Filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on February 29, 2000
File No. 33-22059
File No. 811-5565
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
FORM N-1A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 /___/
Pre-Effective Amendment No.
---- /___/
Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 / X /
----
And/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE
INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940 /___/
Amendment No. 18 / X /
----
Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc.
--------------------------
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154
-----------------------------------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (617) 295-2572
--------------
John Millette
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110
-----------------------------------------
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
/___/ Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
/___/ 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) (1)
/___/ 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a) (2)
/ X / On March 1, 2000 pursuant to paragraph (b)
/___/ On __________________ pursuant to paragraph (a) (1)
/___/ On __________________ pursuant to paragraph (a) (2) of Rule 485.
If Appropriate, check the following box:
/___/ This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.
<PAGE>
SCUDDER
INVESTMENTS(SM)
[LOGO]
- -----------------
SPECIALTY
- -----------------
Scudder Gold Fund
Fund #019
Prospectus
March 1, 2000
As with all mutual funds, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) does not
approve or disapprove these shares or determine whether the information in this
prospectus is truthful or complete. It is a criminal offense for anyone to
inform you otherwise.
<PAGE>
Scudder Gold Fund
How the fund works
2 Investment Approach
3 Main Risks To Investors
5 The Fund's Track Record
6 How Much Investors Pay
7 Other Policies and Risks
8 Who Manages and Oversees the Fund
10 Financial Highlights
How to invest in the fund
12 How to Buy Shares
13 How to Exchange or Sell Shares
14 Policies You Should Know About
19 Understanding Distributions and Taxes
<PAGE>
How the fund works
On the next few pages, you'll find information about this fund's investment
goal, the main strategies it uses to pursue that goal and the main risks that
could affect its performance.
Whether you are considering investing in the fund or are already a shareholder,
you'll probably want to look this information over carefully. You may want to
keep it on hand for reference as well.
Remember that mutual funds are investments, not bank deposits. They're not
insured or guaranteed by the FDIC or any other government agency. Their share
prices will go up and down, so be aware that you could lose money.
You can access all Scudder fund prospectuses online at: www.scudder.com
<PAGE>
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ticker symbol | SCGDX fund number | 019
Scudder Gold Fund
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Investment Approach
The fund seeks maximum return (principal change and income) by investing at
least 65% of total assets in common stocks and other equities of U.S. and
foreign gold-related companies and in gold coin and bullion. These companies may
be involved in any of several gold-related activities, such as gold exploration,
mining, fabrication, processing and distribution. At all times, the fund invests
at least 25% of total assets in securities related to gold and other precious
metals and directly in gold and precious metals.
In deciding which types of investments to buy and sell, the portfolio managers
first consider the relative attractiveness of gold compared to stocks and decide
on allocations for each. Their decisions are generally based on a number of
factors, including changes in supply and demand for gold and broad economic
projections.
In choosing individual securities, the portfolio managers use a combination of
two analytical disciplines:
Bottom-up research. The managers look for companies with strong management and
highly marketable securities. They also consider the ore quality of metals mined
by a company, its fabrication techniques and costs and its unmined reserves,
among other factors.
Growth orientation. The managers prefer companies that offer the potential for
sustainable above-average revenues or earnings growth and whose market value
appears reasonable in light of their business prospects.
The fund will normally sell a stock when it reaches a target price or when its
fundamental factors have changed.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
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OTHER INVESTMENTS
The fund may invest up to 35% of total assets in:
o stocks or high-quality debt securities of companies in precious metals
and minerals operations,
o precious metals other than gold and
o debt securities whose return is linked to precious metals prices.
Although the fund is permitted to use various types of derivatives (contracts
whose value is based on, for example, indices, commodities, currencies or
securities), the managers don't intend to use them as principal investments.
While most of the fund's equities are common stocks, some may be other types of
equities, such as convertible securities and preferred stocks.
2
<PAGE>
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[ICON] This fund may be appropriate for investors who want exposure
to all areas of the gold market and understand the risks
connected with it.
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Main Risks to Investors
There are several risk factors that could hurt the fund's performance, cause you
to lose money or make the fund perform less well than other investments.
The most important factor with this fund is gold prices. When gold prices fall,
you should expect the value of your investment to fall as well. Gold prices can
be influenced by a variety of economic, financial and political factors,
especially inflation: when inflation is low or expected to fall, gold prices
tend to be weak.
Because a stock represents ownership in its issuer, stock prices can be hurt by
poor management, shrinking product demand and other business risks. These may
affect single companies as well as groups of companies. Prices of gold-related
stocks may move up and down rapidly, and have historically offered lower
long-term performance than the stock market as a whole. Foreign stocks tend to
be more volatile than their U.S. counterparts, for reasons such as political and
economic uncertainty. These risks tend to be greater in emerging markets, so to
the extent that the fund invests in emerging markets, it takes on greater risks.
The fund concentrates in gold and other precious metals-related securities and
is not diversified. As a result, the fund can invest a larger percentage of
assets in a given stock than a diversified fund and may be subject to greater
volatility than a diversified fund.
Another risk factor is currency exchange rates. When the dollar value of a
foreign currency falls, so does the value of any investments the fund owns that
are denominated in that currency. This is separate from market risk and may add
to market losses or reduce market gains.
3
<PAGE>
Other factors that could affect performance include:
o the managers could be wrong in their analysis of companies, industries,
economic trends or other matters
o a company's exploration or extraction operations could prove
unprofitable
o derivatives could produce disproportionate losses
o at times, it could be hard to value some investments or to get an
attractive price for them
4
<PAGE>
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[ICON] While a fund's past performance isn't necessarily a sign of
how it will do in the future, it can be valuable for an
investor to know. This page looks at fund performance two
different ways: year by year and over time.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Fund's Track Record
The bar chart shows how fund returns have varied from year to year, which may
give some idea of risk. The table shows how the fund's returns over different
periods average out. For context, the table also includes a broad-based market
index (which, unlike the fund, does not have any fees or expenses). All figures
on this page assume reinvestment of dividends and distributions.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31 of each year
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
THE ORIGINAL DOCUMENT CONTAINS A BAR CHART HERE
BAR CHART DATA:
'90 -16.67
'91 -6.93
'92 -9.04
'93 59.47
'94 -7.46
'95 13.17
'96 32.11
'97 -40.84
'98 -16.71
'99 9.06
Best Quarter: 36.51%, Q1 1996 Worst Quarter: -25.50%, Q4 1997
---------------------------------------------------------------
Average Annual Total Returns (%) as of 12/31/1999
---------------------------------------------------------------
1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
---------------------------------------------------------------
Fund 9.06% -4.28% -1.77%
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Index 2.67 -49.07 -30.16
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Index: The Salomon Smith Barney Global Gold Index includes 50 companies in 5
countries. To be included, companies must derive over half of their sales from
gold-related activities. The Index is constructed to include all companies with
an available market capitalization greater than the local currency equivalent of
U.S. $100 million on the last business day of May each year.
Total returns for 1990 through 1992 would have been lower if operating expenses
hadn't been reduced.
5
<PAGE>
How Much Investors Pay
This fund has no sales charge or other shareholder fees. The fund does have
annual operating expenses and as a shareholder you pay them indirectly.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Fee Table
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholder Fees (paid directly from your investment) None
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Annual Operating Expenses (deducted from fund assets)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Management Fee 1.00%
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Distribution (12b-1) Fee None
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Other Expenses* 1.01%
-------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Total Annual Operating Expenses 2.01%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
* Includes costs of shareholder servicing, custody, accounting services
and similar expenses, which may vary with fund size and other factors.
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Expense Example
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Based on the costs above, this example is designed to help you compare this
fund's expenses to those of other funds. The example assumes the expenses above
remain the same and that you invested $10,000, earned 5% annual returns,
reinvested all dividends and distributions and sold your shares at the end of
each period. This is only an example; your actual expenses will be different.
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
$204 $630 $1,083 $2,338
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
6
<PAGE>
Other Policies and Risks
While the sections on the previous pages describe the main points of the fund's
strategy and risks, there are a few other issues to know about:
o Although major changes tend to be infrequent, the fund's Board could change
the fund's investment goal without seeking shareholder approval.
o As a temporary defensive measure, the fund could shift up to 100% of its
assets into investments such as money market securities. This could prevent
losses, but would mean that the fund was not pursuing its objective.
THE FOLLOWING SIDEBAR TEXT APPEARS NEXT TO THE PRECEDING PARAGRAPHS.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FOR MORE INFORMATION
This prospectus doesn't tell you about every policy or risk of investing in the
fund.
If you want more information on the fund's allowable securities and investment
practices and the characteristics and risks of each one, you may want to request
a copy of the Statement of Additional Information (the back cover tells you how
to do this).
Keep in mind that there is no assurance that any mutual fund will achieve its
goal.
7
<PAGE>
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[ICON] Scudder Kemper, the company with overall responsibility for
managing the fund, takes a team approach to asset management.
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Who Manages and Oversees the Fund
The investment adviser
The fund's investment adviser is Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., 345 Park
Avenue, New York, NY. Scudder Kemper has more than 80 years of experience
managing mutual funds, and currently has more than $290 billion in assets under
management.
The fund is managed by a team of investment professionals, who individually
represent different areas of expertise and who together develop investment
strategies and make buy and sell decisions. Supporting the fund managers are
Scudder Kemper's many economists, research analysts, traders and other
investment specialists, located in offices across the United States and around
the world.
As payment for serving as investment adviser, Scudder Kemper receives a
management fee from the fund. For the most recent fiscal year, the actual amount
the fund paid in management fees was 1.00% of average daily net assets.
The portfolio managers
The following people handle the day-to-day management of the fund.
Joann M. Barry Robert D. Hardiman
Lead Portfolio Manager o Began investment career
o Began investment career in 1973
in 1988 o Joined the adviser in 1999
o Joined the adviser in 1995 o Joined the fund team
o Joined the fund team in 1999
in 1999
8
<PAGE>
The Board
A mutual fund's Board is responsible for the general oversight of the fund's
business. The majority of the Board is not affiliated with Scudder Kemper. The
independent members have primary responsibility for assuring that the fund is
managed in the best interests of its shareholders. The following people comprise
the fund's Board.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Directors Honorary Directors
<S> <C>
Sheryle J. Bolton Thomas J. Devine
o Chief Executive Officer, Scientific o Consultant
Learning Corporation
Robert G. Stone, Jr.
William T. Burgin o Chairman Emeritus and Director,
o General Partner, Bessemer Venture Kirby Corporation
Partners
Paul Bancroft, III
Keith R. Fox o Venture Capitalist and Consultant
o Private equity investor
William H. Luers
o Chairman and President,
U.N. Association of America
Kathryn L. Quirk
o Managing Director, Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc.
o Vice President and Assistant Secretary
of the fund
Joan E. Spero
o President, Doris Duke Charitable
Foundation
</TABLE>
9
<PAGE>
Financial Highlights
This table is designed to help you understand the fund's financial performance
in recent years. The figures in the first part of each table are for a single
share. The total return figures represent the percentage that an investor in the
fund would have earned (or lost), assuming all dividends and distributions were
reinvested. This information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
whose report, along with the fund's financial statements, is included in the
annual report (see "Shareholder reports" on the back cover). Scudder Gold Fund
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years ended October 31, 1999 1998(b) 1998(c) 1997(c) 1996(c) 1995(c)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net asset value, beginning of
period $6.37 $6.65 $10.49 $15.34 $12.86 $12.64
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) from investment operations:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (a) .00 .00 .00 (.08) (.09) (.08)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net realized and unrealized
gain (loss) on investment
transactions .36 (.28) (3.70) (2.12) 4.28 1.02
------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total from investment
operations .36 (.28) (3.70) (2.20) 4.19 .94
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions:
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In excess of net investment
income -- -- (.14) (2.39) (1.08) (.25)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From net realized gains on
investment transactions -- -- -- (.26) (.63) (.47)
------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total distributions -- -- (.14) (2.65) (1.71) (.72)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $6.73 $6.37 $6.65 $10.49 $15.34 $12.86
------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Return (%) 5.65 -4.21** -35.45 -17.72 36.91 7.50
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratios and Supplemental Data
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period
($ millions) 116 130 132 164 173 126
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of operating expenses to
average daily net assets (%) 2.01 2.13* 1.82 1.60 1.50 1.65
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ratio of net investment income
(loss) to average daily net
assets (%) .05 (.08)* .04 (.62) (.61) (.69)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate (%) 90.7 153.6* 68.3 38.9 29.7 42.0
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(a) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Four months ended October 31, 1998. On September 15, 1998 the fund's
Board changed the fiscal year end from June 30 to October 31.
(c) Years ended June 30.
* Annualized
** Not annualized
10
<PAGE>
How to invest in the fund
The following pages tell you how to invest in the fund and what to expect as a
shareholder. If you're investing directly with Scudder, all of this information
applies to you.
If you're investing through a "third party provider" -- for example, a workplace
retirement plan, financial supermarket or financial adviser -- your provider may
have its own policies or instructions and you should follow those.
<PAGE>
How to Buy Shares
Use these instructions to invest directly with Scudder. Make out your check to
"The Scudder Funds."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First investment Additional investments
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
$2,500 or more for regular $100 or more for regular
accounts accounts
$1,000 or more for IRAs $50 or more for IRAs
$50 or more with an Automatic
Investment Plan
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By mail or express o Fill out and sign an o Send a check and a Scudder
(see below) application investment slip to us at the
appropriate address below
o Send it to us at the
appropriate address, along o If you don't have an
with an investment check investment slip, simply
include a letter with your
name, account number, the
full name of the fund and
your investment instructions
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By wire o Call 1-800-SCUDDER for o Call 1-800-SCUDDER for
instructions instructions
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By phone -- o Call 1-800-SCUDDER for
instructions
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With an automatic -- o To set up regular investments
investment plan from a bank checking account,
call 1-800-SCUDDER
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Using -- o Call 1-800-SCUDDER
QuickBuy
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ICON] Regular mail:
The Scudder Funds, PO Box 2291, Boston, MA 02107-2291
Express, registered or certified mail:
The Scudder Funds, 66 Brooks Drive, Braintree, MA 02184-3839
Fax number: 1-800-821-6234 (for exchanging and selling only)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12
<PAGE>
How to Exchange or Sell Shares
Use these instructions to exchange or sell shares in an account opened directly
with Scudder.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exchanging into another fund Selling shares
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
$2,500 or more to open a new Some transactions, including
account ($1,000 for IRAs) most for over $100,000, can
only be ordered in writing; if
$100 or more for exchanges you're in doubt, see page 18
between existing accounts
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By phone or wire o Call 1-800-SCUDDER for o Call 1-800-SCUDDER for
instructions instructions
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Using SAIL(TM) o Call 1-800-343-2890 and o Call 1-800-343-2890 and
follow the instructions follow the instructions
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By mail, express Write a letter that includes: Write a letter that includes:
or fax
(see previous o the fund, class and account o the fund, class and account
page) number you're exchanging number from which you want to
out of sell shares
o the dollar amount or number o the dollar amount or number
of shares you want to exchange of shares you want to sell
o the name and class of the o your name(s), signature(s)
fund you want to exchange into and address, as they appear on
your account
o your name(s), signature(s)
and address, as they appear o a daytime telephone number
on your account
o a daytime telephone number
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
With an automatic -- o To set up regular cash
withdrawal plan payments from a Scudder
account, call 1-800-SCUDDER
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Using QuickSell -- o Call 1-800-SCUDDER
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
13
<PAGE>
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[ICON] Questions? You can speak to a Scudder representative between 8
a.m. and 8 p.m. Eastern time on any fund business day by
calling 1-800-SCUDDER.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Policies You Should Know About
Along with the instructions on the previous pages, the policies below may affect
you as a shareholder. Some of this information, such as the section on dividends
and taxes, applies to all investors, including those investing through
investment providers.
If you are investing through an investment provider, check the materials you got
from them. As a general rule, you should follow the information in those
materials wherever it contradicts the information given here. Please note that
an investment provider may charge its own fees.
Policies about transactions
The fund is open for business each day the New York Stock Exchange is open. The
fund calculates its share price every business day, as of the close of regular
trading on the Exchange (typically 4 p.m. Eastern time, but sometimes earlier,
as in the case of scheduled half-day trading or unscheduled suspensions of
trading).
You can place an order to buy or sell shares at any time. Once your order is
received by Scudder Service Corporation, and they have determined that it is a
"good order," it will be processed at the next share price calculated.
Because orders placed through investment providers must be forwarded to Scudder
Service Corporation before they can be processed, you'll need to allow extra
time. A representative of your investment provider should be able to tell you
when your order will be processed.
14
<PAGE>
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[ICON] The Scudder Web site can be a valuable resource for
shareholders with Internet access. Go to www.scudder.com to
get up-to-date information, review balances or even place
orders for exchanges.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SAIL(TM), the Scudder Automated Information Line, is available 24 hours a day by
calling 1-800-343-2890. You can use SAIL to get information on Scudder funds
generally and on accounts held directly at Scudder. You can also use it to make
exchanges and sell shares.
QuickBuy and QuickSell let you set up a link between a Scudder account and a
bank account. Once this link is in place, you can move money between the two
with a phone call. You'll need to make sure your bank has Automated Clearing
House (ACH) services. To set up QuickBuy or QuickSell on a new account, see the
account application; to add it to an existing account, call 1-800-SCUDDER.
When you call us to sell shares, we may record the call, ask you for certain
information or take other steps designed to prevent fraudulent orders. It's
important to understand that as long as we take reasonable steps to ensure that
an order appears genuine, we are not responsible for any losses that may occur.
When you ask us to send or receive a wire, please note that while we don't
charge a fee to receive wires, we will deduct a $5 fee from all wires sent from
us to your bank. Your bank may charge its own fees for handling wires. The funds
can only accept wires of $100 or more.
Exchanges among Scudder funds are an option for shareholders who bought their
fund shares directly from Scudder and many other investors as well. Exchanges
are a shareholder privilege, not a right: we may reject any exchange order,
particularly when there appears to be a pattern of "market timing" or other
frequent purchases and sales. We may also reject purchase orders, for these or
other reasons.
15
<PAGE>
When you want to sell more than $100,000 worth of shares, you'll usually need to
place your order in writing and include a signature guarantee. The only
exception is if you want money wired to a bank account that is already on file
with us; in that case, you don't need a signature guarantee. Also, you don't
need a signature guarantee for an exchange, although we may require one in
certain other circumstances.
A signature guarantee is simply a certification of your signature -- a valuable
safeguard against fraud. You can get a signature guarantee from most brokers,
banks, savings institutions and credit unions. Note that you can't get a
signature guarantee from a notary public.
Money from shares you sell is normally sent out within one business day of when
your order is processed (not when it is received), although it could be delayed
for up to seven days. There are also two circumstances when it could be longer:
when you are selling shares you bought recently by check and that check hasn't
cleared yet (maximum delay: 15 days) or when unusual circumstances prompt the
SEC to allow further delays.
16
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ICON] If you ever have difficulty placing an order by phone or fax,
you can always send us your order in writing.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How the fund calculates share price
The price at which you buy shares is the net asset value per share, or NAV. To
calculate NAV, the fund uses the following equation:
TOTAL ASSETS - TOTAL LIABILITIES
------------------------------------ = NAV
TOTAL NUMBER OF SHARES OUTSTANDING
We typically use market prices to value securities. However, when a market price
isn't available, or when we have reason to believe it doesn't represent market
realities, we may use fair value methods approved by the fund's Board. In such a
case, the fund's value for a security is likely to be different from quoted
market prices.
To the extent that the fund invests in securities that are traded primarily in
foreign markets, the value of its holdings could change at a time when you
aren't able to buy or sell fund shares. This is because some foreign markets are
open on days when the fund doesn't price its shares.
17
<PAGE>
Other rights we reserve
You should be aware that we may do any of the following:
o withhold 31% of your distributions as federal income tax if you have
been notified by the IRS that you are subject to backup withholding, or
if you fail to provide us with a correct taxpayer ID number or
certification that you are exempt from backup withholding
o charge you $10 a year if your account balance falls below $2,500, and
close your account and send you the proceeds if your balance falls
below $1,000; in either case, we will give you 60 days' notice so you
can either increase your balance or close your account (these policies
don't apply to retirement accounts, to investors with $100,000 or more
in Scudder fund shares or in any case where a fall in share price
created the low balance)
o reject a new account application if you don't provide a correct Social
Security or other tax ID number; if the account has already been
opened, we may give you 30 days' notice to provide the correct number
o pay you for shares you sell by "redeeming in kind," that is, by giving
you marketable securities (which typically will involve brokerage costs
for you to liquidate) rather than cash; the fund generally won't make a
redemption in kind unless your requests over a 90-day period total more
than $250,000 or 1% of the value of the fund's net assets, whichever is
less
o change, add or withdraw various services, fees and account policies
(for example, we may change or terminate the exchange privilege at any
time)
18
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[ICON] Because each shareholder's tax situation is unique, it's
always a good idea to ask your tax professional about the tax
consequences of your investments, including any state and
local tax consequences.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Understanding Distributions and Taxes
By law, a mutual fund is required to pass through to its shareholders virtually
all of its net earnings. A fund can earn money in two ways: by receiving
interest, dividends or other income from investments it holds, and by selling
investments for more than it paid for them. (A fund's earnings are separate from
any gains or losses stemming from your own purchases and sales of shares.) A
fund may not always pay a distribution for a given period.
The fund intends to pay dividends and distributions to its shareholders in
December, and if necessary may do so at other times as well.
You can choose how to receive your dividends and distributions. You can have
them all automatically reinvested in fund shares or all sent to you by check.
Tell us your preference on your application. If you don't indicate a preference,
your dividends and distributions will all be reinvested. For retirement plans,
reinvestment is the only option.
Buying and selling fund shares will usually have tax consequences for you
(except in an IRA or other tax-advantaged account). Your sales of shares may
result in a capital gain or loss for you; whether long-term or short-term
depends on how long you owned the shares. For tax purposes, an exchange is the
same as a sale.
19
<PAGE>
The tax status of the fund earnings you receive, and your own fund transactions,
generally depends on their type:
Generally taxed at ordinary income rates
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
o short-term capital gains from selling fund shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
o taxable income dividends you receive from the fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
o short-term capital gains distributions you receive from
the fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
Generally taxed at capital gains rates
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
o long-term capital gains from selling fund shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
o long-term capital gains distributions you receive from the
fund
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
The fund will send you detailed tax information every January. These statements
tell you the amount and the tax category of any dividends or distributions you
received. They also have certain details on your purchases and sales of shares.
The tax status of dividends and distributions is the same whether you reinvest
them or not. Dividends or distributions declared in the last quarter of a given
year are taxed in that year, even though you may not receive the money until the
following January.
If you invest right before the fund pays a dividend, you'll be getting some of
your investment back as a taxable dividend. You can avoid this, if you want, by
investing after the fund declares a dividend. In tax-advantaged retirement
accounts you don't need to worry about this.
Corporations may be able to take a dividends-received deduction for a portion of
income dividends they receive.
20
<PAGE>
Notes
<PAGE>
To Get More Information
Shareholder reports -- These include commentary from the fund's management team
about recent market conditions and the effect of the fund's strategies on its
performance. They also have detailed performance figures, a list of everything
the fund owns and the fund's financial statements. Shareholders get these
reports automatically. To reduce costs, we mail one copy per household. For more
copies, call 1-800-SCUDDER.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI) -- This tells you more about the
fund's features and policies, including additional risk information. The SAI is
incorporated by reference into this document (meaning that it's legally part of
this prospectus).
If you'd like to ask for copies of these documents, or if you're a shareholder
and have questions, please contact Scudder or the SEC (see below). Materials you
get from Scudder are free; those from the SEC involve a copying fee. If you
like, you can look over these materials at the SEC's Public Reference Room in
Washington, DC or request them electronically at [email protected].
Scudder Funds SEC
PO Box 2291 450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Boston, MA 02107-2291 Washington, DC 20549-0102
1-800-SCUDDER 1-202-942-8090
www.scudder.com www.sec.gov
SEC File Number 811-5565
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SCUDDER GOLD FUND
An Investment Portfolio of Scudder
Mutual Funds, Inc.
A No-Load (No Sales Charges) Mutual Fund
which Invests in Gold-Related Equity
Securities and Gold
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STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
March 1, 2000
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus and should be read
in conjunction with the prospectus of Scudder Gold Fund dated March 1, 2000, as
amended from time to time, a copy of which may be obtained without charge by
writing to Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110-4103.
The Annual Report to Shareholders of Scudder Gold Fund dated October 31, 1999 is
incorporated by reference into and is hereby deemed to be part of this Statement
of Additional Information. The Annual Report may be obtained without charge by
calling 1-800-SCUDDER.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page
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THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES.............................................................1
General Investment Objective and Policies.......................................................1
Master/feeder Structure........................................................................15
Investment Restrictions........................................................................16
PURCHASES...............................................................................................17
Additional Information About Opening An Account................................................17
Minimum Balances...............................................................................18
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments.....................................18
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments by QuickBuy.........................18
Checks.........................................................................................19
Wire Transfer of Federal Funds.................................................................19
Share Price....................................................................................19
Share Certificates.............................................................................20
Other Information..............................................................................20
EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS...............................................................................20
Exchanges......................................................................................20
Redemption by Telephone........................................................................21
Redemption by QuickSell........................................................................22
Redemption-In-Kind.............................................................................22
Other Information..............................................................................22
FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUND...............................................................23
The No-Load Concept............................................................................23
Internet access...............................................................................23
Dividends and Capital Gains Distribution Options...............................................24
Reports to Shareholders........................................................................24
Transaction Summaries..........................................................................24
THE SCUDDER FAMILY OF FUNDS.............................................................................24
SPECIAL PLAN ACCOUNTS...................................................................................26
Scudder Retirement Plans: Profit-Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans for
Corporations and Self-Employed Individuals.................................................27
Scudder 401(k): Cash or Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan for Corporations and
Self-Employed Individuals..................................................................27
Scudder IRA: Individual Retirement Account....................................................27
Scudder Roth IRA: Individual Retirement Account...............................................28
Scudder 403(b) Plan............................................................................29
Automatic Withdrawal Plan......................................................................29
Group or Salary Deduction Plan.................................................................29
Automatic Investment Plan......................................................................29
Uniform Transfers/Gifts to Minors Act..........................................................30
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS...............................................................30
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION.................................................................................30
Average Annual Total Return....................................................................30
Cumulative Total Return........................................................................31
Total Return...................................................................................31
Comparison of Fund Performance.................................................................31
FUND ORGANIZATION.......................................................................................32
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TABLE OF CONTENTS (continued)
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INVESTMENT ADVISER......................................................................................33
Investment Adviser.............................................................................33
AMA InvestmentLink(SM)Program..................................................................34
Personal Investments by Employees of the Adviser...............................................34
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS..................................................................................35
REMUNERATION............................................................................................37
Responsibilities of the Board -- Board and Committee Meetings..................................37
Compensation of Officers and Directors.........................................................37
DISTRIBUTOR.............................................................................................38
TAXES...................................................................................................39
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS..................................................................................42
Brokerage Commissions..........................................................................42
Portfolio Turnover.............................................................................43
NET ASSET VALUE.........................................................................................43
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION..................................................................................44
Experts........................................................................................44
Other Information..............................................................................44
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS....................................................................................45
DESCRIPTION OF S&P AND MOODY'S RATINGS..................................................................46
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THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
General Investment Objective and Policies
Scudder Gold Fund (the "Fund"), a non-diversified series of Scudder
Mutual Funds, Inc. (the "Corporation"), an open-end investment management
company. The Fund seeks maximum return (principal change and income) consistent
with investing in a portfolio of gold-related equity securities and gold. When
making portfolio investments, the Fund will emphasize the potential for growth
of the proposed investment, although it may also consider the income generating
capacity of a stock as one factor among others in evaluating investment
opportunities.
Although the Fund is non-diversified under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), it is designed as a convenient and
cost-effective means for investors to diversify their investments and to
participate in possible increases in the price of gold. Investors in the Fund
must be willing to accept above-average risk compared to that available from
larger companies such as those in the Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index.
Investors should not consider the Fund a complete investment program.
Except as otherwise indicated, the Fund's investment objective and
policies are not fundamental and may be changed without a vote of shareholders.
If there is a change in investment objective, shareholders should consider
whether the Fund remains an appropriate investment in light of their then
current financial position and needs. There can be no assurance that the Fund's
objective will be met.
Descriptions in this Statement of Additional Information of a
particular investment practice or technique in which the Fund may engage (such
as hedging, etc.) or a financial instrument which the Fund may purchase (such as
options, forward foreign currency contracts, etc.) are meant to describe the
spectrum of investments that the Fund's investment adviser, Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc. ("the Adviser"), in its discretion, might, but is not required
to, use in managing the Fund's portfolio assets. Furthermore, it is possible
that certain types of financial instruments or investment techniques described
herein may not be available, permissible, economically feasible or effective for
their intended purposes in all markets. Certain practices, techniques, or
instruments may not be principal activities of the Fund, but, to the extent
employed, could from time to time have a material impact on the Fund's
performance.
Investments. The Fund pursues its objective primarily through a portfolio of
gold-related investments. Under normal market conditions, at least 65% of the
Fund's total assets will be invested in:
o equity securities (defined as common stock, investment-grade preferred
stock and debt securities that are convertible into or exchangeable for
common stock) of U.S. and foreign companies primarily engaged in the
exploration, mining, fabrication, processing or distribution of gold,
o gold bullion, and
o gold coins.
A company will be considered "primarily engaged" in a business or an
activity if it devotes or derives at least 50% of its assets, revenues and/or
operating earnings from that business or activity.
The remaining 35% of the Fund's assets may be invested in any precious
metals other than gold; in equity securities of companies engaged in activities
primarily relating to precious metals and minerals other than gold; in
investment-grade debt securities, including zero coupon bonds, of companies
engaged in activities relating to gold or other precious metals and minerals;
warrants; and in certain debt securities, a portion of the return on which is
indexed to the price of precious metals and money market instruments. In
addition, the Fund may make short sales against the box, engage in securities
lending and strategic transactions, which may include derivatives, enter into
repurchase and reverse repurchase agreements, and may invest in illiquid
securities.
Investment-grade preferred stock and debt securities are securities
rated Baa or higher by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), or BBB or
higher by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P"), or, if unrated, are deemed
by the Adviser, to be of equivalent quality.
The Fund has adopted an operating policy of limiting to 10% the
portion of the Fund's total assets that may be invested directly in gold,
silver, platinum and palladium bullion and in gold and silver coins. In
addition, the Fund's
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assets may be invested in wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Corporation that
invest in gold, silver, platinum and palladium bullion and in gold and silver
coins (see "Precious metals").
When deemed appropriate by the Adviser, the Fund may temporarily invest
up to 30% of its assets to maintain liquidity. For temporary defensive purposes,
the Fund may vary from its investment policies during periods when the Adviser
determines that it is advisable to do so because of conditions in the securities
markets or other economic or political conditions. During such periods, the Fund
may hold without limit cash, high quality cash equivalents (including foreign
money market instruments, such as bankers' acceptances, certificates of deposit,
commercial paper, short-term government and corporate obligations, and
repurchase agreements), obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government,
its agencies or instrumentalities ("Government Securities"), and domestic
repurchase agreements. The Fund may also, for hedging purposes, invest up to 10%
of its assets in foreign currencies in the form of bank deposits. It is
impossible to accurately predict how long such alternative strategies may be
utilized. To the extent the Fund holds cash or is not invested in securities
used to pursue its investment objective, the Fund will not achieve its
investment objective.
How Investments are Selected. The Adviser considers a variety of factors when
making investments in securities related to gold and other precious metals. Some
of these factors may include the ore quality of metals mined by a company, the
company's mining, processing and fabricating costs and techniques, and the
quantity of unmined reserves. Other factors that may be evaluated include a
company's financial condition, potential development of property, capital
spending plans, quality of management, nature of any affiliations, current and
prospective tax liability, labor relations and marketability of a company's
equity or debt securities.
Bullion and coins in which the Fund invests will be bought from and
sold to institutions such as U.S. and foreign banks, regulated U.S. commodities
exchanges, exchanges affiliated with a regulated U.S. stock exchange, and
dealers who are members of, or affiliated with, a regulated U.S. commodities
exchange and who are qualified to provide an accepted certification of purity.
Coins will be purchased for their metallic value and not for their currency or
numismatic value. While bullion and coins do not generate income and may subject
the Fund to certain taxes, insurance, shipping and storage costs, the Adviser
believes that such investments could serve to moderate fluctuations in the value
of the Fund's shares. Historically, prices of precious metals have tended not to
fluctuate as widely as shares of companies engaged in precious metals-related
businesses.
The Fund generally invests in equity securities of established
companies listed on U.S. or foreign securities exchanges but may also invest in
securities traded over-the-counter. Investments include companies of varying
size as measured by assets, sales or capitalization. The Fund may invest in
certain closed-end investment companies holding foreign securities in accordance
with the limitations of the 1940 Act.
Foreign Securities. Because of the Fund's policy of investing primarily in
gold-related investments, a substantial part of the Fund's assets is generally
invested in securities of companies primarily outside the United States,
wherever domiciled or operating (including the Cayman Islands, the domicile of
Scudder Precious Metals, Inc.). In addition, the fund may make money market
investments in the obligations of foreign banks. Although the percentages of
fund assets invested outside the United States will vary, the Fund expects that
a substantial portion of its assets at any time will consist of non-U.S.
securities.
Investors should recognize that investing in foreign securities
involves certain special considerations, including those set forth below, which
are not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities and which may
affect the Fund's performance favorably or unfavorably. As foreign companies are
not generally subject to uniform accounting and auditing and financial reporting
standards, practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic
companies, there may be less publicly available information about a foreign
company than about a domestic company. Many foreign stock markets, while growing
in volume of trading activity, have substantially less volume than The New York
Stock Exchange, Inc. (the "Exchange"), and securities of some foreign companies
are less liquid and more volatile than securities of domestic companies.
Similarly, volume and liquidity in most foreign bond markets is less than that
in the U.S. market and at times, volatility of price can be greater than in the
U.S. Further, foreign markets 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. Delays in settlement could result in temporary
periods when assets of the Fund are uninvested and no return is earned thereon.
The inability of the 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 either
could result in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the
portfolio security or, if the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the
security, could result in possible liability to the purchaser. Fixed commissions
on some foreign stock exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions
on U.S. exchanges, although the Fund will endeavor to
2
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achieve the most favorable net results on its portfolio transactions. Further,
the Fund may encounter difficulties or be unable to pursue legal remedies and
obtain judgments in foreign courts. There is generally less government
supervision and regulation of business and industry practices, stock exchanges,
brokers and listed companies than in the U.S. It may be more difficult for the
Fund's agents to keep currently informed about corporate actions such as stock
dividends or other matters which may affect the prices of portfolio securities.
Communications between the U.S. and foreign countries may be less reliable than
within the U.S., thus increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio
transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. Payment for
securities without delivery may be required in certain foreign markets. 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 affect U.S. investments in those countries.
Investments in foreign securities may also entail certain risks such as possible
currency blockages or transfer restrictions, and the difficulty of enforcing
rights in other 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, resource
self-sufficiency and balance of payments position.
These considerations generally are more of a concern in developing
countries. For example, the possibility of revolution and the dependence on
foreign economic assistance may be greater in developing countries than in
developed countries. The management of the Fund seeks to mitigate the risks
associated with these considerations through diversification and active
professional management. Investments in companies domiciled in developing
countries may be subject to potentially greater risks than investments in
developed countries.
Investments in foreign securities usually will involve currencies of
foreign countries. Moreover, the Fund temporarily may hold funds in bank
deposits in foreign currencies during the completion of investment programs.
Accordingly, the value of the assets for the Fund as measured in U.S. dollars
may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in foreign currency exchange
rates and exchange control regulations, and the Fund may incur costs and
experience conversion difficulties and uncertainties in connection with
conversions between various currencies. Although the Fund values its assets
daily in terms of U.S. dollars, it does not intend to convert its holdings of
foreign currencies, if any, into U.S. dollars on a daily basis. It may do so
from time to time, and investors should be aware of the costs of currency
conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do not charge a fee for
conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference (the "spread")
between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies.
Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate,
while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to resell that
currency to the dealer. The Fund will conduct its foreign currency exchange
transactions, if any, either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate
prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market or through strategic
transactions involving currencies.
To the extent that the Fund invests in foreign securities, the Fund's
share price could reflect the movements of the stock markets in which it is
invested and the currencies in which the investments are denominated; the
strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies could account
for part of the Fund's investment performance.
Investing in Emerging Markets. Most emerging securities markets may have
substantially less volume and are subject to less governmental supervision than
U.S. securities markets. Securities of many issuers in emerging markets may be
less liquid and more volatile than securities of comparable domestic issuers. In
addition, there is less regulation of securities exchanges, securities dealers,
and listed and unlisted companies in emerging markets than in the U.S.
Certain emerging markets may require governmental approval for the
repatriation of investment income, capital or the proceeds of sales of
securities by foreign investors. In addition, if a deterioration occurs in an
emerging market's balance of payments or for other reasons, a country could
impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances. The Fund could be
adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any required
governmental approval for repatriation of capital, as well as by the application
to the Fund of any restrictions on investments.
In the course of investment in emerging markets, the Fund will be
exposed to the direct or indirect consequences of political, social and economic
changes in one or more emerging markets. While the Fund will manage its assets
in a manner that will seek to minimize the exposure to such risks, there can be
no assurance that adverse political, social or economic changes will not cause
the Fund to suffer a loss of value in respect of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio.
The risk also exists that an emergency situation may arise in one or
more emerging markets as a result of which trading of securities may cease or
may be substantially curtailed and prices for the Fund's securities in such
markets may not be readily available. The Corporation may suspend redemption of
its shares for any period during which an emergency exists, as determined by the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Accordingly, if the Fund
3
<PAGE>
believes that appropriate circumstances exist, it will promptly apply to the SEC
for a determination that an emergency is present. During the period commencing
from the Fund's identification of such condition until the date of the SEC
action, the Fund's securities in the affected markets will be valued at fair
value determined in good faith by or under the direction of the Corporation's
Board of Directors.
Volume and liquidity in most foreign markets are less than in the U.S.
and securities of many foreign companies are less liquid and more volatile than
securities of comparable U.S. companies. Fixed commissions on foreign securities
exchanges are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S. exchanges,
although the Fund endeavors to achieve the most favorable net results on its
portfolio transactions. There is generally less government supervision and
regulation of business and industry practices, securities exchanges, brokers,
dealers and listed companies than in the U.S. Mail service between the U.S. and
foreign countries may be slower or less reliable than within the U.S., thus
increasing the risk of delayed settlements of portfolio transactions or loss of
certificates for portfolio securities. In addition, with respect to certain
emerging markets, there is the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory
taxation, political or social instability, or diplomatic developments which
could affect the Fund's investments in those countries. Moreover, individual
emerging market 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, resource self-sufficiency and balance of payments
position.
Income from securities held by the Fund could be reduced by a
withholding tax on the source or other taxes imposed by the emerging market
countries in which the Fund makes its investments. The Fund's net asset value
may also be affected by changes in the rates or methods of taxation applicable
to the Fund or to entities in which the Fund has invested. The Adviser will
consider the cost of any taxes in determining whether to acquire any particular
investments, but can provide no assurance that the taxes will not be subject to
change.
Many emerging markets have experienced substantial, and in some periods
extremely high rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid
fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have adverse
effects on the economies and securities markets of certain emerging market
countries. In an attempt to control inflation, wage and price controls have been
imposed in certain countries. Of these countries, some, in recent years, have
begun to control inflation through prudent economic policies.
Emerging market governmental issuers are among the largest debtors to
commercial banks, foreign governments, international financial organizations and
other financial institutions. Certain emerging market governmental issuers have
not been able to make payments of interest on or principal of debt obligations
as those payments have come due. Obligations arising from past restructuring
agreements may affect the economic performance and political and social
stability of those issuers.
Governments of many emerging market countries have exercised and
continue to exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private
sector through the ownership or control of many companies, including some of the
largest in any given country. As a result, governmental actions in the future
could have a significant effect on economic conditions in emerging markets,
which in turn, may adversely affect companies in the private sector, general
market conditions and prices and yields of certain of the securities in the
Fund's portfolio. Expropriation, confiscatory taxation, nationalization,
political, economic or social instability or other similar developments have
occurred frequently over the history of certain emerging markets and could
adversely affect the Fund's assets should these conditions recur.
The ability of emerging market country governmental issuers to make
timely payments on their obligations is likely to be influenced strongly by the
issuer's balance of payments, including export performance, and its access to
international credits and investments. An emerging market whose exports are
concentrated in a few commodities could be vulnerable to a decline in the
international prices of one or more of those commodities. Increased
protectionism on the part of an emerging market's trading partners could also
adversely affect the country's exports and diminish its trade account surplus,
if any. To the extent that emerging markets receive payment for its exports in
currencies other than dollars or non-emerging market currencies, its ability to
make debt payments denominated in dollars or non-emerging market currencies
could be affected.
Another factor bearing on the ability of emerging market countries to
repay debt obligations is the level of international reserves of the country.
Fluctuations in the level of these reserves affect the amount of foreign
exchange readily available for external debt payments and thus could have a
bearing on the capacity of emerging market countries to make payments on these
debt obligations.
4
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To the extent that an emerging market country cannot generate a trade
surplus, it must depend on continuing loans from foreign governments,
multilateral organizations or private commercial banks, aid payments from
foreign governments and inflows of foreign investment. The access of emerging
markets to these forms of external funding may not be certain, and a withdrawal
of external funding could adversely affect the capacity of emerging market
country governmental issuers to make payments on their obligations. In addition,
the cost of servicing emerging market debt obligations can be affected by a
change in international interest rates since the majority of these obligations
carry interest rates that are adjusted periodically based upon international
rates.
Foreign Currencies. Investments in foreign securities usually will involve
currencies of foreign countries. Moreover, the Fund temporarily may hold funds
in bank deposits in foreign currencies during the completion of investment
programs. Because of these factors, the value of the assets of the Fund as
measured in U.S. dollars may be affected favorably or unfavorably by changes in
foreign currency exchange rates and exchange control regulations, and the Fund
may incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies.
Although the Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, it does not
intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a
daily basis. It will do so from time to time, and investors should be aware of
the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do not
charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the difference
(the "spread") between the prices at which they are buying and selling various
currencies. Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at
one rate, while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to
resell that currency to the dealer. The Fund will conduct its foreign currency
exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the spot rate
prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through strategic
transactions involving currencies. (See "Strategic Transactions and
Derivatives.")
Because the Fund normally will be invested in both U.S. and foreign
securities markets, changes in the Fund's share price may not have a high
correlation with movements in the U.S. markets. The Fund's share price will
reflect the movements of both the different stock and bond markets in which it
is invested and of the currencies in which the investments are denominated; the
strength or weakness of the U.S. dollar against foreign currencies may account
for part of the Fund's investment performance. U.S. and foreign securities
markets do not always move in step with each other and the total returns from
different markets may vary significantly.
Because of the Fund's investment policies and the investment
considerations discussed herein and in the Prospectus, an investment in shares
of the Fund is not intended to provide a complete investment program for an
investor.
Precious Metals. The Fund "concentrates" (for the purposes of the 1940 Act) its
assets in securities related to gold and gold bullion and coins, which means
that as a matter of fundamental policy, at all times, the Fund invests at least
25% of total assets in securities related to gold and in gold directly. As a
result, the Fund may be subject to greater market fluctuation than a fund which
has securities representing a broader range of investment alternatives.
In addition , when market conditions warrant, the Fund reserves the
freedom to concentrate its assets in securities related to other precious metals
and in those metals directly.
The Fund may invest up to 25% of its assets in wholly-owned
subsidiaries of the corporation which invest in gold, silver, platinum and
palladium bullion and in gold and silver coins. The subsidiaries will incur
expenses for the storage and insurance of precious metals purchased. However,
the subsidiaries may realize capital gains from the sale of metals and may pay
distributions to the Fund from such gains. Currently, Scudder Precious Metals,
Inc. is the Corporation's only subsidiary.
Investments in precious metals and in precious metals-related
securities and companies involve a relatively high degree of risk. Prices of
gold and other precious metals can be influenced by a variety of global
economic, financial and political factors and may fluctuate markedly over short
periods of time. Among other things, precious metals values can be affected by
changes in inflation, investment speculation, metal sales by governments or
central banks, changes in industrial and commercial demand, and any governmental
restrictions on private ownership of gold or other precious metals.
Gold or Precious Metals Custody. Gold and other precious metals held by or on
behalf of the Fund may be held on either an allocated or an unallocated basis
inside or outside the U.S. Placing gold or precious metals in an allocated
custody account gives the fund a direct interest in specified gold bars or
precious metals, whereas an unallocated deposit does not and instead gives the
Fund a right only to compel the counterparty to deliver a specific amount of
gold or precious metals, as applicable. Consequently, the Fund could experience
a loss if the counterparty to an unallocated
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deposity arrangement becomes bankrupt or fails to deliver the gold or precious
metals as requested. An allocated gold or precious metals custody account also
involves the risk that the gold or precious metals will be stolen or damaged
while in transit. Both allocated and unallocated arrangements require the Fund
as seller to deliver, either by book entry or physically, the gold or precious
metals sold in advance of the receipt of payment.
Mining and Exploration Risks. The business of gold mining by its nature involves
significant risks and hazards, including environmental hazards, industrial
accidents, labor disputes, discharge of toxic chemicals, fire, drought, flooding
and natural acts. The occurrence of any of these hazards can delay production,
increase production costs and result in liability to the operator of the mines.
A mining operation may become subject to liability for pollution or other
hazards against which it has not insured or cannot insure, including those in
respect of past mining activities for which it was not responsible.
Exploration for gold and other precious metals is speculative in
nature, involves many risks and frequently is unsuccessful. There can be no
assurance that any mineralisation discovered will result in an increase in the
proven and probable reserves of a mining operation. If reserves are developed,
it can take a number of years from the initial phases of drilling and
identification of mineralisation until production is possible, during which time
the economic feasibility of production may change. Substantial expenditures are
required to establish ore reserves properties and to construct mining and
processing facilities. As a result of these uncertainties, no assurance can be
given that the exploration programs undertaken by a particular mining operation
will actually result in any new commercial mining.
Correlation of Gold and Gold Securities. The Adviser believes that the value of
the securities of firms that deal in gold will correspond generally, over time,
with the prices of the underlying metal. At any given time, however, changes in
the price of gold may not strongly correlate with changes in the value of
securities related to gold, which are expected to constitute the principal part
of the fund's assets. In fact, there may be periods in which the price of gold
stocks and gold will move in different directions. The reason for this potential
disparity is that political and economic factors, including behavior of the
stock market, may have differing impacts on gold versus gold stocks.
Non-diversification. The Fund is classified as a non-diversified management
investment company under the 1940 Act, which means that the Fund is not limited
by the 1940 Act in the proportion of its assets that it may invest in the
obligations of a single issuer. The investment of a large percentage of the
Fund's assets in the securities of a small number of issuers may cause the
Fund's share price to fluctuate more than that of a diversified fund.
Common Stocks. Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests primarily in common
stocks. Common stock is issued by companies to raise cash for business purposes
and represents a proportionate interest in the issuing companies. Therefore, the
Fund participates in the success or failure of any company in which it holds
stock. The market values of common stock can fluctuate significantly, reflecting
the business performance of the issuing company, investor perception and general
economic or financial market movements. Despite the risk of price volatility,
however, common stocks have traditionally offered the greatest potential for
gain on investment, compared to other classes of financial assets such as bonds
or cash equivalents.
Investment Company Securities. The Fund may acquire securities of other
investment companies to the extent consistent with its investment objective and
subject to the limitations of the 1940 Act. The Fund will indirectly bear its
proportionate share of any management fees and other expenses paid by such other
investment companies.
For example, the Fund may invest in a variety of investment companies
which seek to track the composition and performance of specific indexes or a
specific portion of an index. These index-based investments hold substantially
all of their assets in securities representing their specific index.
Accordingly, the main risk of investing in index-based investments is the same
as investing in a portfolio of equity securities comprising the index. The
market prices of index-based investments will fluctuate in accordance with both
changes in the market value of their underlying portfolio securities and due to
supply and demand for the instruments on the exchanges on which they are traded
(which may result in their trading at a discount or premium to their NAVs).
Index-based investments may not replicate exactly the performance of their
specified index because of transaction costs and because of the temporary
unavailability of certain component securities of the index.
Examples of index-based investments include:
SPDRs(R): SPDRs, an acronym for "Standard & Poor's Depositary
Receipts," are based on the S&P 500 Composite Stock Price Index. They
are issued by the SPDR Trust, a unit investment trust that holds shares
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of substantially all the companies in the S&P 500 in substantially the
same weighting and seeks to closely track the price performance and
dividend yield of the Index.
MidCap SPDRs(R): MidCap SPDRs are based on the S&P MidCap 400
Index. They are issued by the MidCap SPDR Trust, a unit investment
trust that holds a portfolio of securities consisting of substantially
all of the common stocks in the S&P MidCap 400 Index in substantially
the same weighting and seeks to closely track the price performance and
dividend yield of the Index.
Select Sector SPDRs(R): Select Sector SPDRs are based on a
particular sector or group of industries that are represented by a
specified Select Sector Index within the Standard & Poor's Composite
Stock Price Index. They are issued by The Select Sector SPDR Trust, an
open-end management investment company with nine portfolios that each
seeks to closely track the price performance and dividend yield of a
particular Select Sector Index.
DIAMONDS(SM): DIAMONDS are based on the Dow Jones Industrial
Average(SM). They are issued by the DIAMONDS Trust, a unit investment
trust that holds a portfolio of all the component common stocks of the
Dow Jones Industrial Average and seeks to closely track the price
performance and dividend yield of the Dow.
Nasdaq-100 Shares: Nasdaq-100 Shares are based on the Nasdaq
100 Index. They are issued by the Nasdaq-100 Trust, a unit investment
trust that holds a portfolio consisting of substantially all of the
securities, in substantially the same weighting, as the component
stocks of the Nasdaq-100 Index and seeks to closely track the price
performance and dividend yield of the Index.
WEBs(SM): WEBs, an acronym for "World Equity Benchmark
Shares," are based on 17 country-specific Morgan Stanley Capital
International Indexes. They are issued by the WEBs Index Fund, Inc., an
open-end management investment company that seeks to generally
correspond to the price and yield performance of a specific Morgan
Stanley Capital International Index.
Illiquid Investments. The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in securities
for which there is not an active trading market, including securities which are
subject to restrictions on resale because they have not been registered under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or which are otherwise not readily
marketable. The absence of a trading market can make it difficult to ascertain a
market value for illiquid investments. Disposing of illiquid investments may
involve time-consuming negotiation and legal expenses, and it may be difficult
or impossible for the Fund to sell them promptly at an acceptable price. The
Fund may have to bear the extra expense of registering such securities for
resale and the risk of substantial delay in effecting such registration. Also
market quotations are less readily available. The judgment of the Adviser may at
times play a greater role in valuing these securities than in the case of
unrestricted securities. The Fund invests no more than 15% of its net assets in
illiquid investments.
Debt Securities. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in investment-grade
debt securities convertible into or exchangeable for common stock. Investment
grade-debt securities are those rated Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody's or AAA, AA, A
or BBB by S&P or, if unrated, judged to be of equivalent quality as determined
by the Adviser. Moody's considers bonds it rates Baa to have speculative
elements as well as investment-grade characteristics. The Fund may invest in
certain debt securities, a portion of the return on which is indexed to the
price of precious metals and money market instruments (See "DESCRIPTION OF S&P
AND MOODY'S RATINGS.")
Zero Coupon Bonds. The Fund may invest in zero coupon bonds which pay no
periodic interest payments and are sold at substantial discounts from their
value at maturity. When held to maturity, their entire income, which consists of
accretion of discount, comes from the difference between the issue price and
their value at maturity. Zero coupon bonds are subject to greater market value
fluctuations from changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable
maturities which make current distributions of interest (cash). Zero coupon
bonds (which do not pay interest until maturity) and pay-in-kind securities
which pay interest in the form of additional securities, may be more speculative
than securities which pay income periodically and in cash.
Asset-Indexed Securities. The Fund may purchase asset-indexed securities which
are debt securities usually issued by companies in precious metals related
businesses such as mining, the principal amount, redemption terms, or interest
rates of which are related to the market price of a specified precious metal.
The Fund will only enter into transactions in publicly traded asset-indexed
securities. Market prices of asset-indexed securities will relate primarily to
changes in the market prices of the precious metals to which the securities are
indexed rather than to changes in market rates of interest.
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However, there may not be a perfect correlation between the price movements of
the asset-indexed securities and the underlying precious metals. Asset-indexed
securities typically bear interest or pay dividends at below market rates (and
in certain cases at nominal rates). The Fund may purchase asset-indexed
securities to the extent permitted by law.
Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements with any
member bank of the Federal Reserve System, any foreign bank when the repurchase
agreement is fully secured by government securities of the particular
jurisdiction, or with any domestic or foreign broker/dealer which is recognized
as a reporting government securities dealer if the creditworthiness of the bank
or broker/dealer has been determined by the Adviser to be at least as high as
that of other obligations the Fund may purchase.
A repurchase agreement provides a means for the Fund to earn income on
funds for periods as short as overnight. It is an arrangement under which the
Purchaser (i.e., the Fund) acquires a security ("Obligation") and the seller
agrees, at the time of sale, to repurchase the Obligation at a specified time
and price. Securities subject to a repurchase agreement are held in a segregated
account and the value of such securities is kept at least equal to the
repurchase price on a daily basis. The repurchase price may be higher than the
purchase price, the difference being income to the Fund, or the purchase and
repurchase prices may be the same, with interest at a stated rate due to the
Fund together with the repurchase price on the date of repurchase. In either
case, the income to the Fund is unrelated to the interest rate on the Obligation
itself. Obligations will be held by the Fund's custodian or in the Federal
Reserve Book Entry System.
For purposes of the 1940 Act, a repurchase agreement is deemed to be a
loan from the Fund to the seller of the Obligation subject to the repurchase
agreement and is therefore subject to the Fund's investment restriction
applicable to loans. It is not clear whether a court would consider the
Obligation purchased by the Fund subject to a repurchase agreement as being
owned by the Fund or as being collateral for a loan by the Fund to the seller.
In the event of the commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings with
respect to the seller of the Obligation before repurchase of the Obligation
under a repurchase agreement, the Fund may encounter delay and incur costs
before being able to sell the security. Delays may involve loss of interest or
decline in price of the Obligation. If the court characterizes the transaction
as a loan and the Fund has not perfected a security interest in the Obligation,
the Fund may be required to return the Obligation to the seller's estate and be
treated as an unsecured creditor of the seller. As an unsecured creditor, the
Fund would be at the risk of losing some or the entire principal and income
involved in the transaction. As with unsecured debt obligations purchased for
the Fund, the Adviser seeks to minimize the risk of loss through repurchase
agreements by analyzing the creditworthiness of the obligor, in this case the
seller of the Obligation. Apart from the risk of bankruptcy or insolvency
proceedings, there is also the risk that the seller may fail to repurchase the
Obligation. However, if the market value of the Obligation subject to the
repurchase agreement becomes less than the repurchase price (including
interest), the Fund will direct the seller of the Obligation to deliver
additional securities so that the market value of all securities subject to the
repurchase agreement will equal or exceed the repurchase price. It is possible
that the Fund will be unsuccessful in seeking to impose on the seller a
contractual obligation to deliver additional securities.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements. The Fund may enter into "reverse repurchase
agreements," which are repurchase agreements in which the Fund, as the seller of
the securities, agrees to repurchase them at an agreed time and price. The Fund
maintains a segregated account in connection with outstanding reverse repurchase
agreements. The Fund will enter into reverse repurchase agreements only when the
Adviser believes that the interest income to be earned from the investment of
the proceeds of the transaction will be greater than the interest expense of the
transaction.
Warrants. The Fund may purchase warrants issued by domestic and foreign issuers
to purchase newly created equity issues consisting of common and preferred
stock, convertible preferred stock and warrants that themselves are only
convertible into common, preferred or convertible preferred stock. The equity
issue underlying an equity warrant is outstanding at the time the equity warrant
is issued or is issued together with the warrant. At the time the Fund acquires
an equity warrant convertible into a warrant, the terms and conditions under
which the warrant received upon conversion can be exercised will have been
determined; the warrant received upon conversion will only be convertible into a
common, preferred or convertible preferred stock.
Investing in warrants can provide a greater potential for profit or
loss than an equivalent investment in the underlying security, and, thus, can be
a speculative investment. The value of a warrant may decline because of a
decline in the value of the underlying security, the passage of time, changes in
interest rates or in the dividend or other policies of the company whose equity
underlies the warrant or a change in the perception as to the future price of
the underlying security, or any combination thereof. Warrants generally pay no
dividends and confer no voting or other rights other than to purchase the
underlying security.
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Short Sales Against the Box. With respect to 30% of its assets, the Fund may
make short sales of common stocks if, at all times when a short position is
open, the Fund owns the stock or owns preferred stocks or debt securities
convertible or exchangeable, without payment of further consideration, into the
shares of common stock sold short. Short sales of this kind are referred to as
short sales "against the box." The broker/dealer that executes a short sale
generally invests cash proceeds of the sale until they are paid to the Fund.
Arrangements may be made with the broker/dealer to obtain a portion of the
interest earned by the broker on the investment of short sale proceeds. The Fund
will segregate the common stock or convertible or exchangeable preferred stock
or debt securities in a special account with the Custodian.
Uncertainty regarding the tax effects of short sales of appreciated
investments may limit the extent to which the Fund may enter into short sales
against the box.
Lending of Portfolio Securities. The Fund has the ability to lend portfolio
securities to brokers, dealers and other financial organizations. Loans of
portfolio securities will be collateralized by cash or liquid securities which
are maintained at all times in an amount equal to at least 100% of the current
market value of the loaned securities. From time to time, the Fund may pay a
part of the interest earned from the investment of collateral received for
securities loaned to the borrower and/or a third party that is unaffiliated with
the Fund and that is acting as a "finder."
By lending its securities, the Fund can increase its income by
continuing to receive interest on the loaned securities as well as by either
investing the cash collateral in short-term instruments or obtaining yield in
the form of interest paid by the borrower when Government Securities are used as
collateral. The Fund will adhere to the following conditions whenever its
portfolio securities are loaned: (a) the Fund must receive at least 100% cash
collateral or equivalent securities from the borrower; (b) the borrower must
increase such collateral whenever the market value of the securities rises above
the level of such collateral; (c) the Fund must be able to terminate the loan at
any time; (d) the Fund must receive reasonable interest on the loan, as well as
any dividends, interest or other distributions on the loaned securities, and any
increase in market value; (e) the Fund may pay only reasonable custodian fees in
connection with the loan; and (f) voting rights on the loaned securities may
pass to the borrower; provided, however, that if a material event adversely
affecting the investment occurs, the Corporation's Board of Directors must
terminate the loan and regain the right to vote the securities. Any gain or loss
in the market price of the securities loaned that might occur during the term of
the loan would be for the Fund's account. The Fund has no current intention to
loan portfolio securities.
Strategic Transactions and Derivatives. The Fund may, but is not required to,
utilize various other investment strategies as described below for a variety of
purposes, such as hedging various market risks, managing the effective maturity
or duration of fixed-income securities in the Fund's portfolio, or enhancing
potential gain. These strategies may be executed through the use of derivative
contracts.
In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, the Fund may
purchase and sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on
securities, equity and fixed-income indices and other instruments, purchase and
sell futures contracts and options thereon, enter into various transactions such
as swaps, caps, floors , collars, currency forward contracts, currency futures
contracts, currency swaps or options on currencies, or currency futures and
various other currency transactions (collectively, all the above are called
"Strategic Transactions"). In addition, strategic transactions may also include
new techniques, instruments or strategies that are permitted as regulatory
changes occur. Strategic Transactions may be used without limit (subject to
certain limitations imposed by the 1940 Act) to attempt to protect against
possible changes in the market value of securities held in or to be purchased
for the Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets or currency exchange
rate fluctuations, to protect the Fund's unrealized gains in the value of its
portfolio securities, to facilitate the sale of such securities for investment
purposes, to manage the effective maturity or duration of fixed-income
securities in the Fund's portfolio, or to establish a position in the
derivatives markets as a substitute for purchasing or selling particular
securities. Some Strategic Transactions may also be used to enhance potential
gain although no more than 5% of the Fund's assets will be committed to
Strategic Transactions entered into for non-hedging purposes. Any or all of
these investment techniques may be used at any time and in any combination, and
there is no particular strategy that dictates the use of one technique rather
than another, as use of any Strategic Transaction is a function of numerous
variables including market conditions. The ability of the Fund to utilize these
Strategic Transactions successfully will depend on the Adviser's ability to
predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. The Fund will
comply with applicable regulatory requirements when implementing these
strategies, techniques and instruments. Strategic Transactions will not be used
to alter fundamental investment purposes and characteristics of the Fund, and
the Fund will segregate assets (or as provided by applicable regulations, enter
into certain offsetting positions) to cover its obligations under options,
futures and swaps to limit leveraging of the Fund.
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Strategic Transactions, including derivative contracts, have risks
associated with them including possible default by the other party to the
transaction, illiquidity and, to the extent the Adviser's view as to certain
market movements is incorrect, the risk that the use of such Strategic
Transactions could result in losses greater than if they had not been used. Use
of put and call options may result in losses to the Fund, force the sale or
purchase of portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices higher than
(in the case of put options) or lower than (in the case of call options) current
market values, limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can realize on its
investments or cause the Fund to hold a security it might otherwise sell. The
use of currency transactions can result in the Fund incurring losses as a result
of a number of factors including the imposition of exchange controls, suspension
of settlements, or the inability to deliver or receive a specified currency. The
use of options and futures transactions entails certain other risks. In
particular, the variable degree of correlation between price movements of
futures contracts and price movements in the related portfolio position of the
Fund creates the possibility that losses on the hedging instrument may be
greater than gains in the value of the Fund's position. In addition, futures and
options markets may not be liquid in all circumstances and certain
over-the-counter options may have no markets. As a result, in certain markets,
the Fund might not be able to close out a transaction without incurring
substantial losses, if at all. Although the use of futures and options
transactions for hedging should tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a
decline in the value of the hedged position, at the same time they tend to limit
any potential gain which might result from an increase in value of such
position. Finally, the daily variation margin requirements for futures contracts
would create a greater ongoing potential financial risk than would purchases of
options, where the exposure is limited to the cost of the initial premium.
Losses resulting from the use of Strategic Transactions would reduce net asset
value, and possibly income, and such losses can be greater than if the Strategic
Transactions had not been utilized.
General Characteristics of Options. Put options and call options typically have
similar structural characteristics and operational mechanics regardless of the
underlying instrument on which they are purchased or sold. Thus, the following
general discussion relates to each of the particular types of options discussed
in greater detail below. In addition, many Strategic Transactions involving
options require segregation of Fund assets in special accounts, as described
below under "Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts."
A put option gives the purchaser of the option, upon payment of a
premium, the right to sell, and the writer the obligation to buy, the underlying
security, commodity, index, currency or other instrument at the exercise price.
For instance, the Fund's purchase of a put option on a security might be
designed to protect its holdings in the underlying instrument (or, in some
cases, a similar instrument) against a substantial decline in the market value
by giving the Fund the right to sell such instrument at the option exercise
price. A call option, upon payment of a premium, gives the purchaser of the
option the right to buy, and the seller the obligation to sell, the underlying
instrument at the exercise price. The Fund's purchase of a call option on a
security, financial future, index, currency or other instrument might be
intended to protect the Fund against an increase in the price of the underlying
instrument that it intends to purchase in the future by fixing the price at
which it may purchase such instrument. An American style put or call option may
be exercised at any time during the option period while a European style put or
call option may be exercised only upon expiration or during a fixed period prior
thereto. The Fund is authorized to purchase and sell exchange listed options and
over-the-counter options ("OTC options"). Exchange listed options are issued by
a regulated intermediary such as the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), which
guarantees the performance of the obligations of the parties to such options.
The discussion below uses the OCC as an example, but is also applicable to other
financial intermediaries.
With certain exceptions, OCC issued and exchange listed options
generally settle by physical delivery of the underlying security or currency,
although in the future cash settlement may become available. Index options and
Eurodollar instruments are cash settled for the net amount, if any, by which the
option is "in-the-money" (i.e., where the value of the underlying instrument
exceeds, in the case of a call option, or is less than, in the case of a put
option, the exercise price of the option) at the time the option is exercised.
Frequently, rather than taking or making delivery of the underlying instrument
through the process of exercising the option, listed options are closed by
entering into offsetting purchase or sale transactions that do not result in
ownership of the new option.
The Fund's ability to close out its position as a purchaser or seller
of an OCC or exchange listed put or call option is dependent, in part, upon the
liquidity of the option market. Among the possible reasons for the absence of a
liquid option market on an exchange are: (i) insufficient trading interest in
certain options; (ii) restrictions on transactions imposed by an exchange; (iii)
trading halts, suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to
particular classes or series of options or underlying securities including
reaching daily price limits; (iv) interruption of the normal operations of the
OCC or an exchange; (v) inadequacy of the facilities of an exchange or OCC to
handle current trading volume; or (vi) a decision by one or more exchanges to
discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or series of options),
in which event the relevant market for that option on that exchange would cease
to exist, although outstanding options on that exchange would generally continue
to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
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The hours of trading for listed options may not coincide with the hours
during which the underlying financial instruments are traded. To the extent that
the option markets close before the markets for the underlying financial
instruments, significant price and rate movements can take place in the
underlying markets that cannot be reflected in the option markets.
OTC options are purchased from or sold to securities dealers, financial
institutions or other parties ("Counterparties") through direct bilateral
agreement with the Counterparty. In contrast to exchange listed options, which
generally have standardized terms and performance mechanics, all the terms of an
OTC option, including such terms as method of settlement, term, exercise price,
premium, guarantees and security, are set by negotiation of the parties. The
Fund will only sell OTC options (other than OTC currency options) that are
subject to a buy-back provision permitting the Fund to require the Counterparty
to sell the option back to the Fund at a formula price within seven days. The
Fund expects generally to enter into OTC options that have cash settlement
provisions, although it is not required to do so.
Unless the parties provide for it, there is no central clearing or
guaranty function in an OTC option. As a result, if the Counterparty fails to
make or take delivery of the security, currency or other instrument underlying
an OTC option it has entered into with the Fund or fails to make a cash
settlement payment due in accordance with the terms of that option, the Fund
will lose any premium it paid for the option as well as any anticipated benefit
of the transaction. Accordingly, the Adviser must assess the creditworthiness of
each such Counterparty or any guarantor or credit enhancement of the
Counterparty's credit to determine the likelihood that the terms of the OTC
option will be satisfied. The Fund will engage in OTC option transactions only
with U.S. government securities dealers recognized by the Federal Reserve Bank
of New York as "primary dealers" or broker/dealers, domestic or foreign banks or
other financial institutions which have received (or the guarantors of the
obligation of which have received) a short-term credit rating of A-1 from S&P or
P-1 from Moody's or an equivalent rating from any nationally recognized
statistical rating organization ("NRSRO") or, in the case of OTC currency
transactions, are determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the Adviser.
The staff of the SEC currently takes the position that OTC options purchased by
the Fund, and portfolio securities "covering" the amount of the Fund's
obligation pursuant to an OTC option sold by it (the cost of the sell-back plus
the in-the-money amount, if any) are illiquid, and are subject to the Fund's
limitation on investing no more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid
securities.
If the Fund sells a call option, the premium that it receives may serve
as a partial hedge, to the extent of the option premium, against a decrease in
the value of the underlying securities or instruments in its portfolio or will
increase the Fund's income. The sale of put options can also provide income.
The Fund may purchase and sell call options on securities including
U.S. Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, foreign
sovereign debt, corporate debt securities, equity securities (including
convertible securities) and Eurodollar instruments that are traded on U.S. and
foreign securities exchanges and in the over-the-counter markets, and on
securities indices, currencies and futures contracts. All calls sold by the Fund
must be "covered" (i.e., the Fund must own the securities or futures contract
subject to the call) or must meet the asset segregation requirements described
below as long as the call is outstanding. Even though the Fund will receive the
option premium to help protect it against loss, a call sold by the Fund exposes
the Fund during the term of the option to possible loss of opportunity to
realize appreciation in the market price of the underlying security or
instrument and may require the Fund to hold a security or instrument which it
might otherwise have sold.
The Fund may purchase and sell put options on securities including U.S.
Treasury and agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, foreign sovereign
debt, corporate debt securities, equity securities (including convertible
securities) and Eurodollar instruments (whether or not it holds the above
securities in its portfolio), and on securities indices, currencies and futures
contracts other than futures on individual corporate debt and individual equity
securities. The Fund will not sell put options if, as a result, more than 50% of
the Fund's assets would be required to be segregated to cover its potential
obligations under such put options other than those with respect to futures and
options thereon. In selling put options, there is a risk that the Fund may be
required to buy the underlying security at a disadvantageous price above the
market price.
General Characteristics of Futures. The Fund may enter into futures contracts or
purchase or sell put and call options on such futures as a hedge against
anticipated interest rate, currency or equity market changes, and for duration
management , risk management and return enhancement purposes. Futures are
generally bought and sold on the commodities exchanges where they are listed
with payment of initial and variation margin as described below. The sale of a
futures contract creates a firm obligation by the Fund, as seller, to deliver to
the buyer the specific type of financial instrument called for in the contract
at a specific future time for a specified price (or, with respect to index
futures and
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Eurodollar instruments, the net cash amount). Options on futures contracts are
similar to options on securities except that an option on a futures contract
gives the purchaser the right in return for the premium paid to assume a
position in a futures contract and obligates the seller to deliver such
position.
The Fund's use of futures and options thereon will in all cases be
consistent with applicable regulatory requirements and in particular the rules
and regulations of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission and will be entered
into for bona fide hedging, risk management (including duration management) or
other portfolio and return enhancement management purposes. Typically,
maintaining a futures contract or selling an option thereon requires the Fund to
deposit with a financial intermediary as security for its obligations an amount
of cash or other specified assets (initial margin) which initially is typically
1% to 10% of the face amount of the contract (but may be higher in some
circumstances). Additional cash or assets (variation margin) may be required to
be deposited thereafter on a daily basis as the mark to market value of the
contract fluctuates. The purchase of an option on financial futures involves
payment of a premium for the option without any further obligation on the part
of the Fund. If the Fund exercises an option on a futures contract it will be
obligated to post initial margin (and potential subsequent variation margin) for
the resulting futures position just as it would for any position. Futures
contracts and options thereon are generally settled by entering into an
offsetting transaction but there can be no assurance that the position can be
offset prior to settlement at an advantageous price, nor that delivery will
occur.
The Fund will not enter into a futures contract or related option
(except for closing transactions) if, immediately thereafter, the sum of the
amount of its initial margin and premiums on open futures contracts and options
thereon would exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets (taken at current value);
however, in the case of an option that is in-the-money at the time of the
purchase, the in-the-money amount may be excluded in calculating the 5%
limitation. The segregation requirements with respect to futures contracts and
options thereon are described below.
Options on Securities Indices and Other Financial Indices. The Fund also may
purchase and sell call and put options on securities indices and other financial
indices and in so doing can achieve many of the same objectives it would achieve
through the sale or purchase of options on individual securities or other
instruments. Options on securities indices and other financial indices are
similar to options on a security or other instrument except that, rather than
settling by physical delivery of the underlying instrument, they settle by cash
settlement, i.e., an option on an index gives the holder the right to receive,
upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the closing level of the index
upon which the option is based exceeds, in the case of a call, or is less than,
in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option (except if, in the case
of an OTC option, physical delivery is specified). This amount of cash is equal
to the excess of the closing price of the index over the exercise price of the
option, which also may be multiplied by a formula value. The seller of the
option is obligated, in return for the premium received, to make delivery of
this amount. The gain or loss on an option on an index depends on price
movements in the instruments making up the market, market segment, industry or
other composite on which the underlying index is based, rather than price
movements in individual securities, as is the case with respect to options on
securities.
Currency Transactions. The Fund may engage in currency transactions with
Counterparties primarily in order to hedge, or manage the risk of the value of
portfolio holdings denominated in particular currencies against fluctuations in
relative value. Currency transactions include forward currency contracts,
exchange listed currency futures, exchange listed and OTC options on currencies,
and currency swaps. A forward currency contract involves a privately negotiated
obligation to purchase or sell (with delivery generally required) 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. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash flows based on the
notional difference among two or more currencies and operates similarly to an
interest rate swap, which is described below. The Fund may enter into currency
transactions with Counterparties which have received (or the guarantors of the
obligations which have received) a credit rating of A-1 or P-1 by S&P or
Moody's, respectively, or that have an equivalent rating from a NRSRO or (except
for OTC currency options) are determined to be of equivalent credit quality by
the Adviser.
The Fund's dealings in forward currency contracts and other currency
transactions such as futures, options, options on futures and swaps generally
will be limited to hedging involving either specific transactions or portfolio
positions except as described below. Transaction hedging is entering into a
currency transaction with respect to specific assets or liabilities of the Fund,
which will generally arise in connection with the purchase or sale of its
portfolio securities or the receipt of income therefrom. Position hedging is
entering into a currency transaction with respect to portfolio security
positions denominated or generally quoted in that currency.
The Fund generally will not enter into a transaction to hedge currency
exposure to an extent greater, after netting all transactions intended wholly or
partially to offset other transactions, than the aggregate market value (at the
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time of entering into the transaction) of the securities held in its portfolio
that are denominated or generally quoted in or currently convertible into such
currency, other than with respect to proxy hedging or cross hedging as described
below.
The Fund may also cross-hedge currencies by entering into transactions
to purchase or sell one or more currencies that are expected to decline in value
relative to other currencies to which the Fund has or in which the Fund expects
to have portfolio exposure.
To reduce the effect of currency fluctuations on the value of existing
or anticipated holdings of portfolio securities, the Fund may also engage in
proxy hedging. Proxy hedging is often used when the currency to which the Fund's
portfolio is exposed is difficult to hedge or to hedge against the dollar. Proxy
hedging entails entering into a commitment or option to sell a currency whose
changes in value are generally considered to be correlated to a currency or
currencies in which some or all of the Fund's portfolio securities are or are
expected to be denominated, in exchange for U.S. dollars. The amount of the
commitment or option would not exceed the value of the Fund's securities
denominated in correlated currencies. For example, if the Adviser considers that
the Austrian schilling is correlated to the German deutschemark (the "D-mark"),
the Fund holds securities denominated in schillings and the Adviser believes
that the value of schillings will decline against the U.S. dollar, the Adviser
may enter into a commitment or option to sell D-marks and buy dollars. Currency
hedging involves some of the same risks and considerations as other transactions
with similar instruments. Currency transactions can result in losses to the Fund
if the currency being hedged fluctuates in value to a degree or in a direction
that is not anticipated. Further, there is the risk that the perceived
correlation between various currencies may not be present or may not be present
during the particular time that the Fund is engaging in proxy hedging. If the
Fund enters into a currency hedging transaction, the Fund will comply with the
asset segregation requirements described below.
Risks of Currency Transactions. Currency transactions are subject to risks
different from those of other portfolio transactions. Because currency control
is of great importance to the issuing governments and influences economic
planning and policy, purchases and sales of currency and related instruments can
be negatively affected by government exchange controls, blockages, and
manipulations or exchange restrictions imposed by governments. These can result
in losses to the Fund if it is unable to deliver or receive currency or funds in
settlement of obligations and could also cause hedges it has entered into to be
rendered useless, resulting in full currency exposure as well as incurring
transaction costs. Buyers and sellers of currency futures are subject to the
same risks that apply to the use of futures generally. Further, settlement of a
currency futures contract for the purchase of most currencies must occur at a
bank based in the issuing nation. Trading options on currency futures is
relatively new, and the ability to establish and close out positions on such
options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid market which may not always be
available. Currency exchange rates may fluctuate based on factors extrinsic to
that country's economy.
Combined Transactions. The Fund may enter into multiple transactions, including
multiple options transactions, multiple futures transactions, multiple currency
transactions (including forward currency contracts) and multiple interest rate
transactions and any combination of futures, options, currency and interest rate
transactions ("component" transactions), instead of a single Strategic
Transaction, as part of a single or combined strategy when, in the opinion of
the Adviser, it is in the best interests of the Fund to do so. A combined
transaction will usually contain elements of risk that are present in each of
its component transactions. Although combined transactions are normally entered
into based on the Adviser's judgment that the combined strategies will reduce
risk or otherwise more effectively achieve the desired portfolio management
goal, it is possible that the combination will instead increase such risks or
hinder achievement of the portfolio management objective.
Swaps, Caps, Floors and Collars. Among the Strategic Transactions into which the
Fund may enter are interest rate, currency , index and other swaps and the
purchase or sale of related caps, floors and collars. The Fund expects to enter
into these transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a particular
investment or portion of its portfolio, to protect against currency
fluctuations, as a duration management technique or to protect against any
increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates purchasing at a later
date. The Fund will not sell interest rate caps or floors where it does not own
securities or other instruments providing the income stream the Fund may be
obligated to pay. Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by the Fund with
another party of their respective commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g.,
an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments with respect to a
notional amount of principal. A currency swap is an agreement to exchange cash
flows on a notional amount of two or more currencies based on the relative value
differential among them and an index swap is an agreement to swap cash flows on
a notional amount based on changes in the values of the reference indices. The
purchase of a cap entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a notional
principal amount from the party selling such cap to the extent that a specified
index exceeds a predetermined interest rate or
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amount. The purchase of a floor entitles the purchaser to receive payments on a
notional principal amount from the party selling such floor to the extent that a
specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate or amount. A collar is
a combination of a cap and a floor that preserves a certain return within a
predetermined range of interest rates or values.
The Fund will usually enter into swaps on a net basis (i.e., the two payment
streams are netted out in a cash settlement on the payment date or dates
specified in the instrument) with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case may
be, only the net amount of the two payments. Inasmuch as the Fund will segregate
assets (or enter into offsetting positions) to cover its obligations under
swaps, the Adviser and the Fund believe such obligations do not constitute
senior securities under the 1940 Act and, accordingly, will not treat them as
being subject to its borrowing restrictions. The Fund will not enter into any
swap, cap, floor or collar transaction unless, at the time of entering into such
transaction, the unsecured long-term debt of the Counterparty, combined with any
credit enhancements, is rated at least A by S&P or Moody's or has an equivalent
rating from a NRSRO or is determined to be of equivalent credit quality by the
Adviser. If there is a default by the Counterparty, the Fund may have
contractual remedies pursuant to the agreements related to the transaction. The
swap market 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. Caps, floors and collars are more recent innovations for
which standardized documentation has not yet been fully developed and,
accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps.
Eurodollar Instruments. The Fund may make investments in Eurodollar instruments.
Eurodollar instruments are U.S. dollar-denominated futures contracts or options
thereon which are linked to the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"),
although foreign currency-denominated instruments are available from time to
time. Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for
the lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings. The Fund
might use Eurodollar futures contracts and options thereon to hedge against
changes in LIBOR, to which many interest rate swaps and fixed income instruments
are linked.
Risks of Strategic Transactions Outside the U.S. When conducted outside the
U.S., Strategic Transactions may not be regulated as rigorously as in the U.S.,
may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to
the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign
securities, currencies and other instruments. The value of such positions also
could be adversely affected by: (i) other complex foreign political, legal and
economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in the U.S. of data on which to
make trading decisions, (iii) delays in the Fund's ability to act upon economic
events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the U.S., (iv)
the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and procedures and
margin requirements than in the U.S., and (v) lower trading volume and
liquidity.
Use of Segregated and Other Special Accounts. Many Strategic Transactions, in
addition to other requirements, require that the Fund segregate cash or liquid
assets with its custodian to the extent Fund obligations are not otherwise
"covered" through ownership of the underlying security, financial instrument or
currency. In general, either the full amount of any obligation by the Fund to
pay or deliver securities or assets must be covered at all times by the
securities, instruments or currency required to be delivered, or, subject to any
regulatory restrictions, an amount of cash or liquid assets at least equal to
the current amount of the obligation must be segregated with the custodian. The
segregated assets cannot be sold or transferred unless equivalent assets are
substituted in their place or it is no longer necessary to segregate them. For
example, a call option written by the Fund will require the Fund to hold the
securities subject to the call (or securities convertible into the needed
securities without additional consideration) or to segregate cash or liquid
assets sufficient to purchase and deliver the securities if the call is
exercised. A call option sold by the Fund on an index will require the Fund to
own portfolio securities which correlate with the index or to segregate cash or
liquid assets equal to the excess of the index value over the exercise price on
a current basis. A put option written by the Fund requires the Fund to segregate
cash or liquid assets equal to the exercise price.
Except when the Fund enters into a forward contract for the purchase or
sale of a security denominated in a particular currency, which requires no
segregation, a currency contract which obligates the Fund to buy or sell
currency will generally require the Fund to hold an amount of that currency or
liquid assets denominated in that currency equal to the Fund's obligations or to
segregate cash or liquid assets equal to the amount of the Fund's obligation.
OTC options entered into by the Fund, including those on securities,
currency, financial instruments or indices and OCC issued and exchange listed
index options, will generally provide for cash settlement. As a result, when the
Fund sells these instruments it will only segregate an amount of cash or liquid
assets equal to its accrued net obligations, as there is no requirement for
payment or delivery of amounts in excess of the net amount. These amounts will
equal 100% of the exercise price in the case of a non cash-settled put, the same
as an OCC guaranteed listed option sold by the
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Fund, or the in-the-money amount plus any sell-back formula amount in the case
of a cash-settled put or call. In addition, when the Fund sells a call option on
an index at a time when the in-the-money amount exceeds the exercise price, the
Fund will segregate, until the option expires or is closed out, cash or cash
equivalents equal in value to such excess. OCC issued and exchange listed
options sold by the Fund other than those above generally settle with physical
delivery, or with an election of either physical delivery or cash settlement and
the Fund will segregate an amount of cash or liquid assets equal to the full
value of the option. OTC options settling with physical delivery, or with an
election of either physical delivery or cash settlement will be treated the same
as other options settling with physical delivery.
In the case of a futures contract or an option thereon, the Fund must
deposit initial margin and possible daily variation margin in addition to
segregating cash or liquid assets sufficient to meet its obligation to purchase
or provide securities or currencies, or to pay the amount owed at the expiration
of an index-based futures contract. Such liquid assets may consist of cash, cash
equivalents, liquid debt or equity securities or other acceptable assets.
With respect to swaps, the Fund will accrue the net amount of the
excess, if any, of its obligations over its entitlements with respect to each
swap on a daily basis and will segregate an amount of cash or liquid assets
having a value equal to the accrued excess. Caps, floors and collars require
segregation of assets with a value equal to the Fund's net obligation, if any.
Strategic Transactions may be covered by other means when consistent
with applicable regulatory policies. The Fund may also enter into offsetting
transactions so that its combined position, coupled with any segregated assets,
equals its net outstanding obligation in related options and Strategic
Transactions. For example, the Fund could purchase a put option if the strike
price of that option is the same or higher than the strike price of a put option
sold by the Fund. Moreover, instead of segregating cash or liquid assets if the
Fund held a futures or forward contract, it could purchase a put option on the
same futures or forward contract with a strike price as high or higher than the
price of the contract held. Other Strategic Transactions may also be offset in
combinations. If the offsetting transaction terminates at the time of or after
the primary transaction no segregation is required, but if it terminates prior
to such time, cash or liquid assets equal to any remaining obligation would need
to be segregated.
Investment Considerations. In non-U.S. markets, issuers often issue new shares
on a partially-paid basis. The aggregate purchase price is paid in installments
over a specified period, generally not more than nine months, during which time
the shares trade freely on a partially-paid basis. The Fund anticipates that it
may purchase partially-paid shares from time to time.
Foreign securities such as those purchased by the Fund may be subject
to foreign government taxes which could reduce the yield on such securities,
although a shareholder of the Fund may, subject to certain limitations, be
entitled to claim a credit or deduction for U.S. federal income tax purposes for
his or her proportionate share of such foreign taxes paid by the Fund. (See
"TAXES.")
Because direct investments in precious metals do not generate income,
they may be subject to greater fluctuations in value than interest-paying and
dividend-paying securities. Investors should also be aware that gold coins trade
at approximately the current or spot price of the underlying gold bullion plus a
premium which reflects, among other things, fabrication costs incurred in
producing the coins. This premium has ranged from 2.5% to 15%. Any change in
this premium will affect the value of the Fund's shares.
Changes in portfolio securities are normally made on the basis of
investment considerations.
The Fund cannot guarantee a gain or eliminate the risk of loss. The net
asset value of the Fund's shares will increase or decrease with changes in the
market price of the Fund's investments.
Master/feeder Structure
The Board of Directors has the discretion to retain the current
distribution arrangement for the Fund while investing in a master fund in a
master/feeder fund structure as described below.
A master/feeder fund structure is one in which a fund (a "feeder
fund"), instead of investing directly in a portfolio of securities, invests most
or all of its investment assets in a separate registered investment company (the
"master fund") with substantially the same investment objective and policies as
the feeder fund. Such a structure permits the pooling of assets of two or more
feeder funds, preserving separate identities or distribution channels at the
feeder
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fund level. Based on the premise that certain of the expenses of operating an
investment portfolio are relatively fixed, a larger investment portfolio may
eventually achieve a lower ratio of operating expenses to average net assets. An
existing investment company is able to convert to a feeder fund by selling all
of its investments, which involves brokerage and other transaction costs and
realization of a taxable gain or loss, or by contributing its assets to the
master fund and avoiding transaction costs and, if proper procedures are
followed, the realization of taxable gain or loss.
Interfund Lending
The Corporation's Board of Directors has approved the filing
of an application with the SEC for exemptive relief which would permit the Fund
to participate in an interfund lending program among certain investment
companies advised by the Adviser. If the Fund receives the requested relief, the
interfund lending program would allow the participating funds to borrow money
from and loan money to each other for temporary or emergency purposes. The
program would be subject to a number of conditions designed to ensure fair and
equitable treatment of all participating funds, including the following: (1) no
fund may borrow money through the program unless it receives a more favorable
interest rate than a rate approximating the lowest interest rate at which bank
loans would be available to any of the participating funds under a loan
agreement; and (2) no fund may lend money through the program unless it receives
a more favorable return than that available from an investment in repurchase
agreements and, to the extent applicable, money market cash sweep arrangements.
In addition, a fund would participate in the program only if and to the extent
that such participation is consistent with the fund's investment objectives and
policies (for instance, money market funds would normally participate only as
lenders and tax exempt funds only as borrowers). Interfund loans and borrowings
would extend overnight, but could have a maximum duration of seven days. Loans
could be called on one day's notice. A fund may have to borrow from a bank at a
higher interest rate if an interfund loan is called or not renewed. Any delay in
repayment to a lending fund could result in a lost investment opportunity or
additional costs. The program is subject to the oversight and periodic review of
the Boards of the participating funds. To the extent the Fund is actually
engaged in borrowing through the interfund lending program, the Fund, as a
matter of non-fundamental policy, may not borrow for other than temporary or
emergency purposes (and not for leveraging), except that the Fund may engage in
reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls for any purpose.
Investment Restrictions
The policies set forth below have been adopted by the Corporation with
respect to the Fund as fundamental policies and may not be changed without
approval of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund which,
under the 1940 Act and the rules thereunder and as used in this Statement of
Additional Information, means the lesser of (1) 67% or more of the shares
present at such meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding
shares of the Fund are present or represented by proxy; or (2) more than 50% of
the outstanding shares of the Fund.
The Fund may not:
(1) make loans except as permitted under the 1940 Act and as interpreted or
modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to
time;
(2) engage in the business of underwriting securities issued by others,
except to the extent that the Fund may be deemed to be an underwriter
in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities;
(3) purchase or sell real estate, which term does not include securities of
companies which deal in real estate or mortgages or investments secured
by real estate or interests therein, except that the Fund reserves
freedom of action to hold and to sell real estate acquired as a result
of the Fund's ownership of securities;
(4) purchase or sell physical commodities or contracts relating to physical
commodities, except for contracts for the future delivery of gold,
silver, platinum and palladium and gold, silver, platinum and palladium
bullion and coins;
(5) concentrate its investments in a particular industry, as that term is
used in the 1940 Act and as interpreted or modified by regulatory
authority having jurisdiction, from time to time, except that the Fund
may concentrate in securities issued by wholly owned subsidiaries of
Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc. and securities of companies that are
primarily engaged in the exploration, mining, fabrication, processing
or distribution of gold and other precious metals and in gold, silver,
platinum and palladium bullion and coins;
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(6) borrow money, except as permitted under the 1940 Act and as interpreted
or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction, from time to
time; and
(7) issue senior securities, except as permitted under the 1940 Act and as
interpreted or modified by regulatory authority having jurisdiction,
from time to time.
Other Investment Policies. The Directors of the Corporation have voluntarily
adopted certain policies and restrictions which are observed in the conduct of
the Fund's affairs. These represent intentions of the Directors based upon
current circumstances. They differ from fundamental investment policies in that
they may be changed or amended by action of the Directors without requiring
prior notice to or approval of shareholders.
As a matter of non-fundamental policy, the Fund currently does not
intend to:
(1) borrow money in an amount greater than 5% of its total assets, except
(i) for temporary or emergency purposes and (ii) by engaging in reverse
repurchase agreements, dollar rolls, or other investments or
transactions described in the Fund's registration statement which may
be deemed to be borrowings;
(2) purchase securities on margin or make short sales, except (i) short
sales against the box, (ii) in connection with arbitrage transactions,
(iii) for margin deposits in connection with futures contracts, options
or other permitted investments, (iv) that transactions in futures
contracts and options shall not be deemed to constitute selling
securities short, and (v) that the Fund may obtain such short-term
credits as may be necessary for the clearance of securities
transactions;
(3) purchase options, unless the aggregate premiums paid on all such
options held by the Fund at any time do not exceed 20% of its total
assets; or sell put options, if as a result, the aggregate value of the
obligations underlying such put options would exceed 50% of its total
assets;
(4) enter into futures contracts or purchase options thereon for other than
bona fide hedging purposes unless immediately after the purchase, the
value of the aggregate initial margin with respect to such futures
contracts entered into on behalf of the Fund and the premiums paid for
such options on futures contracts does not exceed 5% of the fair market
value of the Fund's total assets; provided that in the case of an
option that is in-the-money at the time of purchase, the in-the-money
amount may be excluded in computing the 5% limit;
(5) purchase warrants if as a result, such securities, taken at the lower
of cost or market value, would represent more than 5% of the value of
the Fund's total assets (for this purpose, warrants acquired in units
or attached to securities will be deemed to have no value); and
(6) lend portfolio securities in an amount greater than 5% of its total
assets.
The 1940 Act limits the Fund's investment in other investment
companies. To the extent that the Fund invests in shares of other investment
companies, pursuant to the 1940 Act, additional fees and expenses in addition to
those incurred by the Fund may be deducted from such investments.
If a percentage restriction on investment or utilization of assets as
set forth under "Investment Restrictions" and "Other Investment Policies" above
is adhered to at the time an investment is made, a later change in percentage
resulting from changes in the value or the total cost of the Funds assets will
not be considered a violation of the restriction.
PURCHASES
Additional Information About Opening An Account
Clients having a regular investment counsel account with the Adviser or
its affiliates and members of their immediate families, officers and employees
of the Adviser or of any affiliated organization and their immediate families,
members of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") and
banks may, if they prefer, subscribe initially for at least $2,500 of Fund
shares through Scudder Investor Services, Inc. (the "Distributor") by letter,
fax, or telephone.
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Shareholders of other Scudder funds who have submitted an account
application and have a certified Tax Identification Number, clients having a
regular investment counsel account with the Adviser or its affiliates and
members of their immediate families, officers and employees of the Adviser or of
any affiliated organization and their immediate families, members of the NASD,
and banks may open an account by wire. These investors must call 1-800-225-5163
to get an account number. During the call, the investor will be asked to
indicate the Fund name, amount to be wired ($2,500 minimum), name of bank or
trust company from which the wire will be sent, the exact registration of the
new account, the taxpayer identification or Social Security number, address and
telephone number. The investor must then call the bank to arrange a wire
transfer to The Scudder Funds, State Street Bank and Trust Company, Boston, MA
02110, ABA Number 011000028, DDA Account Number: 9903-5552. The investor must
give the Scudder fund name, account name and the new account number. Finally,
the investor must send the completed and signed application to the Fund
promptly.
The minimum initial purchase amount is less than $2,500 under certain
special plan accounts.
Minimum Balances
Shareholders should maintain a share balance worth at least $2,500
($1,000 for fiduciary accounts such as IRAs, and custodial accounts such as
Uniform Gifts to Minors Act, and Uniform Transfers to Minors Act accounts),
which amount may be changed by the Board of Directors. A shareholder may open an
account with at least $1,000 ($500 for fiduciary/custodial accounts), if an
automatic investment plan (AIP) of $100/month ($50/month for fiduciary/custodial
accounts) is established. Scudder group retirement plans and certain other
accounts have similar or lower minimum share balance requirements.
The Fund reserves the right, following 60 days' written notice to
applicable shareholders, to:
o assess an annual $10 per fund charge (with the fee to be paid to the
Fund) for any non-fiduciary/non-custodial account without an automatic
investment plan (AIP) in place and a balance of less than $2,500; and
o redeem all shares in Fund accounts below $1,000 where a reduction in
value has occurred due to a redemption, exchange or transfer out of the
account. The Fund will mail the proceeds of the redeemed account to the
shareholder at the address of record.
Reductions in value that result solely from market activity will not
trigger an annual fee or involuntary redemption. Shareholders with a combined
household account balance in any of the Scudder Funds of $100,000 or more, as
well as group retirement and certain other accounts will not be subject to a fee
or automatic redemption.
Fiduciary (e.g., IRA or Roth IRA) and custodial accounts (e.g., UGMA or
UTMA) with balances below $100 are subject to automatic redemption following 60
days' written notice to applicable shareholders.
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments
Subsequent purchase orders for $10,000 or more and for an amount not
greater than four times the value of the shareholder's account may be placed by
telephone, fax, etc. by established shareholders (except by Scudder Individual
Retirement Account (IRA), Scudder Horizon Plan, Scudder Profit Sharing and Money
Purchase Pension Plans, Scudder 401(k) and Scudder 403(b) Plan holders), members
of the NASD, and banks. Contact the Distributor at 1-800-SCUDDER for additional
information. A confirmation of the purchase will be mailed out promptly
following receipt of a request to buy. Federal regulations require that payment
be received within three business days. If payment is not received within that
time, the order is subject to cancellation. In the event of such cancellation or
cancellation at the purchaser's request, the purchaser will be responsible for
any loss incurred by the Fund or the principal underwriter by reason of such
cancellation. If the purchaser is a shareholder, the Corporation shall have the
authority, as agent of the shareholder, to redeem shares in the account in order
to reimburse the Fund or the principal underwriter for the loss incurred. Net
losses on such transactions which are not recovered from the purchaser will be
absorbed by the principal underwriter. Any net profit on the liquidation of
unpaid shares will accrue to the Fund.
Additional Information About Making Subsequent Investments by QuickBuy
Shareholders, whose predesignated bank account of record is a member of
the Automated Clearing House Network (ACH) and who have elected to participate
in the QuickBuy program, may purchase shares of the Fund by
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telephone. Through this service shareholders may purchase up to $250,000. To
purchase shares by QuickBuy, shareholders should call before the close of
regular trading on the Exchange, normally 4 p.m. eastern time. Proceeds in the
amount of your purchase will be transferred from your bank checking account two
or three business days following your call. For requests received by the close
of regular trading on the Exchange, shares will be purchased at the net asset
value per share calculated at the close of trading on the day of your call.
QuickBuy requests received after the close of regular trading on the Exchange
will begin their processing and be purchased at the net asset value calculated
the following business day. If you purchase shares by QuickBuy and redeem them
within seven days of the purchase, the Fund may hold the redemption proceeds for
a period of up to seven days. If you purchase shares and there are insufficient
funds in your bank account the purchase will be canceled and you may be subject
to any losses or fees incurred in the transaction. QuickBuy transactions are not
available for most retirement plan accounts. However, QuickBuy transactions are
available for Scudder IRA accounts.
In order to request purchases by QuickBuy, shareholders must have
completed and returned to the Transfer Agent the application, including the
designation of a bank account from which the purchase payment will be debited.
New investors wishing to establish QuickBuy may so indicate on the application.
Existing shareholders who wish to add QuickBuy to their account may do so by
completing a QuickBuy Enrollment Form. After sending in an enrollment form,
shareholders should allow 15 days for this service to be available.
The Fund employs procedures, including recording telephone calls,
testing a caller's identity, and sending written confirmation of telephone
transactions, designed to give reasonable assurance that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine, and to discourage fraud. To the extent
that the Fund does not follow such procedures, it may be liable for losses due
to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. The Fund will not be
liable for acting upon instructions communicated by telephone that it reasonably
believes to be genuine.
Checks
A certified check is not necessary, but checks are only accepted
subject to collection at full face value in U.S. funds and must be drawn on, or
payable through, a U.S. bank.
If shares of the Fund are purchased by a check which proves to be
uncollectible, the Corporation reserves the right to cancel the purchase
immediately and the purchaser may be responsible for any loss incurred by the
Trust or the principal underwriter by reason of such cancellation. If the
purchaser is a shareholder, the Corporation will have the authority, as agent of
the shareholder, to redeem shares in the account in order to reimburse the Fund
or the principal underwriter for the loss incurred. Investors whose orders have
been canceled may be prohibited from, or restricted in, placing future orders in
any of the Scudder funds.
Wire Transfer of Federal Funds
To obtain the net asset value determined as of the close of regular
trading on the Exchange on a selected day, your bank must forward federal funds
by wire transfer and provide the required account information so as to be
available to the Fund prior to the close of regular trading on the Exchange
(normally 4 p.m. eastern time).
The bank sending an investor's federal funds by bank wire may charge
for the service. Presently, the Distributor pays a fee for receipt by State
Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Custodian") of "wired funds," but the right
to charge investors for this service is reserved.
Boston banks are closed on certain holidays although the Exchange may
be open. These holidays include Columbus Day (the 2nd Monday in October) and
Veterans Day (November 11). Investors are not able to purchase shares by wiring
federal funds on such holidays because the Custodian is not open to receive such
federal funds on behalf of the Fund.
Share Price
Purchases will be filled without sales charge at the net asset value
next computed after the receipt of a purchase request in good order. Net asset
value normally will be computed as of the close of regular trading on each day
during which the Exchange is open for trading. Orders received after the close
of regular trading on the Exchange will receive the next business day's net
asset value. If the order has been placed by a member of the NASD, other than
the
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Distributor, it is the responsibility of that member broker, rather than the
Fund, to forward the purchase order to Scudder Service Corporation (the
"Transfer Agent") by the close of regular trading on the Exchange.
Share Certificates
Due to the desire of the Corporation's management to afford ease of
redemption, certificates will not be issued to indicate ownership in the Fund.
Share certificates now in a shareholder's possession may be sent to the Transfer
Agent for cancellation and credit to such shareholder's account. Shareholders
who prefer may hold the certificates in their possession until they wish to
exchange or redeem such shares.
Other Information
The Fund has authorized certain members of the NASD other than the
Distributor to accept purchase and redemption orders for its shares. Those
brokers may also designate other parties to accept purchase and redemption
orders on the Fund's behalf. Orders for purchase or redemption will be deemed to
have been received by the Fund when such brokers or their authorized designees
accept the orders. Subject to the terms of the contract between the Fund and the
broker, ordinarily orders will be priced at the Fund's net asset value next
computed after acceptance by such brokers or their authorized designees.
Further, if purchases or redemptions of the Fund's shares are arranged and
settlement is made at an investor's election through any other authorized NASD
member, that member may, at its discretion, charge a fee for that service. The
Board of Directors and the Distributor, also the Fund's principal underwriter,
each has the right to limit the amount of purchases by, and to refuse to sell
to, any person. The Directors and the Distributor may suspend or terminate the
offering of Fund shares at any time for any reason.
The Board of Directors and the Distributor each has the right to limit,
for any reason, the amount of purchases by, and to refuse to, sell to any
person, and each may suspend or terminate the offering of Fund shares at any
time for any reason.
The Tax Identification Number section of the application must be
completed when opening an account. Applications and purchase orders without a
correct certified tax identification number and certain other certified
information (e.g., from exempt organizations, certification of exempt status)
will be returned to the investor. The Fund reserves the right, following 30
days' notice, to redeem all shares in accounts without a correct certified
Social Security or tax identification number. A shareholder may avoid
involuntary redemption by providing the Fund with a tax identification number
during the 30-day notice period.
The Corporation may issue shares at net asset value in connection with
any merger or consolidation with, or acquisition of the assets of, any
investment company or personal holding company, subject to the requirements of
the 1940 Act.
EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
Exchanges
Exchanges are comprised of a redemption from one Scudder fund and
purchase into another Scudder fund. The purchase side of the exchange may be
either an additional investment into an existing account or may involve opening
a new account in another fund. When an exchange involves a new account, the new
account will be established with the same registration, tax identification
number, address, telephone redemption option, "Scudder Automated Information
Line" (SAIL) transaction authorization and dividend option as the existing
account. Other features will not carry over automatically to the new account.
Exchanges into a new fund account must be for a minimum of $2,500. When an
exchange represents an additional investment into an existing account, the
account receiving the exchange proceeds must have identical registration, tax
identification number, address, and account options/features as the account of
origin. Exchanges into an existing account must be for $100 or more. If the
account receiving the exchange proceeds is to be different in any respect, the
exchange request must be in writing and must contain an original signature
guarantee.
Exchange orders received before the close of regular trading on the
Exchange on any business day ordinarily will be executed at the respective net
asset values determined on that day. Exchange orders received after the close of
regular trading on the Exchange will be executed on the following business day.
20
<PAGE>
Investors may also request, at no extra charge, to have exchanges
automatically executed on a predetermined schedule from one Scudder fund to an
existing account in another Scudder fund, at current net asset value, through
Scudder's Automatic Exchange Program. Exchanges must be for a minimum of $50.
Shareholders may add this free feature over the telephone or in writing.
Automatic exchanges will continue until the shareholder requests by telephone or
in writing to have the feature removed, or until the originating account is
depleted. The Fund and the Transfer Agent each reserves the right to suspend or
terminate the privilege of the Automatic Exchange Program at any time.
There is no charge to the shareholder for any exchange described above
(except for exchanges from funds which impose a redemption fee on shares held
less than a year). An exchange into another Scudder fund is a redemption of
shares, and therefore may result in tax consequences (gain or loss) to the
shareholder and the proceeds of such exchange may be subject to backup
withholding. (See "TAXES.")
Investors currently receive the exchange privilege, including exchange
by telephone, automatically without having to elect it. The Fund employs
procedures, including recording telephone calls, testing a caller's identity,
and sending written confirmation of telephone transactions, designed to give
reasonable assurance that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine,
and to discourage fraud. To the extent that the Fund does not follow such
procedures, it may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
telephone instructions. The Fund will not be liable for acting upon instructions
communicated by telephone that it reasonably believes to be genuine. The Fund
and the Transfer Agent each reserves the right to suspend or terminate the
privilege of exchanging by telephone or fax at any time.
The Scudder funds into which investors may make an exchange are listed
under "THE SCUDDER FAMILY OF FUNDS" herein. Before making an exchange,
shareholders should obtain from the Distributor a prospectus of the Scudder fund
into which the exchange is being contemplated. The exchange privilege may not be
available for certain Scudder funds or classes thereof. For more information,
please call 1-800-225-5163.
Scudder retirement plans may have different exchange requirements.
Please refer to appropriate plan literature.
Redemption by Telephone
In order to request redemptions by telephone, shareholders must have
completed and returned to the Transfer Agent the application, including the
designation of a bank account to which the redemption proceeds are to be sent.
Shareholders currently receive automatically, without having to elect it, the
right to redeem up to $100,000 to their address of record. Shareholders may
request to have the proceeds mailed or wired to their predesignated bank
account.
(a) NEW INVESTORS wishing to establish telephone redemption to a
predesignated bank account must complete the appropriate
section on the application.
(b) EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS (except those who are Scudder IRA,
Scudder Pension and Profit-Sharing, Scudder 401(k) and Scudder
403(b) Planholders) who wish to establish telephone redemption
to a predesignated bank account or who want to change the bank
account previously designated to receive redemption payments
should either return a Telephone Redemption Option Form
(available upon request) or send a letter identifying the
account and specifying the exact information to be changed.
The letter must be signed exactly as the shareholder's name(s)
appears on the account. A signature and a signature guarantee
are required for each person in whose name the account is
registered.
Telephone redemption is not available with respect to shares
represented by share certificates or shares held in certain retirement accounts.
If a request for redemption to a shareholder's bank account is made by
telephone or fax, payment will be by Federal Reserve bank wire to the bank
account designated on the application, unless a request is made that the
redemption check be mailed to the designated bank account. There will be a $5
charge for all wire redemptions.
Note: Investors designating a savings bank to receive their
telephone redemption proceeds are advised that if the savings
bank is not a participant in the Federal Reserve System,
redemption proceeds must be wired through a commercial bank
which is a correspondent of the savings bank. As this may
delay
21
<PAGE>
receipt by the shareholder's account, it is suggested that
investors wishing to use a savings bank discuss wire
procedures with their bank and submit any special wire
transfer information with the telephone redemption
authorization. If appropriate wire information is not
supplied, redemption proceeds will be mailed to the designated
bank.
The Corporation employs procedures, including recording telephone
calls, testing a caller's identity, and sending written confirmation of
telephone transactions, designed to give reasonable assurance that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine, and to discourage fraud. To the extent
that the Corporation does not follow such procedures, it may be liable for
losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. The Corporation
will not be liable for acting upon instructions communicated by telephone that
it reasonably believes to be genuine.
Redemption requests by telephone (technically a repurchase by agreement
between the Fund and the shareholder) of shares purchased by check will not be
accepted until the purchase check has cleared which may take up to seven
business days.
Redemption by QuickSell
Shareholders, whose predesignated bank account of record is a member of
the Automated Clearing House Network (ACH) and who have elected to participate
in the QuickSell program may sell shares of the Fund by telephone. Redemptions
must be for at least $250. Proceeds in the amount of your redemption will be
transferred to your bank checking account two or three business days following
your call. For requests received by the close of regular trading on the
Exchange, normally 4:00 p.m. eastern time, shares will be redeemed at the net
asset value per share calculated at the close of trading on the day of your
call. QuickSell requests received after the close of regular trading on the
Exchange will begin their processing and be redeemed at the net asset value
calculated the following business day. QuickSell transactions are not available
for Scudder IRA accounts and most other retirement plan accounts.
In order to request redemptions by QuickSell, shareholders must have
completed and returned to the Transfer Agent the application, including the
designation of a bank account to which redemption proceeds will be credited. New
investors wishing to establish QuickSell may so indicate on the application.
Existing shareholders who wish to add QuickSell to their account may do so by
completing a QuickSell Enrollment Form. After sending in an enrollment form,
shareholders should allow 15 days for this service to be available.
The Fund employs procedures, including recording telephone calls,
testing a caller's identity, and sending written confirmation of telephone
transactions, designed to give reasonable assurance that instructions
communicated by telephone are genuine, and to discourage fraud. To the extent
that the Fund does not follow such procedures, it may be liable for losses due
to unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. The Fund will not be
liable for acting upon instructions communicated by telephone that it reasonably
believes to be genuine.
Redemption-In-Kind
The Corporation reserves the right, if conditions exist which make cash
payments undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase order by
making payment in whole or in part in readily marketable securities chosen by
the Corporation and valued as they are for purposes of computing the Fund's net
asset value (a redemption-in-kind). If payment is made in securities, a
shareholder may incur transaction expenses in converting these securities into
cash. The Fund has elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940
Act as a result of which the Fund is obligated to redeem shares, with respect to
any one shareholder during any 90 day period, solely in cash up to the lesser of
$250,000 or 1% of the value of the Fund's net assets at the beginning of the
period.
Other Information
If a shareholder redeems all shares in the account after the record
date of a dividend, the shareholder will receive, in addition to the net asset
value thereof, all declared but unpaid dividends thereon. The value of shares
redeemed or repurchased may be more or less than the shareholder's cost
depending on the net asset value at the time of redemption or repurchase. The
Corporation does not impose a redemption or repurchase charge, although a wire
charge may be applicable for redemption proceeds wired to an investor's bank
account. Redemptions of shares of the Fund, including an exchange into another
series of the Corporation, if any, or another Scudder fund, may result in tax
consequences (gain or loss) to the shareholder and the proceeds of such
redemptions may be subject to backup withholding. (See "TAXES.")
22
<PAGE>
Shareholders who wish to redeem shares from Special Plan Accounts
should contact the employer, director or custodian of the Plan for the
requirements.
The determination of net asset value may be suspended at times and a
shareholder's right to redeem shares and to receive payment may be suspended at
times during which (a) the Exchange is closed, other than customary weekend and
holiday closings, (b) trading on the Exchange is restricted for any reason, (c)
an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities
owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable
for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets, or (d) the SEC may
by order permit such a suspension for the protection of the Corporation's
shareholders; provided that applicable rules and regulations of the SEC (or any
succeeding governmental authority) shall govern as to whether the conditions
prescribed in (b) or (c) exist.
FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE FUND
The No-Load Concept
Investors are encouraged to be aware of the full ramifications of
mutual fund fee structures, and of how Scudder distinguishes its Scudder Family
of Funds from the vast majority of mutual funds available today. The primary
distinction is between load and no-load funds.
Load funds generally are defined as mutual funds that charge a fee for
the sale and distribution of fund shares. There are three types of loads:
front-end loads, back-end loads, and asset-based 12b-1 fees. 12b-1 fees are
distribution-related fees charged against fund assets and are distinct from
service fees, which are charged for personal services and/or maintenance of
shareholder accounts. Asset-based sales charges and service fees are typically
paid pursuant to distribution plans adopted under 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.
A front-end load is a sales charge, which can be as high as 8.50% of
the amount invested. A back-end load is a contingent deferred sales charge,
which can be as high as 8.50% of either the amount invested or redeemed. The
maximum front-end or back-end load varies, and depends upon whether or not a
fund also charges a 12b-1 fee and/or a service fee or offers investors various
sales-related services such as dividend reinvestment. The maximum charge for a
12b-1 fee is 0.75% of a fund's average annual net assets, and the maximum charge
for a service fee is 0.25% of a fund's average annual net assets.
A no-load fund does not charge a front-end or back-end load, but can
charge a small 12b-1 fee and/or service fee against fund assets. Under the
National Association of Securities Dealers Conduct Rules, a mutual fund can call
itself a "no-load" fund only if the 12b-1 fee and/or service fee does not exceed
0.25% of a fund's average annual net assets.
Scudder pioneered the no-load concept when it created the nation's
first no-load fund in 1928, and later developed the nation's first family of
no-load mutual funds.
Investors are encouraged to review the fee and expense tables and the
consolidated financial highlights of the Fund's prospectus for more specific
information about the rates at which management fees and other expenses are
assessed.
Internet access
World Wide Web Site -- The address of the Scudder Funds site is
http://funds.scudder.com. The site offers guidance on global investing and
developing strategies to help meet financial goals and provides access to the
Scudder investor relations department via e-mail. The site also enables users to
access or view fund prospectuses and profiles with links between summary
information in Profiles and details in the Prospectus. Users can fill out new
account forms on-line, order free software, and request literature on funds.
Account Access -- Scudder is among the first mutual fund families to allow
shareholders to manage their fund accounts through the World Wide Web. Scudder
Fund shareholders can view a snapshot of current holdings, review account
activity and move assets between Scudder Fund accounts.
23
<PAGE>
Scudder's personal portfolio capabilities -- known as SEAS (Scudder
Electronic Account Services) -- are accessible only by current Scudder Fund
shareholders who have set up a Personal Page on Scudder's Web site. Using a
secure Web browser, shareholders sign on to their account with their Social
Security number and their SAIL password. As an additional security measure,
users can change their current password or disable access to their portfolio
through the World Wide Web.
An Account Activity option reveals a financial history of transactions
for an account, with trade dates, type and amount of transaction, share price
and number of shares traded. For users who wish to trade shares between Scudder
Funds, the Fund Exchange option provides a step-by-step procedure to exchange
shares among existing fund accounts or to new Scudder Fund accounts.
Dividends and Capital Gains Distribution Options
Investors have freedom to choose whether to receive cash or to reinvest
any dividends from net investment income or distributions from realized capital
gains in additional shares of the Fund. A change of instructions for the method
of payment must be received by the Transfer Agent at least five days prior to a
dividend record date. Shareholders also may change their dividend option either
by calling 1-800-225-5163 or by sending written instructions to the Transfer
Agent. Please include your account number with your written request. See "How to
invest in the fund" in the Fund's prospectus for the address.
Reinvestment is usually made at the closing net asset value determined
on the business day following the record date. Investors may leave standing
instructions with the Transfer Agent designating their option for either
reinvestment or cash distribution of any income dividends or capital gains
distributions. If no election is made, dividends and distributions will be
invested in additional shares of the Fund.
Investors may also have dividends and distributions automatically
deposited in their predesignated bank account through Scudder's
DistributionsDirect Program. Shareholders who elect to participate in the
DistributionsDirect Program, and whose predesignated checking account of record
is with a member bank of the Automated Clearing House Network (ACH) can have
income and capital gain distributions automatically deposited to their personal
bank account usually within three business days after the Fund pays its
distribution. A DistributionsDirect request form can be obtained by calling
1-800-225-5163. Confirmation statements will be mailed to shareholders as
notification that distributions have been deposited.
Investors choosing to participate in Scudder's Automatic Withdrawal
Plan must reinvest any dividends or capital gains. For most retirement plan
accounts, the reinvestment of dividends and capital gains is also required.
Reports to Shareholders
The Corporation issues shareholders semiannual financial statements
(audited annually by independent accountants) including a list of investments
held and statements of assets and liabilities, statements of operations,
statements of changes in net assets and financial highlights.
Transaction Summaries
Annual summaries of all transactions in each Fund account are available
to shareholders. The summaries may be obtained by calling 1-800-225-5163.
THE SCUDDER FAMILY OF FUNDS
The Scudder Family of Funds is America's first family of mutual funds
and the nation's oldest family of no-load mutual funds. To assist investors in
choosing a Scudder fund, descriptions of the Scudder funds' objectives follow.
MONEY MARKET
Scudder U.S. Treasury Money Fund
Scudder Cash Investment Trust
Scudder Money Market Series
Scudder Government Money Market
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<PAGE>
TAX FREE MONEY MARKET
Scudder Tax Free Money Fund
Scudder Tax Free Money Market Series
Scudder California Tax Free Money Fund*
Scudder New York Tax Free Money Fund*
TAX FREE
Scudder Limited Term Tax Free Fund
Scudder Medium Term Tax Free Fund
Scudder Managed Municipal Bonds
Scudder High Yield Tax Free Fund
Scudder California Tax Free Fund*
Scudder Massachusetts Limited Term Tax Free Fund*
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund*
Scudder New York Tax Free Fund*
Scudder Ohio Tax Free Fund
U.S. INCOME
Scudder Short Term Bond Fund
Scudder GNMA Fund
Scudder Income Fund
Scudder Corporate Bond Fund
Scudder High Yield Bond Fund
GLOBAL INCOME
Scudder Global Bond Fund
Scudder International Bond Fund .
Scudder Emerging Markets Income Fund
ASSET ALLOCATION
Scudder Pathway Series: Conservative Portfolio
Scudder Pathway Series: Balanced Portfolio
Scudder Pathway Series: Growth Portfolio
U.S. GROWTH AND INCOME
Scudder Balanced Fund
Scudder Dividend & Growth Fund
Scudder Growth and Income Fund
Scudder S&P 500 Index Fund
Scudder Real Estate Investment Fund
U.S. GROWTH
Value
Scudder Large Company Value Fund
Scudder Value Fund**
Scudder Small Company Value Fund
Scudder Micro Cap Fund
Growth
Scudder Classic Growth Fund**
Scudder Large Company Growth Fund
- --------
* These funds are not available for sale in all states. For information,
contact Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
** Only the Scudder Shares are part of the Scudder Family of Funds.
25
<PAGE>
Scudder Development Fund
Scudder 21st Century Growth Fund
GLOBAL EQUITY
Worldwide
Scudder Global Fund
Scudder International Value Fund
Scudder International Growth and Income Fund
Scudder International Fund***
Scudder International Growth Fund
Scudder Global Discovery Fund**
Scudder Emerging Markets Growth Fund
Scudder Gold Fund
Regional
Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund
Scudder Pacific Opportunities Fund
Scudder Latin America Fund
The Japan Fund, Inc.
INDUSTRY SECTOR FUNDS
Choice Series
Scudder Financial Services Fund
Scudder Health Care Fund
Scudder Technology Fund
SCUDDER PREFERRED SERIES
Scudder Tax Managed Growth Fund
Scudder Tax Managed Small Company Fund
The net asset values of most Scudder funds can be found daily in the
"Mutual Funds" section of The Wall Street Journal under "Scudder Funds," and in
other leading newspapers throughout the country. Investors will notice the net
asset value and offering price are the same, reflecting the fact that no sales
commission or "load" is charged on the sale of shares of the Scudder funds. The
latest seven-day yields for the money-market funds can be found every Monday and
Thursday in the "Money-Market Funds" section of The Wall Street Journal. This
information also may be obtained by calling the Scudder Automated Information
Line (SAIL) at 1-800-343-2890.
Certain Scudder funds or classes thereof may not be available for
purchase or exchange. For more information, please call 1-800-225-5163.
SPECIAL PLAN ACCOUNTS
Detailed information on any Scudder investment plan, including the
applicable charges, minimum investment requirements and disclosures made
pursuant to Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") requirements, may be obtained
by contacting Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110-4103 or by calling toll free, 1-800-225-2470. The
discussions of the plans below describe only certain aspects of the federal
income tax treatment of the plan. The state tax treatment may be different and
may vary from state to state. It is advisable for an investor considering the
funding of the investment plans described below to consult with an attorney or
other investment or tax adviser with respect to the suitability requirements and
tax aspects thereof.
- --------
*** Only the International Shares are part of the Scudder Family of Funds.
** Only the Scudder Shares are part of the Scudder Family of Funds.
26
<PAGE>
Shares of the Fund may also be a permitted investment under profit
sharing and pension plans and IRAs other than those offered by the Fund's
distributor depending on the provisions of the relevant plan or IRA.
None of the plans assures a profit or guarantees protection against
depreciation, especially in declining markets.
Scudder Retirement Plans: Profit-Sharing and Money Purchase
Pension Plans for Corporations and Self-Employed Individuals
Shares of the Fund may be purchased as the investment medium under a
plan in the form of a Scudder Profit-Sharing Plan (including a version of the
Plan which includes a cash-or-deferred feature) or a Scudder Money Purchase
Pension Plan (jointly referred to as the Scudder Retirement Plans) adopted by a
corporation, a self-employed individual or a group of self-employed individuals
(including sole proprietorships and partnerships), or other qualifying
organization. Each of these forms was approved by the IRS as a prototype. The
IRS's approval of an employer's plan under Section 401(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code will be greatly facilitated if it is in such approved form. Under
certain circumstances, the IRS will assume that a plan, adopted in this form,
after special notice to any employees, meets the requirements of Section 401(a)
of the Internal Revenue Code as to form.
Scudder 401(k): Cash or Deferred Profit-Sharing Plan
for Corporations and Self-Employed Individuals
Shares of the Fund may be purchased as the investment medium under a
plan in the form of a Scudder 401(k) Plan adopted by a corporation, a
self-employed individual or a group of self-employed individuals (including sole
proprietors and partnerships), or other qualifying organization. This plan has
been approved as a prototype by the IRS.
Scudder IRA: Individual Retirement Account
Shares of the Fund may be purchased as the underlying investment for an
Individual Retirement Account which meets the requirements of Section 408(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code.
A single individual who is not an active participant in an
employer-maintained retirement plan, a simplified employee pension plan, or a
tax-deferred annuity program (a "qualified plan"), and a married individual who
is not an active participant in a qualified plan and whose spouse is also not an
active participant in a qualified plan, are eligible to make tax deductible
contributions of up to $2,000 to an IRA prior to the year such individual
attains age 70 1/2. In addition, certain individuals who are active participants
in qualified plans (or who have spouses who are active participants) are also
eligible to make tax-deductible contributions to an IRA; the annual amount, if
any, of the contribution which such an individual will be eligible to deduct
will be determined by the amount of his, her, or their adjusted gross income for
the year. Whenever the adjusted gross income limitation prohibits an individual
from contributing what would otherwise be the maximum tax-deductible
contribution he or she could make, the individual will be eligible to contribute
the difference to an IRA in the form of nondeductible contributions.
An eligible individual may contribute as much as $2,000 of qualified
income (earned income or, under certain circumstances, alimony) to an IRA each
year (up to $2,000 per individual for married couples if only one spouse has
earned income). All income and capital gains derived from IRA investments are
reinvested and compound tax-deferred until distributed. Such tax-deferred
compounding can lead to substantial retirement savings.
The table below shows how much individuals would accumulate in a fully
tax-deductible IRA by age 65 (before any distributions) if they contribute
$2,000 at the beginning of each year, assuming average annual returns of 5, 10,
and 15%. (At withdrawal, accumulations in this table will be taxable.)
27
<PAGE>
Value of IRA at Age 65
Assuming $2,000 Deductible Annual Contribution
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------
Starting Annual Rate of Return
Age of ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contributions 5% 10% 15%
- ---------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
25 $253,680 $973,704 $4,091,908
35 139,522 361,887 999,914
45 69,439 126,005 235,620
55 26,414 35,062 46,699
This next table shows how much individuals would accumulate in non-IRA
accounts by age 65 if they start with $2,000 in pretax earned income at the
beginning of each year (which is $1,380 after taxes are paid), assuming average
annual returns of 5, 10 and 15%. (At withdrawal, a portion of the accumulation
in this table will be taxable.)
Value of a Non-IRA Account at
Age 65 Assuming $1,380 Annual Contributions
(post tax, $2,000 pretax) and a 31% Tax Bracket
- ---------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------
Starting Annual Rate of Return
Age of ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contributions 5% 10% 15%
- ---------------------------- ------------------------- -------------------------- -------------------------
25 $119,318 $287,021 $741,431
35 73,094 136,868 267,697
45 40,166 59,821 90,764
55 16,709 20,286 24,681
</TABLE>
Scudder Roth IRA: Individual Retirement Account
Shares of the Fund may be purchased as the underlying investment for a
Roth Individual Retirement Account which meets the requirements of Section 408A
of the Internal Revenue Code.
A single individual earning below $95,000 can contribute up to $2,000
per year to a Roth IRA. The maximum contribution amount diminishes and gradually
falls to zero for single filers with adjusted gross incomes ranging from $95,000
to $110,000. Married couples earning less than $150,000 combined, and filing
jointly, can contribute a full $4,000 per year ($2,000 per IRA). The maximum
contribution amount for married couples filing jointly phases out from $150,000
to $160,000.
An eligible individual can contribute money to a traditional IRA and a
Roth IRA as long as the total contribution to all IRAs does not exceed $2,000.
No tax deduction is allowed under Section 219 of the Internal Revenue Code for
contributions to a Roth IRA. Contributions to a Roth IRA may be made even after
the individual for whom the account is maintained has attained age 70 1/2.
All income and capital gains derived from Roth IRA investments are
reinvested and compounded tax-free. Such tax-free compounding can lead to
substantial retirement savings. No distributions are required to be taken prior
to the death of the original account holder. If a Roth IRA has been established
for a minimum of five years, distributions can be taken tax-free after reaching
age 59 1/2, for a first-time home purchase ($10,000 maximum, one-time use) or
upon death or disability. All other distributions of earnings from a Roth IRA
are taxable and subject to a 10% tax penalty unless an exception applies.
Exceptions to the 10% penalty include: disability, excess medical expenses, the
purchase of health insurance for an unemployed individual and qualified higher
education expenses.
An individual with an income of $100,000 or less (who is not married
filing separately) can roll his or her existing IRA into a Roth IRA. However,
the individual must pay taxes on the taxable amount in his or her traditional
IRA. Individuals who complete the rollover in 1998 will be allowed to spread the
tax payments over a four-year period. After 1998, all taxes on such a rollover
have to be paid in the tax year in which the rollover is made.
28
<PAGE>
Scudder 403(b) Plan
Shares of the Fund may also be purchased as the underlying investment
for tax sheltered annuity plans under the provisions of Section 403(b)(7) of the
Internal Revenue Code. In general, employees of tax-exempt organizations
described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (such as hospitals,
churches, religious, scientific, or literary organizations and educational
institutions) or a public school system are eligible to participate in a 403(b)
plan.
Automatic Withdrawal Plan
Non-retirement plan shareholders may establish an Automatic Withdrawal
Plan to receive monthly, quarterly or periodic redemptions from his or her
account for any designated amount of $50 or more. Shareholders may designate
which day they want the automatic withdrawal to be processed. The check amounts
may be based on the redemption of a fixed dollar amount, fixed share amount,
percent of account value or declining balance. The Plan provides for income
dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, to be reinvested in
additional shares. Shares are then liquidated as necessary to provide for
withdrawal payments. Since the withdrawals are in amounts selected by the
investor and have no relationship to yield or income, payments received cannot
be considered as yield or income on the investment and the resulting
liquidations may deplete or possibly extinguish the initial investment and any
reinvested dividends and capital gains distributions. Requests for increases in
withdrawal amounts or to change the payee must be submitted in writing, signed
exactly as the account is registered, and contain signature guarantee(s) as
described under "Transaction information -- Redeeming shares -- Signature
guarantees" in the Fund's prospectus. Any such requests must be received by the
Fund's transfer agent ten days prior to the date of the first automatic
withdrawal. An Automatic Withdrawal Plan may be terminated at any time by the
shareholder, the Trust or its agent on written notice, and will be terminated
when all shares of the Fund under the Plan have been liquidated or upon receipt
by the Corporation of notice of death of the shareholder.
An Automatic Withdrawal Plan request form can be obtained by calling
1-800-225-5163.
Group or Salary Deduction Plan
An investor may join a Group or Salary Deduction Plan where
satisfactory arrangements have been made with Scudder Investor Services, Inc.
for forwarding regular investments through a single source. The minimum annual
investment is $240 per investor which may be made in monthly, quarterly,
semiannual or annual payments. The minimum monthly deposit per investor is $20.
Except for trustees or custodian fees for certain retirement plans, at present
there is no separate charge for maintaining group or salary deduction plans;
however, the Corporation and its agents reserve the right to establish a
maintenance charge in the future depending on the services required by the
investor.
The Corporation reserves the right, after notice has been given to the
shareholder, to redeem and close a shareholder's account in the event that the
shareholder ceases participating in the group plan prior to investment of $1,000
per individual or in the event of a redemption which occurs prior to the
accumulation of that amount or which reduces the account value to less than
$1,000 and the account value is not increased to $1,000 within a reasonable time
after notification. An investor in a plan who has not purchased shares for six
months shall be presumed to have stopped making payments under the plan.
Automatic Investment Plan
Shareholders may arrange to make periodic investments through automatic
deductions from checking accounts by completing the appropriate form and
providing the necessary documentation to establish this service. The minimum
investment is $50.
The Automatic Investment Plan involves an investment strategy called
dollar cost averaging. Dollar cost averaging is a method of investing whereby a
specific dollar amount is invested at regular intervals. By investing the same
dollar amount each period, when shares are priced low the investor will purchase
more shares than when the share price is higher. Over a period of time this
investment approach may allow the investor to reduce the average price of the
shares purchased. However, this investment approach does not assure a profit or
protect against loss. This type of regular investment program may be suitable
for various investment goals such as, but not limited to, college planning or
saving for a home.
29
<PAGE>
Uniform Transfers/Gifts to Minors Act
Grandparents, parents or other donors may set up custodian accounts for
minors. The minimum initial investment is $1,000 unless the donor agrees to
continue to make regular share purchases for the account through Scudder's
Automatic Investment Plan (AIP). In this case, the minimum initial investment is
$500.
The Corporation reserves the right, after notice has been given to the
shareholder and custodian, to redeem and close a shareholder's account in the
event that regular investments to the account cease before the $1,000 minimum is
reached.
DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS
The Corporation intends to follow the practice of distributing
substantially all of the Fund's net investment income, including any excess of
net realized short-term capital gains over net realized long-term capital
losses. The Corporation intends to follow the practice of distributing the
entire excess of the Fund's net realized long-term capital gains over net
realized short-term capital losses. However, if it appears to be in the best
interest of the Fund and its shareholders, the Fund may retain all or part of
such gain for reinvestment after paying the related federal income taxes on
behalf of the shareholders.
The Corporation intends to distribute the Fund's net investment income
and any net realized short-term and long-term capital gains resulting from Fund
investment activity in December to prevent application of a federal excise tax.
Both types of distributions will be made in shares of the Fund and confirmations
will be mailed to each shareholder unless a shareholder has elected to receive
cash, in which case a check will be sent. Distributions are taxable, whether
made in shares or cash (see "TAXES"). Any distributions declared in October,
November or December with a record date in such a month and paid during the
following January will be treated by shareholders for federal income tax
purposes as if received on December 31 of the calendar year declared.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
From time to time, quotations of the Fund's performance may be included
in advertisements, sales literature or reports to shareholders or prospective
investors. These performance figures may be calculated in the following manner:
Average Annual Total Return
Average annual total return is the average annual compound rate of
return for the periods of one year, five years and the life of the Fund, ended
on the date of the most recent balance sheet. Average annual total return
quotations reflect changes in the price of the Fund's shares and assume that all
dividends and capital gains distributions during the respective periods were
reinvested in Fund shares. Average annual total return is calculated by
computing the average annual compound rates of return of a hypothetical
investment over such periods, according to the following formula (average annual
total return is then expressed as a percentage):
P(1+T)^n =ERV
Where:
P = a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000
T = average annual total return
n = number of years
ERV = ending redeemable value of a
hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the
beginning of the periods of one year or
the life of the Fund (or fractional
portion thereof).
Average Annual Total Return for periods ended October 31, 1999*+
One Year Five Years Ten Years
5.65% -5.50% -0.99%
30
<PAGE>
(1) For the period September 2, 1988 (commencement of operations) to
October 31, 1999.
* If the Adviser had not absorbed a portion of Fund expenses and had
imposed a full management fee, the average annual total return for the
life of the Fund would have been lower.
+ On September 15, 1998, Scudder Gold Fund changed its fiscal year end
from June 30 to October 31.
As described above, average annual total return is based on historical
earnings and is not intended to indicate future performance. Average annual
total return for the Fund will vary based on changes in market conditions and
the level of the Fund's expenses.
In connection with communicating its average annual total return to
current or prospective shareholders, the Fund also may compare these figures to
the performance of other mutual funds tracked by mutual fund rating services or
to other unmanaged indices which may assume reinvestment of dividends but
generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and management costs.
Cumulative Total Return
Cumulative total return is the cumulative rate of return on a
hypothetical initial investment of $1,000 for a specified period. Cumulative
total return quotations reflect changes in the price of the Fund's shares and
assume that all dividends and capital gains distributions during the period were
reinvested in Fund shares. Cumulative total return is calculated by computing
the cumulative rates of return of a hypothetical investment over such periods,
according to the following formula (cumulative total return is then expressed as
a percentage):
C = (ERV/P) - 1
Where:
C = Cumulative Total Return
P = a hypothetical initial investment of $1,000
ERV = ending redeemable value: ERV is the
value, at the end of the applicable
period, of a hypothetical $1,000
investment made at the beginning of the
applicable period.
Cumulative Total Return for periods ended October 31, 1999*+
One Year Five Years Ten Years
5.65% -24.62% -9.43%
(1) For the period September 2, 1988 (commencement of operations) to
October 31, 1999.
* If the Adviser had not absorbed a portion of Fund expenses and had
imposed a full management fee, the cumulative total return for the life
of the Fund would have been lower.
+ On September 15, 1998, Scudder Gold Fund changed its fiscal year end
from June 30 to October 31.
Total Return
Total return is the rate of return on an investment for a specified period of
time calculated in the same manner as cumulative total return.
Comparison of Fund Performance
In connection with communicating its performance to current or
prospective shareholders, the Fund also may compare these figures to the
performance of unmanaged indices which may assume reinvestment of dividends or
interest but generally do not reflect deductions for administrative and
management costs.
31
<PAGE>
Historical information on the value of the dollar versus foreign
currencies may be used from time to time in advertisements concerning the Fund.
Such historical information is not indicative of future fluctuations in the
value of the U.S. dollar against these currencies. In addition, marketing
materials may cite country and economic statistics and historical stock market
performance for any of the countries in which the Fund invests.
From time to time, in advertising and marketing literature, the Fund's
performance may be compared to the performance of broad groups of mutual funds
with similar investments goals, as tracked by independent organizations.
From time to time, in marketing and other Fund literature, Directors
and officers of the Fund, the Fund's portfolio manager, or members of the
portfolio management team may be depicted and quoted to give prospective and
current shareholders a better sense of the outlook and approach of those who
manage the Fund. In addition, the amount of assets that the Adviser has under
management in various geographical areas may be quoted in advertising and
marketing materials.
The Fund may be advertised as an investment choice in Scudder's college
planning program.
Marketing and other Fund literature may include a description of the
potential risks and rewards associated with an investment in the Fund. The
description may include a "risk/return spectrum" which compares the Fund to
other Scudder funds or broad categories of funds, such as money market, bond or
equity funds, in terms of potential risks and returns. Money market funds are
designed to maintain a constant $1.00 share price and have a fluctuating yield.
Share price, yield and total return of a bond fund will fluctuate. The share
price and return of an equity fund also will fluctuate. The description may also
compare the Fund to bank products, such as certificates of deposit. Unlike
mutual funds, certificates of deposit are insured up to $100,000 by the U.S.
government and offer a fixed rate of return.
Because bank products guarantee the principal value of an investment
and money market funds seek stability of principal, these investments are
considered to be less risky than investments in either bond or equity funds,
which may involve the loss of principal. However, all long-term investments,
including investments in bank products, may be subject to inflation risk, which
is the risk of erosion of the value of an investment as prices increase over a
long time period. The risks/returns associated with an investment in bond or
equity funds depend upon many factors. For bond funds these factors include, but
are not limited to, a fund's overall investment objective, the average portfolio
maturity, credit quality of the securities held, and interest rate movements.
For equity funds, factors include a fund's overall investment objective, the
types of equity securities held and the financial position of the issuers of the
securities. The risks/returns associated with an investment in international
bond or equity funds also will depend upon currency exchange rate fluctuation.
A risk/return spectrum generally will position the various investment
categories in the following order: bank products, money market funds, bond funds
and equity funds. Shorter-term bond funds generally are considered less risky
and offer the potential for less return than longer-term bond funds. The same is
true of domestic bond funds relative to international bond funds, and bond funds
that purchase higher quality securities relative to bond funds that purchase
lower quality securities. Growth and income equity funds are generally
considered to be less risky and offer the potential for less return than growth
funds. In addition, international equity funds usually are considered more risky
than domestic equity funds but generally offer the potential for greater return.
Evaluation of Fund performance or other relevant statistical
information made by independent sources may also be used in advertisements
concerning the Fund, including reprints of, or selections from, editorials or
articles about the Fund.
FUND ORGANIZATION
The Corporation is a Maryland corporation organized in March 1988. The
Corporation currently offers shares of common stock of one series, which series
represents interests in the Fund. The authorized capital stock of the
Corporation consists of 3 billion shares of a par value of $0.01 each, 100
million of which are allocated to the Fund. Each share of the Fund has equal
rights as to voting, redemption, dividends and liquidation. Shareholders have
one vote for each share held. All shares issued and outstanding are fully paid
and nonassessable, transferable, and redeemable at net asset value at the option
of the shareholder. Shares have no preemptive or conversion rights. The
Directors have the authority to issue additional series of shares and to
designate the relative rights and preferences as between the different series.
32
<PAGE>
The shares of the Corporation have noncumulative voting rights, which
means that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the election of
directors can elect 100% of the directors if they choose to do so, and, in such
event, the holders of the remaining less than 50% of the shares voting for the
election of directors will not be able to elect any person or persons to the
Board of Directors.
Maryland corporate law provides that a Director of the Corporation
shall not be liable for actions taken in good faith, in a manner he or she
reasonable believes to be in the best interests of the Corporation and with the
care that an ordinarily prudent person in a like position would use in similar
circumstances. In so acting, a Director shall be fully protected in relying in
good faith upon the records of the Corporation and upon reports made to the
Corporation by persons selected in good faith by the Directors as qualified to
make such reports. The By-Laws provide that the Corporation will indemnify
Directors and officers of the Corporation against liabilities and expenses
actually incurred in connection with litigation in which they may be involved
because of their positions with the Corporation. However, nothing in the
Articles of Incorporation, as amended, or the By-Laws protects or indemnifies a
Director or officer against any liability to which he or she would otherwise be
subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his or her office.
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Investment Adviser
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., an investment counsel firm, acts as
investment adviser to the Fund. This organization, the predecessor of which is
Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc., is one of the most experienced investment
counsel firms in the U. S. It was established as a partnership in 1919 and
pioneered the practice of providing investment counsel to individual clients on
a fee basis. In 1928 it introduced the first no-load mutual fund to the public.
In 1953 the Adviser introduced Scudder International Fund, Inc., the first
mutual fund available in the U.S. investing internationally in securities of
issuers in several foreign countries. The predecessor firm reorganized from a
partnership to a corporation on June 28, 1985. On December 31, 1997, Zurich
Insurance Company ("Zurich") acquired a majority interest in the Adviser, and
Zurich Kemper Investments, Inc., a Zurich subsidiary, became part of the
Adviser. The Adviser's name changed to Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. On
September 7, 1998, the businesses of Zurich (including Zurich's 70% interest in
Scudder Kemper) and the financial services businesses of B.A.T Industries p.l.c.
("B.A.T") were combined to form a new global insurance and financial services
company known as Zurich Financial Services Group. By way of a dual holding
company structure, former Zurich shareholders initially owned approximately 57%
of Zurich Financial Services Group, with the balance initially owned by former
B.A.T shareholders.
Founded in 1872, Zurich is a multinational, public corporation
organized under the laws of Switzerland. Its home office is located at
Mythenquai 2, 8002 Zurich, Switzerland. Historically, Zurich's earnings have
resulted from its operations as an insurer as well as from its ownership of its
subsidiaries and affiliated companies (the "Zurich Insurance Group"). Zurich and
the Zurich Insurance Group provide an extensive range of insurance products and
services and have branch offices and subsidiaries in more than 40 countries
throughout the world.
The principal source of the Adviser's income is professional fees
received from providing continuous investment advice. Today, it provides
investment counsel for many individuals and institutions, including insurance
companies, colleges, industrial corporations, and financial and banking
organizations as well as providing investment advice to over 280 open and
closed-end mutual funds.
The Adviser maintains a large research department, which conducts
continuous studies of the factors that affect the position of various
industries, companies and individual securities. The Adviser receives published
reports and statistical compilations from issuers and other sources, as well as
analyses from brokers and dealers who may execute portfolio transactions for the
Adviser's clients. However, the Adviser regards this information and material as
an adjunct to its own research activities. The Adviser's international
investment management team travels the world, researching hundreds of companies.
In selecting the securities in which the Fund may invest, the conclusions and
investment decisions of the Adviser with respect to the Funds are based
primarily on the analyses of its own research department.
Certain investments may be appropriate for the Fund and also for other
clients advised by the Adviser. Investment decisions for the Fund and other
clients are made with a view to achieving their respective investment objectives
and after consideration of such factors as their current holdings, availability
of cash for investment and the size of their investments generally. Frequently,
a particular security may be bought or sold for only one client or in
33
<PAGE>
different amounts and at different times for more than one but less than all
clients. Likewise, a particular security may be bought for one or more clients
when one or more other clients are selling the security. In addition, purchases
or sales of the same security may be made for two or more clients on the same
day. In such event, such transactions will be allocated among the clients in a
manner believed by the Adviser to be equitable to each. In some cases, this
procedure could have an adverse effect on the price or amount of the securities
purchased or sold by the Fund. Purchase and sale orders for the Fund may be
combined with those of other clients of the Adviser in the interest of achieving
the most favorable net results to that fund.
In certain cases, the investments for the fund are managed by the same
individuals who manage one or more other mutual funds advised by the Adviser,
that have similar names, objectives and investment styles. You should be aware
that the Fund is likely to differ from these other mutual funds in size, cash
flow pattern and tax matters. Accordingly, the holdings and performance of the
Fund can be expected to vary from those of these other mutual funds.
The present investment management (the "Agreement") was approved by the
Directors on August 6, 1998 and became effective September 7, 1998, and was
approved at a shareholder meeting held on December 15, 1998. The Agreement will
continue in effect until September 30, 2000 and from year to year thereafter
only if its continuance is approved annually by the vote of a majority of those
Directors who are not parties to such Agreement or interested persons of the
Adviser or the Corporation, cast in person at a meeting called for the purpose
of voting on such approval, and either by a vote of the Corporation's Directors
or of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The Agreement
may be terminated at any time without payment of penalty by either party on
sixty days' written notice and will automatically terminate in the event of its
assignment. The Agreement was last approved by the Directors on September 13,
1999 .
For these services, the Fund pays the Adviser an annual fee equal to
1.00% of the Fund's average daily net assets, payable monthly, provided the Fund
will make such interim payments as may be requested by the Adviser not to exceed
75% of the amount of the fee then accrued on the books of the Fund and unpaid.
The net investment advisory fee for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1999 was
$1,150,027 and for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1998 and 1997 were $1,471,427
and $1,948,814 , respectively. For the four months ended October 31, 1998, the
net investment advisory fee was $411,019
The term Scudder Investments is the designation given to the services
provided by Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. and its affiliates to the Scudder
Family of Funds.
AMA InvestmentLink(SM) Program
Pursuant to an Agreement between the Adviser and AMA Solutions, Inc., a
subsidiary of the American Medical Association (the "AMA"), dated May 9, 1997,
the Adviser has agreed, subject to applicable state regulations, to pay AMA
Solutions, Inc. royalties in an amount equal to 5% of the management fee
received by the Adviser with respect to assets invested by AMA members in
Scudder funds in connection with the AMA InvestmentLinkSM Program. The Adviser
will also pay AMA Solutions, Inc. a general monthly fee, currently in the amount
of $833. The AMA and AMA Solutions, Inc. are not engaged in the business of
providing investment advice and neither is registered as an investment adviser
or broker/dealer under federal securities laws. Any person who participates in
the AMA InvestmentLinkSM Program will be a customer of the Adviser (or of a
subsidiary thereof) and not the AMA or AMA Solutions, Inc. AMA InvestmentLinkSM
is a service mark of AMA Solutions, Inc.
Personal Investments by Employees of the Adviser
Employees of the Adviser are permitted to make personal securities
transactions, subject to requirements and restrictions set forth in the
Adviser's Code of Ethics. The Code of Ethics contains provisions and
requirements designed to identify and address certain conflicts of interest
between personal investment activities and the interests of investment advisory
clients such as the Fund. Among other things, the Code of Ethics, which
generally complies with standards recommended by the Investment Company
Institute's Advisory Group on Personal Investing, prohibits certain types of
transactions absent prior approval, imposes time periods during which personal
transactions may not be made in certain securities, and requires the submission
of duplicate broker confirmations and monthly reporting of securities
transactions. Additional restrictions apply to portfolio managers, traders,
research analysts and others involved in the investment advisory process.
Exceptions to these and other provisions of the Code of Ethics may be granted in
particular circumstances after review by appropriate personnel.
34
<PAGE>
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Position with
Underwriter,
Name, Age, Scudder Investor
and Address Position with Fund Principal Occupation** Services, Inc.
- ----------- ------------------ ---------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Sheryle J. Bolton (53) Director CEO, Scientific Learning Corporation --
Scientific Learning Corporation
1995 University Ave
Suite 400
San Francisco, CA 94704
William T. Burgin (56) Director General Partner, Bessemer Venture --
Bessemer Venture Partners Partners; General Partner, Deer &
83 Walnut Street Company (General Partner of various
Wellesley, MA 02481-2101 Bessemer venture partnerships);
Director, Fort James Corp. (mold
makers); Director of various
privately held companies
Linda C. Coughlin (48)*@ President Managing Director, Scudder Kemper Senior Vice President
Investments, Inc.
Keith R. Fox (45) Director Private Equity Investor, Exeter --
Exeter Capital Management Capital Management Corporation
Corporation
10 East 53rd Street
New York, NY 10022
William H. Luers (70) Director Chairman and President, U.N. --
UNA/USA Association of the U.S.A.
801 2nd Avenue
New York, NY 10017
Robert C. Peck (53)* Vice President Managing Director, Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
Kathryn L. Quirk (47)*+# Director, Vice Managing Director , Scudder Kemper Senior Vice President,
President and Investments, Inc. Chief Legal Officer
Assistant Secretary and Assistant Clerk
Joan E. Spero (55) Director President, The Doris Duke Charitable --
Doris Duke Charitable Foundation (1997 to present),
Foundation Undersecretary of State for Economic,
650 Fifth Avenue Business and Agricultural Affairs,
19th Floor (1993-1997) ;
New York, NY 10019
Paul Bancroft, III (70) Honorary Director Venture Capitalist and Consultant; --
79 Pine Lane Retired, President, Chief Executive
Snowmass Village, CO 81615 Officer and Director, Bessemer
Securities Corporation
Thomas J. Devine (73) Honorary Director Consultant --
450 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022
35
<PAGE>
Position with
Underwriter,
Name, Age, Scudder Investor
and Address Position with Fund Principal Occupation** Services, Inc.
- ----------- ------------------ ---------------------- --------------
Robert G. Stone, Jr. (76) Honorary Director Chairman Emeritus and Director, Kirby --
Kirby Corporation Corporation (inland and offshore
405 Lexington Avenue marine transportation and diesel
39th Floor repairs)
New York, NY 10174
Joann M. Barry (39)* Vice President Vice President , Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
Ann M. McCreary (43)* Vice President Managing Director, Scudder Kemper --
Investments, Inc.
John Millette (36)* Vice President and Assistant Vice President , --
Secretary Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
John R. Hebble (41)*@ Treasurer Senior Vice President , Scudder Assistant Treasurer
Kemper Investments, Inc.
Caroline Pearson (37)*@ Assistant Secretary Senior Vice President , Scudder Clerk
Kemper Investments, Inc.; Associate,
Dechert Price & Rhoads (law firm)
(1989 - 1997)
</TABLE>
* Persons considered by the Fund and its counsel to be Directors who are
"interested persons" of the Adviser or of the Fund, within the meaning
of the 1940 Act, as amended.
** Unless otherwise stated, all the Directors and officers have been
associated with their respective companies for more than five years,
but not necessarily in the same capacity.
+ Address: 345 Park Avenue, New York, New York 10154
@ Address: Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts 02110
Address: 222 South Riverside Plaza, Chicago, IL 60606-5808
# Mr. Fox and Ms. Quirk are the sole members of the Executive Committee,
which may exercise substantially all of the powers of the Directors
when they are not in session.
The Directors and officers of the Fund also serve in similar capacities
with other Funds managed by the Adviser.
As of January 31, 2000, all Directors and officers of the Corporation
as a group owned beneficially (as the term is defined in Section 13(d) under the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) less than 1% of the Fund's outstanding shares
on such date.
As of January 31, 2000, $3,103,931 shares in the aggregate, 19.25% of
the outstanding shares of the Fund, were held in the name of Charles Schwab & Co
Inc., 101 Montgomery St., San Francisco, CA 94104-4122, who may be deemed to be
the beneficial owner of certain of these shares, but disclaims any beneficial
ownership in such shares.
To the knowledge of the Corporation, as of January 31, 2000, no person
owned beneficially more than 5% of the Fund's outstanding shares except as
stated above.
36
<PAGE>
REMUNERATION
Responsibilities of the Board -- Board and Committee Meetings
The Board of Directors is responsible for the general oversight of the
Fund's business. A majority of the Board's members are not affiliated with
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. These "Independent Directors" have primary
responsibility for assuring that the Fund is managed in the best interests of
its shareholders.
The Board of Directors meets at least quarterly to review the
investment performance of the Fund and other operational matters, including
policies and procedures designed to ensure compliance with various regulatory
requirements. At least annually, the Independent Directors review the fees paid
to the Adviser and its affiliates for investment advisory services and other
administrative and shareholder services. In this regard, they evaluate, among
other things, the Fund's investment performance, the quality and efficiency of
the various other services provided, costs incurred by the Adviser and its
affiliates and comparative information regarding fees and expenses of
competitive funds. They are assisted in this process by the Fund's independent
public accountants and by independent legal counsel selected by the Independent
Directors.
All the Independent Directors serve on the Committee on Independent
Directors, which nominates Independent Directors and considers other related
matters, and the Audit Committee, which selects the Fund's independent public
accountants and reviews accounting policies and controls. In addition,
Independent Directors from time to time have established and served on task
forces and subcommittees focusing on particular matters such as investment,
accounting and shareholder service issues.
Compensation of Officers and Directors
The Independent Directors receive the following compensation from the
Fund: an annual director's fee of $3,500; a fee of $325 for attendance at each
board meeting, audit committee meeting or other meeting held for the purposes of
considering arrangements between the Corporation on behalf of the Fund and the
Adviser or any affiliate of the Adviser; $100 for all other committee meetings;
and reimbursement of expenses incurred for travel to and from Board Meetings. No
additional compensation is paid to any Independent Director for travel time to
meetings, attendance at directors' educational seminars or conferences, service
on industry or association committees, participation as speakers at directors'
conferences or service on special trustee task forces or subcommittees.
Independent Directors do not receive any employee benefits such as pension or
retirement benefits or health insurance. Notwithstanding the schedule of fees,
the Independent Directors have in the past and may in the future waive a portion
of their compensation.
The Independent Directors also serve in the same capacity for other
funds managed by the Adviser. These funds differ broadly in type and complexity
and in some cases have substantially different Director fee schedules. The
following table shows the aggregate compensation received by each Independent
Director during the 1999 fiscal year from the Corporation and from all of the
Scudder funds as a group.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc.* All Scudder Funds
--------------------------- -----------------
Paid by Paid by Paid by Paid by
------- ------- ------- -------
Name the Corporation the Adviser(1) the Funds the Adviser(1)
---- --------------- -------------- --------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Paul Bancroft III, $6,300 0 $159,991 0
Honorary Director ** (23 funds)
Sheryle J. Bolton, $7,600 0 $179,860 0
Director (23 funds)
William T. Burgin, $7,275 0 $160,325 0
Director (23 funds)
37
<PAGE>
Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc.* All Scudder Funds
--------------------------- -----------------
Paid by Paid by Paid by Paid by
------- ------- ------- -------
Name the Corporation the Adviser(1) the Funds the Adviser(1)
---- --------------- -------------- --------- --------------
Keith R. Fox, Director $7,275 0 $160,325 0
(23 funds)
William H. Luers, $7,925 0 $212,596 0
Director (26 funds)
Joan Spero, Director** $7,925 0 $175,275 0
(23 funds)
</TABLE>
*Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc. consists of one mutual fund, Scudder Gold Fund.
**Paul Bancroft, III became an honorary director on December 7, 1999.
Members of the Board of Directors who are employees of the Adviser or
its affiliates receive no direct compensation from the Corporation, although
they are compensated as employees of the Adviser, or its affiliates, as a result
of which they may be deemed to participate in fees paid by the Fund.
DISTRIBUTOR
The Fund has an underwriting agreement with Scudder Investor Services,
Inc. (the "Distributor"), a Massachusetts corporation, which is a subsidiary of
the Adviser, a Delaware corporation. The Distributor is located at Two
International Place, Boston, MA 02110. The Fund's underwriting agreement dated
September 7, 1998 will remain in effect until September 30, 2000 and from year
to year thereafter only if its continuance is approved annually by a majority of
the members of the Directors who are not parties to such agreement or interested
persons of any such party and either by vote of a majority of the Board of
Directors or a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Corporation.
The Directors most recently approved the underwriting agreement on September 14,
1999.
Under the underwriting agreement, the Fund is responsible for: the
payment of all fees and expenses in connection with the preparation and filing
with the SEC of the registration statement and prospectus and any amendments and
supplements thereto relating to the Fund, the registration and qualification of
Fund shares for sale in the various states, including registering the Fund as a
broker/dealer in various states, as required; the fees and expenses of
preparing, printing and mailing prospectuses (see below for expenses relating to
prospectuses paid by the Distributor), notices, proxy statements, reports or
other communications (including newsletters) to shareholders of the Fund; the
cost of printing and mailing confirmations of purchases of Fund shares and the
prospectuses accompanying such confirmations; any issuance taxes or any initial
transfer taxes; a portion of shareholder toll-free telephone charges and
expenses of shareholder service representatives, the cost of wiring funds for
share purchases and redemptions (unless paid by the shareholder who initiates
the transaction); the cost of printing and postage of business reply envelopes;
and a portion of the cost of computer terminals used by both the Fund and the
Distributor.
The Distributor will pay for printing and distributing prospectuses or
reports prepared for its use in connection with the offering of the shares of
the Fund to the public and preparing, printing and mailing any other literature
or advertising in connection with the offering of shares of the Fund to the
public. The Distributor will pay all fees and expenses in connection with its
qualification and registration as a broker or dealer under federal and state
laws, a portion of the cost of toll-free telephone service and expenses of
shareholder service representatives, a portion of the cost of computer
terminals, and of any activity which is primarily intended to result in the sale
of shares of the Fund issued by the Corporation.
Note: Although the Fund does not currently have a 12b-1 Plan, the
underwriting agreement provides that the Fund would also pay
those fees and expenses permitted to be paid or assumed by the
Fund pursuant to a 12b-1 Plan, if any, were adopted by the
Fund, notwithstanding any other provision to the contrary in
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the underwriting agreement, and the Fund or a third party will
pay those fees and expenses not specifically allocated to the
Distributor in the underwriting agreement.
As agent, the Distributor will offer the Fund's shares on a continuous
basis to investors in all states. The underwriting agreement provides that the
Distributor accepts orders for Fund shares at net asset value as no sales
commission or load is charged to the investor. The Distributor has made no firm
commitment to acquire shares of the Fund.
TAXES
The Fund has elected to be treated as a regulated investment company
under Subchapter M of the Code, or a predecessor statute, and has qualified as
such since its inception. It intends to continue to qualify for such treatment.
Such qualification does not involve governmental supervision or management of
investment practices or policy.
As a regulated investment company qualifying under Subchapter M of the
Code, the Fund is required to distribute to its shareholders at least 90 % of
its investment company taxable income (including net short-term capital gain)
and generally is not subject to federal income tax to the extent that it
distributes annually its investment company taxable income and net realized
capital gains in the manner required under the Code.
Investment company taxable income generally is made up of dividends,
interest, and net short-term capital gains in excess of net long-term capital
losses, less expenses. Net capital gains (the excess of net long-term capital
gain over net short-term capital loss) are computed by taking into account any
capital loss carryforward of the Fund.
At October 31, 1999 the Fund had a net tax basis capital loss
carryforward of approximately $88,879,000 which may be applied against any
realized net taxable capital gains of each succeeding year until fully utilized
or until October 31, 2005 ($26,073,000), October 31, 2006 ($52,412,000) or
October 31, 2007 ($10,394,000), the respective expiration dates.
In addition, no more than 10% of the Fund's gross income may be from
nonqualifying sources, including income from investments in precious metals and
precious metals futures and options transactions. The Fund may therefore need to
limit the extent to which it makes such investments in order to qualify as a
regulated investment company.
The Fund is subject to a 4% nondeductible excise tax calculated as a
percentage of certain undistributed amounts of taxable income and capital gain.
The Fund has established distribution policies which should minimize or
eliminate the application of this tax.
If, in any taxable year, the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated
investment company under the Code or fails to meet the distribution requirement,
it would be taxed in the same manner as an ordinary corporation and
distributions to its shareholders would not be deductible by the Fund in
computing its taxable income. In addition, in the event of a failure to qualify,
the Fund's distributions, to the extent derived from the Fund's current or
accumulated earnings and profits would constitute dividends (eligible for the
corporate dividends-received deduction) which are taxable to shareholders as
ordinary income, even though those distributions might otherwise (at least in
part) have been treated in the shareholders' hands as long-term capital gains.
If the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company in any year, it
may be required to pay an interest charge to the IRS and distribute to
shareholders all or a portion of its remaining earnings and profits accumulated
in that year in order to qualify again as a regulated investment company. In
addition, if the Fund fails to qualify as a regulated investment company for a
period greater than one taxable year, the Fund may be required to recognize any
net built-in gains (the excess of the aggregate gains, including items of
income, over aggregate losses that would have been realized if it had been
liquidated) in order to qualify as a regulated investment company in a
subsequent year.
If any net realized long-term capital gains in excess of net realized
short-term capital losses are retained by the Fund for reinvestment, thereby
requiring federal income taxes to be paid thereon by the Fund, the Fund intends
to elect to treat such capital gains as having been distributed to shareholders.
As a result, each shareholder will report his or her share of such capital gains
as long-term capital gains, will be able to claim a proportionate share of
federal income taxes paid by the Fund on such gains as a credit against the
shareholder's federal income tax liability, and will be entitled to increase the
adjusted tax basis of the shareholder's Fund shares by the difference between
the shareholder's pro rata share of such gains and the shareholder's tax credit.
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Distributions of taxable net investment income and the excess of net
short-term capital gain over net long-term capital loss are taxable to
shareholders as ordinary income. Dividends and distributions paid by the Fund
(except for the portion thereof, if any, attributable to dividends on stock of
U.S. corporations received by the Fund) will not qualify for the deduction for
dividends received by corporations.
Properly designated distributions of the excess of net long-term
capital gain over net short-term capital loss are taxable to shareholders as
long-term capital gains, regardless of the length of time the shares of the Fund
have been held by such shareholders. The Fund will designate the amount of each
distribution that will qualify for the 20% capital gains rate or the 28% capital
gains rate. Such distributions are not eligible for the dividends-received
deduction. Any loss realized upon the redemption of shares held at the time of
redemption for six months or less will be treated as a long-term capital loss to
the extent of any amounts treated as distributions of long-term capital gain
during such six-month period.
Distributions of taxable net investment income and net realized capital
gains will be taxable as described above, whether received in shares or in cash.
Shareholders electing to receive distributions in the form of additional shares
will have a cost basis for federal income tax purposes in each share so received
equal to the net asset value of a share on the reinvestment date.
All distributions of taxable net investment income and net realized
capital gain, whether received in shares or in cash, must be reported by each
shareholder on his or her federal income tax return. Dividends declared in
October, November or December with a record date in such a month and paid during
the following January must be treated by shareholders for federal income tax
purposes as if received on December 31 of the calendar year declared.
Redemptions of shares, including exchanges for shares of another Scudder Fund,
may result in the recognition of gain or loss by the shareholder.
Distributions by the Fund result in a reduction in the net asset value
of the Fund's shares. Should a distribution reduce the net asset value below a
shareholder's cost basis, such distribution would nevertheless be taxable to the
shareholder as ordinary income or capital gain as described above, even though,
from an investment standpoint, it may constitute a partial return of capital. In
particular, investors should consider the tax implications of buying shares just
prior to a distribution. The price of shares purchased at that time reflects the
amount of the forthcoming distribution. Those purchasing just prior to a
distribution will then receive a partial return of capital upon the
distribution, which will nevertheless be taxable to them.
The Fund may qualify for and make an election which would allow
shareholders to claim a credit or deduction on their federal income tax returns
for foreign taxes paid by the Fund. Should the Fund make such an election,
shareholders would be required to treat as part of the amounts distributed to
them, their pro rata portion of qualified taxes paid by the Fund to foreign
countries. The Fund will be qualified to make the election if more than 50% of
the value of the total assets of the Fund at the close of its taxable year
consists of stock or securities in foreign corporations. The foreign tax credit
available to shareholders is subject to certain limitations imposed by the Code.
No deduction for foreign taxes may be claimed by shareholders who do not itemize
deductions on their federal income tax returns, although any such shareholder
may claim a credit for foreign taxes and in any event will be treated as having
taxable income in respect to the shareholder's pro rata share of foreign taxes
paid by the Fund. For any year for which such an election is made, the Fund will
report to shareholders (no later than 60 days after the close of its taxable
year) the amount per share of such foreign taxes that must be included in the
shareholder's gross income and will be available as a deduction or credit.
No gain or loss is recognized by the Fund upon payment of a premium in
connection with the purchase of a put or call option. The character of any gain
or loss recognized (i.e., long-term or short-term) will generally depend, in the
case of a lapse or sale of the option, on the Fund's holding period for the
option and, in the case of an exercise of a put option purchased by the Fund, on
the Fund's holding period for the underlying stock it sells pursuant to the put
option. The purchase of a put option may constitute a short sale for federal
income tax purposes, causing an adjustment in the holding period of the
underlying stock in the Fund's portfolio. If the Fund writes a put or call
option, no gain or loss is recognized upon its receipt of the related premium.
If the option lapses or is closed out, any gain or loss is treated as a
short-term capital gain or loss. If a purchaser exercises a call option written
by the Fund, the gain or loss recognized by the Fund will be short-term or
long-term depending on the Fund's holding period for the underlying stock sold
pursuant to such exercise. The exercise of an equity put option written by the
Fund is not a taxable transaction for the Fund.
Many futures contracts (including foreign currency futures contracts)
entered into by the Fund, certain forward currency contracts, and all listed
nonequity options written or purchased by the Fund (including options on debt
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securities, options on futures contracts, options on securities indexes and
options on broad-based stock indexes) will be considered "Section 1256"
contracts under the Code. Absent an election to the contrary, gain or loss
attributable to the lapse, exercise or closing out of any such position will be
treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-term. Moreover, on the last trading day
of the Fund's taxable year, all outstanding Section 1256 positions will be
marked to market (i.e., treated as if such positions were closed out at their
closing price on such day), with any resulting gain or loss recognized. Under
certain circumstances, entry into a futures contract to sell a security held by
the Fund may constitute a short sale of that security for federal income tax
purposes, causing an adjustment in the Fund's holding period for that security.
Certain of the Fund's transactions, including short sales against the
box and strategic transactions, if any, may be subject to special provisions of
the Code that may affect the character of gains and losses realized by the Fund
and the holding periods of securities held by the Fund, and may accelerate the
recognition of income to the Fund.
Under Section 988 of the Code, discussed below, foreign currency gains
or losses from foreign currency related forward contracts, certain futures and
similar financial instruments entered into or acquired by the Fund will be
treated as ordinary income or loss.
The Fund intends to invest up to 25% of its assets in a foreign
subsidiary of the Corporation which invests in gold, silver, platinum and
palladium bullion and in gold and silver coins. The Corporation intends that the
subsidiary be structured so that it will not be subject to tax in the U.S.
However, the Fund (or its shareholders) may be subject to tax on the income of
the subsidiary, regardless of whether the income is distributed to the Fund.
The Fund may invest in shares of certain foreign corporations which may
be classified under the Code as passive foreign investment companies ("PFICs").
If the Fund receives an "excess distribution" with respect to PFIC stock or
realizes a gain on a disposition of PFIC stock, the Fund itself may be subject
to a tax even if it distributes those amounts to its shareholders. In general,
under the PFIC rules, an excess distribution and gain on a sale of PFIC stock is
treated as having been received or realized ratably over the period during which
the Fund held the PFIC shares. The Fund will be subject to tax on the amount, if
any, that is allocated to prior Fund taxable years and an interest factor will
be added to the tax, as if the tax had been payable in such prior taxable years.
Excess distributions and stock gains allocated to the current taxable year are
characterized as ordinary income even though, absent application of the PFIC
rules, such amounts might have been classified as capital gain.
To avoid the foregoing tax rules, the Fund may make an election to
mark-to-market its shares of these foreign investment companies with the result
that the Fund will be treated as if it had sold and repurchased all of its PFIC
stock at the end of each year. At the end of each taxable year to which the
election applies, the Fund would report as ordinary income the amount by which
the fair market value of the PFIC's stock exceeds the Fund's adjusted basis in
these shares. Mark-to-market losses may be recognized to the extent of
previously recognized mark-to-market gains. The effect of the election would be
to treat excess distributions and gain on dispositions of PFIC stock as ordinary
income which is not subject to a fund level tax when distributed to shareholders
as a dividend. This election, once made, would be effective for all subsequent
taxable years of the Fund, unless revoked with the consent of the IRS.
Alternatively, the Fund may elect to include as income and gain its share of the
ordinary earnings and net capital gain of certain PFICs in lieu of being taxed
in the manner described above.
Backup withholding may be required if the Fund is notified by the IRS
or a broker that the taxpayer identification number furnished by the shareholder
is incorrect or that the shareholder has previously failed to report interest or
dividend income.
Shareholders of the Fund may be subject to state and local taxes on
distributions received from the Fund and on redemptions of the Fund's shares.
A brief explanation of the form and character of the distribution
accompany each distribution. In January of each year the Fund issues to each
shareholder a statement of the federal income tax status of all distributions
made for the previous year.
The foregoing discussion of U.S. federal income tax law relates solely
to the application of that law to U.S. persons (i.e., U.S. citizens and
residents and U.S. domestic corporations, partnerships, trusts and estates).
Each shareholder who is not a U.S. person should consider the U.S. and foreign
tax consequences of ownership of shares of the Fund, including the possibility
that such a shareholder may be subject to a U.S. withholding tax at a rate of
30% (or at a lower rate under an applicable income tax treaty) on amounts
constituting ordinary income received by him or her.
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Shareholders should consult their tax advisors about the application of
the provisions of tax law described in this Statement of Additional Information
in light of their particular tax situations.
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
Brokerage Commissions
The Adviser supervises allocation of brokerage.
The primary objective of the Adviser in placing orders for the purchase
and sale of securities for a Fund is to obtain the most favorable net results,
taking into account such factors as price, commission where applicable, size of
order, difficulty of execution and skill required of the executing
broker/dealer. The Adviser seeks to evaluate the overall reasonableness of
brokerage commissions paid (to the extent applicable) through the familiarity of
the Distributor with commissions charged on comparable transactions, as well as
by comparing commissions paid by the Fund to reported commissions paid by
others. The Adviser reviews on a routine basis commission rates, execution and
settlement services performed, making internal and external comparisons.
The Fund's purchases and sales of fixed-income securities are generally
placed by the Adviser with primary market makers for these securities on a net
basis, without any brokerage commission being paid by the Fund. Trading does,
however, involve transaction costs. Transactions with dealers serving as primary
market makers reflect the spread between the bid and asked prices. Purchases of
underwritten issues may be made, which will include an underwriting fee paid to
the underwriter.
When it can be done consistently with the policy of obtaining the most
favorable net results, it is the Adviser's practice to place such orders with
broker/dealers who supply research, market and statistical information to the
Fund. The term "research, market and statistical information" includes advice as
to the value of securities; the advisability of investing in, purchasing or
selling securities; the availability of securities or purchasers or sellers of
securities; and analyses and reports concerning issuers, industries, securities,
economic factors and trends, portfolio strategy and the performance of accounts.
The Adviser is authorized when placing portfolio transactions for the Fund to
pay a brokerage commission in excess of that which another broker might charge
for executing the same transaction on account of execution services and the
receipt of research, market or statistical information. The Adviser will not
place orders with broker/dealers on the basis that the broker/dealer has or has
not sold shares of the Fund. In effecting transactions in over-the-counter
securities, orders are placed with the principal market makers for the security
being traded unless, after exercising care, it appears that more favorable
results are available elsewhere.
To the maximum extent feasible, it is expected that the Adviser will
place orders for portfolio transactions through the Distributor, which is a
corporation registered as a broker-dealer and a subsidiary of the Adviser; the
Distributor will place orders on behalf of the Fund with issuers, underwriters
or other brokers and dealers. The Distributor will not receive any commission,
fee or other remuneration from the Fund for this service.
Although certain research, market and statistical information from
broker/dealers may be useful to the Fund and to the Adviser, it is the opinion
of the Adviser that such information only supplements the Adviser's own research
effort since the information must still be analyzed, weighed, and reviewed by
the Adviser's staff. Such information may be useful to the Adviser in providing
services to clients other than the Fund, and not all such information is used by
the Adviser in connection with the Fund. Conversely, such information provided
to the Adviser by broker/dealers through whom other clients of the Adviser
effect securities transactions may be useful to the Adviser in providing
services to the Fund.
The Directors review from time to time whether the recapture for the
benefit of the Fund of some portion of the brokerage commissions or similar fees
paid by the Fund on portfolio transactions is legally permissible and advisable.
In the fiscal years ended October 31, 1999 and June 30, 1998 and 1997
the Fund paid brokerage commissions of $778,462, $867,223 and $455,167 ,
respectively. For the four month period ended October 31, 1998, the Fund paid
brokerage commissions of $562,046. For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1999,
$545,980 (70.14% of the total brokerage commissions paid) resulted from orders
placed, consistent with the policy of obtaining the most favorable net results,
with brokers and dealers who provided supplementary research, market and
statistical information to the Fund or the Adviser. The total amount of
brokerage transactions aggregated $214,122,718, of which $141,783,595 (66.22% of
all brokerage transactions) were transactions which included research
commissions.
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Portfolio Turnover
The Fund's portfolio turnover rates (defined by the SEC as the ratio of
the lesser of sales or purchases of securities to the monthly average value of
the portfolio, excluding all securities with remaining maturities of less than
one year) for the fiscal year ended October 31, 1999 was 90.7% and for June 30,
1998 was 68.3%. The annualized portfolio turnover rate for the four months
ending October 31, 1998 was 153.6%.
NET ASSET VALUE
The net asset value of shares of the Fund is computed as of the close
of regular trading on the Exchange on each day the Exchange is open for trading
(the "Value Time") The Exchange is scheduled to be closed on the following
holidays: New Year's Day, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents' Day, Good
Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas,
and on the preceding Friday or subsequent Monday when one of these holidays
falls on a Saturday or Sunday, respectively. Net asset value per share is
determined by dividing the value of the total assets of the Fund, less all
liabilities, by the total number of shares outstanding.
An exchange-traded equity security is valued at its most recent sale
price on such exchange as of the Value Time. Lacking any sales, the security is
valued at the calculated mean between the most recent bid quotation and the most
recent asked quotation (the "Calculated Mean") on such exchange as of the Value
Time. Lacking a Calculated Mean quotation, the security is valued at the most
recent bid quotation on such exchange as of the Value Time. An equity security
which is traded on the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated
Quotation ("NASDAQ") system will be valued at its most recent sale price on such
system as of the Value Time. Lacking any sales, the security is valued at the
most recent bid quotation as of the Value Time. The value of an equity security
not quoted on the NASDAQ system, but traded in another over-the-counter market,
is its most recent sale price if there are any such sales of such security on
such market as of the Value Time. Lacking any sales, the security is valued at
the Calculated Mean quotation for such security as of the Value Time. Lacking a
Calculated Mean quotation , the security is valued at the most recent bid
quotation as of the Value Time.
Debt securities, other than money market instruments, are valued at
prices supplied by the Fund's pricing agent(s) which reflect broker/dealer
supplied valuations and electronic data processing techniques. Money market
instruments purchased with an original maturity of sixty days or less, maturing
at par, shall be valued at amortized cost, which the Board believes approximates
market value. If it is not possible to value a particular debt security pursuant
to these valuation methods, the value of such security is the most recent bid
quotation supplied by a bona fide marketmaker. If it is not possible to value a
particular debt security pursuant to the above methods, the Adviser may
calculate the price of that debt security, subject to limitations established by
the Board.
An exchange traded options contract on securities, currencies, futures
and other financial instruments is valued at its most recent sale price on such
exchange. Lacking any sales, the options contract is valued at the Calculated
Mean. Lacking any Calculated Mean, the options contract is valued at the most
recent bid quotation in the case of a purchased options contract, or the most
recent asked quotation in the case of a written options contract. An options
contract on securities, currencies and other financial instruments traded
over-the-counter is valued at the most recent bid quotation in the case of a
purchased options contract and at the most recent asked quotation in the case of
a written options contract. Futures contracts are valued at the most recent
settlement price. Foreign currency exchange forward contracts are valued at the
value of the underlying currency at the prevailing exchange rate.
If a security is traded on more than one exchange, or upon one or more
exchanges and in the over-the-counter market, quotations are taken from the
market in which the security is traded most extensively.
If, in the opinion of the Fund's Valuation Committee, the value of a
portfolio asset as determined in accordance with these procedures does not
represent the fair market value of the portfolio asset, the value of the
portfolio asset is taken to be an amount which, in the opinion of the Valuation
Committee, represents fair market value on the basis of all available
information. The value of other portfolio holdings owned by the Fund is
determined in a manner which, in the discretion of the Valuation Committee most
fairly reflects fair market value of the property on the valuation date.
Following the valuations of securities or other portfolio assets in
terms of the currency in which the market quotation used is expressed ("Local
Currency"), the value of these portfolio assets in terms of U.S. dollars is
calculated by converting the Local Currency into U.S. dollars at the prevailing
currency exchange rate on the valuation date.
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Gold, silver, platinum and palladium bullion shall be valued based on
the London Fixing or, if there is no London Fixing available, the value of gold
and silver bullion shall be based on the last spot settlement as reported by the
Comex, a division of the New York Mercantile Exchange ("NYMEX"), and the value
of platinum and palladium bullion shall be based on the last spot settlement on
NYMEX, as supplied by a recognized precious metals dealer as of the time of
valuation; coins and precious metals other than gold, silver, platinum and
palladium bullion shall be valued at the calculated mean based on market
quotations or, if there are no such bid and ask quotations available
simultaneously, at the most recent bid quotation provided by a bona fide market
maker as of the time of valuation.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Experts
The consolidated financial highlights of the Fund included in the
Fund's prospectus and the Financial Statements incorporated by reference in this
Statement of Additional Information have been so included or incorporated by
reference in reliance on the reports of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 160 Federal
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110, independent accountants, given on the
authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting. Pricewaterhouse
Coopers LLP audits the financial statements of the Fund and provides other
audit, tax and related services.
Other Information
Many of the investment changes in the Fund will be made at prices
different from those prevailing at the time they may be reflected in a regular
report to shareholders of the Fund. These transactions will reflect investment
decisions made by the Adviser in light of the Fund's objectives and policies,
and other factors, such as its other portfolio holdings and tax considerations
and should not be construed as recommendations for similar action by other
investors.
The Corporation sends to each shareholder of the Fund audited
semiannual and annual reports, each of which includes a list of the investment
securities held by the Fund. Shareholders may seek information regarding the
Corporation, including the current performance of the Fund from their Scudder
service representative.
The CUSIP number of the Fund is 810904-10-2.
The Corporation employs Brown Brothers Harriman & Company, 40 Water
Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 as custodian for the Fund. Brown Brothers
Harriman & Company has entered into agreements with foreign subcustodians
approved by the Directors of the Corporation pursuant to Rule 17f-5 of the 1940
Act.
Scudder Service Corporation ("Service Corporation"), P.O. Box 2291,
Boston, Massachusetts 02107-2291, a subsidiary of the Adviser, is the transfer
and dividend paying agent for the Fund. Service Corporation also serves as
shareholder service agent and provides subaccounting and recordkeeping services
for shareholder accounts in certain retirement and employee benefit plans. The
Fund pays Service Corporation an annual fee of $26 for each retail account and
$29 for each retirement account maintained for a participant. For the fiscal
year ended October 31, 1999, Service Corporation charged the Fund a fee of
$401,999, of which $63,725 was unpaid at October 31, 1999. For the fiscal years
ending June 30, 1998, 1997, Service Corporation charged the Fund aggregate fees
of $487,250 and $483,408, respectively. For the four months ended October 31,
1998, the amount charged to the Fund by SSC aggregated $151,836.
The Fund, or the Adviser (including any affiliate of the Adviser), may
pay unaffiliated third parties for providing recordkeeping and other
administrative services with respect to accounts of participants in retirement
plans or other beneficial owners of Fund shares whose interests are held in an
omnibus account.
Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation ("SFAC"), Two International Place,
Boston, Massachusetts, 02110-4103, a subsidiary of the Adviser, computes net
asset value for the Fund. The Fund pays SFAC an annual fee equal to 0.025% of
the first $150 million of average daily net assets, 0.0075% of such assets on
the next $850 million, 0.0045% of such assets in excess of $1 billion, plus
holding and transaction charges for this service. For the fiscal year ended
October 31, 1999, the amount charged to the Fund by SFAC
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aggregated $49,857, of which $6,748 was unpaid at October 31, 1999. For the
fiscal years ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, the amount charged to the Fund by
SFAC aggregated $67,605 and $59,281, respectively. For the four months ended
October 31, 1998, the amount charged to the Fund by SFAC aggregated $26,870.
Scudder Trust Company ("STC"), an affiliate of the Adviser, provides
subaccounting and recordkeeping services for shareholder accounts in certain
retirement and employee benefit plans. Annual service fees are paid by the Fund
to Scudder Trust Company, Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts
02110-4103, an affiliate of the Adviser, for such accounts. The Fund pays
Scudder Trust Company an annual fee of $29 per shareholder account. For the
fiscal year ended October 31, 1999, the amount charged to the Fund by STC
aggregated $22,451, of which $5,577 was unpaid at October 31, 1999. For the
fiscal years ended June 30, 1998 and 1997, the amount charged to the Fund by STC
aggregated $19,391 and $19,318, respectively. For the four months ended October
31, 1998, the amount charged to the Fund by STC aggregated $6,735.
The Prospectus and this Statement of Additional Information omit
certain information contained in the Registration Statement of the Corporation
relating to the Fund that has been filed with the SEC under the Securities Act
of 1933 and reference is hereby made to the Registration Statement for further
information with respect to the Fund and the securities offered hereby. This
Registration Statement is available for inspection by the public at the SEC in
Washington, D.C.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The consolidated financial statements, including the investment
portfolio of Scudder Gold Fund, together with the Report of Independent
Accountants and Consolidated Financial Highlights in the Annual Report to the
Shareholders of the Fund dated October 31, 1999 are incorporated by reference
and attached hereto, and are hereby deemed to be a part of this Statement of
Additional Information. These and other fund documents may be obtained without
charge by calling Scudder Investor Relations at 1-800-225-2470.
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DESCRIPTION OF S&P AND MOODY'S RATINGS
Description of S&P preferred stock and corporate bond ratings:
AAA -- Preferred stock and bonds rated AAA have the highest rating
assigned by S&P to a preferred stock issue or debt obligation. Capacity to pay
the preferred stock obligations, in the case of preferred stocks, and to pay
interest and repay principal, in the case of bonds, is extremely strong.
AA -- Preferred stock and bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to
pay the preferred stock obligations, in the case of preferred stocks, and to pay
interest and repay principal, in the case of bonds, and differ from the highest
rated issues only in small degree.
A -- Preferred stock and bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay
the preferred stock obligations, in the case of preferred stocks, and to pay
interest and repay principal, in the case of bonds, although they are somewhat
more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic
conditions than preferred stocks or bonds in higher rated categories.
BBB -- Preferred stock and bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an
adequate capacity to pay the preferred stock obligations, in the case of
preferred stocks, and to pay interest and repay principal, in the case of bonds.
Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection parameters, adverse economic
conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened
capacity to pay preferred stock obligations or to pay interest and repay
principal for bonds in this category than for preferred stocks or bonds in
higher rated categories.
Description of Moody's preferred stock ratings:
aaa -- An issue which is rated aaa is considered to be a top-quality
preferred stock. This rating indicates good asset protection and the least risk
of dividend impairment within the universe of preferred stocks.
aa -- An issue which is rated aa is considered a high-grade preferred
stock. This rating indicates that there is reasonable assurance that earnings
and asset protection will remain relatively well maintained in the foreseeable
future.
a -- An issue which is rated a is considered to be an upper-medium
grade preferred stock. While risks are judged to be somewhat greater than in the
aaa and aa classifications, earnings and asset protection are, nevertheless,
expected to be maintained at adequate levels.
baa -- An issue which is rated baa is considered to be medium grade,
neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Earnings and asset protection
appear adequate at present but may be questionable over any great length of
time.
Description of Moody's corporate bond ratings:
Aaa -- Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be the best quality.
They carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to
as "gilt-edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an
exceptionally stable margin and principal is secure. While the various
protective elements are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are
most unlikely to impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa -- Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa Group they comprise what are generally known as
high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present
which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.
A -- Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment
attributes and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors
giving security to principal and interest are considered adequate but elements
may be present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the
future.
Baa -- Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade
obligations, i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured.
Interest payments and principal security appear adequate for the present but
certain
46
<PAGE>
protective elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over
any great length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics
and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.
47
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
PART C. OTHER INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Item 23. Exhibits.
-------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
(a) (1) Articles of Incorporation dated March 17, 1988.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(a) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
10 to the Registration Statement.)
(2) Articles of Amendment dated April 29, 1988.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
13 to the Registration Statement.)
(3) Articles of Amendment dated October 12, 1990.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
10 to the Registration Statement.)
(4) Articles of Amendment and Restatement dated September 4, 1996.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(4) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
13 to the Registration Statement.)
(5) Articles of Amendment dated December 23, 1997.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (a)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
13 to the Registration Statement.)
(b) (1) By-Laws dated March 18, 1988.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 2(a) to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 10 to the Registration Statement.)
(2) By-Laws as adopted March 18, 1988 and amended September 16, 1988.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
13 to the Registration Statement.)
(3) Amendment to the By-Laws dated September 20, 1991.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
13 to the Registration Statement.)
(4) Amendment to the By-Laws dated December 12, 1991.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(b) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
10 to the Registration Statement.
(5) Amendment to the By-Laws dated March 5, 1996.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(5) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
13 to the Registration Statement.)
(6) Amendment to By-Laws dated June 4, 1996.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 9
to the Registration Statement.)
(7) Amendment to By-Laws dated September 4, 1996.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2(d) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 9
to the Registration Statement.)
(8) Amendment to the By-Laws dated December 3, 1997.
Part C - Page 1
<PAGE>
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (b)(8) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
13 to the Registration Statement.)
(9) Amendment to the By-Laws dated February 7, 2000.
(Filed herein.)
(c) Inapplicable.
(d) (1) Investment Management Agreement between the Registrant (on behalf of Scudder
Gold Fund) and Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. dated September 7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (d)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
13 to the Registration Statement.)
(e) (1) Underwriting Agreement between the Registrant and Scudder Investor Services,
Inc. dated September 7, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (e)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
13 to the Registration Statement.)
(f) Inapplicable.
(g) (1) Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and The First National Bank of
Boston dated August 22, 1988.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(a)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 10 to the Registration Statement.)
(2) Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust
Company ("State Street Bank") dated August 23, 1991.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (g)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment No.
13 to the Registration Statement.)
(2)(a) Fee schedule to Exhibit (g)(2).
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(a)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 10 to the Registration Statement.)
(3) Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
dated April 30, 1998.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 8(b)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 11 to the Registration Statement.)
(3)(a) Fee schedule for Exhibit (g)(2)
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (8)(b)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 11 to the Registration Statement.)
(h) (1) Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between the Registrant and Scudder
Service Corporation dated October 2, 1989.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9(a)(1) to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 10 to the Registration Statement.)
(1)(a) Fee schedule for Exhibit (h)(1).
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 9(a)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 10 to the Registration Statement.)
(2) Service Agreement between Copeland Associates, Inc. on behalf of Scudder
Mutual Funds, Inc. and Scudder Gold Fund dated June 8, 1995.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (9)(a)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment
Part C - Page 2
<PAGE>
No. 10 to the Registration Statement.)
(3) COMPASS Service Agreement between the Registrant and Scudder Trust Company
dated October 1, 1995.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (9)(b)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 9 to the Registration Statement.)
(4) Fund Accounting Services Agreement between the Registrant and The First
National Bank of Boston dated August 22, 1988.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (9)(c)(1)to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 10 to the Registration Statement.)
(4)(a) Pricing Authorization Form (Exhibit B) for Exhibit (h)(4) (a) dated January
10, 1991.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (9)(c)(2) to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 10 to the Registration Statement.)
(5) Fund Accounting Services Agreement between the Registrant and Scudder Fund
Accounting Corporation dated March 28, 1995.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit (9)(c)(3) to Post-Effective Amendment
No. 10 to the Registration Statement.)
(i) Opinion and Consent of Legal Counsel.
(Filed herein.)
(j) Consent of Independent Accountants.
(Filed herein.)
(k) Inapplicable.
(l) Letter of Investment Intent Purchase Agreement (on behalf of Scudder Mutual
Funds, Inc.) dated August 18, 1988.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 13 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 10
to the Registration Statement.)
(m) Inapplicable.
(n) Inapplicable.
(o) Inapplicable.
</TABLE>
Item 24. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with Fund.
- -------- --------------------------------------------------------
Scudder Precious Metals, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of
the Fund, was registered on August 11, 1988 in the Cayman
Islands, British West Indies.
Item 25. Indemnification.
- -------- ----------------
A policy of insurance covering Scudder Kemper Investments,
Inc., its subsidiaries including Scudder Investor Services,
Inc., and all of the registered investment companies advised
by Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. insures the Registrant's
trustees and officers and others against liability arising by
reason of an alleged breach of duty caused by any negligent
act, error or accidental omission in the scope of their
duties.
Part C - Page 3
<PAGE>
Article IV, Sections 4.1 - 4.3 of the Registrant's Declaration
of Trust provide as follows:
Section 4.1. No Personal Liability of Shareholders, Trustees,
Etc. No Shareholder shall be subject to any personal liability
whatsoever to any Person in connection with Trust Property or
the acts, obligations or affairs of the Trust. No Trustee,
officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be subject to
any personal liability whatsoever to any Person, other than to
the Trust or its Shareholders, in connection with Trust
Property or the affairs of the Trust, save only that arising
from bad faith, willful misfeasance, gross negligence or
reckless disregard of his duties with respect to such Person;
and all such Persons shall look solely to the Trust Property
for satisfaction of claims of any nature arising in connection
with the affairs of the Trust. If any Shareholder, Trustee,
officer, employee, or agent, as such, of the Trust, is made a
party to any suit or proceeding to enforce any such liability
of the Trust, he shall not, on account thereof, be held to any
personal liability. The Trust shall indemnify and hold each
Shareholder harmless from and against all claims and
liabilities, to which such Shareholder may become subject by
reason of his being or having been a Shareholder, and shall
reimburse such Shareholder for all legal and other expenses
reasonably incurred by him in connection with any such claim
or liability. The indemnification and reimbursement required
by the preceding sentence shall be made only out of the assets
of the one or more Series of which the Shareholder who is
entitled to indemnification or reimbursement was a Shareholder
at the time the act or event occurred which gave rise to the
claim against or liability of said Shareholder. The rights
accruing to a Shareholder under this Section 4.1 shall not
impair any other right to which such Shareholder may be
lawfully entitled, nor shall anything herein contained
restrict the right of the Trust to indemnify or reimburse a
Shareholder in any appropriate situation even though not
specifically provided herein.
Section 4.2. Non-Liability of Trustees, Etc. No Trustee,
officer, employee or agent of the Trust shall be liable to the
Trust, its Shareholders, or to any Shareholder, Trustee,
officer, employee, or agent thereof for any action or failure
to act (including without limitation the failure to compel in
any way any former or acting Trustee to redress any breach of
trust) except for his own bad faith, willful misfeasance,
gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved
in the conduct of his office.
Section 4.3. Mandatory Indemnification. (a) Subject to the
exceptions and limitations contained in paragraph (b) below:
(i) every person who is, or has been, a Trustee or
officer of the Trust shall be indemnified by the Trust to the
fullest extent permitted by law against all liability and
against all expenses reasonably incurred or paid by him in
connection with any claim, action, suit or proceeding in which
he becomes involved as a party or otherwise by virtue of his
being or having been a Trustee or officer and against amounts
paid or incurred by him in the settlement thereof;
(ii) the words "claim," "action," "suit," or
"proceeding" shall apply to all claims, actions, suits or
proceedings (civil, criminal, administrative or other,
including appeals), actual or threatened; and the words
"liability" and "expenses" shall include, without limitation,
attorneys' fees, costs, judgments, amounts paid in settlement,
fines, penalties and other liabilities.
(b) No indemnification shall be provided hereunder to a
Trustee or officer:
(i) against any liability to the Trust, a Series
thereof, or the Shareholders by reason of a final adjudication
by a court or other body before which a proceeding was brought
that he engaged in willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of his office;
(ii) with respect to any matter as to which he shall
have been finally adjudicated not to have acted in good faith
in the reasonable belief that his action was in the best
interest of the Trust;
Part C - Page 4
<PAGE>
(iii) in the event of a settlement or other
disposition not involving a final adjudication as provided in
paragraph (b)(i) or (b)(ii) resulting in a payment by a
Trustee or officer, unless there has been a determination that
such Trustee or officer did not engage in willful misfeasance,
bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the
duties involved in the conduct of his office:
(A) by the court or other body approving the
settlement or other disposition; or
(B) based upon a review of readily available
facts (as opposed to a full trial-type inquiry) by
(x) vote of a majority of the Disinterested Trustees
acting on the matter (provided that a majority of the
Disinterested Trustees then in office act on the
matter) or (y) written opinion of independent legal
counsel.
(c) The rights of indemnification herein provided may be
insured against by policies maintained by the Trust,
shall be severable, shall not affect any other rights
to which any Trustee or officer may now or hereafter
be entitled, shall continue as to a person who has
ceased to be such Trustee or officer and shall insure
to the benefit of the heirs, executors,
administrators and assigns of such a person. Nothing
contained herein shall affect any rights to
indemnification to which personnel of the Trust other
than Trustees and officers may be entitled by
contract or otherwise under law.
(d) Expenses of preparation and presentation of a defense
to any claim, action, suit or proceeding of the
character described in paragraph (a) of this Section
4.3 may be advanced by the Trust prior to final
disposition thereof upon receipt of an undertaking by
or on behalf of the recipient to repay such amount if
it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled
to indemnification under this Section 4.3, provided
that either:
(i) such undertaking is secured by a surety bond or
some other appropriate security provided by the recipient, or
the Trust shall be insured against losses arising out of any
such advances; or
(ii) a majority of the Disinterested Trustees acting
on the matter (provided that a majority of the Disinterested
Trustees act on the matter) or an independent legal counsel in
a written opinion shall determine, based upon a review of
readily available facts (as opposed to a full trial-type
inquiry), that there is reason to believe that the recipient
ultimately will be found entitled to indemnification.
As used in this Section 4.3, a "Disinterested
Trustee" is one who is not (i) an "Interested Person" of the
Trust (including anyone who has been exempted from being an
"Interested Person" by any rule, regulation or order of the
Commission), or (ii) involved in the claim, action, suit or
proceeding.
Item 26. Business or Other Connections of Investment Adviser
- -------- ---------------------------------------------------
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. has stockholders and
employees who are denominated officers but do not as such have
corporation-wide responsibilities. Such persons are not
considered officers for the purpose of this Item 26.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Business and Other Connections of Board
Name of Directors of Registrant's Adviser
---- ------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Lynn S. Birdsong Director and Vice President, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.**
Part C - Page 5
<PAGE>
Chairman of the Board, Scudder, Stevens & Clark (Luxembourg) S.A.#
Director, Scudder Investments (UK) Ltd. Ooo
Chairman of the Board, Scudder Investments Asia, Ltd. @
Chairman of the Board, Scudder Investments Japan, Inc.&
Senior Vice President, Scudder Investor Services, Inc.**
Director, Scudder Trust (Cayman) Ltd. Xxx
Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Australia @@
Director, Korea Bond Fund Management Co., Ltd.+
William H. Bolinder Director, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.**
Member Group Executive Board, Zurich Financial Services, Inc. ##
Chairman, Zurich-American Insurance Company o
Nick Bratt Director and Vice President, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.**
Vice President, Scudder MAXXUM Company***
Vice President, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Corporation**
Vice President, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Overseas Corporation oo
Laurence W. Cheng Director, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.**
Member, Corporate Executive Board, Zurich Insurance Company of Switzerland ##
Director, ZKI Holding Corporation xx
Gunther Gose Director, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.**
CFO, Member Group Executive Board, Zurich Financial Services, Inc. ##
CEO/Branch Offices, Zurich Life Insurance Company ##
Rolf Huppi Director, Chairman of the Board, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.**
Member, Corporate Executive Board, Zurich Insurance Company of Switzerland ##
Director, Chairman of the Board, Zurich Holding Company of America o
Director, ZKI Holding Corporation xx
Edmond D. Villani Director, President and Chief Executive Officer, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.**
Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Japan, Inc.###
President and Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Overseas Corporation oo
President and Director, Scudder, Stevens & Clark Corporation**
Director, Scudder Realty Advisors, Inc.x
Director, IBJ Global Investment Management S.A. Luxembourg, Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg
Director, Scudder Investments (UK) Ltd. Ooo
Director, Scudder Investments Japan, Inc.&
Director, Scudder Kemper Holdings (UK) Ltd. Ooo
President and Director, Zurich Investment Management, Inc. Xx
* Two International Place, Boston, MA
X 333 South Hope Street, Los Angeles, CA
** 345 Park Avenue, New York, NY
# Societe Anonyme, 47, Boulevard Royal, L-2449 Luxembourg, R.C. Luxembourg B 34.564
*** Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Xxx Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, British West Indies
Oo 20-5, Ichibancho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
### 1-7, Kojimachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Xx 222 S. Riverside, Chicago, IL
O Zurich Towers, 1400 American Ln., Schaumburg, IL
Part C - Page 6
<PAGE>
+ P.O. Box 309, Upland House, S. Church St., Grand Cayman, British West Indies
## Mythenquai-2, P.O. Box CH-8022, Zurich, Switzerland
Ooo 1 South Place 5th floor, London EC2M 2ZS England
@ One Exchange Square 29th Floor, Hong Kong
& Kamiyachyo Mori Building, 12F1, 4-3-20, Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0001
@@ Level 3, 5 Blue Street North Sydney, NSW 2060
</TABLE>
Item 27. Principal Underwriters.
- -------- -----------------------
(a)
Scudder Investor Services, Inc. acts as principal underwriter of the
Registrant's shares and also acts as principal underwriter for other
funds managed by Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
(b)
The Underwriter has employees who are denominated officers of an
operational area. Such persons do not have corporation-wide
responsibilities and are not considered officers for the purpose of
this Item 27.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(1) (2) (3)
Name and Principal Position and Offices with Positions and
Business Address Scudder Investor Services, Inc. Offices with Registrant
---------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Lynn S. Birdsong Senior Vice President None
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Mark S. Casady Director, President and Assistant None
Two International Place Treasurer
Boston, MA 02110
Linda Coughlin Director and Senior Vice President President
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Richard W. Desmond Vice President None
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Paul J. Elmlinger Senior Vice President and Assistant None
345 Park Avenue Clerk
New York, NY 10154
Philip S. Fortuna Vice President None
101 California Street
San Francisco, CA 94111
Part C - Page 7
<PAGE>
Name and Principal Position and Offices with Positions and
Business Address Scudder Investor Services, Inc. Offices with Registrant
---------------- ------------------------------- -----------------------
William F. Glavin Vice President None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Margaret D. Hadzima Assistant Treasurer None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
John R. Hebble Assistant Treasurer Treasurer
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
James J. McGovern Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer None
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
Lorie C. O'Malley Vice President None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Caroline Pearson Clerk Assistant Secretary
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Kathryn L. Quirk Director, Senior Vice President, Chief Director, Vice President &
345 Park Avenue Legal Officer and Assistant Clerk Assistant Secretary
New York, NY 10154
Robert A. Rudell Director and Vice President None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
William M. Thomas Vice President None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Benjamin Thorndike Vice President None
Two International Place
Boston, MA 02110
Linda J. Wondrack Vice President and Chief Compliance None
Two International Place Officer
Boston, MA 02110
</TABLE>
Item 28. Location of Accounts and Records.
- -------- ---------------------------------
Certain accounts, books and other documents required to be maintained
by Section 31(a) of the 1940 Act and the Rules promulgated thereunder
are maintained by Scudder Kemper Investments Inc., Two International
Place, Boston, MA 02110-4103. Records relating to the duties of the
Registrant's custodian are maintained by State Street Bank and Trust
Company, Heritage Drive, North Quincy,
Part C - Page 8
<PAGE>
Massachusetts. Records relating to the duties of the
Registrant's transfer agent are maintained by Scudder Service
Corporation, Two International Place, Boston, Massachusetts.
Item 29. Management Services.
- -------- --------------------
Inapplicable.
Item 30. Undertakings.
- -------- -------------
Inapplicable.
Part C - Page 9
<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 amendment to its Registration
Statement pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly
caused this amendment to its Registration Statement to be signed on its behalf
by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Boston, and the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 25th day of February, 2000.
SCUDDER MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
By /s/John Millette
----------------
John Millette,
Vice President and Secretary
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
amendment to its Registration Statement has been signed below by the following
persons in the capacities and on the date indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------- ----- ----
<S> <C> <C>
/s/Sheryl J. Bolton
- ---------------------------------------
Sheryle J. Bolton* Director February 25, 2000
/s/William T. Burgin
- ---------------------------------------
William T. Burgin* Director February 25, 2000
/s/Linda C. Coughlin
- ---------------------------------------
Linda C. Coughlin President February 25, 2000
/s/Keith R. Fox
- ---------------------------------------
Keith R. Fox* Director February 25, 2000
/s/John R. Hebble
- ---------------------------------------
John R. Hebble Treasurer February 25, 2000
/s/William H. Luers
- ---------------------------------------
William H. Luers* Director February 25, 2000
/s/Kathryn L. Quirk
- ---------------------------------------
Kathryn L. Quirk* Chairman of the Board, Director, Vice February 25, 2000
President and Assistant Secretary
<PAGE>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
- --------- ----- ----
/s/Joan E. Spero
- ---------------------------------------
Joan E. Spero* Director February 25, 2000
</TABLE>
*By: /s/John Millette
----------------
John Millette **
** John Millette signs this document pursuant to powers of attorney contained in
Post-Effective Amendment No. 15 to the Registration Statement, filed on December
20, 1999.
<PAGE>
File No. 33-22059
File No. 811-5565
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
EXHIBITS
TO
FORM N-1A
POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. 16
TO REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
AND
AMENDMENT NO. 18
TO REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
SCUDDER MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
Part C - Page 10
<PAGE>
SCUDDER MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
Exhibit Index
Exhibit (b)(9)
Exhibits (i)
Exhibits (j)
Part C - Page 11
Exhibit (b)(9)
SCUDDER MUTUAL FUNDS, INC.
On February 7, 2000, the Board of Directors of Scudder Mutual Funds,
Inc. adopted the following amending the By-Laws of the corporation to read as
follows:
RESOLVED, that the first sentence of the second paragraph of
Article I, Section 8 of the Fund's By-Laws shall be amended to
read as follows (additions are underlined, and deletions are
struckout):
Section 8. Voting. Each stockholder entitled to vote at any
meeting of stockholders may authorize another person or
persons to act for him by a proxy signed by the stockholder or
his attorney-in-fact.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Article I, Section 12 of the Fund's
By-Laws shall be added and read as follows:
Section 12. Proxy Instructions Transmitted by Telephonic or
Electronic Means. The placing of a Shareholder's name on a
proxy pursuant to telephonic or electronically transmitted
instructions obtained pursuant to procedures reasonably
designed to verify that such instructions have been authorized
by such Shareholder shall constitute the proxy of such
Shareholder.
Exhibit (i)
February 25, 2000
Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc.
345 Park Avenue
New York, New York 10154
Ladies and Gentlemen:
We have acted as special Maryland counsel to Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc.
(the "Company"), a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Maryland
on March 18, 1988. The Company is authorized to issue 3,000,000,000 shares of
capital stock, $0.01 par value per share (each a "Share" and collectively, the
"Shares"). The Shares have been classified into the following series: the
Scudder Gold Fund, consisting of 100,000,000 Shares.
We understand that you are about to file with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, on Form N-1A, Post Effective Amendment No. 16 to the
Company's Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "Securities Act"), and Amendment No. 18 to the Company's Registration
Statement under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Investment
Company Act") (collectively, the "Registration Statement"), in connection with
the continuous offering on and after March 1, 2000 of the Shares of the Scudder
Gold Fund. We understand that our opinion is required to be filed as an exhibit
to the Registration Statement.
In rendering the opinions set forth below, we have examined originals
or copies, certified or otherwise identified to our satisfaction, of the
following documents:
(i) the Registration Statement;
(ii) the Charter and Bylaws of the Company;
(iii) a certificate of the Company regarding certain matters in
connection with this opinion (the "Certificate");
<PAGE>
Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc.
February 25, 2000
Page 2
(iv) a certificate of the Maryland State Department of Assessments and
Taxation dated February 23, 2000 to the effect that the Company is duly
incorporated and existing under the laws of the State of Maryland and is in good
standing and duly authorized to transact business in the State of Maryland (the
"Good Standing Certificate"); and
(v) such other documents and matters as we have deemed necessary and
appropriate to render this opinion, subject to the limitations, assumptions, and
qualifications contained herein.
As to any facts or questions of fact material to the opinions expressed
herein, we have relied exclusively upon the aforesaid documents and
certificates, and representations and declarations of the officers or other
representatives of the Company. We have made no independent investigation
whatsoever as to such factual matters.
In reaching the opinions set forth below, we have assumed, without
independent investigation or inquiry, that:
(a) all documents submitted to us as originals are authentic; all
documents submitted to us as certified or photostatic copies conform to the
original documents; all signatures on all documents submitted to us for
examination are genuine; and all documents and public records reviewed are
accurate and complete;
(b) all representations, warranties, certifications and statements with
respect to matters of fact and other factual information (i) made by public
officers or (ii) made by officers or representatives of the Company, including
certifications made in the Certificate, are accurate, true, correct and complete
in all material respects; and
(c) at no time prior to and including the date when all of the Shares
of the Scudder Gold Fund are issued will (i) the Company's Charter, Bylaws or
the existing corporate authorization to issue such Shares be amended, repealed
or revoked; (ii) the total number of the issued Shares exceed 3,000,000,000; or
(iii) the total number of the issued Shares of the Scudder Gold Fund exceed
100,000,000.
Based on our review of the foregoing and subject to the assumptions and
qualifications set forth herein, it is our opinion that, as of the date of this
letter:
1. The Company is a corporation duly organized, validly existing and,
based solely on the Good Standing Certificate, in good standing under the laws
of the State of Maryland.
2. The issuance and sale of the Shares of the Scudder Gold Fund
pursuant to the Registration Statement has been duly and validly authorized by
all necessary corporate action on the part of the Company.
<PAGE>
Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc.
February 25, 2000
Page 3
5. The Shares of the Scudder Gold Fund, when issued and sold by the
Company for cash consideration pursuant to and in the manner contemplated by the
Registration Statement, will be legally and validly issued, fully paid and
non-assessable.
In addition to the qualifications set forth above, the opinions set
forth herein are also subject to the following qualifications:
We express no opinion as to compliance with the Securities Act, the
Investment Company Act or the securities laws of any state with respect to the
issuance of Shares of the Company. The opinions expressed herein concern only
the effect of the laws (excluding the principles of conflict of laws) of the
State of Maryland as currently in effect. We assume no obligation to supplement
this opinion if any applicable laws change after the date hereof, or if we
become aware of any facts that might change the opinions expressed herein after
the date hereof.
We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not thereby admit that we
are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of the
Act.
Sincerely yours,
/s/ Ober, Kaler, Grimes & Shriver,
a Professional Corporation
Exhibit (j)
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference into the Prospectus and
Statement of Additional Information constituting the Post-Effective Amendment
No. 16 to the Registration Statement on Form N-1A (the "Registration Statement")
of Scudder Mutual Funds, Inc. comprised of Scudder Gold Fund of our report dated
December 16, 1999 on the consolidated financial statements and consolidated
financial highlights appearing in the October 31, 1999 Annual Report to the
Shareholders of Scudder Gold Fund, which is also incorporated by reference into
the Registration Statement. We further consent to the references to our Firm
under the heading "Financial Highlights," in the Prospectus and "Experts" in the
Statement of Additional Information.
/s/PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Boston, Massachusetts
February 25, 2000
