated that the gilt market had become
oversold. When the U.K. market recovered, this strategy significantly
contributed to the fund's performance. The fund continued to overweight the
U.K. at the end of the period, 14.1% compared with 6.9% for the benchmark.
  Germany and France. Within the "core" European markets, weak economic
activity in Germany and France helped support their bond markets during the
first half of the period. During the summer, however, the performance of these
markets began to deteriorate when accelerating growth in Germany rekindled
inflationary fears. In early October, these concerns prompted the Bundesbank to
raise its repo rate, and other "core" markets, such as France, quickly followed
with their own rate hikes. As of the end of the period, the fund was
overweighted in Germany (11.0% versus 8.6% for the Index) and underweighted in
France (3.0% versus 8.0%).
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

  Italy, Spain and Sweden. In the higher yielding markets, the portfolio
benefited from a significant overweighting in Italy (11.1% versus 5.6% for the
Index as of October 31) and a slight overweighting in Spain (4.0% versus 3.2%).
Both of these markets performed extremely well as yield spreads relative to
other European markets narrowed significantly in anticipation of their
participation in EMU. The fund held a neutral weighting in Sweden during most
of the period, which we then reduced to an under-weighting (1.3% versus 1.8%)
because its accelerating economy is likely to trigger rising bond yields.
 
.. Japan. During the first half of the period, the fund significantly
underweighted Japan. This strategy detracted from performance, since JGBs
performed well as investors focused on the fragility of Japan's banking system.
When Japan's economy deteriorated during the latter half of the period, we
increased the portfolio's duration-weighted exposure in the expectation that
interest rates would need to remain at historically low levels in the absence
of fiscal stimulus. As of October 31, the fund held a 12.1% allocation in
Japan.
 
.. Cash Equivalents. As of October 31, 3.5% of the fund was in cash equivalents.
We reduced this position from 15.4% a year ago as we identified attractive
investment opportunities.
 
.. Duration. The fund's duration was slightly longer than that of the Index as
of October 31, 5.6 years versus 5.3 years, primarily due to overweightings in
U.K. and Italy. (Duration is a measurement of the fund's sensitivity to
interest rate movements; the shorter the duration, the less the fund's NAV
should move in relation to interest rate fluctuations.)
 
FUND OUTLOOK
  In the near term, the outlook for global bond markets will be heavily
dependent on the fortunes of global equity markets. If uncertainty related to
the Asian financial crisis continues to impact equities, we expect bonds will
continue to benefit from investor demand for lower risk assets.
  In the U.S., inflationary pressures remain in place with tight labor market
conditions, strong consumer confidence, robust growth and solid corporate
earnings. Though the deflationary impact of the Asian situation will help
offset these domestic influences, we expect Treasury prices to decline if
investors regain confidence in global equity markets and begin to reduce their
Treasury holdings. In other dollar bloc countries, we are neutral on Australia,
which has experienced significant spread contraction in recent months; positive
on New Zealand, which is attractively valued following a recent sell-off; and
remain negative on Canada, which is vulnerable to the rising risks of an
overheating economy.
  Within Europe, we believe yields in several countries reflect an overly
pessimistic view of future interest rate increases. As a result, we expect
these markets to offer attractive returns as current steep yield curves
flatten. We are particularly positive on the U.K., which we expect to continue
to benefit from the Bank of England's proactive stance toward monetary policy,
and Italy, which we believe will experience further spread contraction as the
likelihood of its participation in EMU increases. In Japan, we expect that bond
yields will remain near their current levels with the economy remaining very
weak and concerns rising over the extent of Japanese banks' exposure to other
Asian markets.
 
 
/s/ Stephen C. Fitzgerald
Stephen C. Fitzgerald
Portfolio Manager, Fixed Income Investments
 
 
/s/ Andrew F. Wilson
Andrew F. Wilson
Portfolio Manager, Fixed Income Investments
 
 
/s/ Gareth I. Evans
Gareth I. Evans
Portfolio Manager, Currency
 
Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund
London, November 28, 1997
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS GLOBAL INCOME FUND
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
the following data is supplied for the periods ended October 31, 1997. The
performance for each class of the Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund (assuming
both the maximum sales charge of 4.5% and no sales charge for the Class A
shares and the appropriate redemption fee and no redemption fee for the Class B
and Class C shares) is compared with its benchmark--the J.P. Morgan Global
Government Bond Index hedged to U.S. Dollars ("J.P. Morgan GGB Index-$
Hedged"). All performance data shown represents past performance and should not
be considered indicative of future performance which will fluctuate as market
conditions change. The investment return and principal value of an investment
will fluctuate with changes in market conditions so that an investor's shares,
when redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost.

          Class A Shares (a)  Class A Shares (a)  JP Morgan GGB Index - $
          (No Sales Charge)   (W/Sales Charge)         Hedged
 
9/1/91          10000               9550                10000
10/31/91        10145               9688                10263
10/31/92        11034              10538                11156
10/31/93        12220              11670                12509
10/31/94        11672              11146                12051
10/31/95        13432              12827                13903
10/31/96        14921              14250                15306
10/31/97        16362              15627                16925

              Class B Shares        Class B Shares        JP Morgan GGB Index
          (w/out redempt. charge) (w/redempt. charge)         $ Hedged

5/1/96          10000                   10000                   10000
10/31/96        10624                   10624                   10653
10/31/97        11584                   11184                   11780 


                Class C Shares        Class C Shares      JP Morgan GGB Index
           (w/out redempt. charge)  (w/redempt. charge)        $ Hedged

8/15/97         10000                     10000                 10000
10/31/97        10303                     10203                 10301 

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

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

         Institutional Shares   JP Morgan GGB Index - $ Hedged 

8/1/95          10000                       10000 
10/31/95        10442                       10351 
10/31/96        11651                       11395 
10/31/97        l2846                       12601 


            Service Shares      JP Morgan GGB Index - $ Hedged     

3/12/97         10000                       10000  
10/31/97        10642                       10741 

                                  ------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Average Annual Total Return
                                  --------------------------------------------
                                                                     Since
                                               One Year Five Year Inception(b)
       <S>                                     <C>      <C>       <C>
       Class A Shares, excluding sales charge    9.66%    8.19%       8.28%
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Class A Shares, including sales charge    3.26%    7.36%       7.48%
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Class B Shares, excluding redemption
        charge                                   9.04%     N/A       10.27%
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Class B Shares, including redemption
        charge                                   4.33%     N/A        6.27%
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Class C Shares, excluding redemption
        charge                                   N/A       N/A        3.03%(c)
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Class C Shares, including redemption
        charge                                   N/A       N/A        2.03%(c)
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Institutional Shares                     10.26%     N/A       11.75%
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Service Shares                            N/A       N/A        6.42%(c)
</TABLE>
 
(a) For comparative purposes, initial investments are assumed to be made on the
    first day of the month following the Fund's commencement of operations of
    Class A, Class C and Service shares.
(b) The Class A, Class B, Institutional, Service and Class C shares commenced
    operations August 2, 1991, May 1, 1996, August 1, 1995, March 12, 1997 and
    August 15, 1997, respectively.
(c) An aggregate total return (not annualized) is shown instead of an average
    annual total return since Class C and Service had not completed a full
    twelve months of operations.
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

                                       16
<PAGE>
 
Statement of Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS GLOBAL INCOME FUND
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal                    Interest                   Maturity
Amount(a)                      Rate                       Date                        Value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>                        <C>                        <C>
DEBT OBLIGATIONS--79.4%
AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR--1.0%
Commonwealth of Australia
AUD      2,500,000            10.00%                    02/15/06                   $  2,223,818
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BRITISH POUND STERLING--13.9%
United Kingdom Treasury
BPS     17,000,000             8.50%                    07/16/07                   $ 32,283,075
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEUTSCHEMARK--10.8%
Federal Republic of Germany
DEM     13,500,000             8.00%                    07/22/02                   $  8,783,066
         2,000,000             6.50                     10/14/05                      1,233,670
         7,000,000             6.25                     04/26/06                      4,251,247
        13,000,000             6.00                     01/04/07                      7,752,640
Treuhandanstalt
         5,000,000             6.38                     07/01/99                      2,996,287
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   $ 25,016,910
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FRENCH FRANC--3.0%
Government of France
FRF     40,000,000             4.75%                    03/12/02                   $  6,862,393
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ITALIAN LIRA--10.8%
Republic of Italy
ITL 26,000,000,000             9.50%                    05/01/01                   $ 17,180,272
    13,000,000,000             6.75                     07/01/07                      8,000,413
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   $ 25,180,685
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
JAPANESE YEN--12.1%
Asian Development Bank
JPY    350,000,000             5.63%                    02/18/02                   $  3,449,834
Federal National Mortgage Association
       740,000,000             2.22                     10/09/07                      6,256,950
Government of Japan
       850,000,000             2.50                     06/20/07                      7,477,245
Kingdom of Spain
       600,000,000             3.10                     09/20/06                      5,490,237
Republic of Italy
       550,000,000             5.13                     07/29/03                      5,472,580
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   $ 28,146,846
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR--7.4%
Federal National Mortgage Association
NZD      8,500,000             7.00%                    09/26/00                   $  5,257,964
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal                   Interest                   Maturity
Amount(a)                     Rate                       Date                        Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>                        <C>                        <C>
DEBT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR (CONTINUED)
Government of New Zealand
NZD     9,700,000             8.00%                    02/15/01                   $  6,245,054
International Bank for Reconstruction & Development
        9,000,000             7.00                     09/18/00                      5,575,830
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  $ 17,078,848
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPANISH PESETA--3.9%
Kingdom of Spain
ESP 1,100,000,000            10.30%                    06/15/02                   $  9,026,397
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SWEDISH KRONA--1.2%
Kingdom of Sweden
SEK    22,000,000             6.00%                    02/09/05                   $  2,899,398
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UNITED STATES DOLLAR--15.3%
International Bank for Reconstruction & Development
USD     8,000,000             6.63%                    08/21/06                   $  8,217,600
United States Treasury Bonds
        5,100,000             7.50                     11/15/16                      5,835,522
        3,250,000             7.63                     02/15/25                      3,848,195
        6,000,000             6.75                     08/15/26                      6,448,140
United States Treasury Notes
        2,050,000             7.00                     07/15/06                      2,199,589
        8,600,000             6.50                     10/15/06                      8,945,376
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  $ 35,494,422
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL DEBT OBLIGATIONS
 (COST $180,581,438)                                                              $184,212,792
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES--3.9%
AESOP Funding Series 1997-1, Class A2(c)
USD     1,250,000             6.40%                    10/20/03                   $  1,263,494
AFC Series 1997-1, Class A(b)
        1,307,028             5.85                     07/25/27                      1,302,532
ALAC Automobile Receivable Series 1997-1, Class A
          431,466             6.29                     12/15/02                        431,970
Cit RV Trust Series 1995-B, Class A
          252,266             6.50                     04/15/11                        254,142
EQCC Home Equity Loan Trust Series 1997-3, Class A
          890,097             5.80                     11/15/28                        890,097
First Chicago Mortgage Trust Series 1992-E, Class A
          750,000             6.25                     08/15/99                        748,823
</TABLE>
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal                 Interest                     Maturity
Amount(a)                   Rate                         Date                          Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>                          <C>                          <C>
ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (CONTINUED)
First USA Credit Card Master Trust Series 1997-6, Class A
USD    900,000              6.42%                      03/17/05                     $    909,558
Ford Motor Credit Trust Series 1993-B, Class A
        51,114              4.30                       07/15/98                           51,066
MBNA Master Card Series 1992-1, Class A
       666,667              7.25                       06/15/99                          665,833
Navistar Financial Corp. Series 1994-A, Class A
       634,284              5.93                       10/15/99                          634,372
Nissan Auto Receivables Series 1995-A, Class A
       986,455              6.10                       08/15/01                          986,760
Premier Auto Trust Series 1994-3, Class A
       811,060              6.85                       03/02/99                          813,087
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES
 (COST $8,924,066)                                                                  $  8,951,734
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CORPORATE BONDS--5.7%
BankAmerica Corp.
USD    900,000              7.75%                      07/15/02                     $    953,586
Bayerische Landesbank Girozent
    10,000,000              6.63                       06/25/07                       10,388,200
Beneficial Corp.
       500,000              6.43                       04/10/02                          500,325
Capital One Bank
     1,000,000              7.35                       06/20/00                          996,800
Countrywide Funding Corp.
       450,000              6.38                       10/08/02                          453,830
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS
 (COST $12,884,606)                                                                 $ 13,292,741
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MORTGAGE BACKED OBLIGATIONS--7.1%
Asset Securitization Corp. Series 1997-D5, Class A1
USD    450,000              6.73%                      02/14/41                     $    452,385
CMC Series 1997-2, Class A
     2,000,000              6.60                       11/25/27                        2,010,488
Countrywide Funding Corp. Series 1994-2, Class A
     1,000,000              6.50                       02/25/09                          988,120
Countrywide Funding Corp. Series 1994-I, Class A
     2,000,000              6.25                       07/25/09                        1,998,120
FHLMC Series 1985, Class PC
     2,000,000              6.35                       05/17/18                        2,010,620
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Principal                  Interest                     Maturity
Amount(a)                    Rate                         Date                          Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>                          <C>                          <C>
MORTGAGE BACKED OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
General Electric Capital Mortgage Services Series 1994-2,
 Class A
USD     564,879              4.82%                      01/25/09                     $    491,772
        968,367              6.69                       01/25/09                          997,737
General Motors Acceptance Corp. Series 1997-C1, Class A
        450,000              6.85                       09/15/06                          464,702
Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA)
        270,468              9.00                       03/15/05                          287,540
        217,927              9.00                       02/15/06                          231,833
        737,597              9.00                       02/15/10                          795,245
        710,845              7.50                       01/15/23                          729,057
        153,476              7.50                       04/15/23                          157,408
        134,544              7.50                       05/15/23                          137,991
        685,072              7.00                       07/15/23                          690,848
        103,932              7.00                       07/15/23                          104,808
        254,393              7.00                       08/15/23                          256,537
        532,123              7.00                       08/15/23                          536,609
        255,536              7.50                       08/15/23                          262,083
        213,908              7.00                       09/15/23                          215,711
        325,641              7.00                       09/15/23                          328,387
        358,388              7.00                       10/15/23                          361,409
        211,500              7.00                       10/15/23                          213,283
        316,425              7.00                       11/15/23                          319,093
        481,311              7.50                       12/15/23                          493,642
        257,886              7.50                       12/15/23                          264,733
Morgan Stanley Capital Commercial Mortgage, Inc.
 Series 1997-C1
        650,000              7.46                       05/15/06                          681,280
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL MORTGAGE BACKED OBLIGATIONS
 (COST $16,322,630)                                                                  $ 16,481,441
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHORT-TERM OBLIGATIONS--9.4%
State Street Bank & Trust Euro-Time Deposit
USD  21,901,526              5.66%                      11/03/97                     $ 21,901,526
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL SHORT-TERM OBLIGATIONS
 (COST $21,901,526)                                                                  $ 21,901,526
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS
 (COST $240,614,266(B))                                                              $244,840,234
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
Statement of Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS GLOBAL INCOME FUND (continued)
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                        <C>                        <C>                            <C>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION:
Gross unrealized gain for investments in which
 value exceeds cost                                                                  $  5,500,234
Gross unrealized loss for investments in which
 cost exceeds value                                                                    (1,274,266)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net unrealized gain                                                                  $  4,225,968
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) The principal amount of each security is stated in the currency in which
    the bond is denominated. See below.
AUD = Australian    JPY = Japanese Yen
    Dollar          NZD = New Zealand Dollar
BPS = British       ESP = Spanish Peseta
    Pound Sterling  SEK = Swedish Krona
DEM = Deutschemark  USD = United States Dollar
FRF = French Franc
ITL = Italian Lira
 
(b)  Security is exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities Act
    of 1933. Such securities may be resold, normally to qualified institutional
    buyers in transactions exempt from registration. Total market value of the
    Rule 144A securities amounted to $2,566,026.
(c)  The amount stated also represents aggregate cost for Federal income tax
    purposes.
 
The percentage shown for each investment category reflects the value of
investments in that category as a percentage of net assets.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S>                        <C>                        <C>                            <C>
 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
 
Letter to Shareholders
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
  The Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund seeks to provide a high level of
current income that is exempt from regular federal income tax, consistent with
the preservation of capital. In pursuit of its objective, the fund invests in a
diversified portfolio of municipal securities with a weighted average credit
quality of double-A or better. The fund buys only investment-grade securities
or, if unrated, securities deemed to be of comparable quality. Under normal
interest rate conditions, the fund's duration is expected to be within one year
of its benchmark, the Lehman Brothers 15-Year Municipal Bond Index. The fund's
approximate interest rate sensitivity is comparable to that of a 15-year bond.
 
NEW SHARE CLASSES ADDED
  On August 15, 1997, the fund added Class C, Institutional Class and Service
Class shares.
 
MUNICIPAL BOND MARKET SHOWS SIGNS OF STRENGTH AND STABILITY
  The municipal market remained at relatively strong levels compared with the
taxable market for much of the year, including four consecutive months of
rallying from April through July. A typical August slowdown, some rallying in
September, and mixed performance for municipals during October, capped off a
year that saw overall municipal prices rise. The average price of a 15-year
municipal bond (as calculated from data provided by Municipal Market Data, an
independent municipal market information provider) increased, while yields fell
from 5.30% on October 31, 1996 to 4.98% on October 31, 1997.
  New issue supply increased during 1997 vs. 1996, up a solid 5% through
October, versus the first ten months of 1996. The 1997 new issue supply has
followed historical early-month patterns, with January and February supply well
below annual averages (slightly more than $10 billion each month) and March and
April supply closer to normal levels ($13 to $14 billion). Spikes in new issue
supply to $21.9 billion in June and $20.6 billion in September were
approximately 50% greater than the monthly average for the rest of 1997, and
contributed significantly to the year's overall supply increase. Heavy June and
July coupon and principal payments flooded the market with enough reinvestment
cash to absorb most of the new issue supply during the summer, but heavy fall
supply has weakened the municipal market relative to treasuries.
  Demand from individual investors, who control approximately two-thirds of
municipal bond ownership either through mutual funds or direct investment,
continued to dominate the market, though municipal rates below the
psychologically key 6% level may have discouraged some investors. The budget
bill, passed in August, was favorable to municipals both on the demand side--an
exemption allowing corporations with outstanding debt to invest in the
municipal market was left intact--as well as on the supply side, where
restrictions on the amount that private universities can issue were loosened.
 
MUNICIPAL BOND YIELD CURVE
 
                                    [GRAPH]


                                      10/31/97        10/31/96

                        1998            3.70%           3.90%
                        1999            3.85            4.15
                        2000            3.95            4.30
                        2001            4.05            4.40
                        2002            4.15            4.50
                        2003            4.25            4.60
                        2004            4.35            4.70
                        2005            4.45            4.80
                        2006            4.50            4.90
                        2007            4.55            5.00
                        2008            4.65            5.10
                        2009            4.75            5.20
                        2010            4.85            5.25
                        2011            4.93            5.30
                        2012            4.98            5.35
                        2013            5.03            5.40
                        2014            5.08            5.40
                        2015            5.13            5.45
                        2016            5.15            5.45
                        2017            5.15            5.45
                        2018            5.18            5.50
                        2019            5.18            5.50
                        2020            5.20            5.50
                        2021            5.20            5.50
                        2022            5.20            5.50
                        2023            5.20            5.50
                        2024            5.20            5.50
                        2025            5.23            5.50
                        2026            5.23            5.50
                        2027            5.23            5.50


The yield curve experienced a downward parallel shift in contrast to one year
ago.
Source: Municipal Market Data
 
PERFORMANCE REVIEW: POSITIVE PERFORMANCE RELATIVE TO PEERS
  We are pleased to report that the fund's Class A and B shares outperformed
most of their peers, for the one-year period ended October 31, 1997. Class A
shares ranked in the top 10% of general municipal debt funds (22 out of 231)
based on total return, according to Lipper

- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
 
                                       20

 
<PAGE>
 
Letter to Shareholders
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND (continued)
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
Analytical Services, Inc. The fund's Class B shares ranked in the top one-third
of all general municipal debt funds for the period (73 out of 231). Class C,
Institutional and Service shares did not exist for the entire period and were
not ranked by Lipper. (Please note that Lipper rankings do not take sales
charges into account and that past performance is not a guarantee of future
results.)
  The fund's positive performance during the period can be attributed to our
term structure management, sector weightings and specific security selections.
As always, we did not make any bets on the direction of interest rates, but
rather kept the fund's duration in line with the Index, occasionally using
municipal and Treasury futures contracts to manage sector allocation and
duration.
 
..The ratio of credit upgrades to credit downgrades in the municipal market
increased during the year, reflected in a tightening of spreads between higher-
and lower-rated securities. We have maintained a "credit-barbell" in the
portfolio, emphasizing high-quality bonds with maturities of 20 to 30 years on
the long end of the yield curve, as we do not feel there is adequate
compensation in more volatile, lower-quality, long-term bonds. The portfolio's
concentration of lower quality--though still investment-grade--bonds is on the
less volatile, short end of the yield curve in the four- to 10-year maturity
range. This strategy is intended to allow us to extract extra yield from the
shorter end of the market while maintaining higher quality on the more
interest-rate-sensitive long end of the market. We regularly adjusted the
credit and term structure in seeking to take advantage of changing market
conditions.
 
..During the period, we employed several strategies using municipal and/or
treasury futures contracts. These trades are designed to exploit relative
pricing discrepancies between different markets, and are not designed to incur
additional interest rate risk. The fund stood at a 100% municipal bond
weighting at the end of the reporting period, indicating attractive
opportunities across the entire length of the municipal yield curve. Also, we
were able to take advantage of the municipal market's tendency to overvalue
callable discount bonds
 
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              CLASS A     CLASS B    CLASS C*  INSTITUTIONAL*  SERVICE*
                            (10/31/96 - (10/31/96 - (8/15/97 -   (8/15/97 -   (8/15/97 -
                             10/31/97)   10/31/97)  10/31/97)     10/31/97)   10/31/97)
                            ----------- ----------- ---------- -------------- ----------
  <S>                       <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>            <C>
  Total Return (based on
   net asset value)             9.23%       8.48%       1.75%        2.10%        1.93%
    Return From Monthly
     Distributions              4.81%       4.16%       0.81%        1.02%        0.91%
    Return From Price
     Appreciation               4.42%       4.32%       0.94%        1.08%        1.02%
  Lehman Brothers 15-Year
   Municipal Bond Index         9.62%       9.62%       1.94%        1.94%        1.94%
  NAV (as of 10/31/97)        $14.99      $15.00      $14.99       $15.00       $14.99
  NAV Change                  +$0.62      +$0.63      +$0.14       +$0.16       +$0.15
  Total Distributions Paid
   Per Share+                  $0.68       $0.56       $0.12        $0.15        $0.14
</TABLE>
 
 
*  New share class opened during the period. Performance and NAV change are
cumulative from inception date.
+ Dividends are declared daily and paid on a monthly basis. The fund intends to
distribute substantially all of its investment company tax-exempt and taxable
income, as required by tax law.
 
Shares of the Fund are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or
endorsed by a bank or other insured depository institution, and are not insured
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Federal Reserve Board,
or any other government agency, and an investment in a Fund involves risk,
including possible loss of principal. All performance figures represent past
performance and in no way guarantee future results, which will fluctuate as
market conditions change. The investment return and principal value of an
investment in a Fund will fluctuate and, therefore, an investor's shares when
redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Fund may
invest up to 20% in private activity bonds the interest from which is subject
to the alternative minimum tax (AMT).
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
and undervalue callable par or premium bonds by strategically trading between
the two.
  The fund's performance also benefited from our extensive credit analysis. Our
research helped identify specific investment opportunities, such as "story"
bonds. These securities are often misunderstood or incorrectly valued, but can
have unique security structures and attractive yield potential. One "story"
bond in the portfolio is the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority bonds for
the Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame. Rated BBB by Fitch Investors Service, L.P., our
research analysis conservatively indicated that the anticipated combination of
admission receipts, sponsorship fees, and a county-wide hotel tax (benefiting
from the overall emergence of downtown Cleveland as a tourist destination), as
well as an additional debt service reserve, would make this an attractive
addition to the portfolio. As of October 31, 1997, the Fund owned approximately
0.9% of the outstanding issue.
 
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES:EMPHASIS ON REVENUE BONDS
 
                 PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF OCTOBER 31, 1997*
 
                                 [PIE CHART]

Insured Revenue Bonds           45.3%
Revenue Bonds                   28.6%
Insured General Obligations     15.7%
General Obligations              6.6%
Variable Rate Demand Notes       3.8%
 
* The percentages shown are of total portfolio investments that have settled
and include an offset to cash equivalents relating to unsettled trades. These
percentages may differ from those in the accompanying Statement of Investments,
which reflect portfolio holdings as a percentage of net assets.
 
.. Revenue Bonds. We emphasized revenue bonds over general obligation bonds
because the sector offers higher yields and better price appreciation
potential. As of October 31, the fund held a 73.9% position in a combination of
insured and uninsured revenue bonds, overweight compared with the Index
(55.8%). (Revenue bonds pay interest and principal out of a specific revenue
stream, such as sales taxes, hospital charges, tolls, electric rates and
airport fees.)
 
.. General Obligation (GO) Bonds. As of October 31, the fund's GO holdings,
which are backed by the general taxing power of a municipality, were reduced to
22.3% of the portfolio from 29.8% one year ago, and is underweighted relative
to the Index (43.4%).
 
.. Variable Rate Demand Notes (VRDNs). VRDNs, which are high-quality cash
equivalents, were used to manage the portfolio's excess liquidity. VRDNs fell
to 3.8% from 7.6% of the portfolio one year ago. The Index has no VRDNs.
 
.. Credit Quality. As of October 31, 69.6% of the fund was invested in triple-A-
rated securities, down slightly from 70.5% one year ago. Double-A-securities
were basically unchanged, to 9.0% from 9.3%, while single-A-rated securities
were increased to 9.9% from 1.8%. We continued to maintain a position in
triple-B-rated securities (the lowest credit category for investment-grade
securities), which accounted for 11.5% of the portfolio, down from 18.4%. We
used extensive credit research to identify specific securities that offered
unique value within the universe of triple-B-rated securities, but still were
believed to be of sound credit quality. The triple-B-rated position benefited
the fund's performance during the period by enabling us to lock in above-market
yields and provide greater price appreciation potential relative to the market.
Each of these positions is monitored carefully, and we will remain vigilant for
any changes in their credit quality.
 
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
 
Letter to Shareholders
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND (continued)
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

MARKET OUTLOOK
  Our long-term outlook for municipal bonds is essentially bullish. With
municipals escaping unscathed from the federal budget accord, we do not see any
near-term fundamental problems for tax-exempts, and are left with technical
forces as the key driver in relative market performance. The recent cheapening
of the market was more related to the heavy seasonal new issue supply and
weaker demand than from the global volatility that affected the taxable
sectors; we do not feel that municipals are at risk to cheapen much more. In
anticipation of near-term outperformance, we feel that municipals are
attractive enough to warrant an allocation from investors who do not currently
benefit from tax-exempt income.
  We value your investment in the Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund and we
look forward to reporting on the fund's progress in the coming year.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
/s/ Benjamin S. Thompson
Benjamin S. Thompson
 
 
/s/ Elisabeth Schupf Lonsdale
Elisabeth Schupf Lonsdale
 
Portfolio Managers
Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund
November 28, 1997

- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
the following data is supplied for the periods ended October 31, 1997. The
performance for each class of the Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund (assuming
both the maximum sales charge of 4.5% and no sales charge for Class A shares
and the appropriate redemption fee and no redemption fee for the Class B and
Class C shares) is compared with its benchmark--the Lehman Brothers 15-Year
Municipal Bond Index ("Lehman 15-Year Muni Index"). All performance data shown
represents past performance and should not be considered indicative of future
performance which will fluctuate as market conditions change. The investment
return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate with changes in
market conditions so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth
more or less than their original cost.
 
                Class A Shares (a)   Class A Shares (a)  Lehman 15 - Year Muni
                (No Sales Charge)   (W/Sales Charge)              Index

8/1/93                10000               9550                    10000 
10/31/93              10455               9984                    10385 
10/31/94              9878                9434                     9860  
10/31/95              11241              10735                    11414 
10/31/96              11933              11395                    12100 
10/31/97              13034              12447                    13264  

                 Class B Shares        Class B Shares     Lehman 15 - Year Muni
             (w/out redempt charge)  (w/redempt. charge)           Index       
          
5/1/96               10000                  10000                    10000  
10/31/96             10440                  10440                    10480  
10/31/97             11325                  10925                    11489   
                               

                  Class C Shares       Class C Shares     Lehman 15 - Year Muni
             (w/out redempt. charge) (w/redempt. charge)           Index

8/15/97              10000                  10000                  10000
10/31/97             10175                  10075                  10194 

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

                                       24
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
             Institutional Shares   Lehman 15 - Year Muni Index 

8/15/97              10000                  10000
10/31/97             10210                  10194 

                Service Shares      Lehman 15 - Year Muni Index 

8/15/97              10000                  10000 
10/31/97             10193                  10194  
 
                                        ------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           Average Annual Total
                                                  Return
                                        ------------------------
                                                       Since
                                           One Year Inception(b)
          <S>                              <C>      <C>
          Class A Shares, excluding sales
           charge                           9.23%      6.18%
              --------------------------------------------------
          Class A Shares, including sales
           charge                           2.98%      5.12%
              --------------------------------------------------
          Class B Shares, excluding
           redemption charge                8.48%      8.63%
              --------------------------------------------------
          Class B Shares, including
           redemption charge                3.69%      4.63%
              --------------------------------------------------
          Class C Shares, excluding
           redemption charge                 N/A       1.75%(c)
              --------------------------------------------------
          Class C Shares, including
           redemption charge                 N/A       0.75%(c)
              --------------------------------------------------
          Institutional Shares               N/A       2.10%(c)
              --------------------------------------------------
          Service Shares                     N/A       1.93%(c)
</TABLE>
 
(a) For comparative purposes, Class A, Class C, Institutional and Service
    shares initial investment is assumed to be made on the first day of the
    month following the Fund's commencement of operations.
(b) Class A, Class B, Class C, Institutional and Service commenced operations
    July 20, 1993, May 1, 1996, August 15, 1997, August 15, 1997 and August 15,
    1997, respectively.
(c) An aggregate total return (not annualized) is shown instead of an average
    annual total return since Class C, Institutional and Service had not
    completed a full twelve months of operations.
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
Statement of Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal              Interest                       Maturity
   Amount                 Rate                           Date                            Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                    <C>                            <C>                            <C>
 DEBT OBLIGATIONS--97.4%
 ARIZONA--6.9%
 Maricopa County MFH IDA (A)
 $1,795,000               5.85%                        01/01/08                       $ 1,898,966
 Maricopa County Unifed School District No. 41 GO (FSA) (AAA)
  2,500,000               6.25                         07/01/15                         2,711,475
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      $ 4,610,441
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CONNECTICUT--3.3%
 Mashantucket Western Pequot Tribe RB (BBB/Baa)
 $2,000,000               6.50%                        09/01/05                       $ 2,205,900
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FLORIDA--6.2%
 Escambia County Housing Authority, Single Family Multi-County Progress
  (FNMA/GNMA) (Aaa)
 $1,390,000               6.80%                        10/01/15                       $ 1,509,290
 Santa Rosa Bay Bridge Authority RB (BBB-)
  2,500,000               6.25                         07/01/28                         2,611,425
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      $ 4,120,715
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 HAWAII--3.3%
 Hawaii GO Bond Series CA (FGIC) (AAA)
 $2,000,000               6.00%                        01/01/09                       $ 2,193,700
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 ILLINOIS--9.6%
 Chicago Midway Airport RB (MBIA) (AAA/Aaa)
 $2,500,000               5.50%                        01/01/10                       $ 2,598,225
 Lake County Unified School District No. 116 GO (FSA)(AAA)
  1,000,000               7.60                         02/01/13                         1,264,960
  2,000,000               7.60                         02/01/14                         2,552,660
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      $ 6,415,845
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 INDIANA--6.4%
 Indiana Bond Bank for Hendricks County RB (AA-)
 $1,420,000               6.00%                        02/01/12                       $ 1,505,399
 Indiana Transportation Airport Series A RB (AAA/Aaa)
  2,500,000               6.00                         11/01/11                         2,743,625
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      $ 4,249,024
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 KENTUCKY--1.6%
 Nelson County Industrial Building Mabex Universal Corp. Project (AMT)
  (A3)
 $1,000,000               6.50%                        04/01/05                       $ 1,088,640
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal              Interest                       Maturity
   Amount                 Rate                           Date                            Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                    <C>                            <C>                            <C>
 DEBT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
 LOUISIANA--3.2%
 Orleans Levee District Improvement Bonds (AAA/Aaa)
 $2,000,000               5.95%                        11/01/15                       $ 2,125,940
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 MAINE--1.1%
 Maine Educational Loan Authority RB Series A-1 (AMT) (Aaa)(a)
 $  675,000               6.80%                        12/01/07                       $   734,029
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 MASSACHUSETTS--1.5%
 Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority General Transportation System
  Bonds Series A (A+/A1)
 $1,000,000               5.63%                        03/01/26                       $ 1,019,460
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 MICHIGAN--1.5%
 Detroit Self Insurance Series A (BBB-)
 $1,000,000               5.60%                        05/01/01                       $ 1,027,990
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 MISSOURI--3.2%
 St. Louis Municipal Finance Leasehold RB Series A (A/Aa3)
 $2,100,000               5.30%                        07/15/02                       $ 2,170,287
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NEVADA--2.9%
 Washoe County GO (MBIA) (AAA/Aaa)
 $2,000,000               5.00%                        06/01/17                       $ 1,939,100
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NEW MEXICO--5.0%
 Santa Fe County Correctional System RB (AAA/Aaa)
 $3,000,000               6.00%                        02/01/27                       $ 3,311,100
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NEW YORK--4.5%
 New York City Municipal Water Finance Authority Series B (MBIA) (AAA/Aaa)
 $3,000,000               5.50%                        06/15/27                       $ 3,015,210
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NORTH DAKOTA--3.2%
 Mercer County PCRB for Basin Electric & Power 2nd Series (AMBAC) (AAA/Aaa)
 $2,000,000               6.05%                        01/01/19                       $ 2,125,920
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 OHIO--2.4%
 Butler County Transportation Improvement District Series 1997-A (FSA)
  (AAA/Aaa)(b)
 $1,000,000               5.13%                        04/01/17                       $   972,900
 Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority Bonds for Rock & Roll Hall of
  Fame RB
    600,000               5.45                         12/01/05                           610,236
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      $ 1,583,136
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
 
Statement of Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND (continued)
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal              Interest                       Maturity
   Amount                 Rate                           Date                            Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                    <C>                            <C>                            <C>
 DEBT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
 OKLAHOMA--3.6%
 Holdenville IDA RB (BBB/Baa)
 $1,245,000               5.95%                        07/01/02                       $ 1,305,619
 Tulsa County Public Facilities RB (A-)
  1,000,000               6.60                         11/01/08                         1,100,580
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      $ 2,406,199
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 RHODE ISLAND--4.6%
 Rhode Island Clean Water Finance Authority Waste Water Treatment System
  Bonds (MBIA) (AAA/Aaa)
 $3,000,000               5.80%                        09/01/22                       $ 3,055,140
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TENNESSEE--6.0%
 McMinnville Housing Authority RB (A2)
 $1,510,000               6.00%                        10/01/09                       $ 1,578,599
 Metropolitian Government of Nashville and Davidson County GO Refunding
  Bonds (AA/Aa2)
  2,500,000               5.13                         05/15/25                         2,430,300
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      $ 4,008,899
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TEXAS--9.4%
 East Texas Criminal Justice Facilities Financing Corp. RB (AMBAC)
  (AAA/Aaa)
 $2,000,000               5.75%                        11/01/09                       $ 2,112,820
 Lago Vista Independent School District Refunding Bonds Series 1997 (Aaa)
  1,000,000               5.50                         08/15/27                         1,003,910
 Tarrant County Health Facilities Development Corp. RB (MBIA) (AAA/Aaa)
  3,000,000               5.75                         02/15/15                         3,193,200
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      $ 6,309,930
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 WASHINGTON--8.0%
 Chelan County Public Utility RB (MBIA) (AAA/Aaa)
 $2,500,000               6.35%                        07/01/28                       $ 2,713,650
 Washington State Public Power Supply System RB Series A (AMBAC) (AAA/Aaa)
  2,500,000               5.70                         07/01/11                         2,604,175
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                      $ 5,317,825
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL DEBT OBLIGATIONS
  (COST $62,618,455)                                                                  $65,034,430
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal              Interest                       Maturity
   Amount                 Rate                           Date                            Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                    <C>                            <C>                            <C>
 SHORT-TERM OBLIGATIONS--4.5%
 CALIFORNIA--3.3%
 California GO Bond Series 23 (VMIG1)(c)
 $2,200,000               5.25%                        11/01/97                       $ 2,200,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 GEORGIA--0.2%
 Monroe County Development Authority PCRB (A2)(c)
 $  100,000               3.20%                        11/01/97                       $   100,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 NEVADA--0.4%
 Clark County Industrial Development Revenue, Cogeneration Associates
  Project I (VMIG1)(c)
 $  300,000               3.70%                        11/01/97                       $   300,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL SHORT-TERM OBLIGATIONS (COST $2,600,000)                                       $ 2,600,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL INVESTMENTS
  (COST $65,218,455)(D)                                                               $67,634,430
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Futures contract open at October 31, 1997:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  Number of
                                  Contracts            Settlement           Unrealized
           Type                   (Short)(e)             Month                 Gain
- ---------------------------       ----------           ----------           ----------
<S>                               <C>                  <C>                  <C>
U.S. 20 Year Long Term Bond          (27)              March 1998            $23,625
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION:
<TABLE>
<S>   <C>   <C>   <C>
Gross unrealized
 gain for
 investments in
 which value
 exceeds cost     $2,417,645
Gross unrealized
 loss for
 investments in
 which cost
 exceeds value        (1,670)
- -----------------------------
Net unrealized
 gain             $2,415,975
- -----------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) Portion of this security is segregated for a when-issued security and an
    open futures contract.
(b) When-issued security.
(c) Securities with "Put" features with resetting interest rates. Maturity
    dates disclosed are the next interest reset dates.
(d) The amount stated also represents aggregate cost for federal income tax
    purposes.
(e) Each U.S. 20 Year Long Term Bond contract represents $100,000 in notional
    par value. The total notional amount and market value at risk are
    $2,700,000 and $3,191,063, respectively. The determination of notional
    amounts as presented here are indicative only of volume of activity and not
    a measure of market risk.
 
The percentage shown for each investment category reflects the value of
investments in that category as a percentage of net assets.
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
INVESTMENT ABBREVIATIONS:
AMBAC--Insured by American Municipal Bond Assurance Corp.
AMT--Alternative Minimum Tax
FGIC--Insured by Financial Guaranty Insurance Co.
FNMA--Insured by Federal National Mortgage Association
FSA--Financial Security Assurance Co.
GNMA--Insured by Government National Mortgage Association
GO--General Obligation
IDA--Industrial Development Authority
MBIA--Insured by Municipal Bond Investors Assurance
MFH--Multi-Family Housing
PCRB--Pollution Control Revenue Bond
RB--Revenue Bond
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
 
Letter to Shareholders
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
 
  On behalf of Goldman Sachs, it is a pleasure to welcome you as a shareholder
in the Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund. In the future, we will be sending you
annual and semiannual reports that describe the fund's performance, as well as
information regarding specific holdings. This annual report covers the
abbreviated period from August 1, 1997, when the fund's Class A, B,
Institutional and Service shares began operations, through October 31, 1997.
(The fund's Class C shares were added on August 15, 1997.)
 
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
  The Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund seeks to provide shareholders with a high
level of current income and secondarily, capital appreciation. Under normal
conditions, at least 65% of the portfolio's total assets will be invested in
high-yield, fixed income securities rated, at the time of investment, below
investment grade. The fund may invest in all types of fixed income securities,
including senior and subordinated debt obligations, convertible and
nonconvertible corporate debt obligations, and preferred stock. Under normal
interest rate conditions, the fund's duration is expected to be equal to that
of the fund's benchmark, the Lehman Brothers High Yield Bond Index, plus or
minus 2.5 years.
 
INVESTMENT STRATEGY AND APPROACH
  Our investment process employs a combination of bottom-up company research
and fundamental economic analysis. Bottom-up research is critical to identify
attractive investments in the high-yield market, since market values of
individual securities tend to reflect developments within a company to a
greater extent than higher rated corporate debt. To determine a company's
creditworthiness, we conduct an in-depth analysis of each issue considered for
the fund. Among the factors we evaluate are a company's competitive position,
the strength of its balance sheet and its ability to generate ample cash flow
to service its debt. We then diversify the portfolio among different sectors
and industries on a global basis in an effort to reduce overall portfolio risk.
 
THE HIGH YIELD MARKET FARED WELL RELATIVE TO OTHER ASSET CLASSES
  During the period under review, the high-yield market benefited from
favorable economic conditions. Buoyant economic activity enabled many companies
to achieve strong growth in cash flows and earnings, which in turn kept default
rates extremely low relative to historical averages. As a result, the spread,
or difference in yield, between high-yield bonds and similar-duration
Treasuries was very tight during most of the period. During October, however,
the high-yield market came under pressure when the financial crisis in
Southeast Asia impacted U.S. markets. Though the yield spread widened sharply
as a result, the high-yield sector proved to be resilient--high-yield bonds
weathered the market turbulence very well relative to other asset classes. For
the period under review, the Lehman Brothers High Yield Bond Index returned
1.84%, outperforming the U.S. equity market's -3.76% return (as measured by the
S&P 500 stock index) and modestly trailing the 2.07% return of the broad Lehman
Brothers Aggregate Bond Index.
 
PERFORMANCE REVIEW
  From its inception on August 1, 1997 through October 31, 1997, the fund
underperformed its benchmark due to the weak performance of its investments in
emerging market debt. Though this sector represented only a small portion of
the portfolio (7.0% as of October 31) and the majority of the allocation was to
Latin American securities, it nonetheless proved to be a drag on performance
when the turmoil in Southeast Asian markets spread across all regions. However,
investors should remember that a period of only three months is obviously too
short a time frame to measure performance meaningfully.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
 
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION
  As of October 31, the portfolio was well diversified with 129 issues. We
maintained this relatively broad allocation because of low credit differentials
among sectors and individual issues. In addition, demand has outstripped the
supply of bonds issued by industrial companies, which has made it difficult to
build up sizable positions in individual issues at attractive levels.
  The fund's largest holding as of the end of the period was PRINTPACK, INC., a
packaging manufacturer with strong market positions in nearly all of the niches
it serves. Printpack has had difficulties integrating its acquisition of James
River's flexible packaging operations, but once completed, the merger is
expected to provide substantial opportunities for cost savings and help to
deleverage the company. Other significant positions were INTERTEK, a global
testing company, and ALLIED WASTE INDUSTRIES, INC., a solid waste management
company.
  We also invested in bonds issued by several non-U.S. companies that offered
attractive risk-adjusted returns relative to U.S. debt. For example, as of the
end of the period, our fourth-largest holding was Germany-based GEBERIT
INTERNATIONAL, one of the largest suppliers of plumbing-based sanitary systems.
Geberit has
operations throughout Europe, and is well positioned to benefit from the
ongoing home improvement trend.
 
CREDIT QUALITY
  As of October 31, the portfolio primarily consisted of single-B-rated and
double-B-rated securities (82.7% and 13.1%, respectively). The remainder of the
fund was invested in triple-C-rated securities (2.6%), triple-B-rated
securities (0.4%) and repurchase agreements/cash equivalents (1.2%).
 
                 PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF OCTOBER 31, 1997*
 
                                  [PIE CHART]

U.S. High-Yield Corporates             84.2%
Foreign Debt                            7.6%
Other Foreign Debt (Emerging Markets)   7.0%
Repos/Cash Equivalents                  1.2%

* The percentages shown are of total portfolio investments that have settled
and include an offset to cash equivalents relating to unsettled trades. These
percentages may differ from those in the accompanying Statement of Investments,
which reflect portfolio holdings as a percentage of net assets.
 
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY**
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C   INSTITUTIONAL  SERVICE
                            (8/1/97 - (8/1/97 - (8/15/97 -   (8/1/97 -   (8/1/97 -
                            10/31/97) 10/31/97) 10/31/97)    10/31/97)   10/31/97)
                            --------- --------- ---------- ------------- ---------
  <S>                       <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>           <C>
  Total Return (based on
   net asset value [NAV])      1.50%     1.31%     1.46%        1.58%       1.46%
    Return From Monthly
     Distributions             1.80%     1.61%     1.46%        1.88%       1.76%
    Return From Price
     Depreciation             -0.30%    -0.30%     0.00%       -0.30%      -0.30%
  Total Return of Lehman
   Brothers High Yield
   Bond Index                  1.84%     1.84%     2.07%        1.84%       1.84%
  NAV (as of 10/31/97)       $9.97     $9.97     $9.97        $9.97       $9.97
  NAV Change                -$0.03    -$0.03     $0.00       -$0.03      -$0.03
  Total Distributions Paid
   Per Share+                $0.18     $0.16     $0.15        $0.19       $0.18
</TABLE>
 
 
**
 Performance and NAV change are cumulative from each class's inception date.
+The fund declares and pays dividends on a monthly basis. The fund distributes
substantially all of its taxable income, as is required for all investment
companies.
 
The fund invests primarily in high-yield, fixed income securities rated below
investment grade that are considered speculative and generally involve greater
price volatility and greater risk of loss of principal and interest than
investments in higher rated fixed income securities. All performance figures
represent past performance and in no way guarantee future results, which will
fluctuate as market conditions change. The investment return and principal
value of an investment in the fund will fluctuate, and therefore an investor's
shares when redeemed may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Goldman, Sachs & Co., the distributor of the fund, is not a bank, and fund
shares distributed by Goldman, Sachs & Co. are not deposits or obligations of,
or endorsed or guaranteed by, any bank or depository institution, nor are they
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Federal
Reserve Board or any other government agency.
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
 
Letter to Shareholders
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND (continued)
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

 
TOP 10 HOLDINGS AS OF OCTOBER 31, 1997
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            CORPORATE  PERCENTAGE OF
COMPANY (LINE OF BUSINESS)   RATING   TOTAL NET ASSETS
- ----------------            --------- ----------------
<S>                         <C>       <C>
Printpack, Inc.                 BB          2.4%
 Packaging
Intertek Finance                BB-         2.3
 PIC
 Financial
 Services
Geberit                         BB          2.1
 International
 Building
 Products
Tekni-Plex Inc.                 B+          1.6
 Packaging
Jitney-Jungle                   B+          1.6
 Stores of
 America, Inc.
 Grocery
International                   B+          1.6
 Wire Group
 Manufacturing
ITC Deltacom,                   B+          1.6
 Inc.
 Telecommunications
Newport News                    BB          1.5
 Shipbuilding
 Inc.
 Defense
Viasystems, Inc.                B-          1.5
Fresenius                       BB          1.5
 Medical Care
 Healthcare
</TABLE>
 
MARKET OUTLOOK
  We continue to have a positive view of the high-yield market, which we expect
to benefit from continued strength in mergers and acquisition activity as well
as other favorable fundamental factors. In addition, in the wake of the October
market turmoil, there is greater credit differential within the high-yield
market than in previous months. As bonds with attractive upside potential
become more readily available, we intend to trim the number of portfolio
holdings to concentrate on fewer issues. Finally, we believe that fundamentals
remain sound in most of the emerging markets in which the fund has invested.
Given a period of recovery and stability in global equity markets, we expect
yield spreads in the sector to recover from their recent slide.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
/s/ Andrew R. Jessop
 
Andrew R. Jessop 
 
/s/ Michael L. Pasternak
 
Michael L. Pasternak
 
 
/s/ Richard H. Buckholz
Richard H. Buckholz
 
Portfolio Managers
Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund
November 28, 1997
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

                                       31
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
the following data is supplied for the periods ended October 31, 1997. The
performance for each class of the Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund (assuming both
the maximum sales charge of 4.5% and no sales charge for the Class A shares and
the appropriate redemption fee and no redemption fee for the Class B and Class
C shares) is compared with its benchmark--the Lehman High Yield Bond Index. All
performance data shown represents past performance and should not be considered
indicative future performance which will fluctuate as market conditions change.
The investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate with
changes in market conditions so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may
be worth more or less than their original cost.
 
 
             Class A Shares      Class A Shares       Lehman High Yield Bond  
           (No Sales Charge)    (W/Sales Charge)               Index          
                                                                              
8/1/97           10000                9550                     10000
10/31/97         10150                9693                     10184

              Class B Shares          Class B Shares    Lehman High Yield Bond 
          (w/out redempt. charge)  (w/redempt. charge)           Index  
                                                                  
8/1/97           10000                     10000               10000   
10/31/97         10131                      9631               10184

              Class C Shares          Class C Shares    Lehman High Yield Bond
          (w/out redempt. charge)  (w/redempt. charge)          Index         
                                             
                                             
8/15/97          10000                     10000               10000
10/31/97         10146                     10046               10207 

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

                                      32
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Trust
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND (continued)
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


        Institutional Shares            Lehman High Yield Bond Index 

8/1/97          10000                               10000
10/31/97        10158                               10184 


           Service Shares               Lehman Gov't/MBS Index 

8/1/97          10000                               10000
10/31/97        10146                               10184 

                                        -----------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           Average Annual Total
                                                  Return
                                        -------------------------
                                                       Since
                                           One Year Inception(a)
          <S>                              <C>      <C>
          Class A Shares, excluding sales
           charge                            N/A        1.50% (b)
              ---------------------------------------------------
          Class A Shares, including sales
           charge                            N/A       (2.32%)(b)
              ---------------------------------------------------
          Class B Shares, excluding
           redemption charge                 N/A        1.31% (b)
              ---------------------------------------------------
          Class B Shares, including
           redemption charge                 N/A       (3.64%)(b)
              ---------------------------------------------------
          Class C Shares, excluding
           redemption charge                 N/A        1.46% (b)
              ---------------------------------------------------
          Class C Shares, including
           redemption charge                 N/A        0.46% (b)
              ---------------------------------------------------
          Institutional Shares               N/A        1.58% (b)
              ---------------------------------------------------
          Service Shares                     N/A        1.46% (b)
</TABLE>
 
(a) The Fund commenced operations on August 1, 1997 except for Class C which
    commenced on August 15, 1997.
(b) An aggregate total return (not annualized) is shown instead of an average
    annual total return since the Fund has not completed a full twelve months
    of operations.
 
- --------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

                                       33
<PAGE>
 
Statement of Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal              Interest                       Maturity
   Amount                 Rate                           Date                        Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>                             <C>                        <C>
CORPORATE BONDS--80.8%
Adelphia Communications Co.(d)
$  3,000,000                 9.25%                     10/01/02                   $  2,985,000
Advanced Accessory Systems(d)
   2,000,000                 9.75                      10/01/07                      1,965,000
Allied Waste Industries, Inc.(d)
   7,000,000           0.00/11.30(a)                   06/01/07                      4,760,000
Allied Waste North America
   2,000,000                10.25                      12/01/06                      2,170,020
Ameriserv Food Distributors
   3,000,000                 8.88                      10/15/06                      3,000,000
Amtrol, Inc.
   3,000,000                10.63                      12/31/06                      3,060,000
Anker Coal Group, Inc.(d)
   2,000,000                 9.75                      10/01/07                      2,015,000
Argo-tech Corp.(d)
   5,000,000                 8.62                      10/01/07                      4,975,000
Aurora Foods, Inc.
   3,750,000                 9.88                      02/15/07                      3,862,500
Axiohm Transaction Solutions(d)
   3,000,000                 9.75                      10/01/07                      3,045,000
B&G Foods, Inc.(d)
   4,000,000                 9.63                      08/01/07                      4,020,000
Benton Oil & Gas Co.(b)
   4,000,000                 9.38                      11/01/07                      3,990,000
Brooks Fiber Properties, Inc.
  $3,000,000           0.00/11.87(a)                   11/01/06                      2,340,000
Burke Industries, Inc.(d)
   2,000,000                10.00                      08/15/07                      2,070,000
Cabot Safety Acquisition Corp.
   2,000,000                12.50                      07/15/05                      2,260,000
Cellnet Data Systems, Inc.(d)
   3,000,000           0.00/14.00(a)                   10/01/07                      1,500,000
Central European Media Enterprises
   2,000,000                 9.38                      08/15/04                      1,960,000
Colt Telecom
   5,500,000           0.00/12.00(a)                   12/15/06                      4,097,500
Communications Instruments, Inc.(d)
   3,500,000                10.00                      09/15/04                      3,517,500
Cross Timbers Oil Co.
   2,750,000                 8.75                      11/01/09                      2,746,563
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal             Interest                       Maturity
  Amount                 Rate                           Date                        Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>                             <C>                        <C>
CORPORATE BONDS (CONTINUED)
Decisionone Holdings Corp.
$ 2,000,000                 9.75%                     08/01/07                   $  2,060,000
  4,500,000           0.00/11.50(a)                   08/01/08                      2,902,500
Delta Mills, Inc.(d)
  3,000,000                 9.63                      09/01/07                      3,030,000
Doskocil Manufacturing(d)
  2,000,000                10.13                      09/15/07                      2,060,000
Econophone, Inc.(d)
  2,000,000                13.50                      07/15/07                      2,190,000
Falcon Building Products, Inc.
  2,000,000           0.00/10.50(a)                   06/15/07                      1,280,000
Fleming Companies, Inc.(d)
  3,000,000                10.50                      12/01/04                      3,120,000
Fresenius Medical Care
  5,000,000                 9.00                      12/01/06                      5,100,000
Frontiervision Holdings LP(d)
  2,500,000           0.00/11.87(a)                   09/15/07                      1,700,000
GCI, Inc.
  2,000,000                 9.75                      08/01/07                      2,050,000
Gensis Eldercare
  2,000,000                 9.00                      08/01/07                      1,960,000
General Chemical Corp.
  2,000,000                 9.25                      08/15/03                      2,050,000
Globalstar LP
  2,000,000                10.75                      11/01/04                      1,905,000
Graphic Controls Corp.
  2,805,000                12.00                      09/15/05                      3,120,563
Greyhound Lines, Inc.
  2,000,000                11.50                      04/15/07                      2,165,000
GST Equipment Funding, Inc.
  2,000,000                13.25                      05/01/07                      2,250,000
Hawk Corp.
  3,000,000                10.25                      12/01/03                      3,135,000
Hayes Wheels International Inc.(d)
  3,000,000                 9.13                      07/15/07                      3,090,000
Hermes Europe Railtel B.V.
  2,000,000                11.50                      08/15/07                      2,180,000
Hyperion Telecommunications
  2,000,000                12.25                      09/01/04                      2,130,000
</TABLE>
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
 
Statement of Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND (continued)
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal              Interest                       Maturity
   Amount                 Rate                           Date                        Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>                             <C>                        <C>
CORPORATE BONDS (CONTINUED)
ICN Pharmaceutical, Inc.(d)
$  2,000,000                 9.25%                     08/15/05                   $  2,100,000
Integrated Health Services, Inc.
   5,000,000                 9.25                      01/15/08                      5,075,000
Intermedia Communications Inc(d)
   2,000,000           0.00/11.25(a)                   07/15/07                      1,315,000
   2,250,000                 8.88                      11/01/07                      2,199,375
International Wire Group
   5,000,000                11.75                      06/01/05                      5,440,625
Intertek Finance PLC
   7,500,000                10.25                      11/01/06                      7,800,000
Iridium LLC
   3,000,000                11.25                      07/15/05                      2,835,000
ISP Holdings, Inc.
   4,000,000                 9.75                      02/15/02                      4,230,000
ITC Deltacom, Inc.(d)
   5,000,000                11.00                      06/01/07                      5,300,000
James Cable Partners(d)
   2,000,000                10.75                      08/15/04                      2,090,000
Jitney-Jungle Stores America(d)
   3,000,000                12.00                      03/01/06                      3,367,500
   2,000,000                10.38                      09/15/07                      2,080,000
Johnstown American Industries, Inc.(d)
   2,000,000                11.75                      08/15/05                      2,140,000
K&F Industries, Inc.
   3,000,000                 9.25                      10/15/07                      3,015,000
Kabelmedia Holdings
   5,500,000           0.00/13.63(a)                   08/01/06                      3,987,500
Kinetic Concepts, Inc.(b)
   1,750,000                 9.63                      11/01/07                      1,750,000
Knology Holdings, Inc.
   1,750,000           0.00/11.88(a)                   10/15/07                        892,500
Microcell Telecommunications
   3,000,000           0.00/14.00(a)                   06/01/06                      1,980,000
Millicom International Cellular
   4,000,000           0.00/13.50(a)                   06/01/06                      3,000,000
Mettler Toledo, Inc.
   2,125,000                 9.75                      10/01/06                      2,385,313
Newport News Shipbuilding
   5,000,000                 9.25                      12/01/06                      5,200,000
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal              Interest                        Maturity
   Amount                 Rate                            Date                        Value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>                              <C>                        <C>
CORPORATE BONDS (CONTINUED)
Nextel Communications, Inc.(d)
$  3,750,000            0.00/9.75%(a)                   08/15/04                   $  3,206,250
   1,000,000           0.00/10.65(a)                    09/15/07                        567,500
Nextlink Communications, Inc.
   2,000,000                 9.63                       10/01/07                      2,005,000
Nortek, Inc.(d)
   2,000,000                 9.88                       03/01/04                      2,030,000
   2,000,000                 9.13                       09/01/07                      2,010,000
NTL, Inc.
   1,000,000                10.00                       02/15/07                      1,042,500
Omnipoint Corp.
   1,500,000                11.63                       08/15/06                      1,560,000
Oxford Automotive, Inc.(d)
   3,000,000                10.13                       06/15/07                      3,120,000
Packard Bioscience, Inc.
   5,000,000                 9.38                       03/01/07                      5,025,000
Pathmark Stores, Inc.
   3,000,000                 9.63                       05/01/03                      2,835,000
PCI Chemicals Canada, Inc.
   4,000,000                 9.25                       10/15/07                      3,920,000
Physician Sales And Services, Inc.
   2,500,000                 8.50                       10/01/07                      2,450,000
Prime Succession, Inc.
     420,000                10.75                       08/15/04                        464,100
Printpack, Inc.
   7,500,000                10.63                       08/15/06                      7,950,000
Randalls Food Markets, Inc.(d)
   2,000,000                 9.38                       07/01/07                      2,010,000
Red Roof Inns, Inc.
   2,000,000                 9.63                       12/15/03                      2,030,000
Revlon Consumer Products Corp.
   1,500,000                10.50                       02/15/03                      1,582,500
Rogers Cantel, Inc.
   3,500,000                 8.80                       10/01/07                      3,465,000
RSL Communications Ltd.
   3,225,000                12.25                       11/15/06                      3,483,000
Rutherford Moran Oil Corp.(d)
   2,000,000                10.75                       10/01/04                      1,980,000
SD Warren Co.
   3,000,000                12.00                       12/15/04                      3,375,000
</TABLE>
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Principal            Interest                      Maturity
   Amount                Rate                          Date                        Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                   <C>                            <C>                       <C>
CORPORATE BONDS (CONTINUED)
Southern Foods Group LP
 $  5,000,000                9.88%                   09/01/07                   $  5,150,000
Southwest Royalties, Inc.
    1,000,000               10.50                    10/15/04                        992,500
Sovereign Specialty Chemicals(d)
    4,000,000                9.50                    08/01/07                      4,070,000
Sun World International, Inc.(d)
    1,000,000               11.25                    04/15/04                      1,072,500
Tekni-Plex, Inc.(d)
    5,000,000               11.25                    04/01/07                      5,462,500
Telesystem International Wireless(d)
    2,000,000          0.00/13.25(a)                 06/30/07                      1,200,000
Telewest PLC
    4,000,000          0.00/11.00(a)                 10/01/07                      3,000,000
United Defense Industries, Inc.(d)
    1,250,000                8.75                    11/15/07                      1,250,000
Venture Holdings Trust(d)
    3,750,000                9.50                    07/01/05                      3,684,375
Viasystems, Inc.(d)
    5,000,000                9.75                    06/01/07                      5,125,000
Williams Scotsman, Inc.(d)
    3,000,000                9.88                    06/01/07                      3,090,000
Young Broadcasting, Inc.
    5,000,000                8.75                    06/15/07                      4,850,000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS (COST $273,633,612)                                      $ 273,057,684
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EMERGING MARKET DEBT--6.6%
Abril SA
  $ 1,500,000               12.00%                   10/25/03                   $  1,662,315
Acindar Industries
      670,000               11.75                    11/12/98                        694,757
Argentina Bontes
      950,000                8.75                    05/09/02                        869,250
Asia Pulp and Paper International Finance Co.
      900,000                8.53(c)                 06/28/99                        887,013
      390,000               10.25                    10/01/00                        401,111
Axa S.A de C.V.
    1,000,000                9.00                    08/04/04                        940,000
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Principal              Interest                       Maturity
   Amount                  Rate                           Date                        Value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>                             <C>                        <C>
EMERGING MARKET DEBT (CONTINUED)
Banco Nacional de Obras
  $   860,000                 9.63%                     11/15/03                   $    866,450
Bridas Corp.
      750,000                12.50                      06/10/03                        922,440
Groupo Iusacell S.A. de C.V.
    1,000,000                10.00                      07/15/04                      1,048,980
Grupo Industrial Durango
    2,030,000                12.63                      08/01/03                      2,355,957
Grupo Televisa
    4,250,000           0.00/13.25(a)                   05/15/08                      3,022,813
Impsa Industrias Metal
    2,000,000                 9.50                      05/31/02                      2,029,080
Indah Kiat Paper & Pulp(b)
       40,000                 8.88                      11/01/00                         38,900
Ministry of Finance Russia
    2,180,000                10.00                      06/26/07                      2,350,934
MRS Logistica S.A.(d)
      120,000                10.63                      08/15/05                        111,600
Polysindo Eka Perkasa
    1,000,000                15.45                      07/15/98                        910,200
Poland Communications, Inc.
      700,000                 9.88                      11/01/03                        705,250
Providence of Tucuman
    1,000,000                 9.45                      08/01/04                      1,007,250
Republic of Argentina
    1,000,000                 9.75                      09/19/27                        797,500
Trikem S.A.
      500,000                10.00                      05/08/98                        476,100
United Mexican States Global Bond
      300,000                11.50                      05/15/26                        373,584
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL EMERGING MARKET DEBT (COST $22,805,541)                                      $ 22,471,484
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOREIGN BONDS(E)--6.7%
DEUTSCHEMARK--5.4%
Central European Media Enterprises
DEM 3,000,000                 8.13%                     08/15/04                    $ 1,653,324
Exide Holdings(d)
    8,000,000                 9.13                      04/15/04                      4,640,910
</TABLE>
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
 
Statement of Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND (continued)
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Principal               Interest                     Maturity
    Amount                  Rate                         Date                          Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>                          <C>                          <C>
FOREIGN BONDS (CONTINUED)
DEUTSCHEMARK (CONTINUED)
Geberit International S.A.
DEM 11,600,000             10.13%                      04/16/07                     $  7,183,548
ITT Promedia CVA
     8,000,000              9.13                       09/15/07                        4,687,319
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    $ 18,165,101
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FRENCH FRANC--1.3%
Financiere Neopost(d)
FRF 25,000,000              5.88                       09/30/07                        4,334,070
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL FOREIGN BONDS
 (COST 21,956,882)                                                                  $ 22,499,171
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS--2.1%
Joint Repurchase Agreement Account(f)
   $ 7,200,000              5.76%                      11/3/97                      $  7,200,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL REPURCHASE AGREEMENT (COST $7,200,000)                                        $  7,200,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                       Maturity
    Shares                                               Date                          Value
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>                          <C>                          <C>
PREFERRED STOCK--1.9%
Cablevision Systems Corp. Series H, 11.75%(g)
        45,975                                         10/01/02                     $  5,218,163
Intermedia Communications, Inc. Series B, 13.50%(g)
         1,000                                         03/31/09                        1,150,000
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL PREFERRED STOCK
 (COST $6,399,047)                                                                  $  6,368,163
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WARRANTS--0.0%
RSL Communications Ltd., expiring July 7, 2077*
           725                                                                      $     68,875
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL WARRANTS
 (COST $36,250)                                                                     $     68,875
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $332,031,332(H))                                            $331,665,377
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION:
<TABLE>
<S>               <C>
Gross unrealized
 gain for
 investments in
 which value
 exceeds cost     $ 2,965,536
Gross unrealized
 loss for
 investments in
 which cost
 exceeds value     (3,303,595)
- ------------------------------
Net unrealized
 gain             $  (338,059)
- ------------------------------
</TABLE>
 * Non-income producing security.
(a) These securities are issued with a zero coupon which increases to the
    stated rate at a set date in the future.
(b) When-issued security.
(c) Variable rate security. Coupon rate declared is that which is in effect at
    October 31, 1997.
(d) Securities are exempt from registration under rule 144A of the Securities
    Act of 1933. Such securities may be resold, normally to qualified
    institutional buyers in transactions exempt from registration. Total market
    value of Rule 144A securities amounted to $115,599,080 as of October 31,
    1997.
(e) The principal amount of each security is stated in the currency in which
    the bond is denominated. See below.
 DEM=Deutsche Mark
 FRF=French Franc
(f) Portions of this security is being segregated for when-issued securities
    and forwards.
(g) Pay-in-kind security.
(h) The amount stated also represents aggregate cost for federal income tax
    purposes.
 
The percentages shown for each investment category reflect the value of
investments in that category as a percentage of total net assets.
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            GOVERNMENT     GLOBAL      MUNICIPAL      HIGH
                              INCOME       INCOME       INCOME       YIELD
                               FUND         FUND         FUND         FUND
                           ---------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>          <C>           <C>         <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in
 securities, at value
 (cost $96,668,634,
 $240,614,266,
 $65,218,455 and
 $332,031,332)             $ 98,123,674 $244,840,234  $67,634,430 $331,665,377
Cash, at value                   36,283          --        94,347       94,291
Receivables:
 Investment securities
  sold                        8,052,214   11,752,792          --    12,169,433
 Interest                       665,287    4,225,594    1,095,616    6,052,483
 Forward foreign currency
  exchange contracts                --     1,997,772          --         3,864
 Fund shares sold             1,068,545    2,954,399      172,672    5,758,585
 Variation margin                 5,624          --           --           --
 Foreign tax withheld               --       206,286          --           --
Deferred organization
 expenses, net                    5,201          --        12,545       33,236
Other assets                    188,250       67,675      152,755      146,170
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total assets               108,145,078  266,044,752   69,162,365  355,923,439
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES:
Payables:
 Investment securities
  purchased                  27,847,701   20,519,286    1,972,669   15,735,687
 Income distribution            106,752       15,591       97,593      599,767
 Forward foreign currency
  exchange contracts                --     7,755,584          --     1,049,541
 Fund shares repurchased         44,691    5,256,750      171,019       18,476
 Management fees                 16,011      116,948       30,844      183,745
 Authorized dealer
  service fees                   43,807      113,348       38,493      156,715
 Distribution fees               15,662       96,969          455       11,312
Accrued expenses and
 other liabilities               78,620       33,276       64,941      153,940
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total Liabilities           28,153,244   33,907,752    2,376,014   17,909,183
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS:
Paid in capital              78,059,005  217,234,970   64,172,166  338,613,072
Accumulated undistributed
 (distributions in excess
 of) net investment
 income                         134,310   16,021,332       69,879     (131,443)
Accumulated net realized
 gain on investment
 transactions                   284,661    3,266,230      104,706      931,960
Accumulated net realized
 foreign currency gain
 (loss)                             --    (4,042,742)         --         3,863
Net unrealized gain
 (loss) on investments
 and futures                  1,513,858    3,116,981    2,439,600   (1,424,443)
Net unrealized gain
 (loss) on translation of
 assets and liabilities
 denominated in foreign
 currencies                         --    (3,459,771)         --        21,247
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Net assets                $ 79,991,834 $232,137,000  $66,786,351 $338,014,256
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE, OFFERING
 AND REDEMPTION PRICE PER
 SHARE:(A)
Class A                          $14.59       $15.10       $14.99        $9.97
Class B                          $14.61       $15.08       $15.00        $9.97
Class C                          $14.60       $15.06       $14.99        $9.97
Institutional                    $14.59       $15.09       $15.00        $9.97
Service                          $14.59       $15.09       $14.99        $9.97
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Class A                       4,717,984   11,066,854    4,305,257   32,686,166
Class B                         550,353      229,899      116,684    1,033,828
Class C                          81,888       32,914        8,681      179,625
Institutional                   129,772    4,038,267       23,435          153
Service                             105        9,985          102          153
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total shares outstanding,
 $.001 par value
 (unlimited number of
 shares authorized)           5,480,102   15,377,919    4,454,159   33,899,925
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) Maximum public offering price per share (NAV per share X 1.0471) for Class
    A shares is $15.27, $15.81, $15.70 and $10.44 for Government Income, Global
    Income, Municipal Income, and High Yield, respectively. At redemption,
    Class B and Class C shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales
    charge, assessed on the amount equal to the lesser of the current net asset
    value or the original purchase price of the shares.
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust -- Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Year Ended October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                GOVERNMENT    GLOBAL     MUNICIPAL      HIGH
                                  INCOME      INCOME       INCOME      YIELD
                                   FUND        FUND         FUND      FUND(B)
                                       -----------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>
Interest(a)                     $3,706,833  $15,271,687  $3,181,789  $5,023,956
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  TOTAL INCOME                   3,706,833   15,271,687   3,181,789   5,023,956
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSES:
Management fees                    350,034    2,158,925     320,868     438,819
Authorized dealer service fees     134,563      458,477     145,949     156,715
Distribution fees                  152,194      465,887     150,412     164,257
Custodian fees                      74,488      169,209      48,385      36,261
Transfer agent fees                163,181      106,886     152,152      27,280
Professional fees                   61,189       82,286      59,477      28,781
Registration fees                   26,633       56,758      29,284     130,000
Amortization of deferred
 organization expenses              18,797           --      17,545       1,764
Trustee fees                           669        4,686       1,116         982
Other                               21,348       64,044      22,916       8,580
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  TOTAL EXPENSES                 1,003,096    3,567,158     948,104     993,439
  LESS--EXPENSES REIMBURSABLE
   AND FEES WAIVED BY GOLDMAN
   SACHS                          (706,060)  (1,040,703)   (443,596)   (384,387)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NET EXPENSES                     297,036    2,526,455     504,508     609,052
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NET INVESTMENT INCOME          3,409,797   12,745,232   2,677,281   4,414,904
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
 (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT, FUTURES
 AND FOREIGN CURRENCY
 TRANSACTIONS:
Net realized gain from:
 Investment transactions           445,057    7,902,917     985,727     931,960
 Futures transactions               44,614           --     143,869          --
 Foreign currency related
  transactions                          --    5,653,361          --      62,153
Net change in unrealized gain
 (loss) on:
 Investments                     1,378,438   (1,747,881)  1,424,846  (1,424,443)
 Futures                           (15,782)          --      23,625          --
 Translation of assets and
  liabilities denominated in
  foreign currencies                    --   (2,249,013)         --      21,247
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED
   GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENT,
   FUTURES AND FOREIGN
   CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS         1,852,327    9,559,384   2,578,067    (409,083)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
   RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS    $5,262,124  $22,304,616  $5,255,348  $4,005,821
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) Net of $104,329 and $2,652 in foreign withholding tax for the Global Income
    and High Yield Funds, respectively.
(b) Commencement of operations was August 1, 1997 for all classes except Class
    C which commenced operations on August 15, 1997.
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
For the Year Ended October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           GOVERNMENT      GLOBAL      MUNICIPAL        HIGH
                             INCOME        INCOME        INCOME        YIELD
                              FUND          FUND          FUND        FUND(A)
                          ------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income     $  3,409,797  $ 12,745,232  $  2,677,281  $  4,414,904
Net realized gain from
 investment transactions       489,671     7,902,917     1,129,596       931,960
Net realized gain from
 foreign currency
 related transactions               --     5,653,361            --        62,153
Net change in unrealized
 gain on investments and
 futures                     1,362,656    (1,747,881)    1,448,471    (1,424,443)
Net change in unrealized
 loss on translation of
 assets and liabilities
 denominated in foreign
 currencies                         --    (2,249,013)           --        21,247
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase in net
   assets resulting from
   operations                5,262,124    22,304,616     5,255,348     4,005,821
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO
 SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income
 Class A                    (3,152,235)   (9,752,023)   (2,651,661)   (4,377,263)
 Class B                      (186,284)      (74,972)      (33,375)      (85,036)
 Class C                        (5,823)       (2,823)         (172)      (10,842)
 Institutional Class            (2,853)   (3,332,259)          (56)          (27)
 Service Class                     (20)       (5,785)          (14)          (26)
In excess of net
 investment income
 Class A                            --            --            --      (126,302)
 Class B                            --            --            --        (4,386)
 Class C                            --            --            --          (755)
 Institutional Class                --            --            --            (1)
 Service Class                      --            --            --            (1)
 Net realized gain on
  investment
  transactions                      --            --            --            --
 Class A                      (157,471)           --            --            --
 Class B                        (1,780)           --            --            --
 Class C                            --            --            --            --
 Institutional                      --            --            --            --
 Service                            --            --            --            --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total distributions to
   shareholders             (3,506,466)  (13,167,862)   (2,685,278)   (4,604,637)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Net proceeds from sales
 of shares                  69,513,073    56,787,564    21,242,873   344,880,814
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions               2,614,489     9,138,023     1,598,487     3,439,274
Cost of shares
 repurchased               (24,728,808)  (96,100,786)  (11,147,479)   (9,707,016)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase
   (decrease) in net
   assets resulting from
   share transactions       47,398,754   (30,175,199)   11,693,881   338,613,072
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total increase
   (decrease)               49,154,412   (21,038,445)   14,263,951   338,014,256
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period         30,837,422   253,175,445    52,522,400            --
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of period             $ 79,991,834  $232,137,000  $ 66,786,351  $338,014,256
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated
 undistributed
 (distributions in
 excess of) net
 investment income        $    134,310  $ 16,036,268  $     69,879  $   (131,443)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY OF SHARE
 TRANSACTIONS:
Shares sold                  4,877,554     3,836,511     1,451,690    34,524,040
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions                 182,774       620,219       109,016       343,632
Shares repurchased          (1,728,010)   (6,501,935)     (761,762)     (967,747)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease)
 in shares outstanding       3,332,318    (2,045,205)      798,944    33,899,925
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) Commencement of operations was August 1, 1997 for all classes except Class
    C which commenced operations August 15, 1997.
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
For the Year Ended October 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  GOVERNMENT      GLOBAL      MUNICIPAL
                                    INCOME        INCOME       INCOME
                                     FUND          FUND         FUND
                                  -------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>          <C>           <C>          <C>
FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income             $ 1,900,328  $ 15,455,369  $ 2,420,375
Net realized gain from
 investment transactions               47,581     9,268,666    1,239,690
Net realized loss from foreign
 currency related transactions             --    (2,192,328)          --
Net change in unrealized gain
 (loss) on investments and
 futures                             (257,605)       54,149     (513,085)
Net change in unrealized loss on
 translation of assets and
 liabilities denominated in
 foreign currencies                        --     4,948,769           --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase in net assets
   resulting from operations        1,690,304    27,534,625    3,146,980
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS
 FROM:
Net investment income
 Class A                           (1,898,372)  (22,455,377)  (2,418,570)
 Class B                               (3,324)       (3,052)      (1,805)
 Institutional Class                       --    (4,050,770)          --
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total distributions to
   shareholders                    (1,901,696)  (26,509,199)  (2,420,375)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Net proceeds from sales of
 shares                             8,922,548    39,747,372    6,389,765
Reinvestment of dividends and
 distributions                      1,614,587    16,968,046    1,484,778
Cost of shares repurchased         (8,990,920)  (82,019,748)  (9,875,982)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net
   assets resulting from share
   transactions                     1,546,215   (25,304,330)  (2,001,439)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total increase (decrease)         1,334,823   (24,278,904)  (1,274,834)
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year                  29,502,599   277,454,349   53,797,234
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of year                       $30,837,422  $253,175,445  $52,522,400
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated undistributed net
 investment income                $    53,331  $  6,704,225  $    60,331
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY OF SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Shares sold                           624,626     2,811,314      449,496
Reinvestment of dividends and
 distributions                        112,977     1,198,568      104,201
Shares repurchased                   (628,175)   (5,784,097)    (694,794)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease) in
 shares outstanding                   109,428    (1,774,215)    (141,097)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
                                         ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral
part of these financial statements.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
1. ORGANIZATION
Goldman Sachs Trust (the "Trust") is a Delaware business trust registered under
the Investment Company Act of 1940 (as amended) as an open-end, management
investment company. Included in this report are the financial statements for
the Goldman Sachs Government Income Fund (Government Income), the Goldman Sachs
Global Income Fund (Global Income), the Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund
(Municipal Income) and the Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund (High Yield),
collectively, "the Funds" or individually a "Fund." Government Income,
Municipal Income and High Yield are diversified portfolios whereas Global
Income is a non-diversified portfolio. The Funds currently offer Class A
shares, Class B shares, Class C shares, Institutional shares and Service
shares. Effective May 1, 1997, the Trust was reorganized from a Massachusetts
business trust to a Delaware business trust and various operational changes
were approved, including updating certain investment restrictions and amending
the management contracts.
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently
followed by the Fund's which are in conformity with those generally accepted in
the investment company industry.
  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that may affect the reported amounts.
 
A. Investment Valuation
Portfolio securities for which accurate market quotations are readily available
are valued on the basis of quotations furnished by a pricing service or
provided by dealers in such securities. Portfolio securities for which accurate
market quotations are not readily available are valued based on yield
equivalents, pricing matrix or other sources, under valuation procedures
established by the Trust's Board of Trustees. Short-term debt obligations
maturing in sixty days or less are valued at amortized cost.
 
B. Security Transactions and Investment Income
Security transactions are recorded on the trade date. Realized gains and losses
on sales of portfolio securities are calculated on the identified cost basis.
Interest income is recorded on the basis of interest accrued. Premiums on
interest-only securities and on collateralized mortgage obligations with
nominal principal amounts are amortized, on an effective yield basis, over the
expected lives of the respective securities, taking into account principal
prepayment experience and estimates of future principal prepayments. Certain
mortgage security paydown gains and losses are taxable as ordinary income. Such
paydown gains and losses increase or decrease taxable ordinary income available
for distribution and are classified as interest income in the accompanying
Statements of Operations. Original issue discounts ("OID") on debt securities
are amortized to interest income over the life of the security with a
corresponding increase in the cost basis of that security. OID amortization on
mortgage backed REMIC securities is initially recorded based on estimates of
principal paydowns using the most recent OID factors available from the issuer.
Recorded amortization amounts are adjusted when actual OID factors are
received. For Municipal Income, market premiums on other long-term debt
securities are amortized to interest income while for Global Income, market
discounts on other long-term debt securities are accreted to interest income.
 
C. Foreign Currency Translations
Amounts denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars on
the following basis: (i) investment valuations, other assets and liabilities
initially expressed in foreign currencies are converted each business day into
U.S. dollars based upon current exchange rates; (ii) purchases and sales of
foreign investments, income and expenses are converted into U.S.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
dollars based upon currency exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates
of such transactions.
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions will
represent: (i) foreign exchange gains and losses from the sale and holdings of
foreign currencies and investments; (ii) gains and losses between trade date
and settlement date on investment securities transactions and forward exchange
contracts; and (iii) gains and losses from the difference between amounts of
interest recorded and the amounts actually received.
 
D. Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
The Global Income and High Yield Funds may enter into forward foreign exchange
contracts for the purchase or sale of a specific foreign currency at a fixed
price on a future date as a hedge or cross-hedge against either specific
transactions or portfolio positions. Global Income and High Yield may also
purchase and sell forward contracts to seek to increase total return. All
commitments are "marked-to-market" daily at the applicable translation rates
and any resulting unrealized gains or losses are recorded in the Fund's
financial statements. The Fund records realized gains or losses at the time the
forward contract is offset by entry into a closing transaction or extinguished
by delivery of the currency. Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts
from the potential inability of counterparties to meet the terms of their
contracts and from unanticipated movements in the value of a foreign currency
relative to the U.S. dollar.
 
E. Mortgage Dollar Rolls
Government Income and Global Income may enter into mortgage "dollar rolls" in
which the Fund sells securities in the current month for delivery and
simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to repurchase similar (same
type, coupon and maturity) but not identical securities on a specified future
date. The Fund loses the right to receive principal and interest paid on the
securities sold but benefits to the extent of any price received for the
securities sold and the lower forward price for the future purchase (often
referred to as the "drop") or fee income plus the interest earned on the cash
proceeds of the securities sold until the settlement date of the forward
purchase. The Fund will hold and maintain in a segregated account, until the
settlement date, cash or liquid, high grade debt securities in an amount equal
to the forward purchase price. For financial reporting and tax reporting
purposes, the Fund treats mortgage dollar rolls as two separate transactions;
one involving the purchase of a security and a separate transaction involving a
sale.
 
F. Option Accounting Principles
The Funds may purchase or write call and put options to hedge against changes
in security prices. When call or put options are written, an amount equal to
the premium received is recorded as a liability in the Statement of Assets and
Liabilities which is subsequently marked-to-market to reflect the current value
of the written option. Upon the purchase of a call option or a protective put
option, the premium paid is recorded as an investment, and subsequently marked-
to-market to reflect the current market value of the option. If a closing
transaction has been entered into, a gain or loss may be realized on the
written or purchased option. When options expire, the premium received from a
written option is treated as a realized gain while the cost of a purchased
option is treated as a realized loss. If an option is exercised, the premium
paid or received will be offset against the proceeds on the sale or the
purchase cost of the underlying security to determine realized gains or losses.
Gains and losses are reported in the Statement of Operations.
  Certain risks arise upon entering into options contracts. The risk in writing
a call option is that the Fund gives up the opportunity to profit if the
underlying security's market value increases beyond the exercise price and the
option is exercised. The risk in writing a put option is that the Fund may
realize a loss if the market price of an underlying security declines and the
option is exercised. A premium must be paid for purchased options regardless of
whether or not the
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
option is exercised. The Fund also has the risk of not being able to enter into
a closing transaction if a liquid secondary market does not exist.
 
G. Futures Contracts
The Funds may enter into futures transactions in order to hedge against changes
in interest rates, securities prices, currency exchange rates (in the case of
Global Income and High Yield) or to seek to increase total return.
  Upon entering into a futures contract, the Funds are required to deposit with
a broker an amount of cash or securities equal to the minimum "initial margin"
requirement of the futures exchange on which the contract is traded. Payments
for futures contracts ("variation margin") are paid or received by the Funds
daily, dependent on the daily fluctuations in the value of the contracts, and
are recorded for financial reporting purposes, as unrealized gains or losses.
When contracts are closed, the Funds realize a gain or loss equal to the
difference between the value of the futures contract to sell and the value of
the futures contract to buy. Gains and losses are reported in the Statement of
Operations.
  The use of futures contracts involve, to varying degrees, elements of market
and counterparty risk which may exceed the amounts recognized in the Statements
of Assets and Liabilities. Changes in the value of the futures contract may not
directly correlate with changes in the value of the underlying securities
decreasing the effectiveness of the Funds' hedging strategies potentially
resulting in a loss.
 
H. Federal Taxes
It is each Fund's policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal
Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute
substantially all investment company tax-exempt and taxable income to its
shareholders each year. Accordingly, no federal tax provisions are required.
  The characterization of distributions to shareholders for financial reporting
purposes is determined in accordance with income tax rules. Therefore, the
source of a portfolio's distributions may be shown in the accompanying
financial statements as either from or in excess of net investment income or
net realized gain on investment transactions, or from paid-in capital,
depending on the type of book/tax differences that may exist.
  The Municipal Income Fund, at its most recent tax year-end of December 31,
had approximately the following amount of capital loss carryforward for U.S.
federal tax purposes:
 
<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                             YEAR OF
FUND               AMOUNT   EXPIRATION
- --------------------------------------
<S>               <C>      <C>
Municipal Income  $641,973    2004
- --------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
I. Deferred Organization Expenses
Organization-related costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a
period of five years.
 
J. Expenses
Expenses incurred by the Trust that do not specifically relate to an individual
portfolio of the Trust are generally allocated to the portfolios based on each
portfolio's relative average net assets for the period.
  Class A, Class B and Class C shareholders of the Funds bear all expenses and
fees relating to their respective distribution and authorized dealer service
plans as well as other expenses which are directly attributable to such shares.
Transfer agent fees are subject to separate arrangements for each class.
Shareholders of Service shares bear all expenses and fees paid to service
organizations for their services with respect to such shares as well as other
expenses (subject to expense limitations) which are directly attributable to
such shares.
 
3.  AGREEMENTS
As of May 1, 1997 each Fund's advisory and administration agreements were
combined into a single management agreement encompassing the same services and
fee structure. The investment adviser for Global Income changed from GSAM to
GSAM International, an affiliate of GSAM.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
Under the Agreement, GSAM and GSAM International (GSAM), subject to the general
supervision of the Trust's Board of Trustees, manage the Funds' portfolios. As
compensation for the services rendered pursuant to the Agreement and the
assumption of the expenses related thereto and administering the Fund's
business affairs, including providing facilities, GSAM is entitled to a fee,
computed daily and payable monthly at an annual rate equal to .65%, .90%, .55%
and .70% of average daily net assets of Government Income, Global Income,
Municipal Income and High Yield Funds, respectively.
  Goldman Sachs has voluntarily agreed to limit certain of the Funds' expenses
(excluding management, service, distribution and authorized dealer service
fees, taxes, interest, brokerage, litigation, indemnification and other
extraordinary expenses and with respect to the Global Income and High Yield
Funds, transfer agent fees) to the extent such expenses exceed .00%, .06%, .05%
and .01% per annum of Government Income, Global Income, Municipal Income and
High Yield Funds, respectively.
  Goldman Sachs serves as the Distributor of shares of the Funds pursuant to a
Distribution Agreement and as such may receive a portion of the sales load
imposed on the sale of Fund shares. During the period ended October 31, 1997,
Goldman Sachs retained approximately $193,000, $176,000, $57,000 and $3,194,000
of sales loads related to sales of Government Income, Global Income, Municipal
Income and High Yield Funds, respectively.
  The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, has adopted a Distribution Plan (the
"Distribution Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1. Under the Distribution Plan,
Goldman Sachs is entitled to a quarterly fee from each Fund for distribution
services equal, on an annual basis, to .25%, .75% and .75% of each Fund's
average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares,
respectively. The Trust, on behalf of each Fund, has adopted an Authorized
Dealer Service Plan (the "Service Plan") pursuant to which Goldman Sachs and
Authorized Dealers are compensated for providing personal and account
maintenance services. Each Fund pays a fee under its Service Plan equal, on an
annual basis, up to .25% of the average daily net assets attributable to the
Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Goldman Sachs also serves as the Transfer
Agent of the Funds for a fee.
  For the year ended October 31, 1997, the Managers and Distributor have
voluntarily agreed to waive certain fees and reimburse other expenses as
follows (in thousands):
 
               Waivers
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             ------------------------------ ---
                                                Reimburse-
                             Class A Reimburse-    ment
      Fund        Management  12b-1     ment    Outstanding
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>        <C>     <C>        <C>         <C>
Government
 Income              $215     $126      $365       $ 139
Global
 Income               744       73       224          56
Municipal Income      --       144       300         113
High Yield             31      153       200         146
</TABLE>
 
 
  The Manager and Distributor may discontinue or modify such waivers and
limitations in the future at their discretion.
  For the year ended October 31, 1997, Government Income and Municipal Income
Funds incurred commissions expense of approximately $2,400 and $1,800
respectively, in connection with futures contracts entered into with Goldman
Sachs. At October 31, 1997, Goldman Sachs owes approximately $5,600 to
Government Income related to variation margin on futures contracts.
 
4. LINE OF CREDIT FACILITY
The Funds participate in a $250,000,000 uncommitted, unsecured revolving line
of credit facility. In addition, Global Income and High Yield Funds participate
in a $50,000,000 committed, unsecured revolving line of credit facility. Both
facilities are to be used solely for temporary or emergency purposes. Under the
most restrictive arrangement, each Fund must own securities having a market
value in excess of 300% of the total bank borrowings. The interest rate on
borrowings is based on the federal funds rate. The committed facility also
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
requires a fee to be paid based on the amount of the commitment which has not
been utilized. For the year ended October 31, 1997, the Funds did not have any
borrowings under these facilities.
 
5. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and proceeds of sales or maturities of long-term securities for the
year ended October 31, 1997, were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                              GOVERNMENT     GLOBAL     MUNICIPAL      HIGH
FUND                            INCOME       INCOME      INCOME       YIELD
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
Purchases of U.S.
 Government and agency
 obligations                 $233,289,609 $141,309,917          --           --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchases (excluding
 U.S. Government and agency
 obligations)                  17,622,785  678,102,464 $97,409,474 $439,712,607
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales or maturities of
 U.S. Government and agency
 obligations                  199,313,496  183,217,390          --           --
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales or maturities
 (excluding U.S. Government
 and agency obligations)        5,883,622  619,012,989  88,394,031  117,559,082
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
  At October 31, 1997, Global Income had outstanding forward foreign currency
exchange contracts, both to purchase and sell foreign currencies as follows:
 
<TABLE>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                            VALUE ON
            FOREIGN CURRENCY               SETTLEMENT    CURRENT   UNREALIZED
           PURCHASE CONTRACTS                 DATE        VALUE       GAIN
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>         <C>         <C>
DEUTSCHE MARK
 Expiring 01/09/98                         $ 5,646,960 $ 5,761,656  $114,696
SWEDISH KRONA
 Expiring 12/12/97                           8,268,563   8,399,403   130,840
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Foreign Currency Purchase Contracts  $13,915,523 $14,161,059  $245,536
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         VALUE ON
          FOREIGN CURRENCY              SETTLEMENT    CURRENT    UNREALIZED
           SALE CONTRACTS                  DATE        VALUE     GAIN/(LOSS)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>          <C>          <C>
AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR Expiring 12/18/97    $  2,382,288 $  2,259,392 $   122,896
BRITISH POUND STERLING Expiring
 11/17/97                                30,871,825   32,890,869  (2,019,044)
 Expiring 01/26/98                        7,043,389    7,087,943     (44,554)
DEUTSCHE MARK Expiring 11/21/97          12,767,425   13,026,336    (258,911)
 Expiring 12/12/97                       11,185,084   11,537,531    (352,447)
FRENCH FRANC Expiring 01/23/98           18,369,370   19,024,538    (655,168)
ITALIAN LIRA Expiring 11/13/97           17,068,610   18,122,461  (1,053,851)
JAPANESE YEN Expiring 11/21/97            6,820,529    6,869,362     (48,833)
 Expiring 01/22/98                       27,706,724   27,929,410    (222,686)
NEW ZEALAND DOLLAR Expiring 12/19/97     22,897,566   22,466,145     431,421
SPANISH PESETA Expiring 12/11/97          8,628,088    9,059,096    (431,008)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Foreign Currency Sale Contracts  $165,740,898 $170,273,083 ($4,532,185)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
    FOREIGN CURRENCY        PURCHASE      SALE
     CROSS CONTRACTS         CURRENT     CURRENT   UNREALIZED
     (PURCHASE/SALE)          VALUE       VALUE       LOSS
- --------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>         <C>         <C>
DEUTSCHE MARK/SWISS FRANC
 Expiring 11/28/97         $11,863,004 $12,029,122 $(166,118)
DEUTSCHE MARK/IRISH PUNT
 Expiring 01/08/98          11,823,233  11,972,652  (149,419)
- --------------------------------------------------------------
 Total Foreign Currency
 Cross Contracts           $23,686,237 $24,001,774 $ (315,537)
- --------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
 
  At October 31, 1997, High Yield had outstanding forward foreign currency
exchange contracts to sell foreign currencies as follows:
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        VALUE ON
          FOREIGN CURRENCY             SETTLEMENT    CURRENT   UNREALIZED
           SALE CONTRACTS                 DATE        VALUE       LOSS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>         <C>         <C>
DEUTSCHE MARK
 Expiring 02/17/98                     $    65,605 $    69,174     ($3,569)
 Expiring 03/16/98                         212,345     220,490      (8,145)
 Expiring 04/15/98                         726,400     761,732     (35,332)
 Expiring 08/17/98                       1,604,606   1,688,221     (83,615)
 Expiring 09/15/98                       4,756,625   4,931,914    (175,289)
 Expiring 10/15/98                      11,692,647  12,250,676    (558,029)
FRENCH FRANC
 Expiring 05/04/98                       4,362,210   4,547,772    (185,562)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Foreign Currency Sale Contracts  $23,420,438 $24,469,979 $(1,049,541)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
  The contractual amounts of forward foreign currency exchange contracts do not
necessarily represent the amounts potentially subject to risk. The measurement
of the risks associated with these instruments is meaningful only when all
related and offsetting transactions are considered.
  At October 31, 1997, Global Income and High Yield Funds had sufficient cash
and/or securities to cover any commitments under these contracts.
  Global Income has recorded a "Receivable for forward foreign currency
exchange contracts" and "Payable for forward foreign currency exchange
contracts" resulting from open and closed but not settled forward foreign
currency exchange contracts of $1,997,772 and $7,755,584 respectively, in the
accompanying Statement of Assets and Liabilities. High Yield has recorded
$3,864 and $1,049,541 respectively. Included in the Global Income "Receivable
and Payable for forward foreign currency exchange contracts" are $718,874 and
$1,874,502 respectively, related to forward contracts closed but not settled as
of October 31, 1997. High Yield has recorded a "Receivable for forward currency
exchange contracts" of $3,864, related to forward contracts closed but not
settled as of October 31, 1997.
 
6. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
During the term of a repurchase agreement, the value of the underlying
securities, including accrued interest, is required to equal or exceed the
value of the repurchase agreement. The underlying securities for all repurchase
agreements are held in safekeeping at the Funds' custodian.
 
7. SERVICE PLAN
The Funds have adopted a Service Plan. This plan allows for Service shares to
compensate service organizations for providing varying levels of account
administration and shareholder liaison services to their customers who are
beneficial owners of such shares. The Service Plan provides for compensation to
the service organizations in an amount up to .50% (on an annualized basis), of
the average daily net asset value of the Service shares.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
 
8. JOINT REPURCHASE AGREEMENT ACCOUNT
The Funds, together with other registered investment companies having advisory
agreements with GSAM, transfer uninvested cash balances into joint accounts,
the daily aggregate balance of which is invested in one or more repurchase
agreements. The underlying securities for the repurchase agreements are U.S.
Treasury and agency obligations. At October 31, 1997, Government Income and
High Yield Funds had an undivided interest in the repurchase agreement in the
following joint account which equaled $20,200,000 and $7,200,000, respectively
in principal amount. At October 31, the repurchase agreements held in this
joint account, along with the corresponding underlying securities (including
the type of security, market value, interest rate and maturity date) were as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal              Interest                     Maturity                        Amortized
   Amount                 Rate                         Date                            Cost
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>                          <C>                          <C>
Bear Stearns & Co., dated October 31, 1997, repurchase price $300,144,250
 (total collateral value $309,849,518 consisting of FHLMC: 6.50%, 12/01/23;
 FNMA: 6.00%, 6/01/11; GNMA: 7.00%-8.00%, 2/15/25-10/15/27)
$300,000,000              5.77%                      11/03/97                     $   300,000,000
Lehman Brothers, Inc., dated October 31, 1997, repurchase price $241,215,728
 (total collateral value $245,922,019 consisting of FHLMC: 6.50%-10.25%,
 3/01/01-10/01/27; FNMA: 6.00%-11.25%, 11/01/01-10/01/27)
 241,100,000              5.76                       11/03/97                         241,100,000
Nomura Securities International, Inc., dated October 31, 1997, repurchase
 price $200,096,167 (total collateral value $204,000,900 consisting of
 FHLMC: 6.02%-7.53%, 9/25/00-8/21/07; FNMA: 6.11%-7.73%, 6/22/99-2/07/07;
 U.S. Treasury Note: 5.75%-9.00%, 5/15/98-2/15/07; U.S. Treasury Principal
 Only Stripped Security: 5/15/00)
 200,000,000              5.77                       11/03/97                         200,000,000
Nomura Securities International, Inc., dated October 31, 1997, repurchase
 price $100,047,500 (total collateral value $102,000,449 consisting of
 FHLMC: 6.02%-7.53%, 9/25/00-8/21/07; FNMA: 6.11%-7.73%, 6/22/99-2/07/07;
 U.S. Treasury Note: 5.75%-9.00%, 5/15/98-2/15/07; U.S. Treasury Principal
 Only Stripped Security: 5/15/00)
$100,000,000              5.70%                      11/03/97                     $   100,000,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL JOINT REPURCHASE AGREEMENT ACCOUNT                                          $   841,100,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
9. CERTAIN RECLASSIFICATIONS
 
In accordance with Statement of Position 93-2, the Government Income and
Municipal Income Funds have reclassified $18,397 and $17,545, respectively,
from paid-in capital to accumulated undistributed net investment income.
Additionally, the Global Income Fund and the High Yield Fund have reclassified
$9,739,737 and $58,290, respectively from accumulated net realized gain to
accumulated undistributed net investment income. These reclassifications have
no impact on net asset values of the Funds and are designed to present the
Funds' capital accounts on a tax basis.
 
10. OTHER
As of October 31, 1997, the Goldman, Sachs & Co. Employees Profit Sharing and
Retirement Income Plan was the beneficial owner of approximately 16% of the
outstanding shares of Global Income.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
11. SUMMARY OF SHARE TRANSACTIONS
 
Share activity for the year ended October 31, 1997 is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         Government Income           Global Income          Municipal Income           High Yield(a)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                         Shares      Dollars      Shares      Dollars      Shares      Dollars      Shares      Dollars
                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>        <C>          <C>         <C>
CLASS A SHARES
Shares sold             4,037,141  $57,488,835   3,015,583  $ 44,585,997  1,303,279  $19,055,213  33,312,862  $332,722,875
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions            171,093    2,446,417     467,859     6,894,169    107,716    1,579,312     337,850     3,381,418
Shares repurchased     (1,621,717) (23,201,046) (6,086,858)  (89,969,794)  (743,175) (10,871,802)   (964,546)   (9,674,791)
                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        2,586,517   36,734,206  (2,603,416)  (38,489,628)   667,820    9,762,723  32,686,166   326,429,502
                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B SHARES
Shares sold               616,145    8,785,642     234,541     3,469,609    116,039    1,702,581   1,031,591    10,350,661
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions             11,108      159,730       3,715        55,069      1,286       18,970       4,944        49,476
Shares repurchased        (93,217)  (1,338,822)    (25,960)     (383,982)   (18,419)    (273,177)     (2,707)      (27,285)
                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          534,036    7,606,550     212,296     3,140,696     98,906    1,448,374   1,033,828    10,372,852
                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C SHARES
Shares sold                94,585    1,365,823      39,328       589,195      8,837      132,078     179,285     1,804,260
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions                379        5,517         183         2,750         12          176         834         8,342
Shares repurchased        (13,076)    (188,940)     (6,597)      (98,680)      (168)      (2,500)       (494)       (4,940)
                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                           81,888    1,182,400      32,914       493,265      8,681      129,754     179,625     1,807,662
                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
Shares sold               129,579    1,871,267     520,054     7,743,275     23,434      351,500         150         1,501
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions                193        2,806     148,072     2,180,251          1           15           3            28
Shares repurchased             --           --    (365,110)   (5,385,751)        --           --          --            --
                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          129,772    1,874,073     303,016     4,537,775     23,435      351,515         153         1,529
                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICE SHARES
Shares sold                   104        1,506      27,005       399,488        101        1,501         152         1,517
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions                  1           19         390         5,784          1           14           1            10
Shares repurchased             --           --     (17,410)     (262,579)        --           --          --            --
                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              105        1,525       9,985       142,693        102        1,515         153         1,527
                       ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase
 (decrease)             3,332,318  $47,398,754  (2,045,205) $(30,175,199)   798,944  $11,693,881  33,899,925  $338,613,072
                       ===================================================================================================
</TABLE>
(a) Commencement of operations was August 1, 1997 for all classes except Class
    C which commenced operations August 15, 1997.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
 
Share activity for the year ended October 31, 1996 is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          Government Income          Global Income          Municipal Income
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Shares     Dollars      Shares      Dollars      Shares     Dollars
                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>       <C>          <C>         <C>           <C>       <C>
CLASS A SHARES
Shares sold               607,156  $ 8,675,868   1,089,521  $ 15,545,777   431,736  $ 6,139,212
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions            112,752    1,611,387     947,846    13,419,614   104,074    1,482,976
Shares repurchased       (626,797)  (8,971,389) (5,376,065)  (76,216,894) (694,685)  (9,874,431)
                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                           93,111    1,315,866  (3,338,698)  (47,251,503) (158,875)  (2,252,243)
                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B SHARES
Shares sold                17,470      246,680      18,628       265,053    17,760      250,553
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions                225        3,200         119         1,708       127        1,802
Shares repurchased         (1,378)     (19,531)     (1,144)      (16,373)     (109)      (1,551)
                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                           16,317      230,349      17,603       250,388    17,778      250,804
                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
INSTITUTIONAL SHARES
Shares sold                    --           --   1,703,165    23,936,542        --           --
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions                 --           --     250,603     3,546,724        --           --
Shares repurchased             --           --    (406,888)   (5,786,481)       --           --
                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                               --           --   1,546,880    21,696,785        --           --
                         ----------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease)   109,428  $ 1,546,215  (1,774,215) $(25,304,330) (141,097) $(2,001,439)
                         ======================================================================
</TABLE>
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected Data for a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Income (loss) from investment operations
                                  ----------------------------------------------------
                                              Net realized    Net realized
                                             and unrealized  and unrealized   Total
                                             gain (loss) on   gain (loss)     income
                        Net asset              investment,     on foreign     (loss)
                         value,      Net       option and       currency       from
                        beginning investment     futures        related     investment
                        of period   income   transactions(a)  transactions  operations
              -----------------------------------------------------------------
                             GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>       <C>        <C>             <C>            <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------------------------
1997-Class A Shares      $14.36     $0.91         $0.29             --        $1.20
1997-Class B Shares       14.37      0.80          0.30             --         1.10
1997-Class C Shares(j)    14.38      0.17          0.22             --         0.39
1997-Institutional
 Shares(j)                14.37      0.20          0.22             --         0.42
1997-Service Shares(j)    14.37      0.20          0.21             --         0.41
1996-Class A shares       14.47      0.92         (0.11)            --         0.81
1996-Class B shares(c)    14.11      0.41          0.26             --         0.67
1995-Class A shares       13.47      0.94          1.00             --         1.94
1994-Class A shares       14.90      0.85         (1.28)            --        (0.43)
FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 10, 1993(D) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------------------------
1993-Class A shares       14.32      0.56          0.58             --         1.14
                               GLOBAL INCOME FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------------
1997-Class A shares      $14.53     $0.59         $0.50          $0.27        $1.36
1997-Class B shares       14.53      0.72          0.36           0.20         1.28
1997-Class C shares(j)    14.80      0.16          0.19           0.10         0.45
1997-Institutional
 Shares                   14.52      0.88          0.37           0.19         1.44
1997-Service Shares(i)    14.69      0.53          0.25           0.14         0.92
1996-Class A shares       14.45      0.71          0.62           0.18         1.51
1996-Class B shares(c)    14.03      0.34          0.41           0.11         0.86
1996-Institutional
 shares                   14.45      1.15          0.32           0.10         1.57
1995-Class A shares       13.43      0.89          0.92           0.15         1.96
1995-Institutional
 shares(f)                14.09      0.22          0.34           0.06         0.62
1994-Class A shares       15.07      0.84         (1.37)         (0.12)       (0.65)
1993-Class A shares       14.69      0.85          1.07          (0.42)        1.50
1992-Class A shares       14.60      1.14          0.45          (0.36)        1.23
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 2, 1991(D) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------------
1991-Class A shares       14.55      0.25          0.23          (0.19)        0.29

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                            Distributions to shareholders
                        ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       From                In excess of
                                   net realized            net realized
                                     gain on                 gain on
                           From    investment,  In excess  investment,              Total
                           net      option and    of net    option and   From   distributions
                        investment   futures    investment   futures    paid in      to
                          income   transactions   income   transactions capital shareholders
              -----------------------------------------------------------------
                             GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------------------------
1997-Class A Shares      $(0.90)     $(0.07)        --          --         --     $(0.97)
1997-Class B Shares       (0.79)      (0.07)        --          --         --      (0.86)
1997-Class C Shares(j)    (0.17)         --         --          --         --      (0.17)
1997-Institutional       
 Shares(j)                (0.20)         --         --          --         --      (0.20)
1997-Service Shares(j)    (0.19)         --         --          --         --      (0.19)
1996-Class A shares       (0.92)         --         --          --         --      (0.92)
1996-Class B shares(c)    (0.41)         --         --          --         --      (0.41)
1995-Class A shares       (0.94)         --         --          --         --      (0.94)
1994-Class A shares       (0.85)      (0.12)     (0.02)      (0.01)        --      (1.00)
FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 10, 1993(D) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------------------------
1993-Class A shares       (0.56)         --         --          --         --      (0.56)
                               GLOBAL INCOME FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------------
1997-Class A shares      $(0.79)         --         --          --         --     $(0.79)
1997-Class B shares       (0.73)         --         --          --         --      (0.73)
1997-Class C shares(j)    (0.19)         --         --          --         --      (0.19)
1997-Institutional       
 Shares                   (0.87)         --         --          --         --      (0.87)
1997-Service Shares(i)    (0.52)         --         --          --         --      (0.52)
1996-Class A shares       (1.43)         --         --          --         --      (1.43)
1996-Class B shares(c)    (0.36)         --         --          --         --      (0.36)
1996-Institutional       
 shares                   (1.50)         --         --          --         --      (1.50)
1995-Class A shares       (0.94)         --         --          --         --      (0.94)
1995-Institutional       
 shares(f)                (0.26)         --         --          --         --      (0.26)
1994-Class A shares       (0.22)      (0.16)        --          --      (0.61)     (0.99)
1993-Class A shares       (0.85)      (0.27)        --          --         --      (1.12)
1992-Class A shares       (1.14)         --         --          --         --      (1.14)
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 2, 1991(D) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------------
1991-Class A shares       (0.24)         --         --          --         --      (0.24)

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                           Net                                        Ratio of
                         increase                                       net
                        (decrease) Net asset              Ratio of   investment             Net assets
                          in net   value at             net expenses   income   Portfolio   at end of
                          asset     end of     Total     to average  to average turnover      period
                          value     period   return(b)   net assets  net assets  rate(h)    (in 000s)
              -----------------------------------------------------------------
                             GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>         <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------------------------
1997-Class A Shares       $0.23     $14.59      8.72%       0.50%       6.38%    395.75%     $ 68,859
1997-Class B Shares        0.24      14.61      7.96        1.25        5.59     395.75         8,041
1997-Class C Shares(j)     0.22      14.60      2.72(g)     1.25(e)     5.45(e)  395.75(g)      1,196
1997-Institutional
 Shares(j)                 0.22      14.59      2.94(g)     0.25(e)     7.03(e)  395.75(g)      1,894
1997-Service Shares(j)     0.22      14.59      2.85(g)     0.50(e)     6.49(e)  395.75(g)          2
1996-Class A shares       (0.11)     14.36      5.80        0.50        6.42     485.09        30,603
1996-Class B shares(c)     0.26      14.37      4.85(g)     1.25(e)     5.65(e)  485.09           234
1995-Class A shares        1.00      14.47     14.90        0.47        6.67     449.53        29,503
1994-Class A shares       (1.43)     13.47     (2.98)       0.11        6.06     654.90        14,452
FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 10, 1993(D) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------------------------
1993-Class A shares        0.58      14.90      8.03(g)     0.00(e)     4.87(e)  725.41(g)     12,860
                               GLOBAL INCOME FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------------
1997-Class A shares       $0.57     $15.10      9.66%       1.17%       5.19%    383.72%     $167,096
1997-Class B shares        0.55      15.08      9.04        1.71        4.76     383.72         3,465
1997-Class C shares(j)     0.26      15.06      3.03(g)     1.71(e)     4.98(e)  383.72(g)        496
1997-Institutional
 Shares                    0.57      15.09     10.26        0.65        5.72     383.72        60,929
1997-Service Shares(i)     0.40      15.09      6.42(g)     1.15(e)     5.33(e)  383.72(g)        151
1996-Class A shares        0.08      14.53     11.05        1.16        5.81     232.15       198,665
1996-Class B shares(c)     0.50      14.53      6.24(g)     1.70(e)     5.16(e)  232.15(g)        256
1996-Institutional
 shares                    0.07      14.52     11.55        0.65        6.35     232.15        54,254
1995-Class A shares        1.02      14.45     15.08        1.29        6.23     265.86       245,835
1995-Institutional
 shares(f)                 0.36      14.45      4.42(g)     0.65(e)     6.01(e)  265.86(g)     31,619
1994-Class A shares       (1.64)     13.43     (4.49)       1.28        5.73     343.74       396,584
1993-Class A shares        0.38      15.07     10.75        1.30        5.78     313.88       675,662
1992-Class A shares        0.09      14.69      8.77        1.37        7.85     270.75       588,893
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 2, 1991(D) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------------
1991-Class A shares        0.05      14.60      2.00(g)     0.38(g)     1.72(g)   34.22(g)    388,744

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                              Ratios assuming no
                           voluntary waiver of fees
                            or expense limitations
                           -------------------------------
                                              Ratio of net
                             Ratio of          investment
                             expenses            income
                            to average         to average
                            net assets         net assets
              --------------------------------------------------------------
                             GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>                <C>                <C> <C> <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------------------------
1997-Class A Shares                   1.82%              5.06%
1997-Class B Shares                   2.32               4.52
1997-Class C Shares(j)                2.32(e)            4.38(e)
1997-Institutional
 Shares(j)                            1.57(e)            5.42(e)
1997-Service Shares(j)                1.82(e)            5.17(e)
1996-Class A shares                   1.89               5.03
1996-Class B shares(c)                2.39(e)            4.51(e)
1995-Class A shares                   2.34               4.80
1994-Class A shares                   2.86               3.31
FOR THE PERIOD FEBRUARY 10, 1993(D) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------------------------
1993-Class A shares                   4.00(e)            0.87(e)
                               GLOBAL INCOME FUND
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------------
1997-Class A shares                   1.60%              4.76%
1997-Class B shares                   2.10               4.37
1997-Class C shares(j)                2.10(e)            4.59(e)
1997-Institutional Shares             1.04               5.33
1997-Service Shares(i)                1.54(e)            4.94(e)
1996-Class A shares                   1.64               5.33
1996-Class B shares(c)                2.14(e)            4.72(e)
1996-Institutional shares             1.11               5.89
1995-Class A shares                   1.58               5.94
1995-Institutional
 shares(f)                            1.08(e)            5.58(e)
1994-Class A shares                   1.53               5.48
1993-Class A shares                   1.55               5.53
1992-Class A shares                   1.62               7.60
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 2, 1991(D) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------------
1991-Class A shares                   0.44(g)            1.66(g)
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (continued)
Selected Data for a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Income (loss) from investment operations
                                  ----------------------------------------------------
                                              Net realized    Net realized
                                             and unrealized  and unrealized   Total
                                             gain (loss) on   gain (loss)     income
                        Net asset              investment,     on foreign     (loss)
                         value,      Net       option and       currency       from
                        beginning investment     futures        related     investment
                        of period   income   transactions(a)  transactions  operations
      ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                             MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>       <C>        <C>             <C>            <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- ------------------------------------
1997-Class A Shares      $14.37     $0.67         $0.62            --         $1.29
1997-Class B Shares       14.37      0.56          0.63            --          1.19
1997-Class C Shares(j)    14.85      0.12          0.14            --          0.26
1997-Institutional
 Shares(j)                14.84      0.15          0.16            --          0.31
1997-Service Shares(j)    14.84      0.14          0.15            --          0.29
1996-Class A shares       14.17      0.65          0.20            --          0.85
1996-Class B shares(c)    14.03      0.27          0.34            --          0.61
1995-Class A shares       13.08      0.67          1.09            --          1.76
1994-Class A shares       14.64      0.73         (1.51)           --         (0.78)
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 20, 1993(D) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ------------------------------------
1993-Class A shares       14.32      0.22          0.32            --          0.54
                                HIGH YIELD FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 1, 1997(D) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ------------------------------------
1997-Class A Shares      $10.00     $0.17        $(0.03)          0.01        $0.15
1997-Class B Shares       10.00      0.15         (0.03)          0.01         0.13
1997-Class C Shares(j)     9.97      0.14           --            0.01         0.12
1997-Institutional
 Shares                   10.00      0.18         (0.03)          0.01         0.16
1997-Service Shares       10.00      0.17         (0.03)          0.01         0.15
<CAPTION>
                                            Distributions to shareholders
                        ---------------------------------------------------------------------
                                       From                In excess of
                                   net realized            net realized
                                     gain on                 gain on
                           From    investment,  In excess  investment,              Total
                           net      option and    of net    option and   From   distributions
                        investment   futures    investment   futures    paid in      to
                          income   transactions   income   transactions capital shareholders
      ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- --------------------------
1997-Class A Shares       $(0.67)       --           --        --         --       $(0.67)
1997-Class B Shares        (0.56)       --           --        --         --        (0.56)
1997-Class C Shares(j)     (0.12)       --           --        --         --        (0.12)
1997-Institutional
Shares(j)                  (0.15)       --           --        --         --        (0.15)
1997-Service Shares(j)     (0.14)       --           --        --         --        (0.14)
1996-Class A shares        (0.65)       --           --        --         --        (0.65)
1996-Class B shares(c)     (0.27)       --           --        --         --        (0.27)
1995-Class A shares        (0.67)       --           --        --         --        (0.67)
1994-Class A shares        (0.73)     (0.05)         --        --         --        (0.78)
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 20, 1993(D) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- --------------------------
1993-Class A shares        (0.22)       --           --        --         --        (0.22)
                                 HIGH YIELD FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 1, 1997(D) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- --------------------------
1997-Class A Shares       $(0.17)       --        $(0.01)      --         --       $(0.18)
1997-Class B Shares        (0.15)       --         (0.01)      --         --        (0.16)
1997-Class C Shares(j)     (0.14)       --         (0.01)      --         --        (0.15)
1997-Institutional
Shares                     (0.18)       --         (0.01)      --         --        (0.19)
1997-Service Shares        (0.17)       --         (0.01)      --         --        (0.18)
<CAPTION>
                           Net                                         Ratio of
                         increase                                        net
                        (decrease) Net asset               Ratio of   investment               Net assets
                          in net   value at              net expenses   income    Portfolio    at end of
                          asset     end of     Total      to average  to average  turnover       period
                          value     period   return(b)    net assets  net assets   rate(h)     (in 000s)
      ------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>          <C>         <C>          <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- --------------------------
1997-Class A Shares        $0.62    $14.99      9.23%        0.85%       4.60%     153.12%       $64,553
1997-Class B Shares         0.63     15.00      8.48         1.60        3.74      153.12          1,750
1997-Class C Shares(j)      0.14     14.99      1.75(g)      1.60(e)     3.24(e)   153.12(g)         130
1997-Institutional
Shares(j)                   0.16     15.00      2.10(g)      0.60(e)     4.41(e)   153.12(g)         351
1997-Service Shares(j)      0.15     14.99      1.93(g)      1.10(e)     4.24(e)   153.12(g)           2
1996-Class A shares         0.20     14.37      6.13         0.85        4.58      344.13         52,267
1996-Class B shares(c)      0.34     14.37      4.40(g)      1.60(e)     3.55(e)   344.13(g)         255
1995-Class A shares         1.09     14.17     13.79         0.76        4.93      335.55         53,797
1994-Class A shares        (1.56)    13.08     (5.51)        0.45        5.28      357.54         47,373
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 20, 1993(D) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- --------------------------
1993-Class A shares         0.32     14.64      3.73(g)      0.00(e)     5.15(e)    99.99(g)      30,166
                                 HIGH YIELD FUND
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 1, 1997(D) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- --------------------------
1997-Class A Shares       $(0.03)    $9.97      1.50%(g)     0.95%(e)    7.06%(e)   44.80%(g)   $325,911
1997-Class B Shares        (0.03)     9.97      1.31(g)      1.70(e)     6.28(e)    44.80(g)      10.308
1997-Class C Shares(j)     (0.03)     9.97      1.46(g)      1.70(e)     6.17(e)    44.80(g)       1,791
1997-Institutional
Shares                     (0.03)     9.97      1.58(g)      0.70(e)     7.16(e)    44.80(g)           2
1997-Service Shares        (0.03)     9.97      1.46(g)      1.20(e)     6.69(e)    44.80(g)           2
<CAPTION>
                                 Ratios assuming no
                              voluntary waiver of fees
                               or expense limitations
                              --------------------------------
                                                  Ratio of net
                                Ratio of           investment
                                expenses             income
                               to average          to average
                               net assets          net assets
      -------------------------------------------------------------------
                             MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>                 <C>                 <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- ------------------------------------
1997-Class A Shares                      1.62%               3.83%
1997-Class B Shares                      2.12                3.22
1997-Class C Shares(j)                   2.12(e)             2.72(e)
1997-Institutional Shares(j)             1.12(e)             3.89(e)
1997-Service Shares(j)                   1.62(e)             3.72(e)
1996-Class A shares                      1.55                3.88
1996-Class B shares(c)                   2.05(e)             3.10(e)
1995-Class A shares                      1.49                4.20
1994-Class A shares                      1.55                4.18
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 20, 1993(D) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ------------------------------------
1993-Class A shares                      2.42(e)             2.73(e)
                                HIGH YIELD FUND
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 1, 1997(D) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ------------------------------------
1997-Class A Shares                      1.57%(e)            6.44%(e)
1997-Class B Shares                      2.07(e)             5.91(e)
1997-Class C Shares(j)                   2.07(e)             5.80(e)
1997-Institutional Shares                1.07(e)             6.79(e)
1997-Service Shares                      1.57(e)             6.32(e)
</TABLE>
(a) Includes the balancing effect of calculating per share amounts.
(b) Assumes investment at the net asset value at the beginning of the period,
    reinvestment of all distributions, a complete redemption of the investment
    at the net asset value at the end of period and no sales charge. Total
    return would be reduced if a sales charge for Class A shares or a
    contingent deferred sales charge for Class B and Class C shares were taken
    into account.
(c) Class B shares commenced operations on May 1, 1996.
(d) Commencement of operations.
(e) Annualized.
(f) Institutional shares commenced operations on June 1, 1995.
(g) Not annualized.
(h) Includes the effect of mortgage dollar roll transactions for the Government
    Income Fund.
(i) Service Class shares commenced operations on March 12, 1997.
(j) Commenced operations on August 15, 1997.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of the Goldman Sachs Government
Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Municipal Income
Fund and Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund:
 
 We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of the
Goldman Sachs Government Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund, Goldman
Sachs Municipal Income Fund and Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund: (portfolios of
Goldman Sachs Trust, a Delaware Business Trust), including the statements of
investments, as of October 31, 1997, and the related statements of operations,
the statements of changes in net assets and the financial highlights for each
of the periods presented. These financial statements and the financial
highlights are the responsibility of the Funds' management. Our responsibility
is to express an opinion on these financial statements and the financial
highlights based on our audits.
 
 We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and the financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of
October 31, 1997 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
 In our opinion, the financial statements and the financial highlights referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
the Goldman Sachs Government Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund,
Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund and Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund as of
October 31, 1997, the results of their operations and the changes in their net
assets and the financial highlights for each of the periods presented, in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                                             Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
December 12, 1997
 
                                       53
<PAGE>
 
               VOTING RESULTS OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
 
  The proposals described below were submitted to a vote of shareholders of
Goldman Sachs Trust (the "Company") at a Special Meeting of Shareholders held
on April 1, 1997 (the "Meeting"):
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 1--ELECTION OF NINE TRUSTEES:
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, Ashok Bakhru, David B. Ford, Douglas Grip, John McNulty, Mary
McPherson, Richard Strubel, Alan Shuch, Jackson Smart and William Springer were
elected to the Company's Board of Trustees. In electing the Trustees, the
Company's shareholders voted as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  TRUSTEE                      FOR       AGAINST    ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
  -------                --------------- ------- -------------- ----------------
<S>                      <C>             <C>     <C>            <C>
Ashok Bakhru............ 59,699,988.0890    0      993,484.8850        0
David B. Ford........... 59,362,764.7000    0    1,330,708.2740        0
Douglas Grip............ 59,477,956.3930    0    1,215,516.5810        0
John McNulty............ 59,362,764.7000    0    1,330,708.2740        0
Mary McPherson.......... 59,705,150.0290    0      988,322.9450        0
Richard Strubel......... 59,727,715.4610    0      965,757.5130        0
Alan Shuch.............. 59,362,764.7000    0    1,330,708.2740        0
Jackson Smart........... 59,706,199.9810    0      987,272.9930        0
William Springer........ 59,729,198.2540    0      964,274.7200        0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 2--RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP AS THE
              INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS OF THE TRUST OR THE CORPORATION FOR THE
              FISCAL YEARS ENDING OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND JANUARY 31, 1998,
              RESPECTIVELY:
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Company's shareholders approved Proposal No. 2 as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      FOR               AGAINST                ABSTAIN             BROKER NON-VOTES
- ---------------      --------------         --------------         ----------------
<S>                  <C>                    <C>                    <C>
55,747,113.1630       37,028.3220           4,909,331.4890                0
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 4(B)--APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE TRUST'S DECLARATION OF TRUST
                TO PERMIT INVESTMENT OF EACH FUND'S ASSETS IN ANOTHER OPEN-END
                INVESTMENT COMPANY:
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Company's shareholders approved Proposal No. 4(B) as
follows:
 
<CAPTION>
      FOR               AGAINST                ABSTAIN             BROKER NON-VOTES
- ---------------      --------------         --------------         ----------------
<S>                  <C>                    <C>                    <C>
52,375,742.4380      1,978,971.9450         6,267,663.5910           71,095.0000
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 3--APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION:
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the shareholders of each of the Company's portfolios (each, a
"Fund" and collectively, the "Funds") approved Proposal No. 3 as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST       ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ -------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,256,266.2380 249,187.0120         0             0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  30,840,046.7270 205,007.3510 4,029,816.1740   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   2,017,550.0780  16,321.0250       527.7150        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,761,964.9270   1,055.6280         0             0
G.S. Global Income......   7,475,140.0900 216,569.4820 1,108,286.2630        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,419,426.1060  19,927.7870     2,736.8010    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,871,247.5330  13,820.1290   117,480.9080        0
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 4(A)--APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE FUND'S INVESTMENT
                RESTRICTIONS TO PERMIT EACH FUND TO INVEST ALL ITS ASSETS IN
                ANOTHER OPEN-END INVESTMENT COMPANY:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 4(A) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST       ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ -------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,249,924.1230 255,529.1270         0             0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  29,300,183.4090 738,971.8930 5,035,714.9500   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   1,707,256.5030 326,614.6000       527.7150        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,761,964.9270   1,055.6280         0             0
G.S. Global Income......   7,338,642.1730 350,819.2200 1,110,534.4420        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,409,107.5260  30,246.3670     2,736.8010    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,850,690.6070  29,828.2390   122,029.7240        0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(A)--INVESTMENT POLICY ON ISSUER DIVERSIFICATION:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 5(A) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST       ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ -------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,249,924.1230 249,187.0120     6,342.1150        0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  29,997,087.3250  43,548.7280 5,034,234.1990   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   2,023,592.0760   1,190.2710     9,616.4710        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,763,020.5550       0              0             0
G.S. Global Income......   7,302,111.2200 337,094.6510 1,160,789.9640        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,432,220.1140   3,231.1630     6,639.4170    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,872,473.5900  16,237.5860   113,837.3940        0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(B)--INVESTMENT POLICY ON INDUSTRY CONCENTRATION:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 5(B) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST       ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ -------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,249,924.1230 249,187.0120     6,342.1150        0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  29,717,448.6200  48,100.0560 5,309,321.5760   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   2,023,592.0760   1,190.2710     9,616.4710        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,763,020.5550       0              0             0
G.S. Global Income......   7,308,203.5950 364,153.7540 1,127,638.4860        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,435,859.2330   3,462.0620     2,769.3990    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,869,373.6660  12,600.7210   120,574.1830        0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(C)--INVESTMENT POLICIES ON BORROWING, MARGIN PURCHASES AND
                PLEDGING ASSETS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 5(C) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST       ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ -------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,249,924.1230 249,187.0120     6,342.1150        0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  29,536,226.5180 496,829.5350 5,041,814.1990   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   2,024,782.3470       0          9,616.4710        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,761,964.9270   1,055.6280         0             0
G.S. Global Income......   7,216,046.8580 429,048.0000 1,154,900.9770        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,382,429.7560  55,980.6910     3,680.2470    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,852,339.5570  25,565.3640   124,643.6490        0
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(D)--INVESTMENT POLICY ON LOANS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 5(D) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST       ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ -------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,249,924.1230 249,187.0120     6,342.1150        0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  29,791,225.9940 241,830.0590 5,041,814.1990   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   2,024,782.3470       0          9,616.4710        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,761,964.9270   1,055.6280         0             0
G.S. Global Income......   7,246,088.4970 387,925.7060 1,165,981.6320        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,418,199.0540  16,793.6490     7,097.9910    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,855,997.7160  18,603.7770   127,947.0770        0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(E)--INVESTMENT POLICY ON UNDERWRITING:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 5(E) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST        ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ --------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>             <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,499,008.6670     102.4680      6,342.1150        0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  24,563,621.2260 203,940.9210 10,307,308.1050   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   2,024,782.3470       0           9,616.4710        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,763,020.5550       0               0             0
G.S. Global Income......   7,277,794.5270 358,843.4350  1,163,357.8730        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,430,965.7480   7,444.6990      3,680.2470    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,848,511.9770  12,976.0140    141,060.5790        0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(F)--INVESTMENT POLICY ON REAL ESTATE AND OIL AND GAS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 5(F) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST        ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ --------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>             <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,249,924.1230 249,187.0120      6,342.1150        0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  24,526,695.5880 240,866.5590 10,307,308.1050   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   1,990,762.3590  34,019.9880      9,616.4710        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   1,125,872.4290       0       3,637,148.1260        0
G.S. Global Income......   7,327,402.6000 291,544.8020  1,181,048.4330        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,432,561.1600   5,849.2870      3,680.2470    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,867,044.1890  15,154.4890    120,349.8920        0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(G)--INVESTMENT POLICY ON COMMODITIES:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 5(G) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST        ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ --------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>             <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,256,266.2380     102.4680    249,084.5440        0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  24,259,310.5330 258,550.2170 10,557,009.5020   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   1,999,851.1150  34,019.9880        527.7150        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,761,964.9270       0           1,055.6280        0
G.S. Global Income......   7,242,067.7760 391,426.1320  1,166,501.9270        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,402,158.5440  35,125.1420      4,807.0080    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,864,355.0900  15,677.0190    122,516.4610        0
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(H)--INVESTMENT POLICY ON SENIOR SECURITIES:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 5(H) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST        ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ --------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>             <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,249,296.2850   7,072.4210    249,084.5440        0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  24,588,889.6270 204,058.5000 10,281,922.1250   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   2,032,680.8320   1,190.2710        527.7150        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,763,020.5550       0               0             0
G.S. Global Income......   7,317,507.8520 317,794.9290  1,164,693.0540        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,369,235.2830  67,017.8840      5,837.5270    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,861,721.6030  14,498.0260    126,328.9410        0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(I)--INVESTMENT POLICY CONCERNING SHORT SALES OF SECURITIES:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 5(I) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST       ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ -------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,243,445.2950  12,923.4110   249,084.5440        0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  29,554,106.4250 236,098.2310 5,284,665.5960   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   1,994,403.9380  39,467.1650       527.7150        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,761,964.9270       0          1,055.6280        0
G.S. Global Income......   7,221,712.5330 412,993.5060 1,165,289.7960        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,365,080.4460  68,785.4960     8,224.7520    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,839,955.6770  27,482.8450   135,110.0480        0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(J)--GS SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND'S POLICY ON OPTIONS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of GS Short Duration Government approved
Proposal No. 5(J) as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                 FOR       AGAINST    ABSTAIN    BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            -------------- -------- ------------ ----------------
<S>                       <C>            <C>      <C>          <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................  6,249,924.1230 102.4680 255,426.6590         0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(K)--GS SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND'S POLICY ON INVESTMENTS TO
                EXERCISE CONTROL:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of GS Short Duration Fund approved Proposal
No. 5(K) as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                 FOR        AGAINST     ABSTAIN    BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            -------------- ---------- ------------ ----------------
<S>                       <C>            <C>        <C>          <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................  6,249,924.1030 6,444.5830 249,084.5440         0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 6--APPROVAL OF AMENDED AND RESTATED MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 6 as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                 FOR         AGAINST      ABSTAIN    BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            -------------- ------------ ------------ ----------------
<S>                       <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>
G.S. Global Income......  7,767,511.0190 285,099.7120 747,385.1040        0
G.S. Government Income..  1,417,140.3790  20,595.5810   4,354.7340    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...  1,868,303.5900  12,832.0000 121,412.9800        0
</TABLE>
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
                     This page is intentionally left blank
 
 
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Annual Report is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only
when preceded or accompanied by a Goldman Sachs Trust Prospectus which contains
facts concerning the Fund's objectives and policies, management, expenses and
other information.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
TRUSTEES

Ashok N. Bakhru, Chairman
David B. Ford
Douglas C. Grip
John P. McNulty
Mary P. McPherson
Alan A. Shuch
Jackson W. Smart, Jr.
William H. Springer
Richard P. Strubel

OFFICERS

Douglas C. Grip, President
James A. Fitzpatrick, Vice President
John W. Mosior, Vice President
Nancy L. Mucker, Vice President
Scott M. Gilman, Treasurer
John M. Perlowski, Assistant Treasurer
Michael J. Richman, Secretary
Howard B. Surloff, Assistant Secretary

GOLDMAN SACHS

Investment Adviser,
Distributor and Transfer Agent



Goldman Sachs Funds
One New York Plaza, 41st Floor          Goldman Sachs
New York, NY 10004

FIARRET


<PAGE>
 
The Goldman Sachs

FIXED INCOME FUNDS


Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate Government Fund
Goldman Sachs Short Duration Government Fund
Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund
Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund



ANNUAL REPORT

October 31, 1997
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LETTER TO SHAREHOLDERS

- --------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------
DEAR SHAREHOLDERS:
 
  We are pleased to present the annual report for the Goldman Sachs Fixed
Income Funds for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997. In addition to
reviewing the performance and activity of the Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds
during this period, we will also provide a brief overview of the economy and
bond market to help put their performance in perspective. Though the U.S.
economy continued to grow at a healthy pace, inflation remained subdued and the
fixed income markets achieved favorable results.
 
ECONOMIC REVIEW
  The U.S. economy was strong throughout the period under review, but during
the summer and fall, growth cooled slightly from the torrid pace of earlier in
the year. Annualized real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) climbed 3.8% for the
fourth quarter of 1996 and a dramatic 4.9% for the first quarter of 1997,
fueled by a sharp increase in retail sales, rising factory orders and buoyant
const-ruction outlays. To curb potential overheating, the Federal Reserve
raised the Federal funds rate a quarter-percentage point to 5.50% at the end of
March. During the second quarter, real GDP moderated to a 3.3% rate
(annualized) when an unusually cool spring impacted weather-sensitive sectors
such as retail sales and construction. Though consumer consumption picked up
significantly during the summer, overall economic growth was somewhat
restrained because of weaker export growth and a slower rate of inventory
accumulation. As a result, third-quarter GDP expanded at a 3.3% annual rate,
the same pace as the prior quarter. In October, the pattern of economic
activity remained
robust, as retail sales held firm, consumer confidence remained high and the
unemployment rate sank to a 24-year low. Despite continued economic strength,
consumer inflation shrank to 2.1% over the 12-month period, its lowest level
since 1986.
 
FIXED INCOME MARKET REVIEW
  When the Funds' fiscal year began in November 1996, bonds rallied on
expectations of a continuation of the slow-growth, low-inflation environment.
However, this optimistic view quickly soured when a steady flow of stronger-
than-expected economic data revived inflation fears. From December through
March, bond yields climbed as investors feared that the acceleration would
prompt the Fed to raise rates. When the Fed eventually increased the Federal
funds rate, the move was perceived as the first in a series of hikes.
  During the second quarter of 1997, prospects for the bond market brightened
due to slowing economic growth. As the threat of inflation receded, the need
for additional rate hikes subsided and bonds began to recoup their earlier
losses. However, fixed income investors remained wary of reports suggesting
that the economy was reaccelerating. In this skittish environment, the bond
market came under renewed pressure when signs of strengthening activity emerged
during the summer. The decline proved to be short-lived: Bonds quickly
recovered on the back of reassuring inflation data and a surge of buying
interest. Treasury prices continued to rise sharply through the end of the
period, when demand soared as investors sought a safe haven in the wake of
steep sell-offs in global equity markets. By the end of October, Treasury
yields fell to 20-month lows.
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
<S>                                                     <C>
Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate Government Fund   3       Financial Statements            37
Goldman Sachs Short Duration Government Fund   11       Notes to Financial Statements   41
Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund     19       Financial Highlights            49 
Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund           27
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------  ---------------------------------------------

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
 
THE YIELD CURVE SHIFTED LOWER FOR MOST MATURITIES
  During the period under review, the yield on six-month Treasury bills rose
from 5.26% on October 31, 1996 to approximately 5.31% on October 31, 1997. For
the same period, the yield on the 30-year U.S. Treasury bond fell from 6.64% to
6.15%.
 
HISTORICAL TREASURY YIELD CURVE
 

                                    [GRAPH]


                        10/31/96                10/31/97

        3-Month        0.0514                   0.0519
        6-Month        0.0526                   0.0531
        1-Year         0.054                    0.0535
        2-Year         0.0573                   0.0561
        3-Year         0.0586                   0.0568
        5-Year         0.0607                   0.0572
        10-Year        0.0634                   0.0583
        30-Year        0.0664                   0.0615

        Source: Bloomberg, L.P.
 
The one- to 30-year portion of the yield curve shifted downward while the short
end of the curve rose slightly.
 
OUTLOOK: FED IS LIKELY TO REMAIN ON HOLD WHILE IT ASSESSES THE IMPACT OF THE
ASIAN FINANCIAL CRISIS
  Uncertainty regarding the U.S. economic and financial outlook has climbed
sharply recently, as the tug-of-war between a strong domestic economy and the
expected trade drag from emerging market economies has intensified. Though most
domestic economic indicators continue to point toward considerable forward
momentum, Federal Reserve officials are likely to defer any rate hikes until
they can assess the potential impact of Asia's financial crisis on U.S.
economic activity. If evidence mounts that the repercussions from the recent
turmoil will be insufficient to slow U.S. growth to a sustainable long-term
pace, Goldman Sachs' economists expect the Fed to resume tightening in 1998.
 
  We thank you for your investment in the Goldman Sachs Fixed Income Funds, and
we look forward to continuing to help you achieve your investment goals in the
future.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
/s/ David B. Ford
 
David B. Ford
Co-Head,
Goldman Sachs Asset Management
 
 
/s/ John P. McNulty
 
John P. McNulty
Co-Head,
Goldman Sachs Asset Management
 
 
/s/ Sharmin Mossavar-Rahmani

Sharmin Mossavar-Rahmani
Chief Investment Officer - Fixed Income Investments,
Goldman Sachs Asset Management
 
November 28, 1997
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
Letter to Shareholders
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
  The Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate Government Fund seeks a high level of
current income consistent with low volatility of principal. The portfolio
ordinarily invests substantially all of its assets in securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, with
primary emphasis on adjustable rate mortgage securities (ARMs). Under normal
interest rate conditions, the fund's duration is expected to be in a range
approximately equal to that of a six-month to one-year U.S. Treasury security.
 
NEW SHARE CLASS
  To accommodate different clients' needs and preferences, the fund added
Service shares on March 27, 1997.
 
ARM PERFORMANCE BENEFITED FROM A FAVORABLE INTEREST RATE ENVIRONMENT
  During the period under review, the ARM market benefited from a favorable
interest rate environment. Though rates fluctuated as perceptions of the
economy's health changed, in general, rates remained within a fairly narrow
range for much of the period. As a result, the
pace of mortgage refinancing remained subdued and there appeared to be little
risk of these securities being constrained by their periodic and lifetime rate
caps. (Periodic rate caps are the maximum that ARM interest rates can change
during an adjustment period. Lifetime caps establish the maximum rate to which
a security can reset during its entire lifetime.) The ARM-friendly conditions
drew a wide range of investors to the sector, who viewed these securities as
yield-enhanced alternatives to Treasuries. The ARM sector performed
particularly well during the first quarter of 1997, when yield spreads relative
to Treasuries narrowed. Although the sector's outperformance slowed during the
balance of the period, spreads remained firm due to low volatility and
continued attractiveness relative to other short-duration, high-quality
alternatives.
 
PERFORMANCE REVIEW
  We are pleased to report that during the 12-month period ended October 31,
the fund's Institutional, PERFORMANCE SUMMARY 10/31/96--10/31/97
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           SIX-MONTH ONE-YEAR
                                                                           TREASURY  TREASURY
                            INSTITUTIONAL ADMINISTRATION SERVICE* CLASS A    BILL      BILL
                            ------------- -------------- -------- -------  --------- --------
  <S>                       <C>           <C>            <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>
  Total Return (based on
   net asset value [NAV])        6.70%          6.43%       3.81%   6.43%    5.62%     6.02%
  Return From Monthly
   Distributions                 6.17%          5.91%       3.66%   5.91%      NA        NA
  Return From Price
   Appreciation                  0.53%          0.52%       0.15%   0.52%      NA        NA
  NAV (10/31/97)                $9.88          $9.88       $9.88   $9.88       NA        NA
  NAV Change                   +$0.05         +$0.05      +$0.04  +$0.05       NA        NA
  Total Distributions Paid
   Per Share+                   $0.59          $0.57       $0.33   $0.57       NA        NA
</TABLE>
 
 
* New share class opened during the period. Performance and NAV change are
cumulative from inception date on 3/27/97.
+ The fund distributes substantially all of its investment company taxable
income. The dividend is set at the start of each month, based on the income the
fund is expected to generate. However, because the fund invests primarily in
mortgage securities that are subject to prepayments, we cannot precisely
predict the amount of principal and interest that a portfolio will receive.
Therefore, at times a portfolio may distribute amounts above or below current
income levels. To date, however, our dividend policy has not affected the
management of the fund or significantly affected its NAV per share.
 
The fund's NAV and yield are not guaranteed by the U.S. government or by its
agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. All performance figures
represent past performance and in no way guarantee future results, which will
fluctuate as market conditions change. The investment return and principal
value of an investment in the fund will fluctuate, and therefore an investor's
shares when redeemed may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Goldman, Sachs & Co., the distributor of the fund, is not a bank, and fund
shares distributed by Goldman, Sachs & Co. are not deposits or obligations of,
or endorsed or guaranteed by, any bank or depository institution, nor are they
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Federal
Reserve Board or any other government agency.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------  --------------------------------------
Administration and Class A shares all outperformed the six-month U.S. Treasury
bill and the one-year U.S. Treasury bill. This favorable performance was
primarily the result of tightening yield spreads between ARMs and Treasuries,
as well as the incremental yield of ARMs over similar-duration Treasuries.
  The fund performed well compared with its peers. For the three-year period
ended October 31, 1997, the fund's Administration and Institutional shares
were rated four stars (in a universe of 1,338 taxable bond funds) by
Morningstar, Inc., an independent rating agency. In addition, Morningstar
rated the fund's Institutional shares four stars (in a universe of 732 taxable
bond funds) for the five year-period ended October 31./1/
  The fund also fared well in Lipper Analytical Services' adjustable rate
mortgage category. According to Lipper, the fund's Institutional shares ranked
in the top third of its category (12th out of 44 adjustable rate mortgage
funds) based on total return for the 12-month period ended October 31, 1997.
For the five-year period ended October 31, 1997, the fund's Institutional
shares ranked 8th out of 28 funds in its category. (Class A shares ranked 18th
in the Lipper category for the 12-month period; Lipper did not rank the fund's
Administration and Service classes. Please note that Lipper rankings do not
take sales charges into account and that past performance is not a guarantee
of future results.)
- -------
/1/Source: (C) 1997 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved. Morningstar
proprietary ratings reflect historical risk-adjusted performance as of
10/31/97. The ratings are subject to change every month. Past performance is
no guarantee of future results. Morningstar ratings are calculated from a
fund's three-, five-, and ten-year average annual returns (where applicable)
in excess of 90-day Treasury bill returns with appropriate fee and sales
charge adjustments and a risk factor that reflects fund performance below 90-
day Treasury bill returns. The Morningstar ratings apply only to the fund's
Institutional and Administration shares; the fund's Class A and Service shares
have not been rated. Class A and Service shares are subject to additional fees
and expenses, which may have the effect of lowering performance and may affect
any future Morningstar rating. Morningstar rates each fund against its peers
in the same category. In all, there are four Morningstar categories (domestic
equity, international equity, taxable bond and municipal). Morningstar ratings
range from five stars (highest) to one star (lowest). Funds with five-star
ratings are in the top 10% of their category, four-star ratings in the next
22.5%, three stars the next 35%, two stars the next 22.5% and one star the
lowest 10% of their categories.
 
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
  As of the end of the period, the portfolio's sector allocation changed only
slightly relative to a year earlier. The primary composition changes included
a reduction in agency debentures (SBA floaters), an increase in collateralized
mortgage obligations (CMOs) and the initiation of a small position in U.S.
Treasuries.
 
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF OCTOBER 31, 1997*
 
                                  [PIE CHART]


                        U.S. Treasuries         1.9%
                        Repos/Cash Equivalents  2.3%
                        SBA Floaters            5.2%
                        CMOs                    5.4%
                        ARMs                   84.2%


* The percentages shown are of total portfolio investments that have settled
and include an offset to cash equivalents relating to unsettled trades. These
percentages may differ from those in the accompanying Statement of
Investments, which reflect portfolio holdings as a percentage of net assets.
 
.. ARMs. As of October 31, 1997, 84.2% of the portfolio was invested in ARMs.
During the period, we adhered to our strategy of emphasizing ARM issues that
we believed would fare well relative to the overall ARM market regardless of
the direction of interest rate movements. As such, we focused on fully indexed
securities that were issued prior to 1993, which are attractive because of
their lower prepayment risk. (ARM securities that have been in existence for
several years are referred to as "seasoned" issues. "Seasoned" ARMs are
typically less impacted by prepayments than recently issued mortgages because
homeowners who did not refinance during earlier periods of lower rates are
less likely to refinance in the future.)
- --------------------------------------  -------------------------------------- 
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
Letter to Shareholders
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND (continued)
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

.. CMOs. The portfolio's allocation to CMOs was 5.4% as of the end of October,
slightly higher than its 3.5% weighting a year earlier. CMOs are multi-class
bonds that are collateralized by a pool of mortgage loans or mortgage pass-
through certificates. As was the case with other mortgage-backed securities,
CMOs performed well during the period due to low volatility and relatively
attractive spreads. Within the sector, sequential-pay/support CMOs and CMO
floaters represented the largest allocations, at 2.0% and 1.4% of the
portfolio, respectively.
 
.. SBA Floaters. The portfolio held a 5.2% position in securities backed by
Small Business Administration (SBA) loans, which offered incremental yield over
similar-duration Treasuries. We trimmed the portfolio's allocation from 7.8% a
year ago when we took profits in the sector.
 
.. Repurchase Agreements/Cash Equivalents and U.S. Treasuries. As of the end of
the period, 2.3% of the portfolio was in repurchase agreements/cash equivalents
and 1.9% was in U.S. Treasuries.
 
.. Duration. We seek excess return over similar-duration U.S. Treasuries through
sector weightings and specific security selection, rather than attempting to
add value through interest rate predictions. Therefore, we manage the fund's
duration to approximate that of the benchmark, partly through the use of
futures. As of October 31, the fund's duration was 0.7 years, unchanged from a
year ago.
 
.. Credit Quality. The fund invests exclusively in securities issued by the U.S.
government, its agencies or instrumentalities, which are considered to be of
the highest credit quality.
 
MARKET OUTLOOK
  We believe Federal Reserve officials are likely to keep monetary policy on
hold until the first half of 1998, when tight labor markets may generate
sufficient wage pressures to prompt the Fed to raise rates.
 
    Our outlook for the ARM market remains neutral. Although we do not expect
  dramatic movement in short-term interest rates, the rally in the Treasury
  market and the flattening of the yield curve have left ARMs vulnerable to
  ARM-to-fixed rate refinancing in the near term. Therefore, we expect to
  continue to emphasize seasoned ARMs originated prior to 1993, which are
  less vulnerable to prepayments than more recent issues.
 
  /s/ Jonathan A. Beinner
  Jonathan A. Beinner
 
  /s/ Peter D. Dion
  Peter D. Dion
 
  /s/ James P. McCarthy
  James P. McCarthy
 
  Portfolio Managers
  Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate Government Fund
  November 28, 1997

- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
the following data is supplied for the periods ended October 31, 1997. The
performance for each class of the Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate Government Fund
(assuming both the maximum sales charge of 1.5% and no sales charge for Class A
shares), is compared to its benchmarks--the Lehman Brothers Mutual Fund Short
(1-2) U.S. Government Index ("Lehman 1-2 Index") and the six month and one year
U.S. Treasury Bills ("six-Month T-Bill/one-Year T-Bill"). All performance data
shown represents past performance and should not be considered indicative of
future performance which will fluctuate as market conditions change. The
investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate with
changes in market conditions so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may
be worth more or less than their original cost.

                            Institutional Shares(a)

                                    [GRAPH]
 
 
                Institutional     Lehman     One-Year      Six-Month
                   Shares       1-2 Index     T-Bill         T-Bill
                -------------   ---------    --------      ---------
8/1/91             50,000         50,000      50,000         50,000
10/31/91           51,047         51,581      51,179         50,870
10/31/92           54,176         55,506      54,161         53,376
10/31/93           56,414         58,368      56,198         55,197
10/31/94           57,475         59,511      57,744         57,257
10/31/95           61,355         64,343      61,766         60,819
10/31/96           65,576         68,197      65,373         64,158
10/31/97           69,970         72,473      69,308         67,765


                           Administration Shares(a)

                                    [GRAPH]


                Administration    Lehman     One-Year      Six-Month
                   Shares       1-2 Index     T-Bill         T-Bill
                --------------  ---------    --------      ---------
5/1/93             50,000         50,000      50,000         50,000
10/31/93           51,917         50,931      50,785         50,780
10/31/94           51,747         51,931      52,182         52,675
10/31/95           55,100         56,148      55,835         55,951
10/31/96           58,742         59,511      59,096         59,023
10/31/97           62,519         63,242      62,417         62,576


- --------------------------------------  ----------------------------------------
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                Service Shares

                                    [GRAPH]


                Service      Lehman       One-Year    Six-Month
                Shares     1-2 Index       T-Bill       T-Bill
               ---------  -----------    ----------  ----------- 
 3/27/97        50,000       50,000        50,000       50,000
10/31/97        51,905       52,295        52,010       51,730
 

                              Class A Shares(a)

                                    [GRAPH]


          Class A Shares    Class A Shares   Lehman    One-Year   Six Month
         (No Sales Charge) (W/Sales Charge) 1-2 Index   T-Bill     T-Bill
         ----------------- ---------------- ---------  --------   ---------
 6/1/95        10,000           9,850         10,000    10,000     10,000
10/31/95       10,222          10,069         10,277    10,260     10,246
10/31/96       10,898          10,735         10,893    10,859     10,809
10/31/97       11,599          11,425         11,576    11,513     11,416


                                                         Average Annual Total
                                                                Return
                                                        ----------------------
                                                                     Since
                                               One Year Five Year Inception(b)

       Institutional Shares                     6.70%     5.25%      5.54%
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Administration Shares                    6.43%       N/A      5.07%
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Service Shares                             N/A       N/A      3.81%(c)
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Class A Shares, excluding sales charge   6.43%       N/A      6.41%
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Class A Shares, including sales charge   4.52%       N/A      5.67%
 
 
(a) For comparative purposes, initial investments are assumed to be made on the
    first day of the month following the commencement of operations.
(b) The Institutional, Administration, Service and Class A shares commenced
    operations July 17, 1991, April 15, 1993, March 27, 1997 and May 15, 1995,
    respectively.
(c) An aggregate total return (not annualized) is shown instead of an average
    annual total return since these shares have not completed a full twelve
    months of operations.
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Statement of Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Principal            Interest                      Maturity
   Amount                Rate                          Date                             Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                   <S>                           <C>                             <C>
 MORTGAGE BACKED OBLIGATIONS--95.4%
 ADJUSTABLE RATE FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORP. (FHLMC)(B)--29.3%
 $ 2,223,517             7.48%                       07/01/18                        $  2,322,530
   1,210,343             7.55                        12/01/18                           1,259,132
   9,013,669             7.51                        05/01/19(a)                        9,369,979
  17,838,225             7.79                        11/01/19                          18,788,645
  10,702,752             7.53                        01/01/20                          11,107,423
   4,400,254             7.83                        05/01/20                           4,631,267
  15,895,232             7.58                        06/01/20(a)                       16,607,974
  33,041,610             7.86                        02/01/22(a)                       34,745,236
   6,124,002             7.49                        06/01/22                           6,337,056
   3,384,390             7.54                        08/01/22                           3,524,538
   5,300,601             7.47                        09/01/22                           5,478,489
   5,864,606             7.70                        09/01/22                           6,145,931
  14,855,692             7.76                        11/01/22                          15,607,836
   8,594,891             7.78                        06/01/24                           9,026,010
   3,048,728             7.35                        02/01/28                           3,152,567
   1,525,453             7.77                        07/01/30                           1,603,633
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     $149,708,246
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 ADJUSTABLE RATE FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (FNMA)(B)--49.2%
 $ 1,593,175             7.43%                       04/01/03                        $  1,618,379
     954,358             7.84                        11/01/14                           1,001,179
     642,600             7.52                        12/01/15                             667,302
   5,375,190             6.87                        03/01/17                           5,498,658
   3,004,775             7.58                        03/01/17                           3,144,226
  10,422,695             7.10                        04/01/17                          10,771,855
     765,651             7.61                        11/01/17                             797,716
   3,529,684             6.61                        03/01/18                           3,583,194
   1,072,159             7.33                        03/01/18                           1,115,721
     659,826             7.76                        05/01/18                             677,971
   1,186,769             7.48                        06/01/18                           1,229,315
   7,289,895             7.60                        06/01/18                           7,664,668
   4,578,620             7.58                        07/01/18                           4,795,371
   5,466,744             7.47                        08/01/18                           5,699,956
   3,579,734             7.80                        08/01/18                           3,776,619
   1,728,032             7.46                        10/01/18                           1,791,796
   2,904,804             7.65                        10/01/18                           3,034,155
     188,921             7.40                        11/01/18                             195,444
   5,664,992             7.53                        11/01/18                           5,898,673
   1,747,028             7.35                        12/01/18                           1,816,630
  11,420,431             7.67                        12/01/18                          12,048,555
   2,985,079             7.42                        06/01/19                           3,105,885
   3,874,553             7.42                        07/01/19                           4,034,378
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Principal            Interest                      Maturity
   Amount                Rate                          Date                             Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                   <S>                           <C>                             <C>
 MORTGAGE BACKED OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
 ADJUSTABLE RATE FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (FNMA) (CONTINUED)
 $ 1,490,807             7.43%                       07/01/19                        $  1,553,928
   1,447,904             7.33                        08/01/19                           1,498,580
   3,789,047             7.63                        09/01/19                           3,974,369
   2,639,072             7.83                        03/01/20                           2,784,221
   7,679,259             7.54                        07/01/20                           7,985,201
   4,167,783             7.68                        02/01/21                           4,388,550
   4,608,066             7.40                        04/01/21                           4,799,577
  63,900,621             7.65                        09/01/21(a)                       67,015,776
  19,370,852             7.68                        02/01/22(a)                       20,384,723
  12,311,450             7.75                        06/01/22                          12,945,120
   1,801,456             7.68                        08/01/22                           1,894,915
     266,672             6.23                        12/01/23                             266,088
  14,049,198             7.04                        06/01/24                          14,454,939
  14,417,119             7.58                        04/01/25                          15,074,540
     742,823             7.73                        09/01/25                             780,774
   3,654,814             7.38                        08/01/27                           3,811,277
   2,211,792             7.35                        10/01/27                           2,306,147
     948,534             7.19                        07/01/29                             980,395
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     $250,866,766
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (GNMA)(B)--3.4%
 $ 1,313,760             7.00%                       03/20/16                        $  1,349,889
     885,299             7.00                        08/20/18                             910,751
   5,638,287             7.00                        02/20/21                           5,816,231
   3,228,227             7.00                        01/20/22                           3,326,075
   3,398,816             7.00                        03/20/23                           3,502,921
   2,484,829             5.50                        06/20/27                           2,512,013
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     $ 17,417,880
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 ADJUSTABLE RATE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION (SBA)(B)--5.2%
 $   996,142             6.63%                       09/25/16                        $  1,004,858
   3,569,972             6.63                        07/25/17                           3,601,210
   7,525,017             6.63                        08/25/17                           7,590,860
   3,051,680             6.63                        09/25/17                           3,078,383
   3,494,298             6.63                        10/25/17                           3,524,873
   7,467,983             6.63                        02/25/18                           7,533,328
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     $ 26,333,512
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
Statement of Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND (continued)
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal              Interest                     Maturity
   Amount                 Rate                         Date                           Value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                    <S>                          <C>                           <C>
 MORTGAGE BACKED OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
 GOVERNMENT NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (GNMA)--1.0%
 $  548,875                7.00%                     05/15/23                      $    553,502
    623,288                7.00                      06/15/23                           628,543
  1,457,690                7.00                      07/15/23                         1,469,977
    489,634                7.00                      09/15/23                           493,761
  1,364,142                7.00                      10/15/23                         1,375,643
    517,086                7.00                      11/15/23                           521,445
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   $  5,042,871
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS--7.3%
 ADJUSTABLE RATE CMOS(B)--1.9%
 FNMA Remic Trust 1990-145, Class A
 $9,391,114                6.72%                     12/25/20(a)                   $  9,478,639
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   $  9,478,639
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 INVERSE FLOATER(B)--0.0%
 FNMA Remic Trust 1991-91, Class S
 $  111,049               16.81%                     07/25/98                      $    117,008
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   $    117,008
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 INVERSE FLOATING RATE-INTEREST ONLY(B)--0.0%
 FNMA Remic Trust 1992-157, Class SA
 $  674,929(c)            12.74%                     03/25/04                      $     21,112
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   $     21,112
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 IOETTE--0.2%
 FNMA Remic Trust 1990-145, Class B
 $   23,077(c)            10.00%                     12/25/20                      $    774,099
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   $    774,099
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PLANNED AMORTIZATION-ACCRUAL BOND--1.2%
 FNMA Remic Trust 188B, Class ZA
 $6,259,551                5.75%                     09/25/10                      $  6,198,457
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   $  6,198,457
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 REGULAR FLOATER CMOS(B)--1.4%
 FNMA Remic Trust 169B, Class FA
 $2,536,413                6.06%                     09/25/00                      $  2,550,668
 FNMA Remic Trust X-225C, Class FG
  4,500,000                6.81                      12/25/23                         4,644,810
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   $  7,195,478
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal               Interest                   Maturity
   Amount                  Rate                       Date                           Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                     <C>                        <C>                           <C>
 MORTGAGE BACKED OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
 COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
 SEQUENTIAL FIXED RATE CMOS--0.0%
 FNMA Remic Trust 1991-37, Class E
 $  119,493                8.50%                    04/25/05                      $    119,268
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  $    119,268
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SUPER FLOATER CMOS(B)--0.6%
 FNMA Remic Trust 1992-157, Class FA
 $3,323,177(c)             1.97%                    03/25/04                      $  3,272,265
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  $  3,272,265
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SUPPORT--2.0%
 FHLMC Series 1645, Class B
 $2,956,606                5.50%                    01/15/08                      $  2,853,215
 FNMA Remic Trust G94 13, Class ZB
  7,354,651                7.00                     11/17/24                         7,239,698
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                  $ 10,092,913
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   TOTAL COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS                                      $ 37,269,239
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL MORTGAGE BACKED OBLIGATIONS
  (COST $483,614,604)                                                             $486,638,514
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS--1.8%
 United States Treasury Bonds--1.8%
 $6,900,000               15.75%                    11/15/01                      $  9,352,743
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS
  (COST $9,301,523)                                                               $  9,352,743
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 REPURCHASE AGREEMENT--1.3%
 Joint Repurchase Agreement Account
 $6,500,000                5.76%                    11/03/97(a)                   $  6,500,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL REPURCHASE AGREEMENT
  (COST $6,500,000)                                                               $  6,500,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL INVESTMENTS
  (COST $499,416,127(D))                                                          $502,491,257
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

Futures contracts open at October 31, 1997 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                Number of
                                Contracts     Settlement   Unrealized
           Type              Long (Short)(e)     Month     Gain (Loss)
- ---------------------------  --------------- ------------- -----------
<S>                          <C>             <C>           <C>
Euro Dollars                       520       December 1997  $ 345,750
Euro Dollars                       290       March 1998        95,875
Euro Dollars                       180       June 1998         71,250
Euro Dollars                       (20)      December 1998    (54,500)
5 Year U.S. Treasury Notes          15       December 1997     20,391
10 Year U.S. Treasury Notes       (295)      December 1997   (912,719)
                                                            ---------
                                                            $(433,953)
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
- ---------------------------------------------
<S>   <C>   <C>   <C>         <C> <C> <C> <C>
FEDERAL INCOME TAX
INFORMATION:
Gross unrealized
 gain for
 investments in
 which value
 exceeds cost     $3,465,455
Gross unrealized
 loss for
 investments in
 which cost
 exceeds value      (442,377)
- ---------------------------------------------
Net unrealized
 gain             $3,023,078
- ---------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) Portions of these securities are being segregated for futures margin
    requirements.
(b) Variable rate security. Coupon rate disclosed is that which is in effect at
    October 31, 1997.
(c) Represents security with notional or nominal principal amount. The actual
    effective yield of this security is different than the coupon rate due to
    the amortization of related premiums.
(d) The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is $499,468,179.
(e) Each Euro Dollar contract represents $1,000,000 in notional par value. Each
    5-Year and 10-Year U.S. Treasury Note contract represents $100,000 in
    notional par value. The total notional amount and market value at risk are
    $1,041,000,000 and $272,543,093, respectively. The determination of
    notional amounts as presented here are indicative only of volume of
    activity and not a measure of market risk.
 
The percentages shown for each investment category reflect the value of
investments in that category as a percentage of total net assets.
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
Letter to Shareholders
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
  The Goldman Sachs Short Duration Government Fund's primary objective is to
provide a high level of current income by investing in a portfolio that
consists of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its
agencies or instrumentalities, including mortgage-backed securities as well as
repurchase agreements collateralized by such instruments. Secondarily, the fund
may, in seeking current income, also consider the potential for capital
appreciation. Under normal interest rate conditions, the fund's duration is
expected to be within one-half year of its benchmark, the two-year U.S.
Treasury security.
 
NEW SHARE CLASSES
  To accommodate different clients' needs and preferences, the fund added Class
A and B shares on May 1, 1997 and Class C shares on August 15, 1997.
 
PERFORMANCE REVIEW
  During the period under review, the fund's Institutional, Administration and
Service shares outperformed their benchmark. The fund's investments in
collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) and adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM)
securities were the largest contributors to performance, particularly during
the first half of the period when these sectors' yield spreads relative to
Treasuries narrowed. However, the performance of Class A, B and C shares lagged
the benchmark, primarily because they began operations during the latter half
of the fiscal year after most of the gains in CMOs and ARMs had already been
achieved. By mid-1997, yield spreads were tight, which left them vulnerable to
pressures related to the Asian financial crisis.
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            INSTITUTIONAL ADMINISTRATION   SERVICE   CLASS A*  CLASS B*   CLASS C*
                             (10/31/96 -   (10/31/96 -   (10/31/96 - (5/1/97 - (5/1/97 - (8/15/97 -
                              10/31/97)     10/31/97)     10/31/97)  10/31/97) 10/31/97) 10/31/97)
                            ------------- -------------- ----------- --------- --------- ----------
  <S>                       <C>           <C>            <C>         <C>       <C>       <C>
  Total Return (based on
   net asset value [NAV])       7.07%          6.91%        6.63%      4.14%     3.94%      1.44%
  Return From Monthly
   Distributions                6.75%          6.49%        6.21%      3.11%     2.80%      1.13%
  Return From Price
   Appreciation                 0.32%          0.42%        0.42%      1.03%     1.14%      0.31%
  Two-Year U.S. Treasury
   Security Total Return        6.35%          6.35%        6.35%      4.17%     4.17%      1.53%
  NAV (10/31/97)                $9.86          $9.89        $9.86      $9.88     $9.86      $9.86
  NAV Change                   +$0.03         +$0.04       +$0.04     +$0.10    +$0.11     +$0.03
  Total Distributions Paid
   Per Share+                   $0.64          $0.62        $0.59      $0.30     $0.27      $0.11
</TABLE>
 
 
* New share class opened during the period. Performance and NAV change are
cumulative from inception date.
+ The fund distributes substantially all of its investment company taxable
income, as required by tax law.
 
The fund's NAV and yield are not guaranteed by the U.S. government or by its
agencies, instrumentalities or sponsored enterprises. All performance figures
represent past performance and in no way guarantee future results, which will
fluctuate as market conditions change. The investment return and principal
value of an investment in the fund will fluctuate, and therefore an investor's
shares when redeemed may be worth more or less than their original cost.
Goldman, Sachs & Co., the distributor of the fund, is not a bank, and fund
shares distributed by Goldman, Sachs & Co. are not deposits or obligations of,
or endorsed or guaranteed by, any bank or depository institution, nor are they
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Federal
Reserve Board or any other government agency.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
  We are pleased to report that the fund performed well relative to its peers.
According to Morningstar, Inc., an independent rating agency, the fund's
Institutional shares were rated four stars for the five-year period ended
October 31 (in a universe of 732 taxable bond funds)./1/
  The fund also fared well compared with other funds in Lipper Analytical
Services, Inc.'s short-intermediate U.S. government category. For the 12-month
period ended October 31, 1997, the fund's Institutional and Administration
shares ranked in the top quartile (19th and 22nd, respectively) of the 95 funds
in the Lipper group based on total return. For the five-year period ended
October 31, 1997, the fund's Institutional shares ranked 12th out of 40 funds
in its category. (The fund's Service shares ranked 34th in the Lipper category
for the 12-month period; Lipper did not rank the fund's Class A, B and C shares
for this period because they have been in existence less than 12 months. Please
note that Lipper rankings do not take sales charges into account and that past
performance is not a guarantee of future results.)
 
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
  During the period, we maintained our strategy of focusing on securities that
we believed would fare well relative to the overall market regardless of the
direction of interest rate movements. Rather than attempting to forecast
interest rates, we matched the fund's duration to
- --------
/1/Source: (C) 1997 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved. Morningstar
proprietary ratings reflect historical risk-adjusted performance as of
10/31/97. The ratings are subject to change every month. Past performance is no
guarantee of future results. Morningstar ratings are calculated from a fund's
three-, five-, and ten-year average annual returns (where applicable) in excess
of 90-day Treasury bill returns with appropriate fee and sales charge
adjustments and a risk factor that reflects fund performance below 90-day
Treasury bill returns. The fund's Institutional shares received four stars for
the three-year period and were rated among 1,338 taxable bond funds. The
Morningstar ratings apply only to the fund's Institutional shares; the fund's
Administration, Service, A, B and C shares have not been rated. The
Administration, Service, A, B and C shares are subject to additional fees and
expenses, which may have the effect of lowering performance and may affect any
future Morningstar rating. Morningstar rates each fund against its peers in the
same category. In all, there are four Morningstar categories (domestic equity,
international equity, taxable bond and municipal). Morningstar ratings range
from five stars (highest) to one star (lowest). Funds with five-star ratings
are in the top 10% of their category, four-star ratings in the next 22.5%,
three stars the next 35%, two stars the next 22.5% and one star the lowest 10%
of their categories.
that of the benchmark (1.9 years as of October 31) and used extensive research
to identify attractive securities that offered incremental yield relative to
Treasuries. The largest changes in the portfolio's sector composition compared
with a year ago were a new allocation in agency debentures and a reduction in
ARM securities.
 
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF OCTOBER 31, 1997*
 
                                  [PIE CHART]

                Repos/Cash Equivalents                  1.4%
                Agency Debentures                       4.0%
                Fixed Rate Mortgage Pass Throughs       5.6%
                ARMs                                   15.5%
                U.S. Treasuries                        16.3%
                CMOs                                   57.2%
 
* The percentages shown are of total portfolio investments that have settled
and include an offset to cash equivalents relating to unsettled trades. These
percentages may differ from those in the accompanying Statement of Investments,
which reflect portfolio holdings as a percentage of net assets.
 
.. CMOs. CMOs represented more than half of the portfolio as of October 31
(57.2%), approximately the same allocation as a year ago. CMOs, which are
multi-class bonds collateralized by a pool of mortgage loans or mortgage pass-
through certificates, performed well during the period due to the favorable
interest rate environment. When interest rates remained within a relatively
narrow range, CMO securities experienced strong demand from yield-seeking
investors. Sequential-pay/support CMOs and planned amortization class (PAC)
CMOs constituted the majority of the fund's allocation in the sector, at 24.1%
and 19.9% of the portfolio, respectively. The fund's third largest allocation
within the sector was CMO floaters (7.8%), which are floating rate securities
whose coupons reset as interest rates change.
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

 
                                       12
<PAGE>
 
Letter to Shareholders
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND (continued)
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
 
.. ARMs. As of the end of the fiscal year, ARMs accounted for 15.5% of the
portfolio. We trimmed the fund's allocation in the sector from 19.0% a year
earlier as ARMs "richened" and we identified securities in other sectors that
offered more compelling risk-adjusted return potential. We focused on fully
indexed ARMs because these securities provide stable current income. We
continued to emphasize "seasoned" ARMs, which have lower prepayment risk than
recently issued ARMs. ("Seasoned" issues are securities that have been in
existence for several years; it is assumed that homeowners who did not
refinance during earlier periods of lower rates are less likely to refinance in
the future.)
 
.. Fixed Rate Mortgage Pass-Throughs. The fund held a 5.6% weighting in fixed
rate mortgage pass-throughs, down slightly from a 7.2% allocation a year ago.
As was the case with other mortgage-backed security sectors, pass-throughs
performed well during the period, primarily due to low volatility and healthy
demand. As pass-throughs' yield spreads narrowed relative to Treasuries, we
trimmed the allocation in favor of other sectors that offered greater yield
enhancement.
 
.. Agency Debentures. Agency debentures, a 4.0% position as of October 31, are
bonds issued by agencies of the U.S. government. This sector was attractive
because it offered incremental yield over Treasuries.
 
.. U.S. Treasuries and Repurchase Agreements/Cash Equivalents. During the first
half of the period, we significantly cut the fund's allocation to U.S.
Treasuries in favor of other sectors that offered better relative value. After
the yield spreads of Treasury alternatives tightened significantly, however, we
increased Treasuries to 16.3%, approximately the same weighting as the
beginning of the fiscal year. In addition, the fund held 1.4% in repurchase
agreements/cash equivalents as of October 31, nearly unchanged from last year.
 
.. Issuer Composition. The composition of the portfolio's mortgage-backed
security allocation by issuer was 39.8% in Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation (FHLMC) issues and 38.6% in Federal National Mortgage Association
(FNMA) issues.
 
.. Credit Quality. The fund invests exclusively in securities issued by the U.S.
government and its agencies or instrumentalities.
 
.. Use of Derivatives. As noted, the fund held sequential-pay/support CMOs, PAC
CMOs and CMO floaters, securities typically considered to be lower risk
derivatives. The fund's CMO allocation also included small positions in super
floaters (2.3%), whose coupons reset higher than conventional floaters when
rates rise; inverse floaters (2.1%), whose coupons reset in the opposite
direction of interest rates; and PAC interest-only (IO) securities (1.0%),
whose cash flows are made up only of the interest payments of their underlying
mortgages. We invest in these higher risk derivatives only when we believe they
will enhance returns without incurring undue risk. In the favorable rate
environment, the fund's performance benefited from these holdings. In addition,
we used futures as a tool to help manage the portfolio's duration.
 
MARKET OUTLOOK
  During October, all mortgage-backed securities gave up ground amid turmoil in
global financial markets. However, the extent of their underperformance was
significantly less than that of the credit sectors (e.g., corporate and asset-
backed securities). The degree to which yield spreads widened among CMOs is
currently somewhat uncertain--there was very little trading in the sector at
the end of the period because investor attention was directed elsewhere. In the
ARM market, the flattening of the yield curve and the rally in the Treasuries
have left ARMs vulnerable to ARM-to-fixed rate refinancing in the near term. In
general, we currently
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
have a cautious view of the mortgage-backed securities sectors, and intend to
remain focused on securities that are less vulnerable to rate swings than the
broader market.

/s/ Jonathan A. Beinner
Jonathan A. Beinner
 
 
/s/ James B. Clark
James B. Clark
 
Portfolio Managers
Goldman Sachs Short Duration Government Fund
November 28, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

 
                                       14
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
the following data is supplied for the periods ended October 31, 1997. The
performance for each class of the Goldman Sachs Short Duration Government Fund
(assuming both the maximum sales charge of 2.0% and no sales charge for Class A
shares and the appropriate redemption fee and no redemption fee for the Class B
and Class C shares) is compared to its benchmarks, the U.S. 2-Year Treasury
Bill ("Two-Year T-Bill") and the Lehman Brothers Mutual Fund Short (1-3) U.S.
Government Index ("Lehman Short (1-3) Gov't Index"). All performance data shown
represents past performance and should not be considered indicative of future
performance which will fluctuate as market conditions change. The investment
return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate with changes in
market conditions so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth
more or less than their original cost.
 
                             Institutional Shares(a)

                                     [GRAPH]

             Institutional        Two Year          Lehman Short 1-3
                Shares             T-Bill             Gov't Index
                ------             ------             -----------
9/1/88         $50,000            $50,000               $50,000
10/31/88       $51,283            $51,057               $51,091
10/31/89       $55,940            $55,412               $55,919
10/31/90       $60,543            $59,876               $60,861
10/31/91       $67,161            $66,615               $67,699
10/31/92       $71,365            $72,161               $73,208
10/31/93       $75,326            $76,335               $77,446
10/31/94       $76,072            $77,058               $78,339
10/31/95       $82,895            $84,009               $85,256
10/31/96       $88,507            $88,756               $90,346
10/31/97       $94,764            $94,392               $96,200


                             Administration Shares

                                     [GRAPH]

              Administration     Lehman Short         Two Year
                Shares          1-3 Gov't Index        T-Bill 

2/28/96         50,000             50,000               50,000
10/31/96        52,000             51,760               51,805
10/31/97        55,593             55,115               55,095

                                Service Shares

                                     [GRAPH]

               Service          Lehman Short         Two Year
               Shares          1-3 Gov't Index        T-Bill 

4/10/96        50,000             50,000               50,000
10/31/96       52,175             52,110               51,855
10/31/97       55,634             55,485               55,150

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

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

                                Class A Shares

                                    [GRAPH]

                Class A Shares    Class A Shares    Two-Year    Lehman Short
              (No Sales Charge)  (W/Sales Charge)    T-Bill    1-3 Gov't Index
              -----------------  ----------------   --------   ---------------  
5/1/97             10,000             9,800          10,000        10,000
10/31/97           10,414            10,206          10,417        10,415



                                Class B Shares

                                    [GRAPH]

                Class B Shares       Class B Shares    Two-Year   Lehman Short
           (w/out redempt.charge) (w/redempt.charge)    T-Bill   1-3 Gov't Index
           ---------------------- ------------------   --------  ---------------
5/1/97             10,000               10,000          10,000        10,000
10/31/97           10,394               10,194          10,417        10,415



                                Class C Shares

                                    [GRAPH]

                Class C Shares       Class C Shares    Two-Year   Lehman Short
           (w/out redempt.charge) (w/redempt.charge)    T-Bill   1-3 Gov't Index
           ---------------------- ------------------   --------  ---------------
8/15/97            10,000               10,000          10,000        10,000
10/31/97           10,144               10,044          10,153        10,151




                                                         Average Annual Total
                                                                Return
                                                        ----------------------
                                                                     Since
                                               One Year Five Year Inception(b)

       Institutional Shares                     7.07%     5.83%      7.22%
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Administration Shares                    6.91%      N/A       6.53%
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Service Shares                           6.63%      N/A       7.07%
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Class A Shares, excluding sales charge    N/A       N/A       4.14%(c)
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Class A Shares, including sales charge    N/A       N/A       2.06%(c)
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Class B Shares, excluding redemption
        charge                                   N/A       N/A       3.94%(c)
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Class B Shares, including redemption
        charge                                   N/A       N/A       1.94%(c)
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Class C Shares, excluding redemption
        charge                                   N/A       N/A       1.44%(c)
     -------------------------------------------------------------------------
       Class C Shares, including redemption
        charge                                   N/A       N/A       0.44%(c)

(a) For comparative purposes, initial investments are assumed to be made on the
    first day of the month following the commencement of operations of the
    Institutional, Administration and Service shares.
(b) The Institutional, Administration, Service, Class A, Class B and Class C
    shares commenced operations August 15, 1988, February 28, 1996, April 10,
    1996, May 1, 1997, May 1, 1997 and August 15, 1997, respectively.
(c) An aggregate total return (not annualized) is shown instead of an average
    annual total return since these shares have not completed a full twelve
    months of operations.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 
                                       16
<PAGE>
 
Statement of Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Principal               Interest                  Maturity
     Amount                  Rate                      Date                         Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                       <S>                       <C>                         <C>
 MORTGAGE BACKED OBLIGATIONS--77.8%
 ADJUSTABLE RATE FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORP. (FHLMC) (A)--10.4%
 $    1,670,748               7.63%                  08/01/17(b)                 $  1,728,439
      1,254,549               7.31                   05/01/18                       1,271,799
      1,628,367               7.55                   12/01/18(b)                    1,694,007
      7,237,238               7.86                   02/01/22(b)                    7,610,390
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 $ 12,304,635
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 ADJUSTABLE RATE FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (FNMA) (A)--5.0%
 $    2,290,460               7.84%                  11/01/14                    $  2,402,830
      1,801,456               7.68                   08/01/22                       1,894,915
      1,563,791               7.77                   01/01/31                       1,640,511
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 $  5,938,256
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FIXED RATE FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORP. (FHLMC)--2.5%
 $    2,943,034               6.50%                  12/01/00                    $  2,954,218
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FIXED RATE FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION (FNMA)--3.0%
 $       73,609               9.00%                  12/01/97                    $     73,825
        769,822               6.00                   01/01/14                         749,637
      2,853,210               6.00                   03/01/14                       2,798,828
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 $  3,622,290
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS (CMOS)--56.9%
 INVERSE FLOATER(A)--1.8%
 FHLMC Series 1296, Class J
 $      890,613(c)           11.75%                  07/15/99(b)                 $    959,973
 FNMA Remic Trust 1992-62, Class S
      1,212,115(c)            9.42                   05/25/99(b)                    1,230,661
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 $  2,190,634
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 INVERSE FLOATING RATE-INTEREST ONLY(A)--0.2%
 FHLMC Series 1684, Class JD
 $    2,192,026               3.60%                  08/15/20(b)                 $    172,644
 FNMA Remic Trust 1993-110, Class SC
   1,548,475(c)               3.40                   04/25/19                          61,258
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                 $    233,902
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PLANNED AMORTIZATION CLASS (PAC) CMOS--19.8%
 FHLMC Series 1584, Class E
 $    3,000,000               5.75%                  10/15/16(b)                 $  2,986,860
 FHLMC Series 1645, Class ZA
      2,221,401               5.50                   04/15/05(b)                    2,185,992
 FHLMC Series 1985, Class PC
      6,000,000               6.35                   05/17/18(b)                    6,031,860
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   Principal             Interest                    Maturity
     Amount                Rate                        Date                           Value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                     <S>                         <C>                           <C>
 MORTGAGE BACKED OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
 COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
 PLANNED AMORTIZATION CLASS (PAC) CMOS (CONTINUED)
 FHLMC Series 1987, Class L
 $    4,000,000             6.20%                    08/25/22(b)                   $  3,958,976
 FNMA Remic Trust 1991-31, Class PJ
      3,000,000             6.55                     10/25/20                         3,034,680
 FNMA Remic Trust 1997-70, Class AB
      1,250,000             6.50                     09/25/22                         1,244,125
 FNMA Remic Trust 1997-9, Class B
      4,000,000             6.50                     10/25/22                         4,022,320
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   $ 23,464,813
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PLANNED AMORTIZATION CLASS INTEREST-ONLY (PAC IO) CMOS--0.8%
 FHLMC Series 1552, Class JE
 $ 4,451,833(c)             7.00%                    02/15/14(b)                   $    129,370
 FHLMC Series 1587, Class HA
   7,417,830(c)             6.50                     10/15/08(b)                        831,019
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   $    960,389
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PLANNED AMORTIZATION CLASS IOETTE CMOS--0.2%
 FNMA Remic Trust 1992-198, Class K
 $    26,073(c)             9.69%                    12/25/15                      $    236,624
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 REGULAR FLOATER CMOS(A)--7.8%
 FHLMC Series 1296, Class I
 $    2,493,715             5.30%                    07/15/99(b)                   $  2,469,551
 FHLMC Series 1634, Class FH
      3,000,000             6.78                     12/15/23(b)                      3,062,160
 FHLMC Series 1684, Class JC
      2,192,026             5.40                     08/15/20(b)                      2,148,865
 FNMA Remic Trust 1993-110, Class FC
      1,548,474             5.60                     04/25/19(b)                      1,531,054
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                   $  9,211,630
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SEQUENTIAL FIXED RATE CMOS--26.3%
 FHLMC Series 1033, Class G
 $    2,000,000             8.00%                    01/15/06(b)                   $  2,113,740
 FHLMC Series 1645, Class B
      4,927,677             5.50                     01/15/08(b)                      4,755,356
 FNMA Remic Trust 1988-12, Class A
      3,468,817            10.00                     02/25/18                         3,689,659
 FNMA Remic Trust 1988-12, Class B
      2,738,540             4.73                     02/25/18                         2,634,823
 FNMA Remic Trust 1989-12, Class X
      1,212,342            10.00                     12/25/14                         1,255,525
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       17
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Principal            Interest                      Maturity
   Amount                Rate                          Date                             Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                   <S>                           <C>                             <C>
 MORTGAGE BACKED OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
 COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
 SEQUENTIAL FIXED RATE CMOS (CONTINUED)
 FNMA Remic Trust 1989-18, Class B
 $   787,911              9.50%                      01/25/04                        $    813,266
 FNMA Remic Trust 1989-59, Class H
   2,777,301              7.75                       10/25/18                           2,812,878
 FNMA Remic Trust 1991-133, Class Z
   4,872,777              8.00                       09/25/06(b)                        5,084,888
 FNMA Remic Trust 1992-44, Class CA
   3,000,000             12.00                       08/25/20(b)                        3,298,560
 FNMA Remic Trust 1993-188, Class TC
   2,400,000              6.50                       10/25/13                           2,403,144
 FNMA Remic Trust 1989-34, Class E
   2,196,095              9.85                       08/25/14                           2,277,065
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     $ 31,138,904
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  TOTAL COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE OBLIGATIONS                                          $ 67,436,896
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL MORTGAGE BACKED OBLIGATIONS (COST
  $91,144,815)                                                                       $ 92,256,295
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 AGENCY DEBENTURES--4.0%
 Sri Lanka Aid(a)
 $ 4,750,000              5.84%                      02/21/16                        $  4,712,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL AGENCY DEBENTURES
  (COST $4,678,750)                                                                  $  4,712,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS--16.0%
 United States Treasury Notes
 $13,500,000              6.00%                      08/15/99(b)                     $ 13,578,030
   5,400,000              5.63                       11/30/00(b)                        5,383,961
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS
  (COST $18,920,441)                                                                 $ 18,961,991
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 REPURCHASE AGREEMENT--4.0%
 Joint Repurchase Agreement Account
 $ 4,700,000              5.76%                      11/03/97(b)                     $  4,700,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL REPURCHASE AGREEMENT
  (COST $4,700,000)                                                                  $  4,700,000
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL INVESTMENTS
  (COST $119,444,006(D))                                                             $120,630,286
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Futures contracts open at October 31, 1997 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                Number of
                                Contracts      Settlement   Unrealized
           Type              Long (Short)(e)     Month      Gain (Loss)
- ---------------------------  --------------- -------------- -----------
<S>                          <C>             <C>            <C>
Euro Dollars                        81       December 1997   $ 120,975
Euro Dollars                        64       March 1998         81,775
Euro Dollars                        66       June 1998          54,500
Euro Dollars                        61       September 1998     76,575
Euro Dollars                        56       December 1998      73,750
Euro Dollars                        31       March 1999         17,000
Euro Dollars                        21       June 1999           4,500
Euro Dollars                         6       September 1999      4,650
2 Year U.S. Treasury Notes          71       December 1997     120,921
5 Year U.S. Treasury Notes         (93)      December1997     (169,906)
10 Year U.S. Treasury Notes       (132)      December 1997    (387,656)
U.S. 20 Year Long Term Bond         (7)      December 1997     (38,281)
                                                             ---------
                                                             $ (41,197)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION:
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>   <C>   <C>   <C>
Gross unrealized
 gain for
 investments in
 which value
 exceeds cost     $1,517,519
Gross unrealized
 loss for
 investments in
 which cost
 exceeds value      (331,239)
- -----------------------------
Net unrealized
 gain             $1,186,280
- -----------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) Variable rate security. Coupon rate disclosed is that which is in effect at
    October 31, 1997.
(b) Portions of these securities are being segregated for futures margin
    requirements.
(c) Represents security with notional or nominal principal amount. The actual
    effective yield of this security is different than the coupon rate due to
    the amortization of related premiums.
(d) The amount stated also represents the aggregate cost for federal income tax
    purposes.
(e) Each Euro Dollar contract represents $1,000,000 in notional par value. Each
    2-Year U.S. Treasury Note contract represents $200,000 in notional par
    value. Each 5-Year and 10-Year U.S. Treasury Note and each U.S. 20-Year
    Long Term Bond contract represents $100,000 in notional par value. The
    total notional amount and market value at risk are $423,400,000 and
    $131,267,113, respectively. The determination of notional amounts as
    presented here are indicative only of volume of activity and not a measure
    of market risk.
 
The percentages shown for each investment category reflect the value of
investments in that category as a percentage of total net assets.
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       18
<PAGE>
 
Letter to Shareholders
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
  The Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund seeks to provide a high level
of current income exempt from regular federal income tax, consistent with
relatively low principal volatility, through investments in investment-grade
municipal securities. Under normal interest rate conditions, the fund's
duration will be within one-half year of its benchmark, the Lehman Brothers
Three-Year Municipal Bond Index. The fund's approximate interest rate
sensitivity is comparable to that of a three-year bond.
 
NEW SHARE CLASSES ADDED
  Class A and Class B Shares were introduced on May 1, 1997, and Class C Shares
were added on August 15, 1997, to the existing Institutional, Administration
and Service shares.
 
MUNICIPAL BOND MARKET SHOWS SIGNS OF STRENGTH AND STABILITY
  The municipal market remained at relatively strong levels compared with the
taxable market for much of the year, including four consecutive months of
rallying from April through July. A typical August slowdown, some rallying in
September, and mixed performance for municipals during October, capped off a
year that saw overall municipal prices rise. The average price of a three-year
municipal bond (as calculated from data provided by Municipal Market Data, an
independent municipal market information provider) increased, while yields fell
from 4.15% on October 31, 1996 to 3.95% on October 31, 1997.
  New issue supply increased during 1997 vs. 1996, up a solid 5% through
October, versus the first ten months of 1996. The 1997 new issue supply has
followed historical early-month patterns, with January and February supply well
below annual averages (slightly more than $10 billion each month) and March and
April supply closer to normal levels ($13 to $14 billion). Spikes in new issue
supply to $21.9 billion in June and $20.6 billion in September were
approximately 50% greater than the monthly average for the rest of 1997, and
contributed significantly to the year's overall supply increase. Heavy June and
July coupon and principal payments flooded the market with enough reinvestment
cash to absorb most of the new issue supply during the summer, but heavy fall
supply has weakened the municipal market relative to treasuries.
  Demand from individual investors, who control approximately two-thirds of
municipal bond ownership either through mutual funds or direct investment,
continued to dominate the market, though municipal rates below the
psychologically key 6% level may have discouraged some investors. The budget
bill, passed in August, was favorable to municipals both on the demand side--an
exemption allowing corporations with outstanding debt to invest in the
municipal market was left intact--as well as on the supply side, where
restrictions on the amount that private universities can issue were loosened.
 
MUNICIPAL BOND YIELD CURVE
 
                                    [GRAPH]


                                      10/31/97        10/31/96

                        1998            3.70%           3.90%
                        1999            3.85            4.15
                        2000            3.95            4.30
                        2001            4.05            4.40
                        2002            4.15            4.50
                        2003            4.25            4.60
                        2004            4.35            4.70
                        2005            4.45            4.80
                        2006            4.50            4.90
                        2007            4.55            5.00
                        2008            4.65            5.10
                        2009            4.75            5.20
                        2010            4.85            5.25
                        2011            4.93            5.30
                        2012            4.98            5.35
                        2013            5.03            5.40
                        2014            5.08            5.40
                        2015            5.13            5.45
                        2016            5.15            5.45
                        2017            5.15            5.45
                        2018            5.18            5.50
                        2019            5.18            5.50
                        2020            5.20            5.50
                        2021            5.20            5.50
                        2022            5.20            5.50
                        2023            5.20            5.50
                        2024            5.20            5.50
                        2025            5.23            5.50
                        2026            5.23            5.50
                        2027            5.23            5.50


The yield curve experienced a downward parallel shift in contrast to one year
ago.
 
Source: Municipal Market Data
 
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
  We are pleased to report that the
fund's Institutional shares ranked
tenth out of 33 funds in Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc.'s short-
intermediate municipal debt category
for the one-year period ended October
31, 1997 based on total return.
(Lipper did not rank the fund's Class
A, Class B, Class C, Administration or
Service shares. Please note that
Lipper rankings do not take sales
charges into account and that past
performance is not a guarantee of
future results.)
  The fund's positive performance during the period was primarily due to our
emphasis on higher yielding revenue bonds (73% of the portfolio), as well as
successful selection of specific securities and relative value trades. As
always, we did not make any bets on the direction of interest rates, but rather
kept the fund's duration in line with the Index, occasionally using Treasury
futures to actively manage sector allocation.
  In our search for incremental yield, we focused on three types of bonds. The
first category was relatively generic, highly liquid securities; the second
included slightly less liquid issues that may offer high quality and attractive
returns, such as insured hospital bonds and letter-of-credit-backed debt; and
the last area was "story" bonds, whose value is often unrecognized by the
market because they are unique or generally not well understood. We identified
attractive investment opportunities for the third category through our
extensive credit analysis. One example of this is our purchase of Maryland
Health & Higher Education Facilities bonds for Pickersgill, a 169-bed nursing
home that has been in operation for 150 years. Demand for the facility is
strong, with a waiting list despite competition in the Baltimore area, and
financial results have been strong with sound debt service coverage and
significant unreserved funds. We continue to hold the security as an attractive
addition to the portfolio. As of October 31, 1997, the Fund owned approximately
4.8% of the outstanding issue.
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            INSTITUTIONAL* ADMINISTRATION  SERVICE*   CLASS A   CLASS B  CLASS C*
                              (10/31/96-     (10/31/96-   (10/31/96- (5/01/97- (5/01/97- (8/15/97-
                              10/31/97)      10/31/97)    10/31/97)  10/31/97) 10/31/97) 10/31/97)
                            -------------- -------------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------
  <S>                       <C>            <C>            <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>
  Total Return (based on
   net asset value [NAV])        5.40%          5.14%        4.77%     3.39%     3.07%     0.97%
  Return From Monthly
   Distributions                 4.27%          4.01%        3.75%     1.97%     1.65%     0.67%
  Return From Price
   Appreciation                  1.13%          1.13%        1.02%     1.42%     1.42%     0.30%
  Lehman Brothers 3-Year
   Municipal Bond Index          5.49%          5.49%        5.49%     3.60%     3.60%     1.16%
  NAV (as of 10/31/97)          $10.07         $10.07       $10.07    $10.08    $10.08    $10.07
  NAV Change                    +$0.11         +$0.11       +$0.10    +$0.14    +$0.14    +$0.03
  Total Distributions Paid
   Per Share+                    $0.42          $0.39        $0.37     $0.20     $0.16     $0.07
</TABLE>
 
 
* New share class opened during the period. Performance and NAV change are
cumulative from inception date.
+ Dividends are declared daily and paid on a monthly basis. The fund intends to
distribute substantially all of its investment company tax-exempt and taxable
income, as required by tax law.
 
Shares of the Fund are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed or
endorsed by a bank or other insured depository institution, and are not insured
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the Federal Reserve Board,
or any other government agency, and an investment in a Fund involves risk,
including possible loss of principal. All performance figures represent past
performance and in no way guarantee future results, which will fluctuate as
market conditions change. The investment return and principal value of an
investment in a Fund will fluctuate and, therefore, an investor's shares when
redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost. The Fund may
invest up to 20% in private activity bonds the interest from which is subject
to the alternative minimum tax (AMT).
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
Letter to Shareholders
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND (continued)
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

 
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES:
EMPHASIS ON REVENUE BONDS
 
                 PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF OCTOBER 31, 1997*
 
                                  [PIE CHART]

Revenue Bonds                   52.5%
Insured Revenue Bonds           23.9%
General Obligation               9.8%
Insured General Obligation       9.0%
Pre-refunded Bonds               4.5%
Variable Rate Demand Notes       0.3%
 
* The percentages shown are of total portfolio investments that have settled
and include an offset to cash equivalents relating to unsettled trades. These
percentages may differ from those in the accompanying Statement of Investments,
which reflect portfolio holdings as a percentage of net assets.
 
.. Revenue Bonds. As of October 31, the portfolio's combined position in insured
and uninsured revenue bonds was bonds was decreased slightly to 76.4% of the
portfolio, from 79.7% one year ago. The allocation was significantly
overweighted compared with the Index' 26.9%. (Revenue bonds pay interest and
principal out of a specific revenue stream, such as sales taxes, hospital
charges, tolls, electric rates and airport fees.)
 
.. General Obligation (GO) Bonds. As of October 31, the fund's allocation in
insured and uninsured GO bonds was increased slightly to 18.8% of the
portfolio, from 15.6% one year ago. The allocation was significantly
underweighted versus the Index's 40.6%. GOs are backed by the general taxing
power of a municipality and are typically higher credit quality but lower
yielding than revenue bonds.
 
.. Pre-refunded Bonds. Over the course of the year, we re-established the fund's
holdings in pre-refunded bonds to 4.5% from zero. The Index weighting of pre-
refunded bonds was 32.5%.
 
.. Variable Rate Demand Notes (VRDNs). VRDNs are high-quality cash equivalents
that we use to manage the portfolio's excess liquidity. VRDNs represented 0.3%
of the fund, down from 4.7% one year ago. The Index contains no VRDNs.
 
.. Duration. As of October 31, the fund's duration was effectively in line with
that of the Index at 2.9 years. Duration is a measurement of the Fund's
sensitivity to interest rate movements; the shorter the duration, the less the
Fund's net asset value (NAV) should move in relation to interest rate
fluctuations.
 
.. Credit Quality. During the year, the fund's credit quality allocations
shifted. We continued the trend from the last reporting period by reducing the
portfolio's allocation in triple-A-rated GOs, in favor of double-A-rated
revenue bonds. This is consistent with our goal of maintaining the fund's
targeted double-A-rated average credit quality and liquidity while achieving
high overall yields. We structured the portfolio's credit quality allocation
like a "barbell," emphasizing higher credit quality securities in the four- to
five-year maturity range and lower quality securities in the one- to three-year
maturity range. As of October 31, 40.5% of the portfolio was invested in
triple-A-rated bonds, while double-A-, single-A-, and BBB-rated securities
accounted for 32.3%, 21.5%, and 5.7%, respectively.
 
MARKET OUTLOOK
  Our long-term outlook for municipal bonds is essentially bullish. With
municipals escaping unscathed from the federal budget accord, we do not see any
near-term fundamental problems for tax-exempts, and are left with technical
forces as the key driver in relative market performance. The recent cheapening
of the market was more related to the heavy seasonal new issue supply and
weaker demand than from the global volatility that affected the taxable
sectors; we do not feel that
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

                                       21
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

municipals are at risk to cheapen much more. In anticipation of near-term
outperformance, we feel that municipals are attractive enough to warrant an
allocation from investors who do not currently benefit from tax-exempt income.
  We value your continued confidence in the Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-
Free Fund and look forward to reporting on the fund's progress in the coming
year.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
/s/ Benjamin S. Thompson
Benjamin S. Thompson
 
 
/s/ Elisabeth Schupf Lonsdale
Elisabeth Schupf Lonsdale
 
Portfolio Managers
Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund
November 28, 1997
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

                                       22
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
the following data is supplied for the periods ended October 31, 1997. The
performance for each class of the Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund
(assuming both the maximum sales charge of 2.0% and no sales charge for Class A
shares and the appropriate redemption fee and no redemption fee for the Class B
and Class C shares) is compared to its benchmark, the Lehman Brothers 3-Year
Municipal Bond Index ("Lehman Three-Year Bond Index"). All performance data
shown represents past performance and should not be considered indicative of
future performance which will fluctuate as market conditions change. The
investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate with
changes in market conditions so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may
be worth more or less than their original cost.
 

                             Institutional Shares

                                    [GRAPH]


                                                 Lehman 3 Year  
                Institutional Shares            Muni Bond Index  

10/1/92                 50,000                       50,000
10/31/92                49,830                       49,805
10/31/93                53,333                       53,102
10/31/94                53,424                       53,825
10/31/95                56,618                       58,023
10/31/96                59,172                       60,646
10/31/97                62,375                       63,975


                             Administration Shares

                                    [GRAPH]

                                                 Lehman 3 Year  
                Administration Shares(a)         Muni Bond Index 

6/1/93                  50,000                       50,000
10/31/93                51,088                       51,144
10/31/94                51,031                       51,840
10/31/95                53,971                       55,884
10/31/96                56,265                       58,410
10/31/97                59,157                       61,617


                                Service Shares

                                    [GRAPH]


                                                 Lehman 3 Year  
                    Service Shares(a)            Muni Bond Index

10/1/94                 50,000                       50,000
10/31/94                49,810                       49,880
10/31/95                52,594                       53,771
10/31/96                54,693                       56,201
10/31/97                57,302                       59,286
        
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

                                       23
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

                                Class A Shares

                                    [GRAPH]

                Class A Shares    Class A Shares      Lehman 3 Year
              (No Sales Charge)  (W/Sales Charge)    Muni Bond Index
              -----------------  ----------------    ---------------
5/1/97             10,000             9,800               10,000
10/31/97           10,339            10,132               10,360



                                Class B Shares

                                    [GRAPH]


                Class B Shares    Class B Shares      Lehman 3 Year
              (No Sales Charge)  (W/Sales Charge)    Muni Bond Index
              -----------------  ----------------    ---------------
5/1/97             10,000            10,000               10,000
10/31/97           10,307            10,107               10,360



                                Class C Shares

                                    [GRAPH]


                Class C Shares    Class C Shares      Lehman 3 Year
              (No Sales Charge)  (W/Sales Charge)    Muni Bond Index
              -----------------  ----------------    ---------------
8/15/97            10,000            10,000               10,000
10/31/97           10,097             9,997               10,116


<TABLE> 
                                                   ---------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                  AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
                                           -----------------------------------
                                         ONE YEAR FIVE YEAR SINCE INCEPTION(B)
          --------------------------------------------------------------------
        <S>                              <C>      <C>       <C>
        Institutional Shares               5.40%    4.59%         4.44 %
          --------------------------------------------------------------------
        Administration Shares              5.14%     N/A          3.87 %
          --------------------------------------------------------------------
        Service Shares                     4.77%     N/A          4.49 %
          --------------------------------------------------------------------
        Class A Shares, excluding sales
         charge                             N/A      N/A          3.39 %(c)
          --------------------------------------------------------------------
        Class A Shares, including sales
         charge                             N/A      N/A          1.68 %(c)
          --------------------------------------------------------------------
        Class B Shares, excluding
         redemption charge                  N/A      N/A          3.07 %(c)
          --------------------------------------------------------------------
        Class B Shares, including
         redemption charge                  N/A      N/A          1.07 %(c)
          --------------------------------------------------------------------
        Class C Shares, excluding
         redemption charge                  N/A      N/A          0.97 %(c)
          --------------------------------------------------------------------
        Class C Shares, including
         redemption charge                  N/A      N/A         (0.03)%(c)
          --------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) For comparative purposes, initial investments are assumed to be made on the
    first day of the month following the commencement of operations of the
    Administration and Service share classes.
(b) The Institutional, Administration, Service, Class A, Class B and Class C
    shares commenced operations October 1, 1992, May 20, 1993, September 20,
    1994, May 1, 1997, May 1, 1997 and August 15, 1997, respectively.
(c) An aggregate total return (not annualized) is shown instead of an average
    annual total return since these shares have not completed a full twelve
    months of operations.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
 
Statement of Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal              Interest                          Maturity
   Amount                 Rate                              Date                             Value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                    <S>                               <C>                              <C>
 DEBT OBLIGATIONS--101.1%
 ARIZONA--3.0%
 Mesa, Arizona IDA Health Care Facilities (BIGI) (AAA/Aaa)
 $1,000,000               7.50%                           01/01/04                         $1,053,830
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CALIFORNIA--2.9%
 Abag Finance Authority for Non-Profit Corporations Refunding Bond (BBB)
 $1,000,000               5.25%                           10/01/07                         $1,001,280
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 CONNECTICUT--7.3%
 Connecticut State Housing Mortgage Revenue Town Colony Project (Aa3)
  $ 995,000               5.00%                           04/01/08                         $  997,129
 Connecticut State Residential Recovery Authority, Series A RB (AA-)
  1,500,000               5.60                            11/15/99                          1,549,230
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           $2,546,359
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FLORIDA--4.3%
 Dade County Solid Waste System BANS (MIG2/SP2)
 $1,500,000               4.75%                           09/01/98                         $1,507,740
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 ILLINOIS--5.9%
 Illinois Health Facilities Authority Highland Park Hospital, Series A
  (AAA/Aaa)
 $1,000,000               5.20%                           10/01/01                         $1,031,270
 Illinois Housing Development Authority, Series 1991 A (A+/A1)
  1,000,000               7.90                            07/01/99                          1,054,550
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           $2,085,820
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 LOUISIANA--3.0%
 Louisiana Offshore Deepwater Port Authority Term B RB (A/Baa1)
 $1,000,000               5.85%                           09/01/00                         $1,038,010
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 MARYLAND--7.6%
 Maryland Health and Higher Educational Facilities Authority RB (A-)
 $1,600,000               5.50%                           01/01/21                         $1,665,920
  1,000,000               4.75                            07/01/21                          1,004,510
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           $2,670,430
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 MICHIGAN--2.9%
 Detroit Self Insurance Series A (BBB-)
 $1,000,000               5.60%                           05/01/01                         $1,027,990
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 MISSOURI--4.9%
 St. Louis, MO Municipal Finance Corp., Series A (A/Aa3)
 $1,655,000               5.30%                           07/15/02                         $1,710,393
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal              Interest                          Maturity
   Amount                 Rate                              Date                             Value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                    <S>                               <C>                              <C>
 DEBT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
 NEW YORK--8.5%
 Syracuse, NY IDA RB (AA)
 $1,365,000               4.60%                           10/15/98                         $1,376,261
 Yonkers GO Series C (FGIC) (AAA/Aaa)
  1,500,000               6.00                            08/01/03                          1,618,560
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           $2,994,821
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PENNSYLVANIA--9.8%
 Pennsylvania Intergovernmental Coop Authority Special Tax RB (FGIC) (AAA)
 $1,500,000               5.75%                           06/15/00                         $1,561,740
 Philadelphia, PA Gas Works COPS (FSA) (AAA/Aaa)
  1,800,000               5.95                            04/01/00                          1,872,108
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           $3,433,848
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 PUERTO RICO--3.3%
 Puerto Rico Commonwealth (A/Baa1)
 $1,105,000               8.00%                           07/01/06                         $1,152,438
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 RHODE ISLAND--4.6%
 Rhode Island Clean Water Finance Agency (AAA/Aaa)
 $1,385,000               9.20%                           10/01/01                         $1,622,694
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TENNESSEE--4.3%
 Clarksville, TN Public Building Authority (AA)
 $1,500,000               4.75%                           12/01/00                         $1,522,635
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TEXAS--11.6%
 Arlington GO Refunding Bonds (AA/Aa)
 $1,270,000               5.20%                           08/15/05                         $1,331,214
 Memorial Villages, TX Water Authority (Aa)
  1,110,000               7.00                            09/01/00                          1,165,211
 Tarrant County Health Facilities Development Corp. (AAA/Aaa)
  1,500,000               5.50                            02/15/03                          1,573,530
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                           $4,069,955
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 VIRGINIA--5.1%
 Petersburg, VA Hospital Authority RB (A)
 $1,760,000               5.50%                           07/01/99                         $1,800,075
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 WASHINGTON--4.6%
 Washington State Public Power Supply System RB, Series B (AA-/Aa)
 $1,500,000               7.20%                           07/01/02                         $1,615,245
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 WISCONSIN--2.9%
 Oshkosh, WI Water Rev. BANS Series C (MIG1)
 $1,000,000               4.88%                           01/01/00                         $1,005,870
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       25
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal             Interest                         Maturity
   Amount                Rate                             Date                            Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                   <S>                              <C>                            <C>
 DEBT OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
 WYOMING--4.6%
 Uinta County, WY School District Series A (FSA) (AAA/Aaa)
 $1,500,000              6.88%                          06/01/00                       $ 1,597,935
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total Debt Obligations (Cost $35,077,329)                                        $35,457,368
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL INVESTMENTS
  (COST $35,077,329)(A)                                                                $35,457,368
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 FEDERAL INCOME TAX INFORMATION:
 Gross unrealized gain for investments in which
  value exceeds cost                                                                      $385,094
 Gross unrealized loss for investments in which cost
  exceeds value                                                                             (5,055)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Net unrealized gain                                                                      $380,039
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) The amount stated also represents aggregate cost for federal income tax
    purposes.
 
The percentages shown for each investment category reflect the value of
investments in that category as a percentage of total net assets.

INVESTMENT ABBREVIATIONS:
BANS--Bond Anticipation Notes
BIGI--Bond Investors Guaranty Corporation
COPS--Certificates of Participation
FGIC--Insured by Financial GuarantyInsurance Co.
FSA --Financial Security Assurance Co.
GO  --General Obligation
IDA --Industrial Development Authority
RB  --Revenue Bond
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       26
<PAGE>
 
Letter to Shareholders
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FUND
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
 
  The Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund seeks to achieve a total return
consisting of capital appreciation and income that exceeds the total return of
its benchmark, the Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index (the "Index"), through
a diversified portfolio of fixed income securities. The fund may invest in U.S.
Treasury, agency, corporate, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, as
well as in a limited amount of non-dollar-denominated fixed income securities.
While the fund's performance will be measured against the Index, the portfolio
is not required to hold the same securities or match the sector weightings of
the Index. Every security in the portfolio must be rated at least investment
grade by an independent rating agency or be considered to be of equivalent
quality by Goldman Sachs Asset Management at the time it is purchased. The
fund's approximate interest rate sensitivity is expected to be comparable to
that of a five-year bond.
 
NEW SHARE CLASSES
  To accommodate different clients' needs and preferences, the fund added three
new share classes during the period under review. Class A and B shares opened
on May 1, 1997 and C shares opened on August 15, 1997.
 
PERFORMANCE REVIEW
  During the period under review, the fund's Institutional and Administration
shares outperformed the Index. The strongest performing sectors were
collateralized mortgage obligations (CMOs) and corporate bonds, which benefited
from an accommodative economic environment and high investor demand. The fund's
newer share classes -- Class A, B and C -- also recorded positive results.
However, the relative returns of these classes lagged because they began
operations during the second half of the fiscal year, after most of the gains
from corporate, mortgage and emerging market debt had been achieved. In
addition, the fund's Service shares recorded a positive return, but trailed the
benchmark.
  We are pleased to report that the fund performed well relative to its peers.
For the three-year period ended October 31, 1997, the fund's Institutional
shares were
 
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            INSTITUTIONAL ADMINISTRATION  SERVICE   CLASS A*  CLASS B*  CLASS C*
                             (10/31/96-     (10/31/96-   (10/31/96- (5/1/97-  (5/1/97-  (8/15/97-
                              10/31/97)     10/31/97)     10/31/97  10/31/97) 10/31/97) 10/31/97)
                            ------------- -------------- ---------- --------- --------- ---------
  <S>                       <C>           <C>            <C>        <C>       <C>       <C>
  Total Return (based on
   net asset value [NAV])       9.19%          8.92%        8.65%     6.94%     6.63%     2.74%
  Return From Monthly
   Distributions                6.76%          6.50%        6.23%     3.18%     2.78%     1.12%
  Return From Price
   Appreciation                 2.43%          2.42%        2.42%     3.76%     3.85%     1.62%
  Lehman Brothers
   Aggregate Bond Index
   Total Return                 8.89%          8.89%        8.89%     7.07%     7.07%     2.95%
  NAV (as of 10/31/97)         $10.08         $10.07       $10.09    $10.06    $10.09    $10.09
  NAV Change                   +$0.23         +$0.23       +$0.23    +$0.36    +$0.37    +$0.16
  Total Distributions Paid
   Per Share+                   $0.64          $0.62        $0.59     $0.30     $0.27     $0.11
</TABLE>
 
 
* New share class opened during the period. Performance and NAV change are
cumulative from inception date.
+ Dividends are declared daily and paid on a monthly basis. As required by tax
law, the fund distributes substantially all of its investment company taxable
income.
All performance figures represent past performance and in no way guarantee
future results, which will fluctuate as market conditions change. The
investment return and principal value of an investment in the fund will
fluctuate, and therefore an investor's shares when redeemed may be worth more
or less than their original cost. Goldman, Sachs & Co., the distributor of the
fund, is not a bank, and fund shares distributed by Goldman, Sachs & Co. are
not deposits or obligations of, or endorsed or guaranteed by, any bank or
depository institution, nor are they insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation (FDIC), the Federal Reserve Board or any other government agency.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
rated four stars (in a universe of 1,338 taxable bond funds) by Morningstar,
Inc., an independent rating agency./1/
  The fund also fared well versus its peers in Lipper Analytical Services,
Inc.'s intermediate investment-grade debt fund category. For the 12-month
period ended October 31, the fund's Institutional and Administration shares
both ranked within the top 20% of their peer group (26th and 36th,
respectively, out of 195 funds). The fund's Service shares also did well,
placing within the top quartile of the Lipper category (44th of 195 funds).
(Lipper did not rank the fund's Class A, B and C shares for the 12-month period
because they have been in existence less than 12 months. Please note that
Lipper rankings do not take sales charges into account and that past
performance is no guarantee of future results.)
 
PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AND INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
  During the period, we continued to emphasize securities that are
fundamentally good credit quality and/or have relatively limited exposure to
interest rate movements, such as seasoned mortgage-backed issues. Within this
overall strategy, we actively used our extensive research resources to identify
attractive sectors and securities that enabled us to add incremental yield
relative to Treasuries.
- --------
/1/Source: (C)1997 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved. Morningstar
proprietary ratings reflect historical risk-adjusted performance as of
10/31/97. The ratings are subject to change every month. Past performance is no
guarantee of future results. Morningstar ratings are calculated from a fund's
three-, five-, and ten-year average annual returns (where applicable) in excess
of 90-day Treasury bill returns with appropriate fee and sales charge
adjustments and a risk factor that reflects fund performance below 90-day
Treasury bill returns. The Morningstar ratings apply only to the fund's
Institutional shares; the fund's Administration, Service, A, B and C shares
have not been rated. The Administration, Service, A, B and C shares are subject
to additional fees and expenses, which may have the effect of lowering
performance and may affect any future Morningstar rating. Morningstar rates
each fund against its peers in the same category. In all, there are four
Morningstar categories (domestic equity, international equity, taxable bond and
municipal). Morningstar ratings range from five stars (highest) to one star
(lowest). Funds with five-star ratings are in the top 10% of their category,
four-star ratings in the next 22.5%, three stars the next 35%, two stars the
next 22.5% and one star the lowest 10% of their categories.
 
                 PORTFOLIO COMPOSITION AS OF OCTOBER 31, 1997*
 
                                 [PIE CHART] 

                Emerging Market Debt                     5.0%
                CMOs                                    12.6%
                ABSs                                    13.1%
                U.S. Treasury                           15.7%
                Fixed Rate Mortgage Pass-Throughs       24.8%
                Corporate Bonds                         28.8%


*The percentages shown are of total portfolio investments that have settled and
include an offset to cash equivalents relating to unsettled trades. These
percentages may differ from those in the accompanying Statement of Investments,
which reflect portfolio holdings as a percentage of net assets.
 
.. Corporate Bonds. As of October 31, the portfolio held a 28.8% position in
corporate bonds, compared with the Index's 19.2% allocation. During the last 12
months, corporate spreads widened significantly, almost entirely due to the
sector coming under pressure in October in the wake of the financial turmoil in
Asia. However, the fund's investments in the sector benefited its 12-month
performance. As is our investment philosophy, we focused on shorter duration
bonds than the Index to add incremental yield without significantly increasing
overall volatility, and these securities fared well relative to the overall
sector. The fund's corporate holdings consisted primarily of financial issues,
such as CAPITAL ONE BANK (1.9% of the portfolio as of October 31) and
COUNTRYWIDE FUNDING CORP. (1.1%), and industrial issues, such as TIME WARNER
INC. (3.1%) and TCI COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (1.0%).
 
.. Fixed Rate Mortgage Pass-Throughs. The fund held a 24.8% position in fixed
rate mortgage pass-throughs at the end of the period, approximately the same
weighting as a year earlier. We continued to underweight the sector relative to
the Index (29.8%),
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

 
                                       28
<PAGE>
 
Letter to Shareholders
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FUND (continued)
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
as yield spreads narrowed from already tight levels and upside potential
appeared limited.
  During the period, we occasionally used mortgage dollar rolls to benefit from
short-term supply and demand imbalances in the mortgage settlement process.
(Mortgage dollar rolls refer to transactions that involve selling mortgage
securities owned by the fund and simultaneously contracting to buy back similar
mortgage securities with the same coupon on a specified future date--usually
one month forward.) At all times, we "cover" the mortgage dollar rolls by
keeping cash or high-grade liquid debt securities equal to the dollar amount of
the forward commitment in a segregated account with the fund's custodian.
 
.. U.S. Treasuries. U.S. Treasuries represented 15.7% of the portfolio as of the
end of the period. We significantly underweighted Treasuries compared with the
Index (43.5%) in favor of "spread" sectors such as corporate bonds and asset-
backed securities that offered more compelling return potential.
 
.. Asset-Backed Securities (ABS). As of October 31, the portfolio was
significantly overweighted in ABS securities in relation to the Index, 13.1%
versus 1.0%. ABSs continued to perform well during the period, but heavy
issuance during the second half of the period caused yield spreads to widen and
restrained the sector's relative performance. Within the sector, the fund held
primarily credit card receivables (7.5%), with smaller positions in home equity
receivables (3.0%) and other receivables (2.6%).
 
.. CMOs. The fund's CMO weighting was 12.6%, up from 9.8% a year earlier. CMOs
appeared increasingly attractive during the period because of diminishing
yield-enhancement opportunities in other sectors, such as fixed rate mortgage
pass-throughs, where spreads remained tight. Within the sector, 7.9% were
sequential-pay/support CMOs, 3.7% were planned amortization class (PAC) CMOs
and 1.0% were PAC interest-only (IO) securities.
 
.. Emerging Market Debt. As of October 31, emerging market debt represented 5.0%
of the portfolio. During the period, we controlled the fund's exposure in the
sector by stressing high-credit-quality, short-duration bonds. Geographically,
most of the sector's holdings were in Latin America, which was attractive
because structural and economic reforms in this region are helping strengthen
credit fundamentals. Though the fund's investments in emerging market debt
contributed to performance during most of the period, the sector more than gave
up its gains in October, when financial turmoil in Asia spread to other
emerging markets.
 
.. Duration. During the period, we continued to match the fund's duration to
that of the Index, partly through the use of financial futures. Rather than
attempting to predict the direction of interest rates, we seek to add
incremental return over the Index through our sector weightings, as well as
individual security selection. As of October 31, the fund's duration was 4.6
years, in line with the Index (4.4 years).
 
.. Credit Quality. As of October 31, nearly half of the portfolio was invested
in government and agency securities (44.3%), with another 19.1% invested in
triple-A-rated securities. The remainder of the portfolio was made up of
double-A-rated securities (2.5%), single-A-rated securities (12.1%) and triple-
B-rated securities (22.0%).
 
MARKET OUTLOOK
  Although the economy and interest rate movements continue to appear
supportive of the fixed income market, recent volatility emanating from
Southeast Asia has altered the sector-to-sector relationships that have
persisted through most of the past year.
  In the corporate market, Asia-related uncertainty has put pressure on yield
spreads, and the sector may continue to experience selling pressure arising
from year-end window dressing. Though we have a somewhat cautious view of
corporates, we view the sector's recent
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

underperformance as a potential buying opportunity, particularly for securities
with no exposure to Asia. In addition, we expect some spread compression over
the next three to six months based on positive company fundamentals.
  The spillover from Asia also caused the spreads of mortgage-backed securities
to widen somewhat relative to Treasuries, but the sector generally held up
better than corporate and emerging market debt. Therefore, these securities may
be less compelling near term than they were previously. In the mortgage pass-
through sector, lower coupon pass-throughs underperformed higher coupon pass-
throughs during this volatile period and, as a result, currently represent a
more attractive risk/return trade-off.
  Similarly, the ABS sector was impacted at the end of the period. Although
investors have been buying selectively at these wider yield spread levels, we
believe the sector may remain soft through year-end due to heavy issuance and
the Asian situation. Finally, we believe that fundamentals remain sound in most
of the emerging markets in which the fund has invested. Given a period of
recovery and stability in global equity markets, we expect yield spreads in the
sector to recover from their recent slide.
 
/s/ Jonathan A. Beinner
Jonathan A. Beinner
 
/s/ Richard H. Buckholz
Richard H. Buckholz
 
/s/ C. Richard Lucy
C. Richard Lucy

/s/ Mark A. Van Wyk
Mark A. Van Wyk
 
Portfolio Managers
Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund
November 28, 1997
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

                                       30
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FUND
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In accordance with the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission,
the following data is supplied for the periods ended October 31, 1997. The
performance for each class of the Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund
(assuming both the maximum sales charge of 4.5% and no sales charge for Class A
shares and the appropriate redemption fee and no redemption fee for the Class B
and Class C shares), is compared to its benchmark, the Lehman Brothers
Aggregate Bond Index ("Lehman Aggregate Index"). All performance data shown
represents past performance and should not be considered indicative of future
performance which will fluctuate as market conditions change. The investment
return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate with changes in
market conditions so that an investor's shares, when redeemed, may be worth
more or less than their original cost.
 

                             Institutional Shares

                                    [GRAPH]

                Institutional Shares      Lehman Aggregate
                                                Index
                --------------------      ----------------   
5/1/94                50,000                    50,000
10/31/94              48,500                    46,980
10/31/95              56,124                    54,332
10/31/96              59,492                    57,505
10/31/97              64,955                    62,617


                             Administration Shares

                                    [GRAPH]


                Administration Shares      Lehman Aggregate
                                                Index
                ---------------------      ----------------   
2/28/96                50,000                    50,000
10/31/96               51,780                    51,870
10/31/97               56,400                    56,480



                                Service Shares

                                    [GRAPH]


                   Service Shares          Lehman Aggregate
                                                Index
                   --------------          ----------------   
3/13/96                50,000                    50,000
10/31/96               52,450                    52,470
10/31/97               56,985                    57,140



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

 
                                       31
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                Class A Shares

                                    [GRAPH]

                Class A Shares    Class A Shares     Lehman Aggregate 
              (No Sales Charge)  (W/Sales Charge)         Index       
              -----------------  ----------------    ---------------
5/1/97             10,000             9,550               10,000
10/31/97           10,694            10,213               10,707



                                Class B Shares

                                    [GRAPH]


                Class B Shares    Class B Shares     Lehman Aggregate
              (No Sales Charge)  (W/Sales Charge)         Index       
              -----------------  ----------------    ---------------
5/1/97             10,000            10,000               10,000
10/31/97           10,663            10,163               10,707



                                Class C Shares

                                    [GRAPH]


                Class C Shares    Class C Shares     Lehman Aggregate
              (No Sales Charge)  (W/Sales Charge)         Index       
              -----------------  ----------------    ---------------
8/15/97            10,000            10,000               10,000
10/31/97           10,274            10,174               10,295


<TABLE>
                                              -------------------
<CAPTION>
                                      AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURN
                                              -------------------
                                      ONE YEAR SINCE INCEPTION(A)
               --------------------------------------------------
           <S>                        <C>      <C>
           Institutional Shares        9.19%         7.08%
               --------------------------------------------------
           Administration Shares       8.92%         7.45%
               --------------------------------------------------
           Service Shares              8.65%         8.31%
               --------------------------------------------------
           Class A Shares, excluding
            sales charge                 N/A         6.94%(b)
               --------------------------------------------------
           Class A Shares, including
            sales charge                 N/A         2.31%(b)
               --------------------------------------------------
           Class B Shares, excluding
            redemption charge            N/A         6.63%(b)
               --------------------------------------------------
           Class B Shares, including
            redemption charge            N/A         1.63%(b)
               --------------------------------------------------
           Class C Shares, excluding
            redemption charge            N/A         2.74%(b)
               --------------------------------------------------
           Class C Shares, including
            redemption charge            N/A         1.74%(b)
               --------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
(a) The Institutional, Administration, Service Class A, Class B and Class C
    shares commenced operations January 5, 1994, February 28, 1996, March 13,
    1996, May 1, 1997, May 1, 1997 and August 15, 1997, respectively.
(b) An aggregate total return (not annualized) is shown instead of an average
    annual total return since these shares have not completed a full twelve
    months of operations.
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

 
                                       32
<PAGE>
 
Statement of Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FUND
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Principal             Interest                         Maturity
   Amount                 Rate                             Date                            Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                    <S>                              <C>                            <C>
 CORPORATE BONDS--27.3%
 FINANCE BONDS--11.2%
 Advanta National Bank U.S.A.
 $   345,000               6.43%                         04/30/98                       $   345,169
 BankAmerica Corp.
     300,000               7.75                          07/15/02                           317,286
 Capital One Bank
     600,000               6.66                          02/03/00                           604,032
     400,000               6.88                          04/24/00                           406,476
     800,000               6.58                          04/17/01                           802,552
     500,000               6.60                          08/20/01                           501,645
 Capital One Financial Corp.
     355,000               7.25                          12/01/03                           360,236
 Conseco, Inc.
     340,000              10.50                          12/15/04                           410,683
     170,000               8.70                          11/15/26                           183,806
 Continental Bank N.A.
     525,000              11.25                          07/01/01                           542,173
 Countrywide Capital Corp.
     325,000               8.05                          06/15/27                           339,037
 Countrywide Funding Corp.
     125,000               6.08                          07/14/99                           125,358
     250,000               8.43                          11/16/99                           261,593
     250,000               7.75                          08/10/01                           263,278
     700,000               6.38                          10/08/02                           705,957
 Ford Capital Corp.
     300,000               9.50                          07/01/01                           330,795
 General Motors Acceptance Corp.
     275,000               7.63                          03/09/98                           276,653
     200,000               7.13                          05/10/00                           204,470
     375,000               9.63                          12/15/01                           417,956
 Meditrust, Inc.
     390,000               7.82                          09/10/26                           420,467
 MIC Finance Trust(f)
     360,000               8.38                          02/01/27                           382,338
 PXRE Capital Trust I
     165,000               8.85                          02/01/27                           180,205
 Sears Roebuck Acceptance Corp.
     500,000               6.93                          10/03/02                           510,400
 Security Pacific Corp.(a)
     995,000              11.50                          11/15/00                         1,137,812
 Signet Banking Corp.
     240,000               9.63                          06/01/99                           252,698
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Principal             Interest                         Maturity
   Amount                 Rate                             Date                            Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                    <S>                              <C>                            <C>
 CORPORATE BONDS (CONTINUED)
 FINANCE BONDS (CONTINUED)
 Taubman Realty Group
 $   480,000               8.00%                         07/30/01                       $   501,998
 Washington Real Estate Investment Trust
     120,000               7.13                          08/13/03                           123,164
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        $10,908,237
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 INDUSTRIAL BONDS--14.5%
 360 Communications Co.
 $   525,000               7.13%                         03/01/03                       $   531,536
 Comcast Cable Communications
     400,000               8.13                          05/01/04                           432,112
 Continental Airlines, Inc.
     339,989               7.75                          07/02/14                           367,487
     553,994               8.56                          07/02/14                           621,554
 Edison Mission Energy Funding Corp.(f)
     161,128               6.77                          09/15/03                           163,191
 Global Marine, Inc.
     490,000              12.75                          12/15/99                           505,313
 Harrahs Oper, Inc.
     300,000               8.75                          03/15/00                           308,250
 Hertz Corp.
     200,000               6.00                          01/15/03                           197,192
     500,000               7.00                          07/15/03                           513,845
 Liberty Property LP
     340,000               7.10                          08/15/04                           347,579
 Manor Care, Inc.
     350,000               9.50                          11/15/02                           364,000
 Northwest Airlines Corp.
     158,915               8.26                          03/10/06                           170,605
     564,827               8.97                          01/02/15                           615,430
 RJR Nabisco Inc.
     375,000               8.00                          07/15/01                           387,443
     550,000               8.63                          12/01/02                           585,866
 Sci Television, Inc.
     700,000              11.00                          06/30/05                           740,250
 TCI Communications, Inc.
     560,000               8.00                          08/01/05                           593,034
     275,000               6.82                          09/15/10                           276,306
     290,000               8.75                          08/01/15                           319,017
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       33
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Principal             Interest                         Maturity
   Amount                 Rate                             Date                            Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                    <S>                              <C>                            <C>
 CORPORATE BONDS (CONTINUED)
 INDUSTRIAL BONDS (CONTINUED)
 Tele-Communications, Inc.
 $   100,000               7.13%                         02/02/98                       $   100,176
     300,000               8.25                          01/15/03                           318,423
 Time Warner, Inc.
   1,650,000               7.95                          02/01/00                         1,704,830
   1,350,000               9.63                          05/01/02                         1,509,773
     400,000               7.98                          08/15/04                           424,560
 U.S. Airways Inc.
     546,412               6.76                          04/15/08                           556,099
 USI American Holdings
     150,000               7.25                          12/01/06                           154,859
 Viacom, Inc.
     500,000               6.75                          01/15/03                           489,500
 Worldcom, Inc.
     300,000               9.38                          01/15/04                           319,518
     450,000               8.88                          01/15/06                           490,820
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        $14,108,568
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 UTILITY BONDS--1.6%
 California Energy, Inc.
 $   735,000              10.25%                         01/15/04                       $   805,237
 Central Maine Power Co.
     330,000               7.45                          08/30/99                           333,752
 Salton Sea Funding
     472,907               7.02                          05/30/00                           476,705
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                        $ 1,615,694
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL CORPORATE BONDS (COST $26,055,654)                                               $26,632,499
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES--13.7%
 AFC Series 1997-1, Class A
 $   958,488               5.88%                         07/25/27                       $   955,190
 Airplanes Pass Through Trust Series 1, Class C
     155,000               8.15                          03/15/19                           164,081
 Chevy Chase Auto Receivables Trust Series 1995-2, Class A
     129,808               5.80                          06/15/02                           129,604
 Discover Card Master Trust 1996-4, Class A(a)
   1,910,000               6.00                          10/16/13                         1,932,080
 Discover Card Master Trust 1996-4, Class B
   1,100,000               6.18                          10/16/13                         1,103,091
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal             Interest                         Maturity
   Amount                Rate                             Date                            Value
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                   <S>                              <C>                            <C>
 ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (CONTINUED)
 DVI Equipment Lease Trust Series 1996-1, Class A(f)
 $  882,127               6.55%                         07/10/04                       $   889,025
 EQCC Home Equity Loan Trust Series 1997-3, Class A
  1,829,645               5.80                          11/15/28                         1,829,645
 General Motors Acceptance Corp. Series 1995, Class A
     45,590               7.15                          03/15/00                            45,860
 General Motors Acceptance Corp. Series 1997-C1, Class A3
  1,000,000               6.87                          08/15/07                         1,042,460
 H + T Master Trust(f)
    550,000               8.06                          08/15/02                           549,483
 MBNA Credit Card Master Trust
  1,750,000               5.88                          04/15/09                         1,745,065
 Olympic Automobile Receivables Trust, Series 1994-B, Class A2
    182,886               6.85                          06/15/01                           185,774
 Premier Auto Trust Series 1995-1, Class A5
     15,449               7.90                          05/04/99                            15,473
 Sears Credit Account Master Trust, Series 1996-1, Class A
    680,000               6.20                          02/16/06                           679,572
 Sears Credit Account Master Trust, Series 1995-2, Class A
    550,000               8.10                          06/15/04                           569,074
 Sears Credit Card Master Trust, Series 1995-3, Class A
    300,000               7.00                          10/15/04                           305,718
 Standard Credit Card Master Trust, Series 1994-4, Class A
    680,000               8.25                          11/07/03                           726,961
 World Financial Tower B Series 1996, Class B
    495,732               6.91                          09/01/13                           513,995
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES (COST $13,331,331)                                      $13,382,151
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 EMERGING MARKET DEBT--4.8%
 Bancoldex
 $  490,000               8.63%                         06/02/00                       $   507,929
 Bridas Corp.
    110,000              12.50                          11/15/99                           117,700
    120,000              12.50                          06/10/03                           147,590
 Corp. Andina de Fomento
    500,000               6.63                          10/14/98                           502,240
 Empresa Columbiana de Petroleos
  1,040,000               7.25                          07/08/98                         1,045,647
 Financiera Energy Nacional(f)
    400,000               9.38                          06/15/06                           436,440
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       34
<PAGE>
 
Statement of Investments
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FUND (continued)
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal            Interest                         Maturity
   Amount               Rate                             Date                            Value
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                  <S>                            <C>                              <C>
 EMERGING MARKET DEBT (CONTINUED)
 Instituto de Fomento Industrial
 $   90,000              8.38%                       07/29/01                         $    93,803
 Perez Companc
    510,000              9.00                        01/30/04                             543,941
 Republic of Colombia
     30,000              7.12                        05/11/98                              30,117
 Republic of Croatia(f)
    310,000              7.00                        02/27/02                             308,081
 Sampoerna International Finance Co.(f)
    200,000              8.38                        06/15/06                             188,146
 YPF Sociedad Anonima
    585,602              7.50                        10/26/02                             598,778
    109,536              7.00                        10/26/02                             111,785
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL EMERGING MARKET DEBT
  (COST $4,600,060)                                                                   $ 4,632,197
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 GOVERNMENT BONDS--0.6%
 Province of Quebec
 $  520,000             13.25%                       09/15/14                         $   605,956
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL GOVERNMENT BONDS
  (COST $651,597)                                                                     $   605,956
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 MORTGAGE BACKED OBLIGATIONS--35.7%
 Asset Securitization Corp. Series 4, Class A
 $  900,000              7.49%                       04/14/27                         $   969,398
 Collateralized Mortgage Obligation Trust Series 63, Class Z
    943,625              9.00                        10/20/20                           1,027,957
 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. (FHLMC)
  1,000,000              6.35                        03/25/18                           1,004,680
  1,000,000              7.00                        TBA-15 Yr(b)                       1,014,060
  1,000,000              6.50                        TBA-15 Yr(b)                         999,680
  2,500,000              7.50                        TBA-30 Yr(b)                       2,556,250
 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp. Series 21, Class Z
    496,200              5.40                        05/25/16                             485,964
 Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA)
  1,997,933              6.50                        11/01/26                           1,967,345
  2,000,000              6.50                        TBA-7 Yr(b)                        2,004,360
  1,000,000              7.50                        TBA-15 Yr(b)                       1,025,620
  6,000,000              7.00                        TBA-30-Yr(b)                       6,018,720
 First Union-Lehman Brothers Commercial Mortgage Services Series 1997-C1,
  Class A2
    600,000              7.30                        12/18/06                             633,703
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Principal              Interest                     Maturity
   Amount                 Rate                         Date                            Value
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                    <S>                          <C>                            <C>
 MORTGAGE BACKED OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
 FNMA Remic Trust Series 1997-70, Class AB
 $1,250,000               6.50%                      09/25/22                       $ 1,244,125
 FNMA Remic Trust Series 31, Class PJ
    750,000               6.55                       10/25/20                           758,670
 GE Capital Mortgage Services, Inc. Series 1994-17, Class A10(a)
  2,000,000               7.00                       05/25/24                         1,926,860
 Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA)
    309,342               8.00                       02/15/17                           325,174
     27,346               7.00                       11/15/22                            27,590
    350,954               7.00                       12/15/22                           354,134
    592,628               7.00                       12/15/22                           597,997
    172,753               7.00                       01/15/23                           174,209
    747,912               7.50                       03/15/23                           767,072
    737,159               7.00                       05/15/23                           743,373
    113,223               7.50                       08/15/23                           116,124
     36,858               7.00                       11/15/23                            37,168
  2,000,000               7.00                       TBA-30 Yr(b)                     2,011,240
  3,000,000               7.50                       TBA-30 Yr(b)                     3,067,500
 JP Morgan Commercial Mortgage Finance Corp., Series 1997-C4
  1,000,000               7.32                       12/26/28                         1,045,625
 Morgan Stanley Capital Commercial Mortgage, Inc. Series 1997-C1
    900,000               7.46                       05/15/06                           943,313
 Prudential Home Mortgage Securities Corp. 1992-39 A8
  1,000,000               7.23                       12/25/07                           933,310
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL MORTGAGE BACKED OBLIGATIONS
  (COST $34,183,128)                                                                $34,781,221
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 SOVEREIGN CREDIT--0.4%
 State of Israel
 $  370,000               6.38%                      12/15/05                       $   363,177
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL SOVEREIGN CREDIT
  (COST $347,343)                                                                   $   363,177
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS--15.5%
 United States Treasury Bonds
 $1,800,000               7.50%                      11/15/16                       $ 2,059,596
  1,600,000               8.75                       05/15/20                         2,086,000
  1,400,000               7.88                       02/15/21                         1,680,224
  1,740,000(a)            7.63                       02/15/25                         2,060,264
 United States Treasury Interest-Only Stripped Securities(c)
  2,250,000               6.14                       08/15/09                         1,103,985
    350,000               6.20                       11/15/10                           158,235
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       35
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Principal               Interest                     Maturity
    Amount                  Rate                         Date                        Value
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <C>                      <S>                          <C>                        <C>
 U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS (CONTINUED)
 United States Treasury Notes
 $  1,750,000               6.88%                      08/31/99                   $  1,786,645
    1,530,000(a)            5.63                       11/30/00                      1,525,456
 United States Treasury Principal-Only Stripped Securities(d)
       40,000               4.59                       11/15/97                         39,928
    1,900,000               5.86                       11/15/04                      1,260,137
    5,730,000               6.35                       05/15/20                      1,396,344
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL U.S. TREASURY OBLIGATIONS
  (COST $14,136,252)                                                              $ 15,156,814
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 YANKEE BONDS--0.3%
 Korea Electric Power
 $    260,512               7.40%                      04/01/16                   $    280,113
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL YANKEE BONDS
  (COST $251,907)                                                                 $    280,113
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 REPURCHASE AGREEMENT--23.6%
 Joint Repurchase Agreement Account(a)
 $ 23,000,000               5.76%                      11/03/97                   $ 23,000,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL REPURCHASE AGREEMENT (COST $23,000,000)                                    $ 23,000,000
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 TOTAL INVESTMENTS (COST $116,557,272(E))                                         $118,834,128
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

Futures contracts open at October 31, 1997 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             Number of
                             Contracts  Settlement   Unrealized
           Type               Long(g)      Month        Gain
- ---------------------------  --------- ------------- ----------
<S>                          <C>       <C>           <C>
Euro Dollars                      8    March 1998     $ 7,100
Euro Dollars                      5    June 1998        7,687
Euro Dollars                     13    December 1997   10,838
U.S. 20 Year Long Term Bond      12    December 1997   67,243
                                                      -------
                                                      $92,878
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<S>   <C>   <C>   <C>
FEDERAL INCOME TAX
INFORMATION:
Gross unrealized
 gain for
 investments in
 which value
 exceeds cost     $2,430,736
Gross unrealized
 loss for
 investments in
 which cost
 exceeds value      (154,123)
- -----------------------------
Net unrealized
 gain             $2,276,613
- -----------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) Portions of these securities are being segregated for open TBA purchases,
    mortgage dollar rolls and futures.
(b) TBA (To Be Assigned) securities are purchased on a forward commitment basis
    with an approximate (generally + / -2.5%) principal amount and no definite
    maturity date. The actual principal amount and maturity date will be
    determined upon settlement when the specific mortgage pools are assigned.
(c) Represents security with notional or nominal principal amount. The actual
    effective yield of this security is different than the coupon rate due to
    the amortization of related premiums.
(d) The interest rate disclosed for these securities represents effective
    yields to maturity.
(e) The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes is $116,557,515.
(f) Securities are exempt from registration under Rule 144A of the Securities
    Act of 1933. Such securities may be resold, normally to qualified
    institutional buyers in transactions exempt from registration. Total market
    value of Rule 144A securities amounted to $2,916,704, as of October 31,
    1997.
(g) Each Euro Dollar contract represents $1,000,000 in notional par value. Each
    U.S. 20 Year Long Term Bond contract represents $100,000 in notional par
    value. The total notional amount and market value at risk are $27,200,000
    and $7,547,450, respectively. The determination of notional amounts as
    presented here are indicative only of volume of activity and not a measure
    of market risk.
 
The percentages shown for each investment category reflect the value of
investments in that category as a percentage of total net assets.
 
- --------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       36
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust-Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           ADJUSTABLE      SHORT         SHORT
                              RATE        DURATION     DURATION     CORE FIXED
                           GOVERNMENT    GOVERNMENT    TAX-FREE       INCOME
                              FUND          FUND         FUND          FUND
                          -----------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in
 securities, at value
 (cost $499,416,127,
 $119,444,006,
 $35,077,329 and
 $116,557,272)            $502,491,257  $120,630,286  $35,457,368  $118,834,128
Cash, at value               1,002,701        48,600      100,138       101,219
Receivables:
 Investment securities
  sold                         481,728            --           --    11,510,991
 Interest                    6,932,682     1,239,579      492,577     1,200,720
 Forward foreign
  currency exchange
  contracts                         --            --           --        28,856
 Fund shares sold            1,193,824       291,539       63,759     2,590,249
 Variation margin                   --            --           --         3,750
 Foreign tax withheld               --            --           --        11,701
Deferred organization
 expenses, net                      --            --           --        28,857
Other assets                   144,366       168,332      106,594       106,187
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total assets              512,246,558   122,378,336   36,220,436   134,416,658
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES:
Payables:
 Dividends                   1,140,745       122,452       20,503        81,756
 Investment securities
  purchased                         --            --    1,029,971    32,185,322
 Fund shares repurchased       753,042     3,572,776        3,580     4,539,342
 Management fees               175,884        38,181       10,743        34,029
 Authorized dealer
  service fees                  28,171         3,946        1,807         4,380
 Transfer agent fees            38,225        35,000       25,000        29,000
 Variation margin               23,556        16,631           --            --
Accrued expenses and
 other liabilities              44,038        35,415       48,967        39,948
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total liabilities           2,203,661     3,824,401    1,140,571    36,913,777
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSETS:
Paid in capital            559,794,391   131,211,275   38,514,053    94,565,068
Accumulated
 undistributed
 (distributions in
 excess of) net
 investment income          (3,387,447)      693,874      110,881        91,922
Accumulated net realized
 gain (loss) on
 investment transactions   (49,005,224)  (14,496,297)  (3,925,108)      496,568
Accumulated net realized
 foreign currency loss              --            --           --       (20,743)
Net unrealized gain on
 investments and futures     2,641,177     1,145,083      380,039     2,370,066
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Net assets               $510,042,897  $118,553,935  $35,079,865  $ 97,502,881
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE,
 OFFERING AND REDEMPTION
 PRICE PER SHARE:(A)
Institutional                    $9.88         $9.86       $10.07        $10.08
Administration                   $9.88         $9.89       $10.07        $10.07
Service                          $9.88         $9.86       $10.07        $10.09
Class A                          $9.88         $9.88       $10.08        $10.06
Class B                             --         $9.86       $10.08        $10.09
Class C                             --         $9.86       $10.07        $10.09
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES OUTSTANDING:
Institutional               46,911,214    10,515,184    2,860,956     7,858,088
Administration                 282,644       107,210        7,675       612,842
Service                         35,020       338,434      203,593       185,166
Class A                      4,390,774       960,218      398,986       927,888
Class B                             --        75,741       10,529        61,503
Class C                             --        19,318          160        27,004
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total shares
 outstanding, $.001 par
 value (unlimited number
 of shares authorized)      51,619,652    12,016,105    3,481,899     9,672,491
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) Maximum public offering price per share for Class A shares is $10.03
    (NAV x 1.0152), $10.08 (NAV x 1.0205), $10.29 (NAV x 1.0205) and $10.53
    (NAV x 1.0467) for Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Short Duration
    Government Fund, Short Duration Tax-Free Fund and Core Fixed Income Fund,
    respectively. At redemption, Class B and Class C shares may be subject to a
    contingent deferred sales charge, assessed on the amount equal to the
    lesser of the current net asset value or the original purchase price of the
    shares.
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       37
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Year Ended October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                ADJUSTABLE     SHORT       SHORT
                                   RATE       DURATION    DURATION   CORE FIXED
                                GOVERNMENT   GOVERNMENT   TAX-FREE     INCOME
                                   FUND         FUND        FUND        FUND
                                -----------------------------------------------
<S>                             <C>          <C>         <C>         <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
Interest(a)                     $37,092,868  $7,267,514  $1,667,490  $5,835,747
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  TOTAL INCOME                   37,092,868   7,267,514   1,667,490   5,835,747
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EXPENSES:
Management fees                   2,293,118     528,290     144,157     334,580
Distribution fees                    81,928       5,496       2,562       5,597
Authorized dealer service fees       81,928       4,313       2,430       4,832
Administration fees                   9,699       3,203         222      14,647
Service share fees                      292      12,087       6,435       6,207
Custodian fees                      142,225      78,176      61,325      99,826
Transfer agent fees                 272,449      77,989      61,185      85,882
Professional fees                    61,689      61,175      60,977      59,491
Registration fees                    63,360      60,298      59,192      59,746
Amortization of deferred
 organization expenses                   --          --      20,748      24,495
Trustee fees                         11,603       2,008         669       1,562
Other                               141,714      59,471      37,171      27,023
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  TOTAL EXPENSES                  3,160,005     892,506     457,073     723,888
  LESS--EXPENSES REIMBURSABLE
   AND FEES WAIVED BY GOLDMAN
   SACHS                           (273,667)   (395,037)   (284,692)   (315,780)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NET EXPENSES                    2,886,338     497,469     172,381     408,108
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NET INVESTMENT INCOME          34,206,530   6,770,045   1,495,109   5,427,639
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN
 (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS,
 FUTURES AND FOREIGN CURRENCY
 TRANSACTIONS:
Net realized gain (loss) from:
 Investment transactions            992,797     425,241     188,340     757,880
 Futures transactions              (915,851)   (379,727)     26,421     (25,706)
Net change in unrealized gain
 (loss) on:
 Investments                      3,836,966     559,084     177,615   1,445,461
 Futures                           (577,907)    (74,078)         --      (5,006)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED
   GAIN ON INVESTMENT, FUTURES
   AND FOREIGN CURRENCY
   TRANSACTIONS                   3,336,005     530,520     392,376   2,172,629
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS
   RESULTING FROM OPERATIONS    $37,542,535  $7,300,565  $1,887,485  $7,600,268
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a)Net of $3,396 in foreign withholding tax for the Core Fixed Income Fund.
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       38
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
For the Year Ended October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           ADJUSTABLE       SHORT         SHORT
                              RATE         DURATION      DURATION
                           GOVERNMENT     GOVERNMENT     TAX-FREE     CORE FIXED
                              FUND           FUND          FUND      INCOME FUND
                          -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income     $  34,206,530  $  6,770,045  $  1,495,109  $  5,427,639
Net realized gain from
 investment and futures
 transactions                    76,946        45,514       214,761       732,174
Net change in unrealized
 gain (loss) on
 investments and futures      3,259,059       485,006       177,615     1,440,455
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase in net
   assets resulting from
   operations                37,542,535     7,300,565     1,887,485     7,600,268
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO
 SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income
 Institutional Shares       (32,067,893)   (6,559,922)   (1,407,585)   (4,853,239)
 Administration Shares         (222,274)      (79,521)       (3,501)     (365,897)
 Service Shares                  (3,287)     (145,168)      (47,115)      (74,035)
 Class A                     (1,858,740)      (85,889)      (36,026)     (107,876)
 Class B                             --       (12,146)         (864)       (7,255)
 Class C                             --          (632)          (18)         (778)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total distributions to
   shareholders             (34,152,194)   (6,883,278)   (1,495,109)   (5,409,080)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Net proceeds from sales
 of shares                  398,400,844    61,888,188    28,091,361    38,830,106
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions               20,070,536     4,611,022     1,232,957     4,813,853
Cost of shares
 repurchased               (539,487,702)  (50,380,123)  (30,193,481)  (21,476,685)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase
   (decrease) in net
   assets resulting from
   share transactions      (121,016,322)   16,119,087      (869,163)   22,167,274
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total increase
   (decrease)              (117,625,981)   16,536,374      (476,787)   24,358,462
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year         $ 627,668,878  $102,017,561  $ 35,556,652  $ 73,144,419
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of year               $ 510,042,897  $118,553,935  $ 35,079,865  $ 97,502,881
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated
 undistributed
 (distributions in
 excess of) net
 investment income        $  (3,387,447) $    693,874  $    110,811  $     91,922
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY OF SHARE
 TRANSACTIONS:
Shares sold                  40,410,416     6,299,174     2,811,858     3,921,467
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions                2,035,282       470,422       123,190       488,221
Shares repurchased          (54,710,526)   (5,133,401)   (3,022,098)   (2,159,541)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease)
 in shares outstanding      (12,264,828)    1,636,195       (87,050)    2,250,147
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       39
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
For the Year Ended October 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           ADJUSTABLE      SHORT         SHORT
                              RATE        DURATION     DURATION
                           GOVERNMENT    GOVERNMENT    TAX-FREE    CORE FIXED
                              FUND          FUND         FUND      INCOME FUND
                          ----------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>           <C>           <C>          <C>
FROM OPERATIONS:
Net investment income     $ 37,031,818  $  6,604,446  $ 1,786,304  $ 4,013,477
Net realized gain (loss)
 from investment and
 futures transactions       (2,502,624)     (567,819)     331,638     (253,420)
Net change in unrealized
 gain (loss) on
 investments and futures     7,711,106       619,618     (396,071)     (75,350)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase in net
   assets resulting from
   operations               42,240,300     6,656,245    1,721,871    3,684,707
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTIONS TO
 SHAREHOLDERS FROM:
Net investment income
 Institutional shares      (36,233,589)   (6,561,519)  (1,766,892)  (4,019,797)
 Administration shares        (220,450)       (2,548)      (2,032)     (19,144)
 Service shares                     --       (14,792)     (17,380)      (5,349)
 Class A shares               (577,779)           --           --           --
In excess of net
 investment income
 Institutional shares       (1,304,006)           --           --           --
 Administration shares          (7,930)           --           --           --
 Class A shares                (20,794)           --           --           --
Net realized gain (loss)
 on investment, and
 future transactions
 Institutional shares               --            --           --     (450,016)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total distributions to
   shareholders            (38,364,548)   (6,578,859)  (1,786,304)  (4,494,306)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FROM SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
Net proceeds from sales
 of shares                 406,586,374    42,019,441   22,248,684   21,976,567
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions              18,181,648     4,153,816    1,401,492    4,315,748
Cost of shares
 repurchased              (477,107,914)  (47,993,112) (46,918,400)  (7,840,575)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Net increase
   (decrease) in net
   assets resulting from
   share transactions      (52,339,892)   (1,819,855) (23,268,224)  18,451,740
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Total increase
   (decrease)              (48,464,140)   (1,742,469) (23,332,657)  17,642,141
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of year         $676,133,018  $103,760,030  $58,889,309  $55,502,278
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of year               $627,668,878  $102,017,561  $35,556,652  $73,144,419
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated
 undistributed
 (distributions in
 excess of) net
 investment income        $ (3,441,783) $    770,624  $    90,133  $    33,551
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY OF SHARE
 TRANSACTIONS:
Shares sold                 41,534,978     4,293,467    2,233,482    2,244,430
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions               1,856,783       424,274      140,950      439,299
Shares repurchased         (48,741,470)   (4,905,357)  (4,727,959)    (811,075)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase (decrease)
 in shares outstanding      (5,349,709)     (187,616)  (2,353,527)   1,872,654
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.

                                       40
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
1. ORGANIZATION
Goldman Sachs Trust (the "Trust") is registered under the Investment Company
Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment company. Included
in this report are the financial statements for the Goldman Sachs Adjustable
Rate Government Fund (Adjustable Rate Government), Goldman Sachs Short Duration
Government Fund (Short Duration Government), Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-
Free Fund (Short Duration Tax-Free) and Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund
(Core Fixed Income), collectively, "the Funds" or individually a "Fund". Short
Duration Government, Short Duration Tax-Free and Core Fixed Income are
diversified portfolios of the Trust offering six classes of shares--
Institutional shares, Administration shares, Service shares, Class A shares,
Class B shares and Class C shares. The Adjustable Rate Government Fund is a
diversified portfolio of the Trust offering four classes of shares--
Institutional, Administration, Service and Class A shares. Effective May 1,
1997, the Trust was reorganized from a Massachusetts business trust to a
Delaware business trust and various operational changes were approved,
including updating certain investment restrictions and amending the management
contracts of certain of the funds.
 
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently
followed by the Funds. The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts.
 
A. Investment Valuation
Portfolio securities for which accurate market quotations are readily available
are valued on the basis of quotations furnished by a pricing service or
provided by dealers in such securities. Portfolio securities for which accurate
market quotations are not readily available are valued based on yield
equivalents, pricing matrix or other sources, under valuation procedures
established by the Trust's Board of Trustees. Short-term debt obligations
maturing in sixty days or less are valued at amortized cost.
 
B. Security Transactions and Investment Income
Security transactions are recorded on trade date. Realized gains and losses on
sales of portfolio securities are calculated on the identified cost basis.
Interest income is recorded on the basis of interest accrued. Premiums on
interest-only securities and on collateralized mortgage obligations with
nominal principal amounts are amortized, on an effective yield basis, over the
expected lives of the respective securities, taking into account actual
principal prepayment experience and estimates of future principal prepayments.
Certain mortgage security paydown gains and losses are taxable as ordinary
income. Such paydown gains and losses increase or decrease taxable ordinary
income available for distribution and are classified as interest income in the
accompanying Statements of Operations. Original issue discounts ("OID") on debt
securities are amortized to interest income over the life of the security with
a corresponding increase in the cost basis of that security. OID amortization
on mortgage backed REMIC securities is initially recorded based on estimates of
principal paydowns using the most recent OID factors available from the issuer.
Recorded amortization amounts are adjusted when actual OID factors are
received. Market premiums resulting from the purchase of long-term debt
securities are amortized to interest income over the life of the security with
a corresponding decrease in the cost basis of that security for Short Duration
Tax-Free. Market discounts and market premiums on debt securities, other than
mortgage backed securities, are amortized to interest income over the life of
the security with a corresponding adjustment in the cost basis of that security
for Core Fixed Income.
 
C. Foreign Currency Translations
Amounts denominated in foreign currencies are translated into U.S. dollars on
the following basis:
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
(i) investment valuations, other assets and liabilities initially expressed in
foreign currencies are converted each business day into U.S. dollars based upon
current exchange rates; (ii) purchases and sales of foreign investments, income
and expenses are converted into U.S. dollars based upon currency exchange rates
prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions.
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on foreign currency transactions will
represent: (i) foreign exchange gains and losses from the sale and holdings of
foreign currencies and investments; (ii) gains and losses between trade date
and settlement date on investment securities transactions and forward exchange
contracts; and (iii) gains and losses from the difference between amounts of
interest recorded and the amounts actually received.
 
D. Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts
Core Fixed Income may enter into forward foreign exchange contracts for the
purchase or sale of a specific foreign currency at a fixed price on a future
date as a hedge or cross-hedge against either specific transactions or
portfolio positions. Core Fixed Income may also purchase and sell forward
contracts to seek to increase total return. All commitments are "marked-to-
market" daily at the applicable translation rates and any resulting unrealized
gains or losses are recorded in the Fund's financial statements. The Fund
records realized gains or losses at the time the forward contract is offset by
entry into a closing transaction or extinguished by delivery of the currency.
Risks may arise upon entering into these contracts from the potential inability
of counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts and from unanticipated
movements in the value of a foreign currency relative to the U.S. dollar.
 
E. Mortgage Dollar Rolls
The Funds, with the exception of Short Duration Tax-Free, may enter into
mortgage "dollar rolls" in which the Fund sells securities in the current month
for delivery and simultaneously contracts with the same counterparty to
repurchase similar (same type, coupon and maturity) but not identical
securities on a specified future date. The Fund loses the right to receive
principal and interest paid on the securities sold. However, the Fund benefits
to the extent of any price received for the securities sold and the lower
forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the "drop") or fee
income plus the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the securities sold
until the settlement date of the forward purchase. The Fund will hold and
maintain in a segregated account, until the settlement date, cash or liquid
assets in an amount equal to the forward purchase price. For financial
reporting and tax reporting purposes, the Fund treats mortgage dollar rolls as
two separate transactions; one involving the purchase of a security and a
separate transaction involving a sale.
 
F. Futures Contracts
The Funds may enter into futures transactions to hedge against changes in
interest rates, securities prices, currency exchange rates (in the case of Core
Fixed Income) or to seek to increase total return.
  Upon entering into a futures contract, the Funds are required to deposit with
a broker an amount of cash or securities equal to the minimum "initial margin"
requirement of the futures exchange on which the contract is traded. Payments
for futures contracts ("variation margin") are paid or received by the Funds
daily, dependent on the daily fluctuations in the value of the contracts, and
are recorded for financial reporting purposes as unrealized gains or losses.
When contracts are closed, the Funds realize a gain or loss equal to the
difference between the value of the futures contract to sell and the value of
futures contract to buy. Gains and losses are reported in the Statement of
Operations.
  The use of futures contracts involve, to varying degrees, elements of market
and counterparty risk which may exceed the amounts recognized in the Statements
of Assets and Liabilities. Changes in the value of the futures contract may not
directly correlate with changes in the value of the underlying securities. This
risk may decrease
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
October 31, 1997
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
the effectiveness of the Funds' hedging strategies and potentially result in a
loss.
 
G. Deferred Organization Expenses
Organization-related costs are being amortized on a straight-line basis over a
period of five years.
 
H. Expenses
Expenses incurred by the Trust that do not specifically relate to an individual
portfolio of the Trust are generally allocated to the portfolios based on each
portfolio's relative average net assets for the period.
  Shareholders of Administration shares and Service shares bear all expenses
and fees paid to service organizations for their services with respect to such
shares as well as other expenses (subject to expense limitations) which are
directly attributable to such shares. Shareholders of Class A, Class B and
Class C shares bear all expenses and fees relating to the distribution and
authorized dealer service plans as well as other expenses which are directly
attributable to such shares.
 
I. Federal Taxes
It is each Fund's policy to comply with the requirements of the Internal
Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to distribute
each year substantially all of its investment company taxable and tax-exempt
income to its shareholders. Accordingly, no federal tax provisions are
required.
  The characterization of distributions to shareholders for financial statement
purposes as either from or in excess of net investment income or net realized
gain on investment transactions, or from capital, depends on the type of
book/tax differences that may exist as well as timing differences associated
with having different book and tax year ends.
  The Funds, at their most recent tax year-ends (October 31, 1997 for Core
Fixed Income and December 31, 1996 for Adjustable Rate Government, Short
Duration Government and Short Duration Tax-Free) had approximately the
following amounts of capital loss carryforward for U.S. federal tax purposes:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         YEARS OF
FUND                          AMOUNT    EXPIRATION
- --------------------------  ----------- ----------
<S>                         <C>         <C>
Adjustable Rate Government  $49,069,000 2000-2004
Short Duration Government   $14,144,000 2002-2004
Short Duration Tax-Free     $ 4,058,000 2002-2003
</TABLE>
 
  These amounts are available to be carried forward to offset future capital
gains to the extent permitted by applicable laws or regulations.
 
3. AGREEMENTS
  Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P. ("GSFM"), an affiliate of Goldman, Sachs
& Co. ("Goldman Sachs"), serves as the investment adviser for Adjustable Rate
Government and Short Duration Government pursuant to the Agreements. Goldman
Sachs Asset Management ("GSAM"), a separate operating division of Goldman
Sachs, serves as the investment adviser for Short Duration Tax-Free and Core
Fixed Income pursuant to the Agreements. Under the Agreements, the adviser,
subject to the general supervision of the Trust's Board of Trustees, manages
the Funds' portfolios and provides for the administration of the Funds' other
affairs. As compensation for the services rendered under the Agreements and the
assumption of the expenses related thereto, the adviser is entitled to a fee,
computed daily and payable monthly at an annual rate equal to .40% of average
daily net assets of Adjustable Rate Government, Short Duration Tax-Free and
Core Fixed Income and .50% of average daily net assets of Short Duration
Government. Until further notice, GSFM has voluntarily agreed not to impose
..10% of its fee for Short Duration Government.
  The adviser has voluntarily agreed to limit certain of the Funds' expenses,
with the exception of the Adjustable Rate Government Fund, (excluding
management fees, taxes, interest, brokerage, litigation, Administrative and
Service Share fees, indemnification and other
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
extraordinary expenses and with respect to Class A, Class B and Class C shares,
distribution and authorized dealer service fees) to the extent that such
expenses exceed .05%, per annum of each Fund's average daily net assets.
  Goldman Sachs serves as Distributor of the shares of the Funds pursuant to a
Distribution Agreement and receives no compensation in this capacity with the
exception of Class A, Class B and Class C shares. During the year ended October
31, 1997, Goldman Sachs retained approximately $156,000, $63,000, $6,000 and
$14,000 of sales load related to Class A shares of Adjustable Rate Government,
Short Duration Government, Short Duration Tax-Free and Core Fixed Income,
respectively. Goldman Sachs also serves as Transfer Agent of the Funds for a
fee.
  The Trust, on behalf of the Funds, has adopted a Distribution Plan (the
"Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for the Class A, Class B and Class C shares.
Class B and Class C shares are not applicable for the Adjustable Rate
Government Fund. Under the Plan, Goldman Sachs is entitled to receive a
quarterly distribution fee equal, on an annual basis, to .25% of the average
daily net assets of Class A shares and .75% of the average daily net assets of
the Class B and Class C shares. Currently, Goldman Sachs has agreed to
voluntarily waive the distribution fee relating to the Class A shares and .15%
relating to the Class B shares of Short Duration Government and Short Duration
Tax-Free.
  The Trust has adopted a non-Rule 12b-1 Authorized Dealer Service Plan (the
"Service Plan") pursuant to which Goldman Sachs and Authorized Dealers are
compensated for providing personal and account maintenance services. The Funds
pay a fee under the Service Plan equal, on an annual basis, to .25% of its
average daily net assets attributable to Class A, Class B and Class C shares.
Class B and Class C shares are not applicable for the Adjustable Rate
Government Fund.
  For the year ended October 31, 1997, the advisers and distributor have
voluntarily agreed to waive certain fees and reimburse other expenses as
follows (in thousands):
 
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              Waivers
                             ---------
                                                 Reimburse-
                              Class A Reimburse-    ment
        Fund       Management  12b-1     ment    Outstanding
- ------------------------------------------------------------
  <S>              <C>        <C>     <C>        <C>
  Adjustable Rate
   Government          --       $82      $192        --
  Short Duration
   Government         $106        4       285         99
  Short Duration
   Tax-Free            --         3       282         85
  Core Fixed
   Income              --         5       311         94
</TABLE>
 
 
  For the year ended October 31, 1997, Adjustable Rate Government, Short
Duration Government, and Core Fixed Income incurred commission expenses of
approximately $61,000, $19,000, and $3,000, respectively, in connection with
futures contracts entered into with Goldman Sachs. At October 31, 1997,
Adjustable Rate Government and Short Duration Government had approximately
$24,000 and $17,000, respectively, payable to Goldman Sachs related to
variation margin on futures contracts. Approximately $12,000 relating to
variation margin was due to Core Fixed Income from Goldman Sachs.
 
4. LINE OF CREDIT FACILITY
The Funds participate in a $250,000,000 uncommitted, unsecured revolving line
of credit facility to be used solely for temporary or emergency purposes. Under
the most restrictive arrangement, each fund must own securities having a market
value in excess of 300% of the total bank borrowings. The interest rate on the
borrowings is based on the federal funds rate. During the year ended October
31, 1997, the Funds did not have any borrowings under this facility.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
 
5. INVESTMENT TRANSACTIONS
Purchases and proceeds of sales or maturities of long-term securities for the
year ended October 31, 1997, were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                               ADJUSTABLE     SHORT       SHORT
                                  RATE       DURATION    DURATION   CORE FIXED
                               GOVERNMENT   GOVERNMENT   TAX-FREE     INCOME
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>
Purchases of U.S. Government
 and agency obligations       $258,673,340 $119,545,404 $      --  $266,525,624
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchases (excluding
 U.S. Government and agency
 obligations)                          --           --  69,946,385   48,122,767
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales or maturities of
 U.S. Government and agency
 obligations                   372,612,281  105,651,126        --   261,448,104
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sales or maturities
 (excluding U.S. Government
 and agency obligations)               --           --  69,512,138   30,638,111
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
  At October 31, 1997, Core Fixed Income had recorded a receivable for forward
foreign currency exchange contracts which were closed but not settled of
$28,856.
 
6. ADMINISTRATION AND SERVICE PLANS
The Funds have adopted Administration and Service Plans. These plans allow for
Administration shares and Service shares, respectively, to compensate service
organizations for providing varying levels of account administration and
shareholder liaison services to their customers who are beneficial owners of
such shares. The Administration and Service Plans provide for compensation to
the service organizations in an amount up to .25% and .50% (on an annualized
basis), respectively, of the average daily net asset value of the respective
shares.
 
7. REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
During the term of a repurchase agreement, the value of the underlying
securities, including accrued interest, is required to equal or exceed the
value of the repurchase agreement. The underlying securities for all repurchase
agreements are held in safekeeping at the Funds' custodian.
 
8. JOINT REPURCHASE AGREEMENT ACCOUNT
The Funds, together with other registered investment companies having advisory
agreements with GSFM and GSAM or their affiliates, transfer uninvested cash
balances into a joint account, the daily aggregate balance of which is invested
in one or more repurchase agreements. The underlying securities for the
repurchase agreements are U.S. Treasury obligations and mortgage-related
securities issued by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. As
of October 31, 1997, Adjustable Rate Government, Short Duration Government and
Core Fixed Income had undivided interests in the repurchase agreements in the
following joint account which equaled $6,500,000, $4,700,000 and $23,000,000
respectively, in principal amount.
  As of October 31, 1997, the repurchase agreement in the joint account along
with the corresponding underlying securities (including the type of security,
interest rate and maturity data) were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
 PRINCIPAL               INTEREST                       MATURITY                        AMORTIZED
   AMOUNT                  RATE                           DATE                             COST
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>                            <C>                            <C>
Bear Stearns & Co., dated October 31, 1997, repurchase price $300,144,250
 (total collateral value $309,849,518 consisting of FHLMC: 6.50%, 12/01/23;
 FNMA: 6.00%, 6/01/11; GNMA: 7.00%-8.00%, 2/15/25-10/15/27)
$300,000,000              5.77%                         11/30/97                       $300,000,000
Lehman Brothers, Inc., dated October 31, 1997, repurchase price $241,215,728
 (total collateral value $245,922,019 consisting of FHLMC: 6.50%-10.25%,
 3/01/01-10/01/27; FNMA: 6.00%-11.25%, 11/01/01-10/01/27)
$241,100,000              5.76%                         11/03/97                       $241,100,000
Nomura Securities International, Inc., dated October 31, 1997, repurchase
 price $200,096,167 (total collateral value $204,000,900 consisting of
 FHLMC: 6.02%-7.53%, 9/25/00-8/21/07; FNMA: 6.11%-7.73%, 6/22/99-2/07/07;
 U.S. Treasury Note: 5.75%-9.00%, 5/15/98-2/15/07; U.S. Treasury Principal
 Only Stripped Security: 5/15/00)
$200,000,000              5.77%                         11/03/97                       $200,000,000
Nomura Securities International, Inc., dated October 31, 1997, repurchase
 price $100,047,500 (total collateral value $102,000,449 consisting of
 FHLMC: 6.02%-7.53%, 9/25/00-8/21/07; FNMA: 6.11%-7.73%, 6/22/99-2/07/07;
 U.S. Treasury Note: 5.75%-9.00%, 5/15/98-2/15/07; U.S. Treasury Principal
 Only Stripped Security: 5/15/00)
$100,000,000              5.70%                         11/03/97                       $100,000,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Joint Repurchase Agreement Account                                               $841,100,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
 
9. CERTAIN RECLASSIFICATIONS
In accordance with Statement of Position 93-2, Short Duration Government, Short
Duration Tax-Free, and Core Fixed Income have reclassified $36,483, $20,748,
and $24,095, respectively, from paid-in capital to accumulated undistributed
net investment income. Additionally, Core Fixed Income has reclassified $15,717
from accumulated net realized gain to accumulated undistributed net investment
income. These reclassifications have no impact on the net asset value of the
Funds and are designed to present the Fund's capital accounts on a tax basis.
 
10. OTHER MATTERS
As of October 31, 1997, the Goldman, Sachs & Co. Employees Profit Sharing and
Retirement Income Plan was the beneficial owner of approximately 33% of the
outstanding shares of the Short Duration Government Fund.
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
October 31, 1997
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
11. SUMMARY OF SHARE TRANSACTIONS
 
Share activity for the year ended October 31, 1997 is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 Adjustable Rate Government    Short Duration Government   Short Duration Tax-Free      Core Fixed Income
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Shares        Dollars        Shares        Dollars       Shares      Dollars       Shares      Dollars
                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>           <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>
INSTITUTIONAL
 SHARES
Shares sold        32,562,840  $  321,007,102    4,524,108  $  44,408,312   1,897,550  $ 18,922,030   1,146,499  $ 11,325,306
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions      1,830,181      18,045,430      440,142      4,313,493     115,179     1,152,524     450,657     4,441,709
Shares
 repurchased      (49,889,214)   (491,883,845)  (4,617,947)   (45,299,315) (2,646,181)  (26,425,414) (1,051,390)  (10,391,058)
                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  (15,496,193)   (152,831,313)     346,303      3,422,490    (633,452)   (6,350,860)    545,766     5,375,957
                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADMINISTRATION
 SHARES
Shares sold           209,261       2,063,528      325,429      3,199,356      33,608       336,065   1,366,455    13,474,489
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions         10,639         104,909        6,605         64,920         281         2,813      19,189       189,462
Shares
 repurchased         (322,994)     (3,190,328)    (250,361)    (2,471,239)    (31,059)     (312,126)   (844,042)   (8,441,000)
                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     (103,094)     (1,021,891)      81,673        793,037       2,830        26,752     541,602     5,222,951
                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SERVICE SHARES
Shares sold            48,034         474,470      191,963      1,881,964     373,847     3,741,754     204,087     2,016,094
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions            199           1,965       14,820        145,231       4,184        41,937       7,480        73,981
Shares
 repurchased          (13,213)       (130,485)     (53,841)      (527,404)   (244,134)   (2,443,102)    (65,183)     (648,610)
                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       35,020         345,950      152,942      1,499,791     133,897     1,340,589     146,384     1,441,465
                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS A SHARES
Shares sold         7,590,281      74,855,744    1,141,319     11,256,436     492,769     4,950,140   1,104,533    11,020,182
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions        194,263       1,918,232        8,343         82,332       3,459        34,811      10,252       102,270
Shares
 repurchased       (4,485,105)    (44,283,044)    (189,444)    (1,867,761)    (97,242)     (977,758)   (186,897)   (1,876,109)
                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    3,299,439      32,490,932      960,218      9,471,007     398,986     4,007,193     927,888     9,246,343
                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS B SHARES
Shares sold               --              --        95,322        934,856      11,933       119,768      71,697       712,089
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions            --              --           449          4,421          86           861         635         6,353
Shares
 repurchased              --              --       (20,030)      (196,887)     (1,490)      (15,000)    (10,829)     (107,884)
                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          --              --        75,741        742,390      10,529       105,629      61,503       610,558
                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CLASS C SHARES
Shares sold               --              --        21,033        207,264       2,151        21,604      28,196       281,946
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions            --              --            63            625           1            10           8            78
Shares
 repurchased              --              --        (1,778)       (17,517)     (1,992)      (20,080)     (1,200)      (12,024)
                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          --              --        19,318        190,372         160         1,534      27,004       270,000
                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net increase
 (decrease)       (12,264,828) $ (121,016,322)   1,636,195  $  16,119,087     (87,050) $   (869,163)  2,250,147  $ 22,167,274
                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------
 
Share activity for the year ended October 31, 1996 is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                 Adjustable Rate Government   Short Duration Government    Short Duration Tax-Free     Core Fixed Income
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                    Shares        Dollars        Shares        Dollars       Shares      Dollars      Shares      Dollars
                     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>         <C>           <C>        <C>
INSTITUTIONAL
 SHARES
Shares sold        39,981,299  $ 391,363,204     4,072,082  $  39,855,638   2,085,253  $ 20,777,050  2,094,833  $20,524,422
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions      1,780,288     17,432,484       422,559      4,137,041     139,126     1,383,351    436,903    4,292,533
Shares
 repurchased      (46,666,343)  (456,776,795)   (4,893,286)   (47,875,174) (4,601,865)  (45,664,878)  (769,104)  (7,431,360)
<CAPTION>
                 ==========================================================================================================
<S>              <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>         <C>           <C>        <C>
                   (4,904,756)   (47,981,107)     (398,645)    (3,882,495) (2,377,486)  (23,504,477) 1,762,632   17,385,595
<CAPTION>
                 ==========================================================================================================
<S>              <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>         <C>           <C>        <C>
ADMINISTRATION
 SHARES
Shares sold           148,981      1,457,872        33,251        326,101      10,672       105,302    106,074    1,029,912
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions          9,641         94,420           207          2,032         203         2,017      1,847       17,883
Shares
 repurchased         (138,609)    (1,356,764)       (7,921)       (77,312)    (10,644)     (105,478)   (36,681)    (358,284)
<CAPTION>
                 ==========================================================================================================
<S>              <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>         <C>           <C>        <C>
                       20,013        195,528        25,537        250,821         231         1,841     71,240      689,511
<CAPTION>
                 ==========================================================================================================
<S>              <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>         <C>           <C>        <C>
SERVICE SHARES
Shares sold               --             --        188,134      1,837,702     137,557     1,366,332     43,525      422,233
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions            --             --          1,508         14,743       1,621        16,124        549        5,332
Shares
 repurchased              --             --         (4,150)       (40,626)   (115,450)   (1,148,044)    (5,292)     (50,931)
<CAPTION>
                 ==========================================================================================================
<S>              <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>         <C>           <C>        <C>
                          --             --        185,492      1,811,819      23,728       234,412     38,782      376,634
<CAPTION>
                 ==========================================================================================================
<S>              <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>         <C>           <C>        <C>
CLASS A SHARES
Shares sold         1,404,698     13,765,298           --             --          --            --         --           --
Reinvestment of
 dividends and
 distributions         66,854        654,744           --             --          --            --         --           --
Shares
 repurchased       (1,936,518)   (18,974,355)          --             --          --            --         --           --
<CAPTION>
                 ==========================================================================================================
<S>              <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>         <C>           <C>        <C>
                     (464,966)    (4,554,313)          --             --          --            --         --           --
<CAPTION>
                 ==========================================================================================================
<S>              <C>           <C>            <C>           <C>            <C>         <C>           <C>        <C>
Net increase
 (decrease)        (5,349,709) $ (52,339,892)     (187,616) $  (1,819,855) (2,353,527) $(23,268,224) 1,872,654  $18,451,740
<CAPTION>
                 ==========================================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected Data for a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                             
                               Income (loss) from investment operations(n)                            Distributions to shareholders
                           ------------------------------------------------------ -------------------------------------------------
                                         Net realized    Net realized                                                  In excess of
                                        and unrealized  and unrealized   Total                  From net               net realized
                                         gain (loss)     gain (loss)     income              realized gain               gain on   
                 Net asset              on investment,    on foreign     (loss)              on investment, In excess  investment, 
                 value at     Net         option and       currency       from     From net      option       of net    option and 
                 beginning investment      futures         related     investment investment  and futures   investment   futures   
                 of period   income      transactions    transactions  operations   income    transactions    income   transactions
      -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND                            
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>       <C>          <C>             <C>            <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>         
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,                                                                                                    
- -------------------------------
1997-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares..........  $ 9.83    $0.5914(a)     $ 0.0494(a)       --         $0.6408    $(0.5908)      --             --        --      
1997-                                                                                                                              
Administration                                                                                                                     
Shares..........    9.83     0.5665(a)       0.0497(a)       --          0.6162     (0.5662)      --             --        --      
1997-Service                                                                                                                       
Shares(m).......    9.84     0.3298(a)       0.0400(a)       --          0.3698     (0.3298)      --             --        --      
1997-Class A                                                                                                                       
Shares..........    9.83     0.5662(a)       0.0500(a)       --          0.6162     (0.5662)      --             --        --      
1996-                                                                                                                              
Institutional                                                                                                                      
Shares..........    9.77     0.5759(a)       0.0772(a)       --          0.6531     (0.5725)      --         (0.0206)      --      
1996-                                                                                                                              
Administration                                                                                                                     
Shares..........    9.77     0.5489(a)       0.0797(a)       --          0.6286     (0.5489)      --         (0.0198)      --      
1996-Class A                                                                                                                       
Shares..........    9.77     0.5481(a)       0.0806(a)       --          0.6287     (0.5489)      --         (0.0198)      --      
1995-                                                                                                                            
Institutional                                                                                                                  
Shares..........    9.74     0.5630(a)       0.0717(a)       --          0.6347     (0.5759)      --         (0.0287)      --    
1995-                                                                                                                            
Administration                                                                                                                   
Shares..........    9.74     0.5366(a)       0.0737(a)       --          0.6103     (0.5528)      --         (0.0275)      --    
1995-Class A                                                                                                                     
Shares(c).......    9.79     0.2721(a)      (0.0090)(a)      --          0.2631     (0.2697)      --         (0.0134)      --    
1994-                                                                                                                            
Institutional                                                                                                                    
Shares..........   10.00     0.4341(a)      (0.2455)(a)      --          0.1886     (0.4486)      --             --        --    
1994-                                                                                                                            
Administration                                                                                                                   
Shares..........   10.00     0.4211(a)      (0.2572)(a)      --          0.1639     (0.4239)      --             --        --    
1993-                                                                                                                            
Institutional                                                                                                                    
Shares..........   10.04     0.4397         (0.0376)(d)      --          0.4021     (0.4397)      --         (0.0024)      --    
1993-                                                                                                                            
Administration                                                                                                                   
Shares(e).......   10.02     0.2146         (0.0173)(d)      --          0.1973     (0.2146)      --         (0.0027)      --    
1992-                                                                                                                            
Institutional                                                                                                                    
Shares..........   10.03     0.5599         (0.0029)(d)      --          0.5570     (0.5470)      --             --        --    
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 17, 1991(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,                                                                              
- ---------------------------------------------------
1991-                                                                                                                            
Institutional                                                                                                                    
Shares..........   10.00     0.1531          0.0322(d)       --          0.1853     (0.1553)      --             --        --    
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION> 
                       Distribution to
                        Shareholders         Net                                          Ratio of                 Net      
                     --------------------  increase                         Ratio of        net                   assets    
                     From       Total     (decrease) Net asset                net        investment               at end    
                     paid   distributions   in net   value at                expenses     income      Portfolio     of      
                      in         to         asset     end of     Total      to average   to average   turnover    period    
                    capital shareholders    value     period   return(k)    net assets   net assets    rate(d)   (in 000s)  
                    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND
                    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>           
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-                                                                                                                       
Institutional                                                                                                               
Shares..........      --      $(0.5908)    $ 0.0500   $ 9.88     6.70%       0.49%        5.99%      46.58%      $ 463,511  
1997-                                                                                                                       
Administration                                                                                                              
Shares..........      --       (0.5662)      0.0500     9.88     6.43        0.74         5.73       46.58           2,793  
1997-Service                                                                                                                
Shares(m).......      --       (0.3298)      0.0400     9.88     3.81(f)     1.05(b)      5.64(b)    46.58(f)          346  
1997-Class A                                                                                                                
Shares..........      --       (0.5662)      0.0500     9.88     6.43        0.74         5.60       46.58          43,393  
1996-                                                                                                                       
Institutional                                                                                                               
Shares..........      --       (0.5931)      0.0600     9.83     6.86        0.45         5.85       52.36         613,149  
1996-                                                                                                                       
Administration                                                                                                              
Shares..........     --        (0.5687)      0.0600     9.83     6.60        0.70         5.59       52.36           3,792   
1996-Class A                                                                                                                
Shares..........     --        (0.5687)      0.0600     9.83     6.60        0.70         5.59       52.36          10,728   
1995-                                                                                                                       
Institutional                                                                                                               
Shares..........      --       (0.6046)      0.0301     9.77     6.75        0.46         5.77       24.12         657,358  
1995-                                                                                                                       
Administration                                                                                                              
Shares..........      --       (0.5803)      0.0300     9.77     6.48        0.71         5.50       24.12           3,572  
1995-Class A                                                                                                                
Shares(c).......      --       (0.2831)     (0.0200)    9.77     2.74(f)     0.69(b)      5.87(b)    24.12(f)       15,203  
1994-                                                                                                                       
Institutional                                                                                                               
Shares..........      --       (0.4486)     (0.2600)    9.74     1.88        0.46         4.38       37.81         942,523  
1994-                                                                                                                       
Administration                                                                                                              
Shares..........      --       (0.4239)     (0.2600)    9.74     1.63        0.71         4.27       37.81           6,960  
1993-                                                                                                                       
Institutional                                                                                                               
Shares..........      --       (0.4421)     (0.0400)   10.00     4.13        0.45         4.36      103.74       2,760,871  
1993-                                                                                                                       
Administration                                                                                                              
Shares(e).......      --       (0.2173)     (0.0200)   10.00     2.01(f)     0.70(b)      3.81(b)   103.74(f)        5,326  
1992-                                                                                                                       
Institutional                                                                                                               
Shares..........      --       (0.5470)      0.0100    10.04     6.12        0.42         5.61      286.40       2,145,064  
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 17, 1991(g) through OCTOBER 31,
- --------------------------------------------------
1991-                                                                                                                       
Institutional                                                                                                               
Shares..........      --       (0.1553)      0.0300    10.03     2.14(f)     0.20(b)      7.31(b)   145.67(f)      239,642  
 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION> 
 
                          Ratios assuming
                       no voluntary waiver
                           of fees or
                       expense limitations
                      -----------------------
                     
                                     Ratio of
                                       net
                       Ratio of     investment
                       expenses       income
                      to average    to average
                      net assets    net assets
                    -------------------------------
                    ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND                                                                     
                    -------------------------------
                     <C>           <C> 
                     
                     
1997-                
Institutional        
Shares..........        0.52%        5.96%
1997-                
Administration       
Shares..........        0.77         5.70
1997-Service         
Shares(m).......        1.08(b)      5.61(b)
1997-Class A         
Shares..........        1.02         5.32
1996-                
Institutional        
Shares..........        0.51         5.79
1996-                
Administration       
Shares..........        0.76         5.53
1996-Class A         
Shares..........        1.01         5.28
1995-                
Institutional        
Shares..........        0.53         5.70
1995-                
Administration       
Shares..........        0.78         5.43
1995-Class A         
Shares(c).......        1.01(b)      5.55(b)
1994-                
Institutional        
Shares..........        0.49         4.35
1994-                
Administration       
Shares..........        0.74         4.24
1993-                
Institutional        
Shares..........        0.48         4.33
1993-                
Administration       
Shares(e).......        0.73(b)      3.78(b)
1992-                
Institutional        
Shares..........        0.55         5.48
FOR THE PERIOD JULY 17, 1991(g) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- --------------------------------------------------
1991-                
Institutional        
Shares..........        1.02(b)      6.49(b)
- --------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
 The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
  
                                        49
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected Data for a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                     
                               Income (loss) from investment operations(n)                           Distributions to shareholders
                           ------------------------------------------------------ --------------------------------------------------
                                         Net realized    Net realized                                                  In excess of
                                        and unrealized  and unrealized   Total                  From net               net realized
                                         gain (loss)     gain (loss)     income              realized gain               gain on   
                 Net asset              on investment,    on foreign     (loss)              on investment, In excess  investment, 
                 value at     Net         option and       currency       from     From net      option       of net    option and 
                 beginning investment      futures         related     investment investment  and futures   investment   futures   
                 of period   income      transactions    transactions  operations   income    transactions    income   transactions
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                            SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>       <C>          <C>             <C>            <C>        <C>        <C>            <C>        <C>         
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-           
Institutional   
Shares..........  $ 9.83    $0.6412(a)     $ 0.0300(a)       --         $ 0.6712   $(0.6412)        --           --        --      
1997-           
Administration  
Shares..........    9.85     0.6183(a)       0.0400(a)       --           0.6583    (0.6183)        --           --        --      
1997-Service    
Shares..........    9.82     0.5904(a)       0.0401(a)       --           0.6305    (0.5904)        --           --        --      
1997-Class A    
Shares(o).......    9.78     0.3121(a)       0.0883(a)       --           0.4004    (0.3004)        --           --        --      
1997-Class B    
Shares(o).......    9.75     0.2787(a)       0.1011(a)       --           0.3798    (0.2698)        --           --        --      
1997-Class C    
Shares(p).......    9.83     0.1185(a)       0.0225(a)       --           0.1410    (0.1110)        --           --        --      
1996-           
Institutional   
Shares..........    9.82     0.6290(a)       0.0136(a)       --           0.6426    (0.6326)        --           --        --      
1996-           
Administration  
Shares(h).......    9.86     0.3837(a)       0.0003(a)       --           0.3840    (0.3940)        --           --        --      
1996-Service    
Shares(i).......    9.72     0.3134(a)       0.1018(a)       --           0.4152    (0.3152)        --           --        --      
1995-           
Institutional   
Shares..........    9.64     0.6652(a)       0.1666(a)       --           0.8318    (0.6518)        --           --        --      
1995-           
Administration  
Shares..........    9.64     0.2384(a)      (0.0433)(a)      --           0.1951    (0.2051)        --           --        --      
1994-           
Institutional   
Shares..........   10.14     0.5628(a)      (0.4592)(a)      --           0.1036    (0.5598)    (0.0438)         --        --      
1994-           
Administration  
Shares..........   10.14     0.5329(a)      (0.4539)(d)      --           0.0790    (0.5352)    (0.0438)         --        --      
1993-           
Institutional   
Shares..........   10.16     0.5627         (0.0135)(d)      --           0.5492    (0.5627)        --       (0.0065)      --      
1993-           
Administration  
Shares(e).......   10.23     0.2725         (0.0900)(d)      --           0.1825    (0.2725)        --           --        --      
1992-           
Institutional   
Shares..........   10.22     0.6703         (0.0600)(d)      --           0.6103    (0.6703)        --           --        --      
1991-           
Institutional   
Shares..........   10.00     0.8020          0.2200(d)       --           1.0220    (0.8020)        --           --        --      
1990-           
Institutional   
Shares..........   10.07     0.8300         (0.0700)(d)      --           0.7600    (0.8300)        --           --        --      
1989-           
Institutional   
Shares..........   10.10     0.8800             --           --           0.8800    (0.8800)        --           --        --      
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 15, 1988(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------
1988-           
Institutional   
Shares..........   10.00     0.1800          0.1000(d)       --           0.2800    (0.1800)        --           --        --      
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION> 
                        Distribution                                                                                          
                            to
                        shareholders         Net                                          Ratio of                 Net      
                     --------------------  increase                         Ratio of        net                   assets    
                     From       Total     (decrease) Net asset                net        investment               at end    
                     paid   distributions   in net   value at                expenses     income    Portfolio      of      
                      in         to         asset     end of     Total     to average    to average   turnover    period    
                    capital shareholders    value     period   return(k)    net assets   net assets    rate(d)   (in 000s)  
                    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                        SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
                    --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                   <C>    <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>          <C>          <C>        <C>           
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-             
Institutional     
Shares..........       --  ($0.6412)     $0.0300    $9.86      7.07%       0.45%         6.43%     102.58%       $103,729
1997-                                                                                                                     
Administration                                                                                                            
Shares..........       --   (0.6183)      0.0400     9.89      6.91        0.70          6.19      102.58           1,060
1997-Service                                                                                                              
Shares..........       --   (0.5904)      0.0401     9.86      6.63        0.95          5.92      102.58           3,337
1997-Class A                                                                                                              
Shares(o).......       --   (0.3004)      0.1000     9.88      4.14(f)     0.70(b)       6.05(b)   102.58(f)        9,491
1997-Class B                                                                                                              
Shares(o).......       --   (0.2698)      0.1100     9.86      3.94(f)     1.30(b)       5.52(b)   102.58(f)          747
1997-Class C         
Shares(p).......       --   (0.1100)      0.0300     9.86      1.44(f)     1.45(b)       5.52(b)   102.58(f)          190
1996-                                                                                                                     
Institutional     
Shares..........       --   (0.6326)      0.0100     9.83      6.75        0.45          6.44      115.45          99,944
1996-             
Administration                                                                                                            
Shares(h).......       --   (0.3940)     (0.0100)    9.85      4.00(f)     0.70(b)       5.97(b)   115.45             252
1996-Service      
Shares(i).......       --   (0.3152)      0.1000     9.82      4.35(f)     0.95(b)       6.05(b)   115.45           1,822  
1995-                                                                                                                     
Institutional     
Shares..........       --   (0.6518)      0.1800     9.82      8.97        0.45          6.87      292.56         103,760
1995-             
Administration                                                                                                            
Shares..........       --   (0.2051)     (0.0100)    9.63(h)   2.10        0.70(b)       7.91(b)   292.56              --
1994-             
Institutional                                                                                                             
Shares..........       --   (0.6036)     (0.5000)    9.64      0.99        0.45          5.69      289.79         193,095
1994-               
Administration                                                                                                            
Shares..........       --   (0.5790)     (0.5000)    9.64      0.73        0.70          5.38      289.79             730
1993-             
Institutional                                                                                                             
Shares..........       --   (0.5692)     (0.0200)   10.14      5.55        0.45          5.46      411.66         359,708
1993-             
Administration                                                                                                            
Shares(e).......       --   (0.2725)     (0.0900)   10.14      1.74(f)     0.70(b)       4.84(b)   411.66          16,490
1992-             
Institutional     
Shares.........        --   (0.6703)     (0.0600)   10.16      6.24        0.45          6.60      216.07         277,927
1991-                                                                                                                     
Institutional                                                                                                             
Shares..........       --   (0.8020)      0.2200    10.22     10.93        0.45          8.25      155.44         158,848
1990-             
Institutional     
Shares..........       --   (0.8300)     (0.0700)   10.00      8.23        0.45          8.62      173.21          68,995
1989-             
Institutional       
Shares..........  (0.0300)   0.9100      (0.0300)   10.07      9.08        0.46          8.71      137.37          31,015
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 15, THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ---------------------------------------------
1988-               
Institutional     
Shares..........       --   (0.1800)      0.1000    10.10      3.30(f)     0.55(b)       8.55(b)   167.00(f)       39,052

<CAPTION> 

                            Ratios assuming
                          no voluntary waiver
                             of fees or
                          expense limitations
                      ------------------------
                                     Ratio of
                                       net
                       Ratio of     investment
                       expenses       income
                      to average   to average
                      net assets    net assets
                    -------------------------------
                    SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND
                    -------------------------------
                     <C>           <C> 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-               
Institutional    
Shares..........      0.82%            6.06%
1997-             
Administration     
Shares..........      1.07             5.82
1997-Service      
Shares..........      1.32             5.55
1997-Class A      
Shares(o).......      1.32(b)          5.43(b)
1997-Class B      
Shares(o).......      1.82(b)          5.00(b)
1997-Class C      
Shares(p).......      1.82(b)          5.15(b)
1996-             
Institutional    
Shares..........      0.71             6.18
1996-            
Administration    
Shares(h).......      0.96(b)          5.71(b)
1996-Service     
Shares(i).......      1.21(b)          5.79(b)
1995-             
Institutional    
Shares..........      0.72             6.60
1995-            
Administration    
Shares..........      0.90(b)          7.71(b)
1994-            
Institutional     
Shares..........      0.59             5.55
1994-             
Administration    
Shares..........      0.84             5.24
1993-            
Institutional     
Shares..........      0.64             5.31                                   
1993-                                                                        
Administration                                                               
Shares(e).......      0.80(b)          4.74(b)
1992-            
Institutional    
Shares.........       0.69             6.36
1991-                                                                      
Institutional                                                              
Shares..........      0.79             7.91
1990-            
Institutional    
Shares..........      0.95             8.12
1989-            
Institutional     
Shares..........      1.39             7.78
FOR THE PERIOD AUGUST 15, 1988(g) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------
1988-             
Institutional    
Shares..........      1.42(b)          7.68(b)
- -----------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
                                                         
                      50                                  
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected Data for a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Income (loss) from investment operations(n)
                           ------------------------------------------------------
                                         Net realized    Net realized
                                        and unrealized  and unrealized   Total
                                         gain (loss)     gain (loss)     income
                 Net asset              on investment,    on foreign     (loss)
                 value at     Net         option and       currency       from     From net
                 beginning investment      futures         related     investment investment
                 of period   income      transactions    transactions  operations   income
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND                                                        
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
<S>              <C>       <C>          <C>             <C>            <C>        <C>
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........  $ 9.96    $0.4181(a)     $ 0.1091(a)       --         $ 0.5272   $(0.4172)
1997-
Administration
Shares..........    9.96     0.3924(a)       0.1100(a)       --           0.5024    (0.3924)
1997-Service
Shares..........    9.97     0.3675(a)       0.1000(a)       --           0.4675    (0.3675)
1997-Class A
Shares(o).......    9.94     0.1950(a)       0.1400(a)       --           0.3350    (0.1950)
1997-Class B
Shares(o).......    9.94     0.1663(a)       0.1368(a)       --           0.3031    (0.1631)
1997-Class C
Shares(p).......   10.04     0.0670(a)       0.0300(a)       --           0.0970    (0.0670)
1996-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.94     0.4192(a)       0.0200(a)       --           0.4392    (0.4192)
1996-
Administration
Shares..........    9.94     0.3944(a)       0.0200(a)       --           0.4144    (0.3944)
1996-Service
Shares..........    9.95     0.3697(a)       0.0200(a)       --           0.3897    (0.3697)
1995-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.79     0.4235(a)       0.1500(a)       --           0.5735    (0.4235)
1995-
Administration
Shares..........    9.79     0.3989(a)       0.1500(a)       --           0.5489    (0.3989)
1995-Service
Shares..........    9.79     0.3744(a)       0.1600(a)       --           0.5344    (0.3744)
1994-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.23     0.3787(a)      (0.3575)(a)      --           0.0212    (0.3787)
1994-
Administration
Shares..........   10.23     0.3537(a)      (0.3575)(a)      --          (0.0038)   (0.3537)
1994-Service
Shares(j).......    9.86     0.0475(a)      (0.0700)(a)      --          (0.0225)   (0.0475)
1993-
Institutional
Shares..........    9.93     0.3834          0.3000(d)       --           0.6834    (0.3834)
1993-
Administration
Shares(j).......   10.16     0.1555          0.0720(d)       --           0.2275    (0.1555)
FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 1992(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
1992-
Institutional
Shares..........   10.00     0.0341         (0.0700)(d)      --          (0.0359)   (0.0341)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                          
                                                                                                                          
                           Distributions to shareholders                                                                  
                 ------------------------------------------------------------                                             
                                           In excess of                                                                   
                    From net               net realized                          Net                                      
                 realized gain               gain on                           increase                         Ratio of  
                 on investment, In excess  investment,   From       Total     (decrease) Net asset                net     
                     option       of net    option and   paid   distributions   in net   value at               expenses  
                  and futures   investment   futures      in         to         asset     end of     Total     to average 
                  transactions    income   transactions capital shareholders    value     period   return(k)   net assets 
      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND                                                        
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>              <C>            <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>         <C>        
1997-                                                                                                                     
Institutional                                                                                                             
Shares..........        --         --          --         --      $(0.4172)    $ 0.1100   $10.07      5.40%       0.45%   
1997-                                                                                                                     
Administration                                                                                                            
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.3924)      0.1100    10.07      5.14        0.70    
1997-Service                                                                                                              
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.3675)      0.1000    10.07      4.77        0.95    
1997-Class A                                                                                                              
Shares(o).......        --         --          --         --       (0.1950)      0.1400    10.08      3.39(f)     0.70(b) 
1997-Class B                                                                                                              
Shares(o).......        --         --          --         --       (0.1631)      0.1400    10.08      3.07(f)     1.30(b) 
1997-Class C                                                                                                              
Shares(p).......        --         --          --         --       (0.0670)      0.0300    10.07      0.97(f)     1.45(b) 
1996-                                                                                                                     
Institutional                                                                                                             
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.4192)      0.0300     9.96      4.50        0.45    
1996-                                                                                                                     
Administration                                                                                                            
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.3944)      0.0300     9.96      4.24        0.70    
1996-Service                                                                                                              
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.3697)      0.0200     9.97      3.98        0.95    
1995-                                                                                                                     
Institutional                                                                                                             
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.4235)      0.1500     9.94      5.98        0.45    
1995-                                                                                                                     
Administration                                                                                                            
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.3989)      0.1500     9.94      5.76        0.70    
1995-Service                                                                                                              
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.3744)      0.1600     9.95      5.59        0.95    
1994-                                                                                                                     
Institutional                                                                                                             
Shares..........    (0.0825)       --          --         --       (0.4612)     (0.4400)    9.79      0.17        0.45    
1994-                                                                                                                     
Administration                                                                                                            
Shares..........    (0.0825)       --          --         --       (0.4362)     (0.4400)    9.79     (0.11)       0.70    
1994-Service                                                                                                              
Shares(j).......        --         --          --         --       (0.0475)     (0.0700)    9.79     (0.32)(f)    0.95(b) 
1993-                                                                                                                     
Institutional                                                                                                             
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.3834)      0.3000    10.23      7.03        0.41    
1993-                                                                                                                     
Administration                                                                                                            
Shares(j).......        --         --          --         --       (0.1555)      0.0720    10.23      2.28(f)     0.70(b) 
FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 1992(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,                                                                     
- ----------------------------------------------------
1992-                                                                                                                     
Institutional                                                                                                             
Shares..........        --         --          --         --       (0.0341)     (0.0700)    9.93     (0.34)(f)    0.05(b) 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
                                                    Ratios assuming
                                                  no voluntary waiver
                                                      of fees or
                                                  expense limitations
                                                 ---------------------
                
                 Ratio of                 Net                Ratio of
                   net                  assets                 net
                investment              at end    Ratio of  investment
                  income   Portfolio      of      expenses    income
                to average turnover     period   to average to average
                net assets  rate(d)    (in 000s) net assets net assets
      -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND                                                        
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>             <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>

1997-           
Institutional   
Shares..........   4.18%    194.75%    $ 28,821     1.23%      3.40%
1997-           
Administration  
Shares..........   3.91     194.75           77     1.48       3.13
1997-Service    
Shares..........   3.66     194.75        2,051     1.73       2.88
1997-Class A    
Shares(o).......   3.81(b)  194.75(f)     4,023     1.73(b)    2.78(b)
1997-Class B    
Shares(o).......   3.31(b)  194.75(f)       106     2.23(b)    2.38(b)
1997-Class C    
Shares(p).......   2.60(b)  194.75(f)         2     2.23(b)    1.82(b)
1996-           
Institutional   
Shares..........   4.21     231.65       34,814     1.01       3.65
1996-           
Administration  
Shares..........   3.96     231.65           48     1.26       3.40
1996-Service    
Shares..........   3.74     231.65          695     1.51       3.18
1995-           
Institutional   
Shares..........   4.31     259.52       58,389     0.77       3.99
1995-           
Administration  
Shares..........   4.14     259.52           46     1.02       3.82
1995-Service    
Shares..........   3.87     259.52          454     1.27       3.55
1994-           
Institutional   
Shares..........   3.74     354.00       83,704     0.61       3.58
1994-           
Administration  
Shares..........   3.51     354.00        3,866     0.86       3.35
1994-Service    
Shares(j).......   4.30(b)  354.00          440     1.11(b)    4.14(b)
1993-           
Institutional   
Shares..........   3.70     404.60      115,803     1.06       3.05
1993-           
Administration  
Shares(j).......   3.32(b)  404.60          911     1.07(b)    2.95(b)
FOR THE PERIOD OCTOBER 1, 1992(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- -----------------------------------------------------
1992-           
Institutional   
Shares..........   4.58(b)   31.19(f)    14,601     2.68(b)    1.95(b)
- --------------------------
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected Data for a Share Outstanding Throughout Each Period
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Income (loss) from investment operations(n)
                                           ---------------------------------------------------
                                                       Net realized   Net realized
                                                      and unrealized and unrealized   Total
                                                       gain (loss)    gain (loss)     income
                                 Net asset            on investment,   on foreign     (loss)
                                 value at     Net       option and      currency       from     From net
                                 beginning investment    futures        related     investment investment
                                 of period   income    transactions   transactions  operations   income
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         CORE FIXED INCOME FUND                                              
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>       <C>        <C>            <C>            <C>        <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,
- -------------------------------
1997-
Institutional
Shares..........                  $ 9.85    $0.6431      $0.2282        $(0.0005)    $ 0.8708   $(0.6408)
1997-
Administration
Shares..........                    9.84     0.6182       0.2380         (0.0005)      0.8557    (0.6157)
1997-Service
Shares..........                    9.86     0.5937       0.2287         (0.0005)      0.8219    (0.5919)
1997-Class A
Shares(o).......                    9.70     0.3059       0.3596         (0.0008)      0.6647    (0.3048)
1997-Class B
Shares(o).......                    9.72     0.2686       0.3695         (0.0008)      0.6373    (0.2673)
1997-Class C
Shares(p).......                    9.93     0.1118       0.1591         (0.0003)      0.2706    (0.1107)
1996-
Institutional
Shares..........                   10.00     0.6448      (0.0704)            --        0.5744    (0.6438)
1996-
Administrative
Shares(/1/).....                    9.91     0.4083      (0.0703)            --        0.3380    (0.4080)
1996-Service
Shares(l).......                    9.77     0.3756       0.0898             --        0.4654    (0.3754)
1995-
Institutional
Shares..........                    9.24     0.6423       0.7610             --        1.4033    (0.6433)
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 5, 1994(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,
- ----------------------------------------------------
1994-
Institutional
Shares..........                   10.00     0.4648      (0.7617)            --       (0.2969)   (0.4648)

<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                             
                                           Distributions to shareholders                                                     
                                 ------------------------------------------------------------                                
                                                           In excess of                                                      
                                    From net               net realized                          Net                         
                                 realized gain               gain on                           increase                      
                                 on investment, In excess  investment,   From       Total     (decrease) Net asset           
                                     option       of net    option and   paid   distributions   in net   value at            
                                  and futures   investment   futures      in         to         asset     end of     Total   
                                  transactions    income   transactions capital shareholders    value     period   return(k) 
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         CORE FIXED INCOME FUND                                              
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>            <C>        <C>          <C>     <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>       
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,                                                                                              
- ------------                                                                                                                 
1997-                                                                                                                        
Institutional                                                                                                                
Shares..........                        --         --          --         --      $(0.6408)    $ 0.2300   $10.08      9.19%  
1997-                                                                                                                        
Administration                                                                                                               
Shares..........                        --         --          --         --       (0.6157)      0.2300    10.07      8.92   
1997-Service                                                                                                                 
Shares..........                        --         --          --         --       (0.5919)      0.2300    10.09      8.65   
1997-Class A                                                                                                                 
Shares(o).......                        --         --          --         --       (0.3048)      0.3599    10.06      6.94(f)
1997-Class B                                                                                                                 
Shares(o).......                        --         --          --         --       (0.2673)      0.3700    10.09      6.63(f)
1997-Class C                                                                                                                 
Shares(p).......                        --         --          --         --       (0.1107)      0.1599    10.09      2.74(f)
1996-                                                                                                                        
Institutional                                                                                                                
Shares..........                    (0.0806)       --          --         --       (0.7244)     (0.1500)    9.85      5.98   
1996-                                                                                                                        
Administrative                                                                                                               
Shares(/1/).....                        --         --          --         --       (0.4080)     (0.0700)    9.84      3.56(f)
1996-Service                                                                                                                 
Shares(l).......                        --         --          --         --       (0.3754)      0.0900     9.86      4.90(f)
1995-                                                                                                                        
Institutional                                                                                                                
Shares..........                        --         --          --         --       (0.6433)      0.7600    10.00     15.72   
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 5, 1994(G) THROUGH OCTOBER 31,                                                                        
- --------------------                                                                                                         
1994-                                                                                                                        
Institutional                                                                                                                
Shares..........                        --         --          --         --       (0.4648)     (0.7617)    9.24     (3.00)  

<CAPTION> 
                                                                                Ratios assuming
                                                                              no voluntary waiver
                                                                                  of fees or
                                                                              expense limitations
                                                                             ---------------------
                                 
                                             Ratio of                 Net                Ratio of
                                  Ratio of     net                  assets                 net
                                    net     investment              at end    Ratio of  investment
                                  expenses    income   Portfolio      of      expenses    income
                                 to average to average turnover     period   to average to average
                                 net assets net assets  rate(d)    (in 000s) net assets net assets
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         CORE FIXED INCOME FUND                                              
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                              <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>        <C>
FOR THE YEARS ENDED OCTOBER 31,  
- ------------                     
1997-                            
Institutional                    
Shares..........                    0.45%      6.53%    361.27%     $79,230     0.83%      6.15%
1997-                            
Administration                   
Shares..........                    0.70       6.27     361.27        6,176     1.08       5.89
1997-Service                     
Shares..........                    0.95       6.00     361.27        1,868     1.33       5.62
1997-Class A                     
Shares(o).......                    0.70(b)    6.13(b)  361.27(f)     9,336     1.33(b)    5.50(b)
1997-Class B                     
Shares(o).......                    1.45(b)    5.28(b)  361.27(f)       621     1.83(b)    4.90(b)
1997-Class C                     
Shares(p).......                    1.45(b)    4.84(b)  361.27(f)       272     1.83(b)    4.46(b)
1996-                            
Institutional                    
Shares..........                    0.45       6.51     414.20       72,061     0.83       6.13
1996-                            
Administrative                   
Shares(/1/).....                    0.70(b)    6.41(b)  414.20          702     1.08(b)    6.03(b)
1996-Service                     
Shares(l).......                    0.95(b)    6.37(b)  414.20          381     1.33(b)    5.99(b)
1995-                            
Institutional                    
Shares..........                    0.45       6.56     382.26       55,502     0.96       6.05
FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY 5, 1994(G)
- --------------------             
1994-                            
Institutional                    
Shares..........                    0.45(b)    6.48(b)  285.25       24,508     1.46(b)    5.47(b)
</TABLE>
(a) Calculated based on the average shares outstanding methodology.
(b) Annualized.
(c) Class A share activity commenced on May 15, 1995.
(d) Includes the effect of mortgage dollar roll transactions.
(e) Administration share activity commenced on April 15, 1993.
(f) Not annualized.
(g) Commencement of operations.
(h) Short Duration Government Fund Administration shares were redeemed in full
    on February 23, 1995 and re-commenced on February 28, 1996 at $9.86.
(i) Service share activity commenced on April 10, 1996.
(j) Administration and service share activity commenced on May 20, 1993 and
    September 20, 1994, respectively.
(k) Assumes investment at the net asset value at the beginning of the period,
    reinvestment of all dividends and distributions, a complete redemption of
    the investment at the net asset value at the end of the period and no
    sales charges. Total return would be reduced if a sales charge for Class A
    shares or a contingent deferred sales charge for Class B and Class C
    shares were taken into account.
(l) Administration and Service share activity commenced on February 28, 1996
    and March 13, 1996, respectively.
(m) Service share activity commenced on March 27, 1997.
(n) Includes the balancing effect of calculating per share amounts.
(o) Class A and Class B share activity commenced on May 1, 1997.
(p) Class C share activity commenced on August 15, 1997.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
Goldman Sachs Trust--Fixed Income Funds
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

To the Shareholders and Board of Trustees of the Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate
Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration Government Fund, Goldman Sachs
Short Duration Tax-Free Fund and Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund:
 
 We have audited the accompanying statements of assets and liabilities of the
Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration
Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund and Goldman Sachs
Core Fixed Income Fund (portfolios of Goldman Sachs Trust, a Delaware Business
Trust) including the statements of investments, as of October 31, 1997, and the
related statements of operations, the statements of changes in net assets and
the financial highlights for each of the periods presented. These financial
statements and the financial highlights are the responsibility of the Funds'
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements and the financial highlights based on our audits.
 
 We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements and the financial
highlights are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. Our procedures included confirmation of securities owned as of
October 31, 1997 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers. An audit
also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant
estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis
for our opinion.
 
 In our opinion, the financial statements and the financial highlights referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
the Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration
Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund and Goldman Sachs
Core Fixed Income Fund as of October 31, 1997, the results of their operations
and the changes in their net assets and the financial highlights for each of
the periods presented, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
 
                                                             Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Boston, Massachusetts
December 12, 1997
 
- ---------------------------------------  ---------------------------------------

                                       53
<PAGE>
 
               VOTING RESULTS OF SPECIAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
 
  The proposals described below were submitted to a vote of shareholders of
Goldman Sachs Trust (the "Company") at a Special Meeting of Shareholders held
on April 1, 1997 (the "Meeting"):
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 1--ELECTION OF NINE TRUSTEES:
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, Ashok Bakhru, David B. Ford, Douglas Grip, John McNulty, Mary
McPherson, Richard Strubel, Alan Shuch, Jackson Smart and William Springer were
elected to the Company's Board of Trustees. In electing the Trustees, the
Company's shareholders voted as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  TRUSTEE                      FOR       AGAINST    ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
  -------                --------------- ------- -------------- ----------------
<S>                      <C>             <C>     <C>            <C>
Ashok Bakhru............ 59,699,988.0890    0      993,484.8850        0
David B. Ford........... 59,362,764.7000    0    1,330,708.2740        0
Douglas Grip............ 59,477,956.3930    0    1,215,516.5810        0
John McNulty............ 59,362,764.7000    0    1,330,708.2740        0
Mary McPherson.......... 59,705,150.0290    0      988,322.9450        0
Richard Strubel......... 59,727,715.4610    0      965,757.5130        0
Alan Shuch.............. 59,362,764.7000    0    1,330,708.2740        0
Jackson Smart........... 59,706,199.9810    0      987,272.9930        0
William Springer........ 59,729,198.2540    0      964,274.7200        0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 2--RATIFICATION OF THE SELECTION OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP AS THE
              INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS OF THE TRUST OR THE CORPORATION FOR THE
              FISCAL YEARS ENDING OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND JANUARY 31, 1998,
              RESPECTIVELY:
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Company's shareholders approved Proposal No. 2 as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
      FOR               AGAINST                ABSTAIN             BROKER NON-VOTES
- ---------------      --------------         --------------         ----------------
<S>                  <C>                    <C>                    <C>
55,747,113.1630       37,028.3220           4,909,331.4890                0
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 4(B)--APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE TRUST'S DECLARATION OF TRUST
                TO PERMIT INVESTMENT OF EACH FUND'S ASSETS IN ANOTHER OPEN-END
                INVESTMENT COMPANY:
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Company's shareholders approved Proposal No. 4(B) as
follows:
 
<CAPTION>
      FOR               AGAINST                ABSTAIN             BROKER NON-VOTES
- ---------------      --------------         --------------         ----------------
<S>                  <C>                    <C>                    <C>
52,375,742.4380      1,978,971.9450         6,267,663.5910           71,095.0000
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 3--APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF REORGANIZATION:
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the shareholders of each of the Company's portfolios (each, a
"Fund" and collectively, the "Funds") approved Proposal No. 3 as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST       ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ -------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,256,266.2380 249,187.0120         0             0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  30,840,046.7270 205,007.3510 4,029,816.1740   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   2,017,550.0780  16,321.0250       527.7150        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,761,964.9270   1,055.6280         0             0
G.S. Global Income......   7,475,140.0900 216,569.4820 1,108,286.2630        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,419,426.1060  19,927.7870     2,736.8010    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,871,247.5330  13,820.1290   117,480.9080        0
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       54
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 4(A)--APPROVAL OF AN AMENDMENT TO THE FUND'S INVESTMENT
                RESTRICTIONS TO PERMIT EACH FUND TO INVEST ALL ITS ASSETS IN
                ANOTHER OPEN-END INVESTMENT COMPANY:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 4(A) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST       ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ -------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,249,924.1230 255,529.1270         0             0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  29,300,183.4090 738,971.8930 5,035,714.9500   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   1,707,256.5030 326,614.6000       527.7150        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,761,964.9270   1,055.6280         0             0
G.S. Global Income......   7,338,642.1730 350,819.2200 1,110,534.4420        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,409,107.5260  30,246.3670     2,736.8010    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,850,690.6070  29,828.2390   122,029.7240        0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(A)--INVESTMENT POLICY ON ISSUER DIVERSIFICATION:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 5(A) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST       ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ -------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,249,924.1230 249,187.0120     6,342.1150        0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  29,997,087.3250  43,548.7280 5,034,234.1990   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   2,023,592.0760   1,190.2710     9,616.4710        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,763,020.5550       0              0             0
G.S. Global Income......   7,302,111.2200 337,094.6510 1,160,789.9640        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,432,220.1140   3,231.1630     6,639.4170    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,872,473.5900  16,237.5860   113,837.3940        0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(B)--INVESTMENT POLICY ON INDUSTRY CONCENTRATION:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 5(B) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST       ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ -------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,249,924.1230 249,187.0120     6,342.1150        0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  29,717,448.6200  48,100.0560 5,309,321.5760   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   2,023,592.0760   1,190.2710     9,616.4710        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,763,020.5550       0              0             0
G.S. Global Income......   7,308,203.5950 364,153.7540 1,127,638.4860        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,435,859.2330   3,462.0620     2,769.3990    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,869,373.6660  12,600.7210   120,574.1830        0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(C)--INVESTMENT POLICIES ON BORROWING, MARGIN PURCHASES AND
                PLEDGING ASSETS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 5(C) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST       ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ -------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,249,924.1230 249,187.0120     6,342.1150        0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  29,536,226.5180 496,829.5350 5,041,814.1990   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   2,024,782.3470       0          9,616.4710        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,761,964.9270   1,055.6280         0             0
G.S. Global Income......   7,216,046.8580 429,048.0000 1,154,900.9770        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,382,429.7560  55,980.6910     3,680.2470    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,852,339.5570  25,565.3640   124,643.6490        0
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       55
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(D)--INVESTMENT POLICY ON LOANS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 5(D) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST       ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ -------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,249,924.1230 249,187.0120     6,342.1150        0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  29,791,225.9940 241,830.0590 5,041,814.1990   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   2,024,782.3470       0          9,616.4710        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,761,964.9270   1,055.6280         0             0
G.S. Global Income......   7,246,088.4970 387,925.7060 1,165,981.6320        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,418,199.0540  16,793.6490     7,097.9910    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,855,997.7160  18,603.7770   127,947.0770        0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(E)--INVESTMENT POLICY ON UNDERWRITING:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 5(E) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST        ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ --------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>             <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,499,008.6670     102.4680      6,342.1150        0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  24,563,621.2260 203,940.9210 10,307,308.1050   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   2,024,782.3470       0           9,616.4710        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,763,020.5550       0               0             0
G.S. Global Income......   7,277,794.5270 358,843.4350  1,163,357.8730        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,430,965.7480   7,444.6990      3,680.2470    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,848,511.9770  12,976.0140    141,060.5790        0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(F)--INVESTMENT POLICY ON REAL ESTATE AND OIL AND GAS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 5(F) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST        ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ --------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>             <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,249,924.1230 249,187.0120      6,342.1150        0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  24,526,695.5880 240,866.5590 10,307,308.1050   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   1,990,762.3590  34,019.9880      9,616.4710        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   1,125,872.4290       0       3,637,148.1260        0
G.S. Global Income......   7,327,402.6000 291,544.8020  1,181,048.4330        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,432,561.1600   5,849.2870      3,680.2470    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,867,044.1890  15,154.4890    120,349.8920        0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(G)--INVESTMENT POLICY ON COMMODITIES:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 5(G) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST        ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ --------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>             <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,256,266.2380     102.4680    249,084.5440        0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  24,259,310.5330 258,550.2170 10,557,009.5020   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   1,999,851.1150  34,019.9880        527.7150        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,761,964.9270       0           1,055.6280        0
G.S. Global Income......   7,242,067.7760 391,426.1320  1,166,501.9270        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,402,158.5440  35,125.1420      4,807.0080    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,864,355.0900  15,677.0190    122,516.4610        0
</TABLE>
 
 
                                       56
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(H)--INVESTMENT POLICY ON SENIOR SECURITIES:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 5(H) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST        ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ --------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>             <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,249,296.2850   7,072.4210    249,084.5440        0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  24,588,889.6270 204,058.5000 10,281,922.1250   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   2,032,680.8320   1,190.2710        527.7150        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,763,020.5550       0               0             0
G.S. Global Income......   7,317,507.8520 317,794.9290  1,164,693.0540        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,369,235.2830  67,017.8840      5,837.5270    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,861,721.6030  14,498.0260    126,328.9410        0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(I)--INVESTMENT POLICY CONCERNING SHORT SALES OF SECURITIES:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 5(I) as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                  FOR         AGAINST       ABSTAIN     BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            --------------- ------------ -------------- ----------------
<S>                       <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................   6,243,445.2950  12,923.4110   249,084.5440        0
G.S. Adjustable Rate
 Government.............  29,554,106.4250 236,098.2310 5,284,665.5960   64,115.0000
G.S. Short Duration Tax
 Free...................   1,994,403.9380  39,467.1650       527.7150        0
G.S. Core Fixed Income..   4,761,964.9270       0          1,055.6280        0
G.S. Global Income......   7,221,712.5330 412,993.5060 1,165,289.7960        0
G.S. Government Income..   1,365,080.4460  68,785.4960     8,224.7520    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...   1,839,955.6770  27,482.8450   135,110.0480        0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(J)--GS SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND'S POLICY ON OPTIONS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of GS Short Duration Government approved
Proposal No. 5(J) as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                 FOR       AGAINST    ABSTAIN    BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            -------------- -------- ------------ ----------------
<S>                       <C>            <C>      <C>          <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................  6,249,924.1230 102.4680 255,426.6590         0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 5(K)--GS SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND'S POLICY ON INVESTMENTS TO
                EXERCISE CONTROL:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of GS Short Duration Fund approved Proposal
No. 5(K) as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                 FOR        AGAINST     ABSTAIN    BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            -------------- ---------- ------------ ----------------
<S>                       <C>            <C>        <C>          <C>
G.S. Short Duration Gov-
 ernment................  6,249,924.1030 6,444.5830 249,084.5440         0
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPOSAL NO. 6--APPROVAL OF AMENDED AND RESTATED MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS:
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
  At the Meeting, the Shareholders of each Fund approved Proposal No. 6 as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FUND                 FOR         AGAINST      ABSTAIN    BROKER NON-VOTES
          ----            -------------- ------------ ------------ ----------------
<S>                       <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>
G.S. Global Income......  7,767,511.0190 285,099.7120 747,385.1040        0
G.S. Government Income..  1,417,140.3790  20,595.5810   4,354.7340    6,980.0000
G.S. Municipal Income...  1,868,303.5900  12,832.0000 121,412.9800        0
</TABLE>
 
                                       57
<PAGE>
 
 
 
 
                     This page is intentionally left blank
 
 
 
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Annual Report is authorized for distribution to prospective investors only
when preceded or accompanied by a Goldman Sachs Trust Prospectus which contains
facts concerning the Fund's objectives and policies, management, expenses and
other information.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------   ---------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------   ---------------------------------------------
THE GOLDMAN SACHS
FIXED INCOME FUNDS
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL REPORT
OCTOBER 31, 1997
 
 
GOLDMAN SACHS ADJUSTABLE RATEGOVERNMENT FUND
GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATIONGOVERNMENT FUND
GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND
GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FUND
 
 
GOLDMAN SACHS 

Goldman Sachs
1 New York Plaza
New York, NY 10004
 
TRUSTEES
Ashok N. Bakhru, Chairman
David B. Ford
Douglas C. Grip
John P. McNulty
Mary P. McPherson
Alan A. Shuch
Jackson W. Smart, Jr.
William H. Springer
Richard P. Strubel
 
OFFICERS
Douglas C. Grip, President
John W. Mosior, Vice President
Nancy L. Mucker, Vice President
Scott M. Gilman, Treasurer
John M. Perlowski, Assistant Treasurer
Michael J. Richman, Secretary
Howard B. Surloff, Assistant Secretary
 
GOLDMAN SACHS
Investment Adviser,
Distributor and Transfer Agent
 
FIA97/128K/1097

<PAGE>
 
                                 PART C

                                 OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
         ---------------------------------

(a)  Financial Statements

     Included in the Prospectus:
    
     Financial Highlights for the Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate Government Fund,
     Goldman Sachs Short Duration Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration
     Tax-Free Fund, and Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund for the period
     ended October 31, 1997 (audited).     
    
     Financial Highlights for the Goldman Sachs Government Income Fund, Goldman
     Sachs Global Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund and Goldman
     Sachs High Yield Fund for the period ended October 31, 1997 (audited).     
 
Incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional Information:

     Report of Independent Public Accountants.
    
     Statement of Investments for the Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate Government
     Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short
     Duration Tax-Free Fund and Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund as of
     October 31, 1997 (audited).     
    
     Statement of Investments for the Goldman Sachs Government Income Fund,
     Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund and
     Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund as of October 31, 1997 (audited).     
    
     Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate
     Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration Government Fund, Goldman
     Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund and Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund
     as of October 31, 1997 (audited).     
    
     Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the Goldman Sachs Government Income
     Fund, Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund
     and Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund as of October 31, 1997 (audited).     
    
     Statement of Operations for the Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate Government
     Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short
     Duration Tax-Free Fund and Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund for the
     fiscal year ended October 31, 1997 (audited).     
<PAGE>
 
    
     Statement of Operations for the Goldman Sachs Government Income Fund,
     Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund and
     Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997
     (audited).     
    
     Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate
     Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration Government Fund, Goldman
     Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund and Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund
     for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997 (audited).     
    
     Statement of Changes in Net Assets for the Goldman Sachs Government Income
     Fund, Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund
     and Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund for the fiscal year ended October 31,
     1997 (audited).     
    
     Financial Highlights for the Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate Government Fund,
     Goldman Sachs Short Duration Government Fund, Goldman Sachs Short Duration
     Tax-Free Fund and Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund for the period ended
     October 31, 1997 (audited).     
    
     Financial Highlights for the Goldman Sachs Government Income Fund, Goldman
     Sachs Global Income Fund, Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund and Goldman
     Sachs High Yield Fund for the period ended October 31, 1997 (audited).     

     Report of Independent Public Accountants

     Notes to Financial Statements.

(b)  Exhibits

     The following exhibits are incorporated herein by reference to Registrant's
     Registration Statement on Form N-1A as initially filed (Reference A); to
     Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1 to such Registration Statement (Reference B);
     to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to such Registration Statement (Reference
     C); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 2 to such Registration Statement
     (Reference D); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to such Registration
     Statement (Reference F); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 12 to such
     Registration Statement (Reference M); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 to
     such Registration Statement (Reference O); to Post-Effective Amendment No.
     15 to such Registration Statement (Reference P); to Post-Effective
     Amendment No. 16 to such Registration Statement (Reference Q); to Post-
     Effective Amendment No. 17 to such Registration Statement (Reference R); to
     Post-Effective Amendment No. 19 to such Registration Statement (Reference
     T); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 20 to such Registration Statement
     (Reference U); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 21 to such Registration
     Statement (Reference V); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 23 to such

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
     Registration Statement (Reference X); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 24 to
     such Registration Statement (Reference Y); to Post-Effective Amendment No.
     25 to such Registration Statement (Reference Z); to Post-Effective
     Amendment No. 26 to such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950130-
     95-002856); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 27 to such Registration
     Statement (Accession No. 0000950130-96-004931); to Post-Effective Amendment
     No. 29 to such Registration Statement (Accession No.0000950130-97-000573);
     to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to such Registration Statement
     (Accession No. 0000950130-97-000805); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 33 to
     such Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000950130-97-0001867); to Post-
     Effective Amendment No. 40 to such Registration Statement (Accession No.
     0000950130-97-004495); and to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to such
     Registration Statement (Accession No. 0000-950130-98-000676)

     The following exhibits are incorporated herein by reference to Goldman
     Sachs Equity Portfolios, Inc.'s  Registration Statement on Form N-1A as
     initially filed (Reference A*); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to such
     Registration Statement filed on September 28, 1990 (Reference C*);  to
     Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 to such Registration Statement filed on
     April 1, 1993 (Reference G*); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 11 to such
     Registration Statement filed on March 31, 1994 (Reference I*);  to Post-
     Effective Amendment No. 14 to such Registration Statement filed on November
     30, 1995 (Reference L*); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 to such
     Registration Statement filed on March 31, 1995 (Reference M*); and Post-
     Effective Amendment No. 17 to such Registration Statement filed on May 31,
     1995 (Reference N*).

     The following exhibits are incorporated herein by reference to Goldman
     Sachs Money Market Trust's Registration Statement on Form N-1A as filed.
     Post-Effective Amendment No. 17 to Registrant's Registration Statement on
     Form S-5 (Reference B**); to Registrant's Proxy Statement dated May 6, 1981
     (Reference C**); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 25 to Registrant's
     Registration Statement on Form N-1A (Reference E**); to Post-Effective
     Amendment No. 26 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A
     (Reference F**); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 31 to Registrant's
     Registration Statement on Form N-1A (Reference I**); to Post-Effective
     Amendment No. 35 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A
     (Reference J**); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 36 to Registrant's
     Registration Statement on Form N-1A (Reference K**); to Post-Effective
     Amendment No. 38 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A
     (Reference M**); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 39 to Registrant's
     Registration Statement on Form N-1A (Reference N**); to Post-Effective
     Amendment No. 40 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A
     (Reference O**); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 41 to Registrant's
     Registration Statement on

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
     Form N-1A (Reference P**); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 43 to
     Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (Reference R**); to Post-
     Effective Amendment No. 44 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form
     N-1A (Reference S**); to Post-Effective Amendment No. 46 to Registrant's
     Registration Statement on Form N-1A (Reference U**); to Post-Effective
     Amendment No. 51 to Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A
     (Reference Z**); and to Post-Effective Amendment No. 54 to Registrant's
     Registration Statement on Form N-1A (Reference AA**).

     1(a).     Agreement and Declaration of Trust.  (Accession No. 0000950130-
               97-000573)

     1(b).     Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust.
               (Accession No. 0000950130-97-004495)

     1(c).     Amendment No. 2 to Agreement and Declaration of Trust.
               (Accession No. 0000950130-97-004495)
    
     1(d).     Amendment No.3 dated January 28, 1997 to the Agreement and
               Declaration of Trust.  (Accession No. 0000950130-98-000676)     
    
     1(e).     Amendment No. 4 dated January 28, 1998 to the Agreement and
               Declaration of Trust as amended, dated January 28, 1997.     
               (Accession No. 0000950130-98-000676)

     2.        By-laws of the Delaware business trust.  (Accession No.
               0000950130-97-000573)

     3.        Not applicable.

     4.        Not applicable.
    
     5(a).     Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between Registrant on
               behalf of Goldman Sachs Short Duration Government Fund and
               Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P.  (Accession No. 0000950130-
               98-000676)     
    
     5(b).     Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between Registrant on
               behalf of Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate Government Fund and
               Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P.  (Accession No. 0000950130-
               98-000676)     
    
     5(c).     Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between Registrant on
               behalf of Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund and Goldman
               Sachs Asset Management.  (Accession No. 0000950130-98-000676)
     

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
    
     5(d).     Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between Registrant on
               behalf of Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund and Goldman Sachs
               Asset Management.  (Accession No. 0000950130-98-000676)     
    
     5(e).     Management Agreement dated January 28, 1998 on behalf of the
               Registrant and Goldman Sachs Asset Management, Goldman Sachs
               Funds Management L.P. and Goldman Sachs Asset Management
               International. (Accession No. 0000950130-98-000676)     
    
     5(f).     Management Agreement dated January 1, 1998 on behalf of the
               Goldman Sachs Asset Allocation Portfolios and Goldman Sachs Asset
               Management. (Accession No. 0000950130-98-000676)     
    
     5(g).     Management Agreement dated April 30, 1997 between the Registrant
               on behalf of Goldman Sachs - Institutional Liquid Assets and
               Goldman Sachs Asset Management. (Accession No. 0000950130-98-
               000676)     
     
     6.        Distribution Agreement dated April 30, 1997 as amended October
               21, 1997 between Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co. (Accession
               No. 0000950130-97-004495)     

     7.        Not applicable.

     8(a).     Custodian Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and
               Trust Company.  (Reference P)
 
     8(b).     Wiring Agreement among State Street Bank and Trust Company,
               Goldman, Sachs & Co. and The Northern Trust Company.  
               (Reference B)

     8(c).     Fee schedule relating to the Custodian Agreement between
               Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust Company.  
               (Reference C)

     8(d).     Fee schedule relating to the Custodian Agreement between
               Registrant on behalf of the Goldman Sachs Asset Allocation
               Portfolios and State Street Bank and Trust Company. (Accession
               No. 0000950130-97-004495)

     8(e).     Letter Agreement between Registrant and State Street Bank and
               Trust pertaining to the latter's designation of Security Pacific
               National Bank as its sub-custodian and certain other matters.
               (Reference C)

     8(f).     Amendment dated August, 1989 to the Wiring Agreement among State
               Street Bank and Trust

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
               Company, Goldman, Sachs & Co. and The Northern Trust Company
               relating to the indemnification of The Northern Trust Company.
               (Reference D)

     9(a).     Transfer Agency Agreement between Registrant and Goldman, Sachs &
               Co.  (Reference P)

     9(b).     Fee schedule relating to the Transfer Agency Agreement between
               Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co.  (Reference B)

     9(c).     Fee schedule relating to Transfer Agency Agreement between
               Registrant on behalf of the Goldman Sachs Asset Allocation
               Portfolios and Goldman, Sachs & Co.  (Accession No. 0000950130-
               97-004495)

     10.       Opinion of Drinker Biddle and Reath.  (Accession No. 0000950130-
               97-004495)
    
     10(a).    Opinion of Morris, Nichols, Arsht & Tunnell - (Accession No.
               0000950130-97-001846).     
         
     12.       Not applicable.

     13.       Subscription Agreement with Goldman, Sachs & Co. (Reference B)

     14.       Not applicable.

     15(a).    Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Goldman Sachs
               Municipal Income Fund.  (Reference P)

     15(b).    Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Goldman Sachs
               Government Income Fund.  (Reference O)

     15(c).    Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for Goldman Sachs Global
               Income Fund.  (Reference O)

     15(d).    Distribution Plan Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 for GS Adjustable Rate
               Government Agency Fund-Class A Shares.  (Reference Y)

     15(e).    Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of Goldman Sachs Capital
               Growth Fund.  (Reference C*)

     15(f).    Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of Goldman Sachs Select
               Equity Fund.  (Reference G*)

     15(g).    Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of Goldman Sachs Small
               Cap Equity Fund.  (Reference G*)

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
     15(h).    Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of Goldman Sachs
               International Equity Fund.  (Reference G*)

     15(i).    Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of Goldman Sachs Growth
               and Income Fund.  (Reference G*)

     15(j).    Form of Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of Goldman Sachs
               Asia Growth Fund.  (Reference I*)

     15(k).    Distribution Plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 of Goldman Sachs
               Balanced Fund.  (Reference L*)

     15(l).    Amended and Restated Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1
               of the Registrant.  (Reference N*).

     15(m).    Administration Plan and Service Plan of the Trust. (Reference X)
    
     15(n).    Class A Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 dated January
               28, 1998.  (Accession No. 0000950130-98-000676)     
    
     15(o).    Class B Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 dated January
               28, 1998.  (Accession No. 0000950130-98-000676)     
    
     15(p).    Class C Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 dated January
               28, 1998.  (Accession No. 0000950130-98-000676)     

     16.       Schedule for Computation of Performance Data. (Reference V)

     18(a).    Form of Plan entered into by Registrant pursuant to Rule 18f-3.
               (Reference Z)

     19.       Powers of Attorney of Messrs. Bakhru, Ford, Grip, Shuch, Smart,
               Sringer, Strubel, McNulty, Mosior, Gilman, Perlowski, Richman,
               Surloff, Mmes. MacPherson, Mucker and Taylor. (Accession No.
               0000950130-97-000805)
    
     19(a).    Powers of Attorney dated October 21, 1997 on behalf of James A.
               Fitzpatrick and Valerie A. Zondorak.  (Accession No. 0000950130-
               98-000676)     

     The following exhibit relating to Goldman Sachs Trust is filed herewith
electronically pursuant to EDGAR rules:
     
     11.  Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.     
    
     27.  Financial Data Schedules.     

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 25.  PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH REGISTRANT.
          ------------------------------------------------------------- 

Not Applicable.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
ITEM 26  NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES.
         -------------------------------
                                                        Number of
Title of Class                                          Record Holders
- --------------                                          --------------
<S>                                                     <C>

Treasury Obligations Portfolio
   ILA Units                                                   726
   ILA Administration Units                                     82
   ILA Service Units                                             5
Treasury Instruments Portfolio                               
   ILA Units                                                   297
   ILA Administration Units                                     31
   ILA Service Units                                             7
Federal Portfolio                                            
   ILA Units                                                 2,891
   ILA Administration Units                                    581
   ILA Service Units                                           109
Government Portfolio                                         
   ILA Units                                                 1,397
   ILA Administration Units                                     62
   ILA Service Units                                             5
Prime Obligations Portfolio                                  
   ILA Class A                                                  27
   ILA Units                                                   749
   ILA Class B                                                 108
   ILA Class C                                                  20
   ILA Administration Units                                     80
   ILA Service Units                                           588
Money Market Portfolio                                       
   ILA Units                                                   724
   ILA Administration Units                                    894
   ILA Service Units                                             3
Tax-Exempt Diversified Portfolio                             
   ILA Class A                                                  53
   ILA Units                                                 2,477
   ILA Administration Units                                     19
   ILA Service Units                                            16
Tax-Exempt California Portfolio                              
   ILA Units                                                   976
   ILA Administration Units                                      1
   ILA Service Units                                             1
Tax-Exempt New York Portfolio                                
   ILA Units                                                   241
   ILA Administration Units                                     61
   ILA Service Units                                             1
Financial Square Treasury Obligations Fund                   
   FST Shares                                                  372
   FST Administration Shares                                   113
   FST Service Shares                                          639
</TABLE>

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                         <C>
   FST Preferred Shares                                           6
Financial Square Prime Obligations Fund                    
   FST Shares                                                   432
   FST Administration Shares                                    177
   FST Service Shares                                           296
   FST Preferred Shares                                           8
Financial Square Government Fund                           
   FST Shares                                                   233
   FST Administration Shares                                    204
   FST Service Shares                                            91
   FST Preferred Shares                                           6
Financial Square Money Market Fund                      
   FST Shares                                                   529
   FST Administration Shares                                    293
   FST Service Shares                                           151
   FST Preferred Shares                                          21
Financial Square Tax-Free Money Market Fund                
   FST Shares                                                   290
   FST Administration Shares                                     46
   FST Service Shares                                            77
   FST Preferred Shares                                           4
Financial Square Treasury Instruments Fund                 
   FST Shares                                                   138
   FST Administration Shares                                     10
   FST Service Shares                                             7
   FST Preferred Shares                                           1
Financial Square Federal Fund                           
   FST Shares                                                   223
   FST Administration Shares                                     43
   FST Service Shares                                           151
   FST Preferred Shares                                           6
Financial Square Municipal Money Market Fund            
   FST Shares                                                     0
   FST Administration Shares                                      0
   FST Service Shares                                             0
   FST Preferred Shares                                           0
Financial Square Premium Money Market Fund                 
   FST Shares                                                    39
   FST Administration Shares                                      2
   FST Service Shares                                             2
   FST Preferred Shares                                           2
Goldman Sachs Short Duration Government Fund               
   Class A                                                      107
   Class B                                                       37
   Class C                                                       24
   Institutional Shares                                         342
   Administration Shares                                         52
   Service Shares                                                 3
Goldman Sachs Adjustable Rate Government Fund
   Class A                                                      406
   Institutional Shares                                         421
   Administration Shares                                         20
   Service Shares                                                 2
</TABLE>

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Goldman Sachs Short Duration Tax-Free Fund
<S>                                                        <C>
 Class A                                                        101
   Class B                                                       12
   Class C                                                       10
   Institutional Shares                                         129
   Administration Shares                                          3
   Service Shares                                                 0
                                                          
Goldman Sachs Core Fixed Income Fund                   
 Class A                                                        273
   Class B                                                       92
   Class C                                                       52
   Institutional Shares                                         217
   Administration Shares                                         50
   Service Shares                                                 2
                                                          
Goldman Sachs Global Income Fund                       
   Class A                                                    3,322
   Class B                                                      391
   Class C                                                       75
   Institutional Shares                                          51
   Service Shares                                                 4
                                                          
Goldman Sachs Government Income Fund                   
   Class A                                                    1,483
   Class B                                                      461
   Class C                                                      106
   Institutional Shares                                           5
   Service Shares                                                 1
Goldman Sachs Municipal Income Fund                       
   Class A                                                    1,599
   Class B                                                       74
   Class C                                                       19
   Institutional Shares                                           2
   Service Shares                                                 1
Goldman Sachs High Yield Fund                             
   Class A                                                    1,650
   Class B                                                      567
   Class C                                                      213
   Institutional Shares                                           0
   Service Shares                                                 0
Goldman Sachs Capital Growth Fund                         
   Class A                                                   37,639
   Class B                                                    3,149
   Class C                                                      397
   Institutional Shares                                          10
   Service Shares                                                 5
Goldman Sachs CORE U.S. Equity Fund
   Class A                                                   17,004
   Class B                                                    3,996
   Class C                                                      340
   Institutional Shares                                          33
   Service Shares                                                 8
</TABLE>

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Goldman Sachs Small Cap Value Fund
<S>                                                       <C>
   Class A                                                   21,605
   Class B                                                    4,014
   Class C                                                      497
   Institutional Shares                                          10
   Service Shares                                                 5
Goldman Sachs International Equity Fund                 
   Class A                                                   28,731
   Class B                                                    5,489
   Class C                                                      279
   Institutional Shares                                          50
   Service Shares                                                12
Goldman Sachs Growth and Income Fund                 
   Class A                                                   58,617
   Class B                                                   19,916
   Class C                                                    1,687
   Institutional Shares                                          36
   Service Shares                                                15
Goldman Sachs Asia Growth Fund                          
   Class A                                                    9,297
   Class B                                                      733
   Class C                                                       93
   Institutional Shares                                           8
   Service Shares                                                 3
Goldman Sachs Balanced Fund                             
   Class A                                                    6,578
   Class B                                                    1,524
   Class C                                                      392
   Institutional Shares                                          11
   Service Shares                                                 6
Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Equity Fund                       
   Class A                                                    3,338
   Class B                                                    1,982
   Class C                                                      406
   Institutional Shares                                          43
   Service Shares                                                 6
Goldman Sachs CORE Large Cap Growth Fund             
   Class A                                                    1,812
   Class B                                                      901
   Class C                                                      204
   Institutional Shares                                          17
   Service Shares                                                 7
Goldman Sachs Emerging Markets Equity Fund
   Class A                                                      160
   Class B                                                       16
   Class C                                                       16
   Institutional Shares                                          13
   Service Shares                                                 5
Goldman Sachs CORE Small Cap Equity Fund
   Class A                                                      761
   Class B                                                      424
   Class C                                                      181
   Institutional Shares                                          11
   Service Shares                                                 5
</TABLE>

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Goldman Sachs CORE International Equity Fund
<S>                                                       <C>
   Class A                                                      589
   Class B                                                      278
   Class C                                                      114
   Institutional Shares                                          12
   Service Shares                                                 5
Goldman Sachs Real Estate Securities Fund                   
   Class A                                                        0
   Class B                                                        0
   Class C                                                        0
   Institutional Shares                                           0
   Service Shares                                                 0
Goldman Sachs Income Strategy Portfolio                   
   Class A                                                       37
   Class B                                                       19
   Class C                                                       10
   Institutional Shares                                           1
   Service Shares                                                 1
Goldman Sachs Growth & Income Strategy Portfolio            
   Class A                                                      168
   Class B                                                      109
   Class C                                                       61
   Institutional Shares                                           2
   Service Shares                                                 1 
                                                            
Goldman Sachs Growth Strategy Portfolio                     
   Class A                                                      181
   Class B                                                       99
   Class C                                                       57
   Institutional Shares                                           2
   Service Shares                                                 1
Goldman Sachs Aggressive Growth Strategy Portfolio          
   Class A                                                       71
   Class B                                                       50
   Class C                                                       31
   Institutional Shares                                           1
   Service Shares                                                 1
</TABLE>                                                    
         
(Information supplied as of February 1, 1998)               
                                                            
                                                          
ITEM 27. INDEMNIFICATION                                    
         ---------------                                    
                                                                
Article III of the Declaration of Trust of Goldman Sachs Trust, the Delaware
business trust, provides for indemnification of the Trustees, offices and agents
of the Trust, subject to certain limitations.  The Declaration of Trust is filed
as Exhibit 1.     

The Management Agreement with each of the Funds (other than the ILA Portfolios)
provides that the applicable Investment Adviser will not be liable for any error
of judgment or mistake of law or for any loss suffered by a Fund, except a loss
resulting from wilful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of
the Investment Adviser or from reckless disregard by the

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
    
Investment Adviser of its obligations or duties under the Management Agreement.
Section 7 of the Management Agreement with respect to the ILA Portfolios
provides that the ILA Portfolios will indemnify the Adviser against certain
liabilities; provided, however, that such indemnification does not apply to any
loss by reason of its willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence or the
Adviser's reckless disregard of its obligation under the Management Agreement.
The Management Agreements are filed as Exhibit (a) through 5(g);     
    
Section 9 of the Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and Goldman Sachs
dated April 30, 1997 and Section 7 of the Transfer Agency Agreement between the
Registrant and Goldman, Sachs & Co. dated July 15, 1991 each provides that the
Registrant will indemnify Goldman, Sachs & Co. against certain liabilities. A
copy of such Agreements were filed as Exhibits 6 and 9(a), respectively, to the
Registrant's Registration Statement.     

Mutual fund and Trustees and officers liability policies purchased jointly by
the Registrant, Goldman Sachs Money Market Trust, Goldman Sachs Equity
Portfolios, Inc., Trust for Credit Unions, The Benchmark Funds, Goldman Sachs
Variable Insurance Trust and The Commerce Funds and Goldman, Sachs & Co. insure
such persons and their respective trustees, partners, officers and employees,
subject to the policies' coverage limits and exclusions and varying deductibles,
against loss resulting from claims by reason of any act, error, omission,
misstatement, misleading statement, neglect or breach of duty.

ITEM 28.  BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISER.
          ---------------------------------------------------- 

The business and other connections of the officers and Managing Directors of
Goldman, Sachs & Co., Goldman Sachs Funds Management, L.P., and Goldman Sachs
Asset Management International are listed on their respective Forms ADV as
currently filed with the Commission (File Nos. 801-16048, 801-37591 and 801-
38157, respectively) the text of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

ITEM 29. PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITERS.
         ---------------------- 
    
(a).  Goldman, Sachs & Co. or an affiliate or a division thereof currently
serves as investment adviser and distributor of the units of Trust for Credit
Unions, for shares of Goldman Sachs Trust and for shares of Goldman Sachs
Variable Insurance Trust. Goldman, Sachs & Co., or a division thereof currently
serves as administrator and distributor of the units or shares of The Benchmark
Funds and The Commerce Funds.     

(b).  Set forth below is certain information pertaining to the Managing
Directors of Goldman, Sachs & Co., the Registrant's principal underwriter, who
are members of Goldman, Sachs & Co.'s Executive Committee.  None of the members
of the executive committee holds a position or office with the Registrant.

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
                      GOLDMAN SACHS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE


     Name and Principal
     Business Address                    Position
     ----------------                    --------

     Jon S. Corzine (1)                  Chief Executive Officer
     Robert J. Hurst (1)                 Managing Director
     Henry M. Paulson, Jr. (1)           Chief Operating Officer
     John A. Thain (1)(3)                Chief Financial Officer
     John L. Thornton (3)                Managing Director
     Roy J. Zuckerberg (2)               Managing Director
     -----------------------

     (1)  85 Broad Street, New York, NY 10004
     (2)  One New York Plaza, New York, NY 10004
     (3)  Peterborough Court, 133 Fleet Street, London EC4A 2BB,
          England

(c) Not Applicable.

ITEM 30.  LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS.
          -------------------------------- 

The Declaration of Trust, By-laws, minute books of the Registrant and certain
investment adviser records are in the physical possession of Goldman Sachs Asset
Management, One New York Plaza, New York, New York  10004.  All other accounts,
books and other documents required to be maintained under Section 31(a) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and the Rule promulgated thereunder are in the
physical possession of State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 1713,
Boston, Massachusetts 02105 except for certain transfer agency records which are
maintained by Goldman, Sachs & Co., 4900 Sears Tower, Chicago, Illinois 60606.

ITEM 31. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
         -------------------

Not applicable.

ITEM 32.  UNDERTAKINGS
          ------------

(a)  The Portfolios undertake to furnish each person to whom a prospectus is
     delivered with the latest Annual Report.

(b)  The Registrant undertakes to file a post-effective amendment  within four
     to six months from the effective date of the Post-Effective Amendment to
     the Registrant's Registration Statement relating to the registration of
     Goldman Sachs Japanese Equity Fund and Goldman Sachs International Small
     Cap Fund.

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
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 pursuant to Rule
485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this Post-Effective
Amendment No. 42 to the Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City and State of New York on the
25th day of February 1998.     

GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST
(A Delaware business trust)

By: /s/ Michael J. Richman
    ----------------------
    Michael J. Richman
    Secretary

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 and on the date indicated.

<TABLE>    
<CAPTION> 

<S>                               <C>                      <C>
NAME                                  TITLE                  DATE
- ----                                  -----                  ----        
*Douglas C. Grip                  President and
 ---------------                  Trustee                    February 25, 1998
 Douglas C. Grip

*Scott M. Gilman                  Principal Accounting
 ---------------                  Officer And Principal                       
 Scott M. Gilman                  Financial Officer          February 25, 1998 
                                  

*David B. Ford                    Trustee                    February 25, 1998
 ---------------
 David B. Ford
 
*Mary Patterson McPherson         Trustee                    February 25, 1998
 ------------------------
 Mary Patterson McPherson
 
*Ashok N. Bakhru                  Trustee                    February 25, 1998
 ---------------
 Ashok N. Bakhru
 
*Alan A. Shuch                    Trustee                    February 25, 1998
 -------------
 Alan A. Shuch
 
*Jackson W. Smart                 Trustee                    February 25, 1998
 ---------------------
 Jackson W. Smart, Jr.
 
*John P. McNulty                  Trustee                    February 25, 1998
 ---------------
 John P. McNulty
 
*William H. Springer              Trustee                    February 25, 1998
 -------------------
 William H. Springer
 
*Richard P. Strubel               Trustee                    February 25, 1998
 ------------------
 Richard P. Strubel
 Richard P. Strubel                                          February 25, 1998
</TABLE>     
    
*By:Michael J. Richman     
    ------------------ 
    Michael J. Richman,
    Attorney-In-Fact

             .  Pursuant to a power of attorney previously filed.

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit
- -------
    
    11.   Consent of Arthur Anderson LLP.     
    
    27.   Financial Data Schedules.     

                                       16

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 013
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND-INST
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      119,444,006
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     120,630,286
<RECEIVABLES>                                1,531,118
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 168,332
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                            48,600
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             122,378,336
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    3,824,401
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          3,824,401
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   131,211,275
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                       10,515,184
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                       10,168,881
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      693,874
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                  (14,496,297)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     1,145,083
<NET-ASSETS>                               118,553,935
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            7,267,514
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (497,469)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      6,770,045
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        45,514
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      485,006
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        7,300,565
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  (6,559,922)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     44,408,312
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>               (45,299,315)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                          4,313,493
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      16,536,374
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                        770,624
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                (14,541,811)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          528,290
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                892,506
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       105,657,870
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.83
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .641
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .030
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.641)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.86
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .45
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN
SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER
31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 015
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND-ADMIN
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      119,444,006
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     120,630,286
<RECEIVABLES>                                1,531,118
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 168,332
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                            48,600
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             122,378,336
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    3,824,401
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          3,824,401
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   131,211,275
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          107,210
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                           25,537
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      693,874
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                  (14,496,297)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     1,145,083
<NET-ASSETS>                               118,553,935
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            7,267,514
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (497,469)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      6,770,045
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        45,514
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      485,006
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        7,300,565
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                     (79,521)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      3,199,356
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                (2,471,239)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                             64,920
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      16,536,374
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                        770,624
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                (14,541,811)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          528,290
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                892,506
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       105,657,870
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.85
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .618
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .040
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.618)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.89
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .70
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S
ANNUAL REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 016
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND-SERV
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      119,444,006
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     120,630,286
<RECEIVABLES>                                1,531,118
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 168,332
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                            48,600
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             122,378,336
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    3,824,401
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          3,824,401
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   131,211,275
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          338,434
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                          185,492
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      693,874
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                  (14,496,297)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     1,145,083
<NET-ASSETS>                               118,553,935
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            7,267,514
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (497,469)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      6,770,045
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        45,514
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      485,006
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        7,300,565
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                    (145,168)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      1,881,964
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  (527,404)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                            145,231
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      16,536,374
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                        770,624
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                (14,541,811)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          528,290
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                892,506
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       105,657,870
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.82
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .590
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .040
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.590)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.86
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .95
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN
SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER
31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 011
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURARTION GOVERNMENT FUND-CLASS A
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             MAY-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      119,444,006
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     120,630,286
<RECEIVABLES>                                1,531,118
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 168,332
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                            48,600
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             122,378,336
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    3,824,401
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          3,824,401
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   131,211,275
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          960,218
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      693,874
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                  (14,496,297)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     1,145,083
<NET-ASSETS>                               118,553,935
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            7,267,514
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (497,469)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      6,770,045
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        45,514
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      485,006
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        7,300,565
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                     (85,889)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     11,256,436
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                (1,867,761)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                             82,332
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      16,536,374
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                        770,624
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                (14,541,811)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          528,290
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                892,506
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       105,657,870
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.78
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .312
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .088
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.003)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.88
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .70
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN
SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER
31, 1997 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 012
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION GOVERNMENT FUND-CLASS B
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             MAY-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      119,444,006
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     120,630,286
<RECEIVABLES>                                1,531,118
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 168,332
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                            48,600
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             122,378,336
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    3,824,401
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          3,824,401
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   131,211,275
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           75,741
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      693,874
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                  (14,496,297)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     1,145,083
<NET-ASSETS>                               118,553,935
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            7,267,514
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (497,469)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      6,770,045
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        45,514
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      485,006
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        7,300,565
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                     (12,146)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        934,856
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  (196,887)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                              4,421
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      16,536,374
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                        770,624
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                (14,541,811)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          528,290
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                892,506
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       105,657,870
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.75
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .279
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .101
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.270)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.86
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.30
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S
ANNUAL REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 017
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION GOVERMENT FUND-CLASS C
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-15-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      119,444,006
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     120,630,286
<RECEIVABLES>                                1,531,118
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 168,332
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                            48,600
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             122,378,336
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    3,824,401
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          3,824,401
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   131,211,275
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           19,318
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      693,874
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                  (14,496,297)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     1,145,083
<NET-ASSETS>                               118,553,935
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            7,267,514
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (497,469)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      6,770,045
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        45,514
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      485,006
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        7,300,565
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                        (632)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        207,264
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                   (17,517)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                625
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      16,536,374
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                        770,624
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                (14,541,811)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          528,290
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                892,506
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       105,657,870
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.83
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .119
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .023
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                              .111
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.86
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.45
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S
ANNUAL REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 021
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS GLOBAL INCOME FUND-CLASS A
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      240,614,266
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     244,840,234
<RECEIVABLES>                               21,136,843
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                  67,675
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             266,044,752
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    20,519,286
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                   13,388,466
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         33,907,752
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   217,234,970
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                       11,066,854
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                       13,670,270
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                   16,021,332
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                     (776,512)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     (342,790)
<NET-ASSETS>                               232,137,000
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                           15,271,687
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                             (2,526,455)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     12,745,232
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                    13,556,278
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (3,996,894)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       22,304,616
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  (9,752,023)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     44,585,997
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>               (89,969,794)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                          6,894,169
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                    (21,038,445)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                      6,704,225
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (4,593,053)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        2,158,925
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              3,567,158
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       239,846,033
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.53
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .59
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                            .77
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.79)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              15.10
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.17
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S
ANNUAL REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 022
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS GLOBAL INCOME FUND-CLASS B
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      240,614,266
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     244,840,234
<RECEIVABLES>                               21,136,843
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                  67,675
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             266,044,752
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    20,519,286
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                   13,388,466
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         33,907,752
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   217,234,970
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          229,899
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                           17,603
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                   16,021,332
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                     (776,512)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     (342,790)
<NET-ASSETS>                               232,137,000
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                           15,271,687
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                             (2,526,455)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     12,745,232
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                    13,556,278
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (3,996,894)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       22,304,616
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                     (74,972)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      3,469,609
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  (383,982)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                             55,069
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                    (21,038,445)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                      6,704,225
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (4,593,053)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        2,158,925
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              3,567,158
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       239,846,033
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.53
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .72
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                            .56
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.73)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              15.08
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.71
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S
ANNUAL REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 027
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS GLOBAL INCOME FUND-CLASS C
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-15-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      240,614,266
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     244,840,234
<RECEIVABLES>                               21,136,843
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                  67,675
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             266,044,752
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    20,519,286
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                   13,388,466
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         33,907,752
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   217,234,970
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           32,914
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                   16,021,332
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                     (776,512)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     (342,790)
<NET-ASSETS>                               232,137,000
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                           15,271,687
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                             (2,526,455)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     12,745,232
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                    13,556,278
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (3,996,894)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       22,304,616
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (2,823)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        589,195
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                   (98,680)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                              2,750
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                    (21,038,445)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                      6,704,225
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (4,593,053)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        2,158,925
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              3,567,158
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       239,846,033
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.80
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .16
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                            .29
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.19)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              15.06
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.71
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S
ANNUAL REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 023
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS GLOBAL INCOME FUND-INST
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      240,614,266
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     244,840,234
<RECEIVABLES>                               21,136,843
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                  67,675
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             266,044,752
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    20,519,286
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                   13,388,466
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         33,907,752
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   217,234,970
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                        4,038,267
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                        3,735,251
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                   16,021,332
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                     (776,512)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     (342,790)
<NET-ASSETS>                               232,137,000
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                           15,271,687
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                             (2,526,455)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     12,745,232
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                    13,556,278
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (3,996,894)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       22,304,616
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  (3,332,259)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      7,743,275
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                (5,385,751)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                          2,180,251
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                    (21,038,445)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                      6,704,225
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (4,593,053)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        2,158,925
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              3,567,158
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       239,846,033
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.52
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .88
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                            .56
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.87)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              15.09
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .65
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S
ANNUAL REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 026
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS GLOBAL INCOME FUND-SVCE
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             MAR-12-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      240,614,266
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     244,840,234
<RECEIVABLES>                               21,136,843
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                  67,675
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                                 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             266,044,752
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    20,519,286
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                   13,388,466
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         33,907,752
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   217,234,970
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                            9,985
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                   16,021,332
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                     (776,512)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     (342,790)
<NET-ASSETS>                               232,137,000
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                           15,271,687
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                             (2,526,455)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     12,745,232
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                    13,556,278
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (3,996,894)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       22,304,616
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (5,785)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        399,488
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  (262,579)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                              5,784
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                    (21,038,445)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                      6,704,225
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (4,593,053)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        2,158,925
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              3,567,158
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       239,846,033
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.69
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .53
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                            .39
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.52)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              15.09
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.15
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S
ANNUAL REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 031
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND-CLASS A
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      499,416,217
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     502,491,257
<RECEIVABLES>                                8,608,234
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 144,366
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                         1,002,701
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             512,246,558
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    2,203,661
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          2,203,661
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   559,794,391
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                        4,390,774
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                        1,091,335
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                     (3,387,447)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                  (49,005,224)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     2,641,177
<NET-ASSETS>                               510,042,897
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                           37,092,868
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                             (2,886,338)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     34,206,530
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        76,946
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    3,259,059
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       37,542,535
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  (1,858,740)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     74,855,744
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>               (44,283,044)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                          1,918,232
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                   (117,625,981)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                    (3,441,783)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                (49,082,170)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        2,293,118
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              3,160,005
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       573,279,540
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.83
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .566
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .050
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.556)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.88
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .74
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S
ANNUAL REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 033
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND-INST
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      499,416,217
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     502,491,257
<RECEIVABLES>                                8,608,234
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 144,366
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                         1,002,701
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             512,246,558
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    2,203,661
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          2,203,661
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   559,794,391
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                       46,911,214
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                       62,407,407
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                     (3,387,447)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                  (49,005,224)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     2,641,177
<NET-ASSETS>                               510,042,897
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                           37,092,868
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                             (2,886,338)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     34,206,530
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        76,946
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    3,259,059
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       37,542,535
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                 (32,067,893)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                    321,007,102
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>              (491,883,845)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                         18,045,430
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                   (117,625,981)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                    (3,441,783)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                (49,082,170)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        2,293,118
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              3,160,005
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       573,279,540
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.83
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .591
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .049
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.591)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.88
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .49
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S
ANNUAL REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 035
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND-ADMIN
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      499,416,217
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     502,491,257
<RECEIVABLES>                                8,608,234
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 144,366
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                         1,002,701
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             512,246,558
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    2,203,661
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          2,203,661
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   559,794,391
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          282,644
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                          385,738
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                     (3,387,447)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                  (49,005,224)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     2,641,177
<NET-ASSETS>                               510,042,897
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                           37,092,868
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                             (2,886,338)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     34,206,530
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        76,946
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    3,259,059
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       37,542,535
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                    (222,274)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      2,063,528
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                (3,190,328)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                            104,909
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                   (117,625,981)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                    (3,441,783)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                (49,082,170)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        2,293,118
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              3,160,005
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       573,279,540
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.83
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .567
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .050
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.330)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.88
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .74
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S
ANNUAL REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 036
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS ADJUSTABLE RATE GOVERNMENT FUND-SVCE
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             MAR-27-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      499,416,217
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     502,491,257
<RECEIVABLES>                                8,608,234
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 144,366
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                         1,002,701
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             512,246,558
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                             0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    2,203,661
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          2,203,661
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   559,794,391
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           35,020
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                     (3,387,447)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                  (49,005,224)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     2,641,177
<NET-ASSETS>                               510,042,897
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                           37,092,868
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                             (2,886,338)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                     34,206,530
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                        76,946
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    3,259,059
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                       37,542,535
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (3,287)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        474,470
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  (130,485)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                              1,965
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                   (117,625,981)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                    (3,441,783)
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                (49,082,170)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                        2,293,118
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              3,160,005
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       573,279,540
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.84
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .330
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .040
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.566)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.88
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.05
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 043
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND-INST
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       35,077,329
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      35,457,368
<RECEIVABLES>                                  556,336
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 106,594
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           100,138
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              36,220,436
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                     1,029,971
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      110,600
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          1,140,571
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    38,514,053
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                        2,860,956
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                        3,494,408
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      110,881
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                   (3,925,108)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                       380,039
<NET-ASSETS>                                35,079,865
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            1,667,490
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (172,381)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      1,495,109
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       214,761
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      177,615
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        1,887,485
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  (1,407,585)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     18,992,030
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>               (26,425,414)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                          1,152,524
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       (476,787)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         90,133
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (4,139,869)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          144,157
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                457,073
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        36,039,280
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.96
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .418
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .109
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.417)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              10.07
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .45
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 045
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND-ADMIN
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       35,077,329
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      35,457,368
<RECEIVABLES>                                  556,336
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 106,594
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           100,138
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              36,220,436
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                     1,029,971
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      110,600
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          1,140,571
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    38,514,053
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                            7,675
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                            4,845
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      110,881
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                   (3,925,108)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                       380,039
<NET-ASSETS>                                35,079,865
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            1,667,490
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (172,381)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      1,495,109
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       214,761
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      177,615
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        1,887,485
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (3,501)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        336,065
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  (312,126)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                              2,813
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       (476,787)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         90,133
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (4,139,869)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          144,157
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                457,073
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        36,039,280
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.96
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .392
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .110
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.392)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              10.07
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .70
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 046
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND-SVCE
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       35,077,329
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      35,457,368
<RECEIVABLES>                                  556,336
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 106,594
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           100,138
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              36,220,436
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                     1,029,971
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      110,600
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          1,140,571
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    38,514,053
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          203,593
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                           69,696
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      110,881
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                   (3,925,108)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                       380,039
<NET-ASSETS>                                35,079,865
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            1,667,490
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (172,381)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      1,495,109
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       214,761
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      117,615
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        1,887,485
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                     (47,115)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      3,741,754
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                (2,443,102)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                             41,937
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       (476,787)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         90,133
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (4,139,869)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          144,157
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                457,073
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        36,039,280
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.97
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .368
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .100
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.368)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              10.07
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .95
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 041
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND-CLASS A
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             MAY-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       35,077,329
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      35,457,368
<RECEIVABLES>                                  556,336
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 106,594
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           100,138
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              36,220,436
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                     1,029,971
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      110,600
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          1,140,571
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    38,514,053
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          398,986
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      110,881
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                   (3,925,108)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                       380,039
<NET-ASSETS>                                35,079,865
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            1,667,490
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (172,381)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      1,495,109
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       214,761
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      177,615
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        1,887,485
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                     (36,026)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      4,950,140
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  (977,758)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                             34,811
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       (476,787)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         90,133
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (4,139,869)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          144,157
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                457,073
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        36,039,280
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.94
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .195
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .140
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.195)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              10.08
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .70
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 042
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND-CLASS B
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             MAY-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       35,077,329
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      35,457,368
<RECEIVABLES>                                  556,336
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 106,594
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           100,138
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              36,220,436
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                     1,029,971
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      110,600
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          1,140,571
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    38,514,053
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           10,529
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      110,881
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                   (3,925,108)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                       380,039
<NET-ASSETS>                                35,079,865
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            1,667,490
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (172,381)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      1,495,109
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       214,761
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      177,615
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        1,887,485
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                        (864)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        119,768
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                   (15,000)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                861
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       (476,787)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         90,133
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (4,139,869)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          144,157
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                457,073
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        36,039,280
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.94
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .166
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .137
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.163)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              10.08
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.30
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 047
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS SHORT DURATION TAX-FREE FUND-CLASS C
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-15-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       35,077,329
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      35,457,368
<RECEIVABLES>                                  556,336
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 106,594
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           100,138
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              36,220,436
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                     1,029,971
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      110,600
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          1,140,571
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    38,514,053
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              160
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      110,881
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                              0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                   (3,925,108)
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                       380,039
<NET-ASSETS>                                35,079,865
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            1,667,490
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (172,381)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      1,495,109
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       214,761
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                      177,615
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        1,887,485
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                         (18)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                         21,604
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                   (20,080)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                 10
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                       (476,787)
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         90,133
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (4,139,869)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          144,157
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                457,073
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        36,039,280
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            10.04
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .067
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .030
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.067)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              10.07
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.45
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 071
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND-CLASS A
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       96,668,634
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      98,123,674
<RECEIVABLES>                                9,791,670
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 188,250
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                            41,484
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             108,145,078
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    27,847,701
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      305,543
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         28,153,244
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    78,059,005
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                        4,717,984
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                        2,131,467
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      134,310
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        284,661
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     1,513,858
<NET-ASSETS>                                79,991,834
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            3,706,833
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (297,036)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      3,409,797
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       489,671
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,362,656
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        5,262,124
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  (3,152,235)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                     (157,471)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     57,488,835
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>               (23,201,046)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                          2,446,417
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      49,154,412
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         53,331
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                      105,443
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          350,034
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              1,003,096
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        53,867,163
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.36
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .91
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                            .29
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.90)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                        (.07)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              14.59
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .50
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 072
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND-CLASS B
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       96,668,634
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      98,123,674
<RECEIVABLES>                                9,791,670
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 188,250
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                            41,484
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             108,145,078
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    27,847,701
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      305,543
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         28,153,244
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    78,059,005
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          550,353
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                           16,317
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      134,310
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        284,661
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     1,513,858
<NET-ASSETS>                                79,991,834
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            3,706,833
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (297,036)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      3,409,797
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       489,671
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,362,656
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        5,262,124
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                    (186,284)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                       (1,780)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      8,785,642
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                (1,388,822)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                            159,730
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      49,154,412
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         53,331
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                      105,443
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          350,034
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              1,003,096
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        53,867,163
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.37
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .80
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                            .30
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.79)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                        (.07)
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              14.61
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.25
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 077
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND-CLASS C
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-15-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       96,668,634
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      98,123,674
<RECEIVABLES>                                9,791,670
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 188,250
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                            41,484
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             108,145,078
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    27,847,701
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      305,543
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         28,153,244
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    78,059,005
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           81,888
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      134,310
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        284,661
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     1,513,858
<NET-ASSETS>                                79,991,834
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            3,706,833
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (297,036)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      3,409,797
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       489,671
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,362,656
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        5,262,124
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (5,823)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      1,365,823
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  (188,940)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                              5,517
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      49,154,412
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         53,331
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                      105,443
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          350,034
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              1,003,096
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        53,867,163
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.38
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .17
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                            .22
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.17)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              14.60
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.25
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 073
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND-INST
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-15-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       96,668,634
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      98,123,674
<RECEIVABLES>                                9,791,670
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 188,250
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                            41,484
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             108,145,078
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    27,847,701
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      305,543
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         28,153,244
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    78,059,005
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          129,772
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      134,310
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        284,661
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     1,513,858
<NET-ASSETS>                                79,991,834
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            3,706,833
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (297,036)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      3,409,797
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       489,671
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,362,656
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        5,262,124
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (2,853)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      1,871,267
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                              2,806
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      49,154,412
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         53,331
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                      105,443
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          350,034
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              1,003,096
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        53,867,163
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.37
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .20
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                            .22
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.20)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              14.59
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .25
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 076
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS GOVERNMENT INCOME FUND-SVCE
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-15-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       96,668,634
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      98,123,674
<RECEIVABLES>                                9,791,670
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 188,250
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                            41,484
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             108,145,078
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    27,847,701
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      305,543
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         28,153,244
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    78,059,005
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              105
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                      134,310
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        284,661
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     1,513,858
<NET-ASSETS>                                79,991,834
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            3,706,833
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (297,036)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      3,409,797
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       489,671
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,362,656
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        5,262,124
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                         (20)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                          1,506
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                 19
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      49,154,412
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         53,331
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                      105,443
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          350,034
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                              1,003,096
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        53,867,163
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.37
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .20
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                            .21
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.19)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              14.59
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .50
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 081
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND-CLASS A
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       65,218,455
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      67,634,430
<RECEIVABLES>                                1,268,288
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 153,755
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           105,892
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              69,162,365
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                     1,972,669
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      403,345
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          2,376,014
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    64,172,166
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                        4,305,257
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                        3,637,437
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       69,879
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        104,706
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     2,439,600
<NET-ASSETS>                                66,786,351
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            3,181,789
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (504,508)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      2,677,281
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                     1,129,596
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,448,471
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        5,255,348
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  (2,651,023)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     19,055,213
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>               (10,871,802)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                          1,579,312
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      14,263,951
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         60,331
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (1,024,890)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          320,868
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                948,104
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        58,402,761
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.37
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .67
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                            .62
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.67)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              14.99
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .85
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 082
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND-CLASS B
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       65,218,455
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      67,634,430
<RECEIVABLES>                                1,268,288
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 153,755
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           105,892
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              69,162,365
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                     1,972,669
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      403,345
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          2,376,014
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    64,172,166
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          116,684
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                           17,778
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       69,879
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        104,706
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     2,439,600
<NET-ASSETS>                                66,786,351
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            3,181,789
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (504,508)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      2,677,281
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                     1,129,596
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,448,471
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        5,255,348
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                     (74,972)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      1,702,581
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  (273,177)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                             18,970
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      14,263,951
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         60,331
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (1,024,890)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          320,868
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                948,104
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        58,402,761
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.37
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .56
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                            .63
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.56)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              15.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.60
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SHCEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 087
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND-CLASS C
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-15-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       65,218,455
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      67,634,430
<RECEIVABLES>                                1,268,288
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 153,755
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           105,892
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              69,162,365
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                     1,972,669
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      403,345
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          2,376,014
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    64,172,166
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                            8,681
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       69,879
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        104,706
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     2,439,600
<NET-ASSETS>                                66,786,351
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            3,181,789
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (504,508)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      2,677,281
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                     1,129,596
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,448,471
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        5,255,348
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (2,823)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        132,078
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    (2,500)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                176
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      14,263,951
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         60,331
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (1,024,890)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          320,868
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                948,104
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        58,402,761
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.85
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .12
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                            .14
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.12)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              14.99
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.60
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 083
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND-INST
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-15-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       65,218,455
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      67,634,430
<RECEIVABLES>                                1,268,288
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 153,755
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           105,892
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              69,162,365
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                     1,972,669
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      403,345
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          2,376,014
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    64,172,166
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           23,435
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       69,879
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        104,706
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     2,439,600
<NET-ASSETS>                                66,786,351
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            3,181,789
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (504,508)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      2,677,281
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                     1,129,596
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,448,471
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        5,255,348
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  (3,332,259)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        351,500
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                 15
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      14,263,951
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         60,331
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (1,024,890)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          320,868
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                948,104
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        58,402,761
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14.84
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .15
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                            .16
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.15)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              15.00
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .60
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 086
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS MUNICIPAL INCOME FUND-SVCE
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-15-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                       65,218,455
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                      67,634,430
<RECEIVABLES>                                1,268,288
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 153,755
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           105,892
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                              69,162,365
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                     1,972,669
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                      403,345
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                          2,376,014
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    64,172,166
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              102
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       69,879
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        104,706
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     2,439,600
<NET-ASSETS>                                66,786,351
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            3,181,789
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (504,508)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      2,677,281
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                     1,129,596
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,448,471
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        5,255,348
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (5,785)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                          1,501
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                 14
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      14,263,951
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         60,331
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                 (1,024,890)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          320,868
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                948,104
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        58,402,761
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            14,84
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .14
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                            .15
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.14)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              14.99
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.10
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 093
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FUND-INST
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      116,557,272
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     118,834,128
<RECEIVABLES>                               15,375,124
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 106,187
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           101,219
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             134,416,658
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    32,185,322
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    4,728,455
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         36,913,777
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    94,565,068
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                        7,858,088
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                        7,312,322
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       91,922
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        475,825
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     2,370,066
<NET-ASSETS>                                97,502,881
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            5,835,747
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (408,108)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      5,427,639
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       732,174
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,440,455
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        7,600,268
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  (4,853,239)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     11,325,306
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>               (10,391,058)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                          4,441,709
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      24,358,462
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         33,551
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                   (240,632)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          334,580
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                723,888
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        83,645,088
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.85
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .643
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .228
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.641)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              10.08
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .45
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 095
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FUND-ADMIN
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      116,557,272
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     118,834,128
<RECEIVABLES>                               15,375,124
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 106,187
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           101,219
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             134,416,658
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    32,185,322
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    4,728,455
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         36,913,777
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    94,565,068
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          612,842
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                           71,240
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       91,922
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        475,825
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     2,370,066
<NET-ASSETS>                                97,502,881
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            5,835,747
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (408,108)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      5,427,639
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       732,174
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,440,455
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        7,600,268
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                    (365,897)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     13,474,489
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                (8,441,000)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                            189,462
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      24,358,462
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         33,551
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                   (240,632)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          334,580
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                723,888
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        83,645,088
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.84
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .618
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .238
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                              .616
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              10.07
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .70
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 096
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FUND-SVCE
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             NOV-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      116,557,272
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     118,834,128
<RECEIVABLES>                               15,375,124
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 106,187
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           101,219
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             134,416,658
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    32,185,322
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    4,728,455
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         36,913,777
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    94,565,068
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          185,166
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                           38,782
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       91,922
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        475,825
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     2,370,066
<NET-ASSETS>                                97,502,881
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            5,835,747
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (408,108)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      5,427,639
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       732,174
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,440,455
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        7,600,268
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                     (74,035)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      2,016,094
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  (648,610)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                             73,981
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      24,358,462
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         33,551
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                   (240,632)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          334,580
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                723,888
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        83,645,088
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.86
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .594
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .228
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.592)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              10.09
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .95
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 091
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FUND-CLASS A
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             MAY-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      116,557,272
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     118,834,128
<RECEIVABLES>                               15,375,124
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 106,187
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           101,219
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             134,416,658
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    32,185,322
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    4,728,455
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         36,913,777
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    94,565,068
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          927,888
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       91,922
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        475,825
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     2,370,066
<NET-ASSETS>                                97,502,881
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            5,835,747
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (408,108)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      5,427,639
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       732,174
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,440,455
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        7,600,268
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                    (107,876)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     11,020,182
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                (1,876,109)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                            102,270
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      24,358,462
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         33,551
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                   (240,632)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          334,580
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                723,888
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        83,645,088
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.70
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .306
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .359
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.305)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              10.06
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                    .70
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 092
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FUND-CLASS B
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             MAY-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      116,557,272
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     118,834,128
<RECEIVABLES>                               15,375,124
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 106,187
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           101,219
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             134,416,658
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    32,185,322
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    4,728,455
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         36,913,777
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    94,565,068
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           61,503
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       91,922
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        475,825
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     2,370,066
<NET-ASSETS>                                97,502,881
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            5,835,747
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (408,108)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      5,427,639
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       732,174
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,440,455
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        7,600,268
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                      (7,255)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        712,089
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                  (107,884)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                              6,353
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      24,358,462
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         33,551
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                   (240,632)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          334,580
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                723,888
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        83,645,088
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.72
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .269
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .369
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.267)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              10.09
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.45
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 097
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS CORE FIXED INCOME FUND-CLASS C
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-15-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      116,557,272
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     118,834,128
<RECEIVABLES>                               15,375,124
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 106,187
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           101,219
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             134,416,658
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    32,185,322
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    4,728,455
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         36,913,777
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                    94,565,068
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                           27,004
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                       91,922
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                               0
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        475,825
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                     2,370,066
<NET-ASSETS>                                97,502,881
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            5,835,747
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (408,108)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      5,427,639
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       732,174
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                    1,440,455
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        7,600,268
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                        (778)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                        281,946
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                   (12,024)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                 78
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                      24,358,462
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                         33,551
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                   (240,632)
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          334,580
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                723,888
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                        83,645,088
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.93
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                   .112
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                           .159
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                            (.111)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                              10.09
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.45
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 101
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND-CLASS A
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      332,031,332
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     331,665,377
<RECEIVABLES>                               23,984,365
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 146,170
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           127,527
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             355,923,439
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    15,735,687
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    2,173,496
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         17,909,183
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   338,613,072
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                       32,686,166
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                       (131,443)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        935,823
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                   (1,403,196)
<NET-ASSETS>                               338,014,256
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            5,023,956
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (609,052)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      4,414,904
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       994,113
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (1,403,196)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        4,005,821
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                  (4,503,563)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                    332,722,875
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                (9,674,791)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                          3,381,418
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                     338,613,072
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          438,819
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                993,439
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       248,709,311
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            10.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .17
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          (.02)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.17)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.97
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.50
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 102
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND-CLASS B
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      332,031,332
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     331,665,377
<RECEIVABLES>                               23,984,365
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 146,170
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           127,527
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             355,923,439
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    15,735,687
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    2,173,496
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         17,909,183
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   338,613,072
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                        1,033,828
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                       (131,443)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        935,823
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                   (1,403,196)
<NET-ASSETS>                               338,014,256
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            5,023,956
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (609,052)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      4,414,904
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       994,113
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (1,403,196)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        4,005,821
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                     (89,422)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                     10,350,661
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                   (27,285)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                             49,476
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                     338,613,072
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          438,819
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                993,439
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       248,709,311
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            10.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .15
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          (.02)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.15)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.97
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.31
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 107
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND-CLASS C
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-15-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      332,031,332
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     331,665,377
<RECEIVABLES>                               23,984,365
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 146,170
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           127,527
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             355,923,439
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    15,735,687
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    2,173,496
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         17,909,183
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   338,613,072
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                          179,625
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                       (131,443)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        935,823
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                   (1,403,196)
<NET-ASSETS>                               338,014,256
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            5,023,956
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (607,052)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      4,414,904
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       994,113
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (1,403,196)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        4,005,821
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                     (11,597)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                      1,804,260
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                    (4,940)
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                              8,342
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                     338,613,072
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          438,819
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                993,439
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       248,709,311
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                             9.97
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .14
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                            .01
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.14)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.97
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.46
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 103
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND-INST
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      332,031,332
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     331,665,377
<RECEIVABLES>                               23,984,365
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 146,170
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           127,527
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             355,923,439
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    15,735,687
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    2,173,496
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         17,909,183
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   338,613,072
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              153
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                       (131,443)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        935,823
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                   (1,403,196)
<NET-ASSETS>                               338,014,256
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            5,023,956
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (609,052)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      4,414,904
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       994,113
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (1,403,196)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        4,005,821
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                         (28)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                          1,501
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                 28
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                     338,613,072
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          438,819
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                993,439
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       248,709,311
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            10.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .18
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          (.02)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.18)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.97
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.58
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TRUST'S ANNUAL
REPORT ON BEHALF OF THE FIXED INCOME FUNDS DATED OCTOBER 31, 1997 AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY TO BE REFERENCE TO SUCH STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<SERIES>
   <NUMBER> 106
   <NAME> GOLDMAN SACHS HIGH YIELD FUND-SVCE
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          OCT-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                             AUG-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               OCT-31-1997
<INVESTMENTS-AT-COST>                      332,031,332
<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE>                     331,665,377
<RECEIVABLES>                               23,984,365
<ASSETS-OTHER>                                 146,170
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS>                           127,527
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             355,923,439
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES>                    15,735,687
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT>                              0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES>                    2,173,496
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES>                         17,909,183
<SENIOR-EQUITY>                                      0
<PAID-IN-CAPITAL-COMMON>                   338,613,072
<SHARES-COMMON-STOCK>                              153
<SHARES-COMMON-PRIOR>                                0
<ACCUMULATED-NII-CURRENT>                            0
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-NII>                       (131,443)
<ACCUMULATED-NET-GAINS>                        935,823
<OVERDISTRIBUTION-GAINS>                             0
<ACCUM-APPREC-OR-DEPREC>                   (1,403,196)
<NET-ASSETS>                               338,014,256
<DIVIDEND-INCOME>                                    0
<INTEREST-INCOME>                            5,023,956
<OTHER-INCOME>                                       0
<EXPENSES-NET>                               (609,052)
<NET-INVESTMENT-INCOME>                      4,414,904
<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT>                       994,113
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT>                  (1,403,196)
<NET-CHANGE-FROM-OPS>                        4,005,821
<EQUALIZATION>                                       0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-INCOME>                         (27)
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS>                             0
<DISTRIBUTIONS-OTHER>                                0
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-SOLD>                          1,517
<NUMBER-OF-SHARES-REDEEMED>                          0
<SHARES-REINVESTED>                                 10
<NET-CHANGE-IN-ASSETS>                     338,613,072
<ACCUMULATED-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<ACCUMULATED-GAINS-PRIOR>                            0
<OVERDISTRIB-NII-PRIOR>                              0
<OVERDIST-NET-GAINS-PRIOR>                           0
<GROSS-ADVISORY-FEES>                          438,819
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                   0
<GROSS-EXPENSE>                                993,439
<AVERAGE-NET-ASSETS>                       248,709,311
<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN>                            10.00
<PER-SHARE-NII>                                    .17
<PER-SHARE-GAIN-APPREC>                          (.02)
<PER-SHARE-DIVIDEND>                             (.17)
<PER-SHARE-DISTRIBUTIONS>                            0
<RETURNS-OF-CAPITAL>                                 0
<PER-SHARE-NAV-END>                               9.97
<EXPENSE-RATIO>                                   1.46
<AVG-DEBT-OUTSTANDING>                               0
<AVG-DEBT-PER-SHARE>                                 0
        


</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      Exhibit 11


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report 
for Goldman Sachs Trust on behalf of the Fixed Income Funds dated December 12, 
1997 (and to all references to our firm) included in or made a part of 
Post-Effective Amendment No. 42 and Amendment No. 44 to Registration Statement 
File Nos. 33-17619 and 811-5349, respectively.






                                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Boston, Massachusetts
February 20, 1998



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