INSTITUTIONAL INTERNATIONAL FUNDS INC
497, 1998-03-03
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<PAGE>
 
 PROSPECTUS
   
                                                               March 1, 1998    
Foreign Equity Fund
   
 An international stock fund for investors seeking capital growth by
 diversifying beyond U.S. borders.    
 
FACTS AT A GLANCE
Foreign Equity Fund
 
 
Investment Goal
   
Capital appreciation through investment primarily in established companies
based outside the United States.    
 
 
Strategy
Invests worldwide primarily in well-established, non-U.S. companies.
 
 
Risk/Reward
The fund's share price will fluctuate with changes in market, economic, and
foreign currency exchange conditions. High potential risk and reward.
 
 
Investor Profile
Institutional investors seeking higher appreciation potential over time and
greater diversification for their equity investments who can accept the
volatility associated with investing in stocks as well as the special risks
that accompany international investing.
 
 
Fees and Charges
100% no load. No sales charges; free telephone exchange; no 12b-1 marketing
fees.
 
 
Investment Manager
   
Rowe Price-Fleming International, Inc. ("Price-Fleming") was founded in 1979 as
a joint venture between T. Rowe Price Associates, Inc. and Robert Fleming
Holdings, Ltd. As of December 31, 1997, Price-Fleming managed $30 billion in
foreign stocks and bonds through its offices in Baltimore, London, Tokyo,
Singapore, Hong Kong, and Buenos Aires.    
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION PASSED UPON
THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
   
This prospectus contains information you should know before investing. Please
keep it for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information about the
fund, dated March 1, 1998, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and is incorporated by reference in this prospectus. To obtain a free
copy, call 1-800-638-5660.    
 
 
Institutional International Funds, Inc.
 
Prospectus
 
   
March 1, 1998    
 
<TABLE>
CONTENTS
<CAPTION>
<S>  <C>  <C>                                     <C>
1         ABOUT THE FUND
          Transaction and Fund Expenses               2
          ---------------------------------------------
          Financial Highlights                        3
          ---------------------------------------------
          Fund, Market, and Risk Characteristics      4
          ---------------------------------------------
 
2         ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT
          Pricing Shares and Receiving                9
          Sale Proceeds
          ---------------------------------------------
          Distributions and Taxes                    10
          ---------------------------------------------
          Transaction Procedures and                 13
          Special Requirements
          ---------------------------------------------
 
3         MORE ABOUT THE FUND
          Organization and Management                16
          ---------------------------------------------
          Understanding Performance Information      19
          ---------------------------------------------
          Investment Policies and Practices          20
          ---------------------------------------------
 
4         INVESTING IN THE FUND
          Account Requirements and                   25
          Transaction Information
          ---------------------------------------------
          Opening a New Account                      25
          ---------------------------------------------
          Purchasing Additional Shares               26
          ---------------------------------------------
          Exchanging and Redeeming                   26
          ---------------------------------------------
          Rights Reserved by the Fund                27
          ---------------------------------------------
          Financial Institution Services             28
          ---------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 
 ABOUT THE FUND                                        1

 TRANSACTION AND FUND EXPENSES
 ----------------------------------------------------------
   These tables should help you understand the kinds of expenses you will bear
   directly or indirectly as a fund shareholder.
 
   
   Shareholder Transaction Expenses in Table 1 shows that you pay no sales
   charges. All the money you invest in the fund goes to work for you, subject
   to the fees explained below. Annual Fund Expenses provides an estimate of how
   much it will cost to operate the fund for a year, based on 1997 fiscal year
   expenses. These are costs you pay indirectly because they are deducted from
   the fund's total assets before the daily share price is calculated and before
   dividends and other distributions are made. In other words, you will not see
   these expenses on your account statement.    
 
<TABLE>
 Table 1
<CAPTION>
<S>  <C>                                 <C>   <C>                                   <C>                         <C>
     Shareholder Transaction                                                         Percentage of Fiscal 1997
     Expenses                                  Annual Fund Expenses                  Average Net Assets
     Sales charge "load" on purchases    None  Management fee                        0.70%
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Sales charge "load" on reinvested   None  Marketing fees (12b-1)                None
     distributions
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Redemption fees                     None  Total other (shareholder servicing,   0.05%
                                               custodial, auditing, etc.)
     ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Exchange fees                       None  Total fund expenses                   0.75%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 
Note: A $5 fee is charged for wire redemptions under $5,000, subject to change
without notice.
 
   The main types of expenses, which all mutual funds may charge against fund
   assets, are:
 
   
  . A management fee The percent of fund assets paid to the fund's investment
  . "Other" administrative expenses Charges primarily for the servicing of
   shareholder accounts, such as providing statements and reports, disbursing
  . Marketing or distribution fees An annual charge ("12b-1") to existing
   shareholders to defray the cost of selling shares to new shareholders. T.
   For further details on fund expenses, please see Organization and Management.
    
 
   
  . Hypothetical example Assume you invest $1,000, the fund returns 5% annually,
   expense ratios remain as listed previously, and you close your account at the
   end of the time periods shown. Your expenses would be:    
 
<TABLE>
 Table 2
<CAPTION>
<S>  <C>          <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
     Hypothetical Fund Expenses
                  1 year    3 years   5 years   10 years
                  $7         $22      $39       $87
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
 
   
   o Table 2 is just an example; actual expenses can be higher or lower than
     those shown.    
 
 
 
 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 ----------------------------------------------------------
   
   Table 3, which provides information about the fund's financial history, is
   based on a single share outstanding throughout each fiscal year. The table is
   part of the fund's financial statements, which are included in its annual
   report and are incorporated by reference into the Statement of Additional
   Information (available upon request). The financial statements in the annual
   report were audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, the fund's independent
   accountants.    
 
<TABLE>
 Table 3  Financial Highlights
<CAPTION>
                              Income From Investment Activities            Less Distributions                      
     Period   Net Asset       Net         Net Realized    Total From       Net         Net
     Ended    Value,          Investment  & Unrealized    Investment       Investment  Realized      Total
              Beginning       Income      Gain (Loss) on  Activities       Income      Gain          Distributions
              of Period                   Investments
<S>  <S>      <C>        <C>  <C>         <C>             <C>         <C>  <C>         <C>           <C>            <C>
     1989/a/   $10.00          $0.05/b/        $0.61      $ 0.66           $(0.04)        -          $(0.04)
     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1990       10.62           0.23/bc/       .10)         (0.87)           (0.21)       -           (0.21)
     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1991        9.54           0.18/c/         .28          1.46            (0.18)        $(0.09)    (0.27)
     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1992       10.73           0.17           .57)         (0.40)           (0.18)         (0.10)    (0.28)
     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1993/e/    10.05           0.13          3.14           3.27               -           -         - 
     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1994       13.32           0.09          1.48           1.57            (0.09)          (0.21)    (0.30)
     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1995       14.59           0.18         (0.14 )/f/      0.04            (0.12)          (0.52)    (0.64)
     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1996       13.99           0.21          1.78           1.99            (0.18)          (0.18)    (0.36)
     --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1997       15.62           0.21          1.07           1.28            (0.22)          (0.17)    (0.39)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
     Net Asset Value
     Net Asset
     Value,
     End of Period
<S>  <C>              <C>
     1989/a/    $10.62
     -----------------
     1990         9.54
     -----------------
     1991        10.73
     -----------------
     1992        10.05
     -----------------
     1993/e/     13.32
     -----------------
     1994        14.59
     -----------------
     1995        13.99
     -----------------
     1996        15.62
     -----------------
     1997        16.51
- ----------------------
</TABLE>
 
 
 Footnotes appear on next page.                 (continued on next page)
 
   
<TABLE>
  Table 3  Financial Highlights (continued)
<CAPTION>
              Returns, Ratios, and Supplemental Data
     Period   Total Return                             Ratio of     Ratio of Net
     Ended    (Includes            Net Assets          Expenses to  Investment         Portfolio  Average
              Reinvested           ($ Thousands)       Average Net  Income to          Turnover   Commission
              Distributions)                           Assets       Average Net        Rate       Rate Paid
                                                                    Assets
<S>  <S>      <C>             <C>  <C>            <C>  <C>          <C>           <C>  <C>        <C>           <C>
     1989/a/      6.60%/b/          $   50,252           1.10%/bd/    1.43%/bd/          13.8%/d/  -
     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1990        (8.20)/bc/             83,645           1.01/bc/     2.23/bc/           44.6      -
     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1991        15.40/c/              143,822           1.00/c/      1.64/c/            46.7      -
     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1992        (3.74)                238,979           0.99         1.49               35.1      -
     ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1993/e/     32.54                 489,389           0.86/d/      1.65/d/            27.4/d/   -
     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1994        11.96               1,058,478           0.82         1.26               22.0      -
     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1995         0.64               1,559,619           0.80         1.69               18.8      -
     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1996        14.48               2,322,469           0.76         1.67               13.8     $0.0017
     -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1997         8.30               3,159,855           0.75         1.40               15.9      0.0017
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
    
 
/a/From September 7, 1989 (commencement of operations) to December 31, 1989.
 
/b/Excludes expenses in excess of a 1.10% voluntary expense limitation in effect
  through February 28, 1990.
 
/c/Excludes expenses in excess of a 1.00% voluntary expense limitation in effect
  from March 1, 1990, through December 31, 1991.
 
/d/Annualized.
 
/e/For the 10 months ended October 31, 1993. Fiscal year-end changed from
  December 31 to October 31.
 
/f/The amount presented is calculated pursuant to a methodology prescribed by
  the Securities and Exchange Commission for a share outstanding throughout the
  period. This amount is inconsistent with the fund's aggregate gains and losses
  because of the timing of sales and redemptions of the fund's shares in
  relation to fluctuating market values for the investment portfolio.
 
 
 FUND, MARKET, AND RISK CHARACTERISTICS: WHAT TO EXPECT
 ----------------------------------------------------------
   To help you decide whether this fund is appropriate for you, this section
   takes a closer look at its investment objective and approach.
 
   
 What are some of the potential advantages and disadvantages of investing beyond
 U.S. borders?
 
   Since U.S. stocks represent less than half of the world's stock market
   capitalization, investing abroad increases the opportunities available to
   you. Foreign investments also provide effective diversification for an
   all-U.S. portfolio, since historically their returns have not moved in sync
   with U.S. stocks over longer periods.
 
   Investing in foreign stocks entails many of the same risks as investing in
   U.S. stocks and others as well, such as currency risk. Also, foreign stocks
   may not always move counter to U.S. stocks, particularly in the short run.
 
 
   o The fund should not represent your complete investment program nor be used
     for short-term trading purposes.    
 
 What is the fund's objective and investment program?
 
   
   The fund's objective is long-term growth of capital through investments
   primarily in common stocks of established, non-U.S. companies. The fund
   expects to invest substantially all of its assets outside the U.S. and to
   diversify broadly among countries throughout the world - developed and
   emerging.    
 
 
 What securities can the fund invest in other than common stocks?
 
   The fund expects to invest substantially all of its assets in common stocks.
   However, the fund may also invest in a variety of other equity-related
   securities, such as preferred stocks, warrants and convertible securities, as
   well as corporate and governmental debt securities, when considered
   consistent with the fund's investment objective and program. The fund may
   also engage in a variety of investment management practices, such as buying
   and selling futures and options. Under normal market conditions, the fund's
   investment in securities other than common stocks is limited to no more than
   35% of total assets. However, for temporary defensive purposes, the fund may
   invest all or a significant portion of its assets in U.S. government and
   corporate debt obligations. The fund will not purchase any debt security
   which at the time of purchase is rated below investment grade. This would not
   prevent the fund from retaining a security downgraded to below investment
   grade after purchase.
 
 
 How does the portfolio manager select stocks?
 
   
   Price-Fleming blends a bottom-up approach to individual stock selection based
   on fundamental research with an awareness of the economic overview of the
   countries in our opportunity set. Stock selection is the focal point of
   decision-making, however. Fund managers weigh a company's prospects for
   achieving and sustaining above-average, long-term earnings growth and also
   look at valuation factors such as price/earnings, price/cash flow, and
   price/book value ratios.    
 
 
 What are the major risks associated with international investing and this fund?
 
   
   Stock prices of foreign and U.S. companies are subject to many of the same
   influences, such as general economic conditions, company and industry
   earnings prospects, and investor psychology. However, investing in foreign
   securities also involves additional risks that can increase the potential for
   losses in the fund. Normally, these risks are significantly greater for
   investments in emerging markets.
 
  . Currency fluctuations Transactions in foreign securities are conducted in
   local currencies, so dollars must often be exchanged for another currency
   when a stock is bought or sold or a dividend is paid. Likewise, share price
   quotations and total return information reflect conversion into dollars.
   Fluctuations in foreign exchange rates can significantly increase or decrease
   the dollar value of a foreign investment, boosting or offsetting its local
   market return. For example, if a French stock rose 10% in price during a
   year, but the U.S. dollar gained 5%    
 
   
   against the French franc during that time, the U.S. investor's return would
   be reduced to 5%. This is because the franc would "buy" fewer dollars at the
   end of the year than at the beginning, or, conversely, a dollar would buy
   more francs. The fund's total return will be affected by currency
   fluctuations. The exact amount of the impact depends on the currencies
   represented in the portfolio and how each one appreciates or depreciates in
   relation to the U.S. dollar.
 
 
   o Exchange rate movements can be large, unpredictable, and last for extended
     periods.    
 
  . Increased costs It is more expensive for U.S. investors to trade in foreign
   markets than in the U.S. Mutual funds offer an efficient way for individuals
   to invest abroad, but the overall expense ratios of international funds are
   usually higher than those of typical domestic stock funds.
 
   
  . Political and economic factors The economies, markets, and political
   structures of a number of the countries in which the fund can invest do not
   compare favorably with the U.S. and other mature economies in terms of wealth
   and stability. Therefore, investments in these countries will be riskier and
   more subject to erratic and abrupt price movements. This is especially true
   for emerging markets. However, even investments in countries with highly
   developed economies are subject to risk. For example, the Japanese stock
   market historically has experienced wide swings in value.
 
   Some economies are less well developed, overly reliant on particular
   industries, and more vulnerable to the ebb and flow of international trade,
   trade barriers, and other protectionist or retaliatory measures. This makes
   investment in such markets significantly riskier than in other countries.
   Some countries have legacies and the risk of hyperinflation and currency
   devaluations versus the dollar (which adversely affects returns to U.S.
   investors) and may be overly dependent on foreign capital (a risk that is
   exacerbated by big currency movements). Investments in countries that have
   recently begun moving away from central planning and state-owned industries
   toward free markets should be regarded as speculative.    
 
 
   o While certain countries have made progress in economic growth,
     liberalization, fiscal discipline, and political and social stability,
     there is no assurance these trends will continue.
 
   
   Certain countries have histories of instability and upheaval with respect to
   their internal politics that could cause their governments to act in a
   detrimental or hostile manner toward private enterprise or foreign
   investment. Actions such as capital controls, nationalizing a company or
   industry, expropriating assets, or imposing punitive taxes could have a
   severe effect on security prices and impair a fund's ability to repatriate
   capital or income. Significant external risks, including
   war, currently affect some countries. Governments in many emerging market
   countries participate to a significant degree in their economies and
   securities markets.    
 
  . Legal, regulatory, and operational Certain countries lack uniform
   accounting, auditing, and financial reporting standards, have less
   governmental supervision of financial markets than in the U.S., do not honor
   legal rights enjoyed in the U.S., and have settlement practices, such as
   delays, which could subject a fund to risks of loss not customary in the U.S.
   In addition, securities markets in these countries have substantially lower
   trading volumes than U.S. markets, resulting in less liquidity and more
   volatility than experienced in the U.S.
 
  . Pricing Portfolio securities may be listed on foreign exchanges that are
   open on days (such as Saturdays) when the fund does not compute its price. As
   a result, the fund's net asset value may be significantly affected by trading
   on days when shareholders cannot make transactions.
 
   
   o For more details on potential risks of foreign investments, please see
     Investment Policies and Practices and the Statement of Additional
     Information.    
 
 
 What can I expect in terms of price volatility?
 
   Like U.S. stock investments, common stocks of foreign companies offer
   investors a way to build capital over time. Nevertheless, the long-term rise
   of foreign stock prices as a group has been punctuated by declines. Share
   prices of all companies, even the best managed, most profitable, whether U.S.
   or foreign, are subject to market risk, which means they can fluctuate
   widely.
 
   In less well-developed stock markets, such as those found in Latin America,
   Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia, volatility may be heightened by actions of
   a few major investors. For example, substantial increases or decreases in
   cash flows of mutual funds investing in these markets could significantly
   affect local stock prices and, therefore, fund share prices.
 
 
   o The fund's share price will fluctuate; when you sell your shares, you may
     lose money.
 
 
 How does the portfolio manager try to reduce risk?
 
   The principal tools are intensive research and diversification; currency
   hedging techniques are used from time to time.
 
  . In addition to conducting on-site research in portfolio countries and
   companies, Price-Fleming has close ties with investment analysts based
   throughout the world.
 
  . Diversification significantly reduces, but does not eliminate, risk. The
   impact on a fund's share price from a drop in the price of a particular stock
   is reduced substantially by investing in a portfolio with dozens of different
   companies. Likewise, the impact of unfavorable developments in a particular
   country is reduced when investments are spread among many countries.
 
   Portfolio managers keep close watch on individual investments as well as on
   political and economic trends in each country and region. Holdings are
   adjusted according to the manager's analysis and outlook.
 
  . Under normal conditions, the fund does not engage in extensive currency
   hedging programs. However, when foreign exchange rates are expected to be
   unfavorable for U.S. investors, fund managers can hedge the risk through the
   use of currency forwards and options. In a general sense, these tools allow a
   manager to exchange currencies in the future at a rate specified in the
   present. (For more details, please see Foreign Currency Transactions under
   Investment Policies and Practices.) If the manager's forecast is wrong, the
   hedge may cause a loss. Also, it may be difficult or not practical to hedge
   currency risk in many emerging countries.
 
 
 How can I decide if the fund is appropriate for me?
 
   First, be sure that your investment objective is the same as the fund's:
   capital appreciation over time. If you will need the money you plan to invest
   in the near future, the fund is not suitable.
 
   Second, your decision should take into account whether you have any other
   foreign stock investments.
 
   Third, consider your risk tolerance and the risk profile of the fund.
 
 
 Is there other information I need to review before making a decision?
 
   Be sure to read Investment Policies and Practices in Section 3, which
   discusses the principal types of portfolio securities that the fund may
   purchase as well as the types of management practices that the fund may use.
 
 ABOUT YOUR ACCOUNT                                        2
 PRICING SHARES AND RECEIVING SALE PROCEEDS
 ----------------------------------------------------------
   Here are some procedures you should know when investing in the fund.
 
 
 How and when shares are priced
 
   The share price (also called "net asset value" or NAV per share) for the fund
   is calculated at 4 p.m. ET each day the New York Stock Exchange is open for
   business. To calculate the NAV, the fund's assets are valued and totaled,
   liabilities are subtracted, and the balance, called net assets, is divided by
   the number of shares outstanding.
 
   
   The fund's portfolio securities usually are valued on the basis of the most
   recent closing market prices at 4 p.m. ET when the fund calculates its NAV.
   Most of the securities in which the fund invests, however, are traded in
   markets that close before that time. For securities primarily traded in the
   Far East, for example, the most recent closing prices may be as much as 15
   hours old at 4 p.m. Normally, developments that could affect the values of
   portfolio securities that occur between the close of the foreign market and 4
   p.m. ET will not be reflected in the fund's NAV. However, if the fund
   determines that such developments are so significant that they will clearly
   and materially affect the value of the fund's securities, the fund may adjust
   the previous closing prices to reflect fair value or use the next available
 
   o The various ways you can buy, sell, and exchange shares are explained at
     the end of this prospectus and on the New Account Form. These procedures
 
   If we receive your request in correct form by 4 p.m. ET, your transaction
   will be priced at that day's NAV. If we receive it after 4 p.m., it will be
   We cannot accept orders that request a particular day or price for your
   Fund shares may be purchased through various third parties, including banks,
   brokers, investment advisers, and recordkeepers (intermediaries). Where
   authorized by a fund, orders will be priced at the NAV next computed after
   receipt by the intermediary. Consult with your intermediary to determine when
   Note: The time at which transactions and shares are priced and the time until
   which orders are accepted may be changed in case of an emergency or if the
   New York Stock Exchange closes at a time other than 4 p.m. ET.    
 
   
 How you can receive the proceeds from a sale    
 
 
   o When filling out the New Account Form, you may wish to give yourself the
     widest range of options for receiving proceeds from a sale.
 
   If your request is received by 4 p.m. ET in correct form, proceeds are
   usually sent on the next business day. Proceeds can be sent to you by mail or
   to your bank account by Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfer or bank wire.
   Proceeds sent by ACH transfer should be credited the second day after the
   sale. ACH is an automated method of initiating payments from, and receiving
   payments in, your financial institution account. ACH is a payment system
   supported by over 20,000 banks, savings banks, and credit unions, which
   electronically exchanges the transactions primarily through the Federal
   Reserve Banks. Proceeds sent by bank wire should be credited to your account
   the next business day.
 
   
  . Exception: Under certain circumstances and when deemed to be in the fund's
   best interests, your proceeds may not be sent for up to five business days
   after we receive your sale or exchange request. If you were exchanging into a
   bond or money fund, your new investment would not begin to earn dividends
   until the sixth business day.    
 
 
   o If for some reason we cannot accept your request to sell shares, we will
     contact you.
 
 
 
 USEFUL INFORMATION ON DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
 ----------------------------------------------------------
 
   o All net investment income and realized capital gains are distributed to
     shareholders.
 
 
 Dividends and Other Distributions
 
   Dividend and capital gain distributions are reinvested in additional fund
   shares in your account unless you select another option on your New Account
   Form. The advantage of reinvesting distributions arises from compounding;
   that is, you receive income dividends and capital gain distributions on a
   rising number of shares.
 
   
   Distributions not reinvested are paid by check or transmitted to your bank
   account via ACH. If the Post Office cannot deliver your check, or if your
   check remains uncashed for six months, the fund reserves the right to
   reinvest your distribution check in your account at the NAV on the business
   day of the reinvestment and to reinvest all subsequent distributions in
   shares of the fund. No interest will accrue on amounts represented by
   uncashed distribution or redemption checks.    
<PAGE>
 
   Income dividends
  . The fund declares and pays dividends (if any) annually.
 
  . The dividends of the fund will not be eligible for the 70% deduction for
   dividends received by corporations, if, as expected, none of the fund's
   income consists of dividends paid by U.S. corporations.
 
   Capital gains
  . A capital gain or loss is the difference between the purchase and sale price
   of a security.
 
   
  . If a fund has net capital gains for the year (after subtracting any capital
   losses), they are usually declared and paid in December to shareholders of
   record on a specified date that month.    
 
 
 Tax Information
 
 
   o You will be sent timely information for your tax filing needs.
 
   You need to be aware of the possible tax consequences when:
 
  . You sell fund shares, including an exchange from one fund to another.
 
  . The fund makes a distribution to your account.
 
   Taxes on fund redemptions
   When you sell shares in any fund, you may realize a gain or loss. An exchange
   from one fund to another is still a sale for tax purposes.
 
   
   In January, you will be sent Form 1099-B, indicating the date and amount of
   each sale you made in the fund during the prior year. This information will
   also be reported to the IRS. For new accounts or those opened by exchange in
   1983 or later, we will provide you with the gain or loss of the shares you
   sold during the year, based on the "average cost," single category method.
   This information is not reported to the IRS, and you do not have to use it.
   You may calculate the cost basis using other methods acceptable to the IRS,
   such as "specific identification."    
 
   To help you maintain accurate records, we send you a confirmation immediately
   following each transaction you make (except for systematic purchases and
   redemptions) and a year-end statement detailing all your transactions in each
   fund account during the year.
 
   Taxes on fund distributions
 
   o The following summary does not apply to retirement accounts, such as IRAs,
     which are tax-deferred until you withdraw money from them.
 
   
   In January, you will be sent Form 1099-DIV, indicating the tax status of any
   dividend and capital gain distribution made to you. This information will
   also be reported to the IRS. All distributions made by a fund are taxable to
   you for the year in which they were paid. The only exception is that
   distributions declared during the last three months of a calendar year and
   paid in January are taxed as though they were paid by December 31. You will
   be sent any additional information you need to determine your taxes on fund
   distributions, such as the portion of your dividend, if any, that may be
   exempt from state income taxes.
 
   The tax treatment of a capital gain distribution is determined by how long
   the fund held the portfolio securities, not how long you held shares in the
   fund. Short-term (one year or less) capital gain distributions are taxable at
   the same rate as ordinary income. Recent changes in the tax code revised
   capital gain holding periods for long-term gains. Gains on securities held
   more than 12 months but not more than 18 months are taxed at a maximum rate
   of 28%, and gains on securities held for more than 18 months are taxed at a
   maximum rate of 20%. If you realize a loss on the sale or exchange of fund
   shares held six months or less, your short-term loss recognized is
   reclassified to long term to the extent of any net capital gain distribution
   received.    
 
   Distributions resulting from the sale of certain foreign currencies and debt
   securities, to the extent of foreign exchange gains, are taxed as ordinary
   income or loss. If the fund pays nonrefundable taxes to foreign governments
   during the year, the taxes will reduce the fund's dividends but will still be
   included in your taxable income. However, you may be able to claim an
   offsetting credit or deduction on your tax return for your portion of foreign
   taxes paid by the fund.
 
 
   o Distributions are taxable whether reinvested in additional shares or
     received in cash.
 
   Tax effect of buying shares before a capital gain distribution
   If you buy shares shortly before or on the "record date" -  the date that
   establishes you as the person to receive the upcoming distribution - you will
   receive a portion of the money you just invested in the form of a taxable
   distribution. Therefore, you may also wish to find out a fund's record date
   before investing. Of course, a fund's share price may, at any time, reflect
   undistributed capital gains or income and unrealized appreciation. When these
   amounts are eventually distributed, they are taxable.
 
   Note: For information on the tax consequences of hedging, please see
   Investment Policies and Practices.
 
 TRANSACTION PROCEDURES AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
 ----------------------------------------------------------
 
   o Following these procedures helps assure timely and accurate transactions.
 
 
 Purchase Conditions
 
   Nonpayment
   If your payment is not received or you pay with a check or ACH transfer that
   does not clear, your purchase will be canceled. You will be responsible for
   any losses or expenses incurred by the fund or transfer agent, and the fund
   can redeem shares you own in this or another identically registered T. Rowe
   Price fund as reimbursement. The fund and its agents have the right to reject
   or cancel any purchase, exchange, or redemption due to nonpayment.
 
   U.S. dollars
   All purchases must be paid for in U.S. dollars; checks must be drawn on U.S.
   banks.
 
 
 Sale (Redemption) Conditions
 
   10-day hold
   
   If you sell shares that you just purchased and paid for by check or ACH
   transfer, the fund will process your redemption but will generally delay
   sending you the proceeds for up to 10 calendar days to allow the check or
   transfer to clear. If your redemption request was sent by mail or mailgram,
   proceeds will be mailed no later than the seventh calendar day following
   receipt unless the check or ACH transfer has not cleared. (The 10-day hold
   does not apply to the following: purchases paid for by bank wire; cashier's,
   certified, or treasurer's checks; or automatic purchases through your
   paycheck.)
 
   Telephone, Tele*Access/(R)/, and personal computer transactions
   Exchange and redemption services through telephone and Tele*Access are
   established automatically when you sign the New Account Form unless you check
   the box that states that you do not want these services. Personal computer
   transactions must be authorized separately. T. Rowe Price funds use
   reasonable procedures (including shareholder identity verification) to
   confirm that instructions given by telephone are genuine and are not liable
   for acting on these instructions. If these procedures are not followed, it is
   the opinion of certain regulatory agencies that the funds may be liable for
   any losses that may result from acting on the instructions given. A
   confirmation is sent promptly after a transaction. All telephone
   conversations are recorded.    
<PAGE>
 
   Redemptions over $250,000
   Large sales can adversely affect a portfolio manager's ability to implement a
   fund's investment strategy by causing the premature sale of securities that
   would otherwise be held. If, in any 90-day period, you redeem (sell) more
   than $250,000, or your sale amounts to more than 1% of fund net assets, the
   fund has the right to pay the difference between the redemption amount and
   the lesser of the two previously mentioned figures with securities from the
   fund.
 
 
 Excessive Trading
 
 
   o T. Rowe Price may bar excessive traders from purchasing shares.
 
   Frequent trades, involving either substantial fund assets or a substantial
   portion of your account or accounts controlled by you, can disrupt management
   of the fund and raise its expenses. We define "excessive trading" as
   exceeding one purchase and sale involving the same fund within any 120-day
   period.
 
   For example, you are in fund A. You can move substantial assets from fund A
   to fund B and, within the next 120 days, sell your shares in fund B to return
   to fund A or move to fund C.
 
   
   If you exceed the number of trades just described, you may be barred
   indefinitely from further purchases of T. Rowe Price funds.    
 
   Three types of transactions are exempt from excessive trading guidelines: 1)
   trades solely between money market funds; 2) redemptions that are not part of
   exchanges; and 3) systematic purchases or redemptions (see Shareholder
   Services).
 
 
 Keeping Your Account Open
 
   
   Due to the relatively high cost to a fund of maintaining small accounts, we
   ask you to maintain an account balance of at least $1,000,000. If your
   balance is below $1,000,000 for three months or longer, we have the right to
   close your account after giving you 60 days in which to increase your
   balance.    
 
 Signature Guarantees
 
 
   o A signature guarantee is designed to protect you and the T. Rowe Price
     funds from fraud by verifying your signature.
 
   You may need to have your signature guaranteed in certain situations, such
   as:
 
  . Written requests 1) to redeem over $100,000, or 2) to wire redemption
   proceeds.
 
  . Remitting redemption proceeds to any person, address, or bank account not on
   record.
 
  . Transferring redemption proceeds to a T. Rowe Price fund account with a
   different registration (name or ownership) from yours.
 
  . Establishing certain services after the account is opened.
 
   You can obtain a signature guarantee from most banks, savings institutions,
   broker-dealers, and other guarantors acceptable to T. Rowe Price. We cannot
   accept guarantees from notaries public or organizations that do not provide
   reimbursement in the case of fraud.
 
 MORE ABOUT THE FUND                                        3
 ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
 ----------------------------------------------------------
 
 How is the fund organized?
 
   
   The Institutional International Funds, Inc. (the "Corporation") was
   incorporated in Maryland in 1989 and is a "diversified, open-end investment
   company," or mutual fund. Mutual funds pool money received from shareholders
   The Corporation currently consists of one series, the Foreign Equity Fund
 
   As with all mutual funds, investors purchase shares when they put money in a
   fund. These shares are part of a fund's authorized capital stock, but share
  . Cast one vote per share on certain fund matters, including the election of
   fund directors, changes in fundamental policies, or approval of changes in
 
   The fund is not required to hold annual meetings and, in order to avoid
   unnecessary costs to fund shareholders, does not intend to do so except when
   certain matters, such as a change in its fundamental policies, are to be
   decided. In addition, shareholders representing at least 10% of all eligible
   votes may call a special meeting, if they wish, for the purpose of voting on
   the removal of any fund director or trustee. If a meeting is held and you
   cannot attend, you can vote by proxy. Before the meeting, the fund will send
   you proxy materials that explain the issues to be decided and include a
 
   The Corporation is governed by a Board of Directors that meets regularly to
   review fund investments, performance, expenses, and other business affairs.
   The Board elects the Corporation's officers. The policy of the Corporation is
 
   o All decisions regarding the purchase and sale of fund investments are made
     by Price-Fleming - specifically by the fund's Investment Advisory Group.
    
 
   
   Investment Manager
   Price-Fleming is responsible for selection and management of the fund's
   portfolio investments. Price-Fleming's U.S. office is located at 100 East
   Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21202. Price-Fleming also has offices in
   London, Tokyo, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Buenos Aires. Price-Fleming was
   incorporated in Maryland in 1979 as a joint venture between T. Rowe Price and
   Robert Fleming Holdings Limited (Flemings).    
 
   T. Rowe Price, Flemings, and Jardine Fleming are owners of Price-Fleming. The
   common stock of Price-Fleming is 50% owned by a wholly owned subsidiary of T.
   Rowe Price, 25% by a subsidiary of Flemings, and 25% by a subsidiary of
   Jardine Fleming Group Limited (Jardine Fleming). (Half of Jardine Fleming is
   owned by Flemings and half by Jardine Matheson Holdings Limited.) T. Rowe
   Price has the right to elect a majority of the Board of Directors of
   Price-Fleming, and Flemings has the right to elect the remaining directors,
   one of whom will be nominated by Jardine Fleming.
 
 
   o Flemings is a diversified investment organization which participates in a
     global network of regional investment offices in New York, London, Zurich,
     Geneva, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Taipei, Bombay,
     Jakarta, Singapore, Bangkok, and Johannesburg.
 
   Portfolio Management
   
   The fund has an Investment Advisory Group that has day-to-day responsibility
   for managing the portfolio and developing and executing the fund's investment
   program. The members of the advisory group are: Martin G. Wade, John R. Ford,
   James B. M. Seddon, Mark C. J. Bickford-Smith, Robert W. Smith, and David J.
   L. Warren.
 
   Martin Wade joined Price-Fleming in 1979 and has 29 years of experience with
   the Fleming Group in research, client service, and investment management.
   (Fleming Group includes Robert Fleming and/or Jardine Fleming.) John Ford
   joined Price-Fleming in 1982 and has 18 years of experience with the Fleming
   Group in research and portfolio management. James Seddon joined Price-Fleming
   in 1987 and has 11 years of portfolio management experience. Mark
   Bickford-Smith joined Price-Fleming in 1995 and has 13 years of experience in
   equity research and portfolio management. Robert Smith joined Price-Fleming
   in 1996, has been with T. Rowe Price since 1992, and has 11 years of
   experience in financial analysis. David Warren joined Price-Fleming in 1983
   and has 17 years of experience in equity research, fixed income research, and
   portfolio management.    
 
   Portfolio Transactions
   
   Decisions with respect to the purchase and sale of the fund's portfolio
   securities on behalf of the fund are made by Price-Fleming. The Corporation's
   Board of Directors has authorized Price-Fleming to utilize affiliates of
   Flemings and    
 
   
   Jardine Fleming in the capacity of broker in connection with the execution of
   a fund's portfolio transactions if Price-Fleming believes that doing so would
   result in an economic advantage (in the form of lower execution costs or
   otherwise) being obtained by the fund.    
 
   Marketing
   T. Rowe Price Investment Services, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of T. Rowe
   Price, distributes (sells) shares of this and all other T. Rowe Price funds.
 
   Shareholder Services
   T. Rowe Price Services, Inc., another wholly owned subsidiary, acts as the
   fund's transfer and dividend disbursing agent and provides shareholder and
   administrative services. Services for certain types of retirement plans are
   provided by T. Rowe Price Retirement Plan Services, Inc., also a wholly owned
   subsidiary. The address for each is 100 East Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202.
 
 
 How are fund expenses determined?
 
   The management agreement spells out the expenses to be paid by the fund. In
   addition to the management fee, the fund pays for the following: shareholder
   service expenses; custodial, accounting, legal, and audit fees; costs of
   preparing and printing prospectuses and reports sent to shareholders;
   registration fees and expenses; proxy and annual meeting expenses (if any);
   and director/trustee fees and expenses.
 
   
   o For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1997, fees paid to various T. Rowe
     Price service companies by the fund included the following: $28,000 to T.
     Rowe Price Services, Inc., for transfer and dividend disbursing functions
     and shareholder services and $105,000 to T. Rowe Price for accounting
     services.    
 
   The Management Fee
   The fund pays the fund manager an annual investment management fee of 0.70%
   of the average daily net asset value of the fund. The fund calculates and
   accrues the fee daily. (See Transaction and Fund Expenses.)
 
   Research and Administration
   
   Certain administrative support is provided by T. Rowe Price, which receives
   from Price-Fleming a fee of 0.15% of the market value of all assets in equity
   accounts, 0.15% of the market value of all assets in active fixed income
   accounts, and 0.035% of the market value of all assets in passive fixed
   income accounts under Price-Fleming's management. Additional investment
   research and administrative support for equity investments is provided to
   Price-Fleming by Fleming Investment Management Limited (FIM) and Jardine
   Fleming International Holdings Limited (JFIH), for which each receives from
   Price-Fleming a fee of 0.075% of the market value of all assets in equity
   accounts under Price-Fleming's management. Fleming International Fixed
   Interest Management
   Limited (FIFIM) and JFIH provide research and administration support for
   fixed income accounts for which each receive a fee of 0.075% of the market
   value of all assets in active fixed income accounts and 0.175% of such market
   value in passive fixed income accounts under Price-Fleming's management. FIM
   and FIFIM are wholly owned subsidiaries of Flemings. JFIH is a wholly owned
   subsidiary of Jardine Fleming.    
 
 
 
 UNDERSTANDING PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
 ----------------------------------------------------------
   This section should help you understand the terms used to describe fund
   performance. You will come across them in shareholder reports you receive
   from us; in our newsletter, The Price Report; in Insights articles; in T.
   Rowe Price advertisements; and in the media.
 
 
 Total Return
 
   
   This tells you how much an investment in a fund has changed in value over a
   given time period. It reflects any net increase or decrease in the share
   price and assumes that all dividends and capital gains (if any) paid during
   the period were reinvested in additional shares. Reinvested distributions are
   included, which means that total return numbers include the effect of
   compounding, i.e., you receive income and capital gain distributions on a
   rising number of shares.    
 
   Advertisements for a fund may include cumulative or compound average annual
   total return figures, which may be compared with various indices, other
   performance measures, or other mutual funds.
 
 
   o Total return is the most widely used performance measure. Detailed
     performance information is included in the fund's annual and semiannual
     shareholder reports and in the quarterly Performance Update, which are all
     available without charge.
 
 
 Cumulative Total Return
 
   This is the actual rate of return on an investment for a specified period. A
   cumulative return does not indicate how much the value of the investment may
   have fluctuated between the beginning and end of the period specified.
 
 
 Average Annual Total Return
 
   This is always hypothetical. Working backward from the actual cumulative
   return, it tells you what constant year-by-year return would have produced
   the actual cumulative return. By smoothing out all the variations in annual
   performance, it gives you an idea of the investment's annual contribution to
   your portfolio, provided you held it for the entire period in question.
 
 INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES
 ----------------------------------------------------------
   This section takes a detailed look at some of the types of securities the
   fund may hold in its portfolio and the various kinds of investment practices
   that may be used in day-to-day portfolio management. The fund's investment
   program is subject to further restrictions and risks described in the
   Statement of Additional Information.
 
   
   Shareholder approval is required to substantively change the fund's
   objectives and certain investment restrictions noted in the following section
   as "fundamental policies." The managers also follow certain "operating
   policies," which can be changed without shareholder approval. However,
   significant changes are discussed with shareholders in fund reports. The fund
   adheres to applicable investment restrictions and policies at the time it
   makes an investment. A later change in circumstances will not require the
   sale of an investment if it was proper at the time it was made.
 
   The fund's holdings of certain kinds of investments cannot exceed maximum
   percentages of total assets, which are set forth in this prospectus. For
   instance, the fund is not permitted to invest more than 10% of total assets
   in hybrid instruments. While these restrictions provide a useful level of
   detail about the fund's investment program, investors should not view them as
   an accurate gauge of the potential risk of such investments. For example, in
   a given period, a 5% investment in hybrid instruments could have
   significantly more of an impact on the fund's share price than its weighting
   in the portfolio. The net effect of a particular investment depends on its
   volatility and the size of its overall return in relation to the performance
   of all the fund's other investments.    
 
   Changes in the fund's holdings, performance, and the contribution of various
   investments are discussed in the shareholder reports sent to you.
 
 
   o Fund managers have considerable leeway in choosing investment strategies
     and selecting securities they believe will help the fund achieve its
     objective.
 
 
 Types of Portfolio Securities
 
   In seeking to meet its investment objective, the fund may invest in any type
   of security or instrument (including certain potentially high-risk
   derivatives described in this section) whose investment characteristics are
   consistent with the fund's investment program. The following pages describe
   the principal types of portfolio securities and investment management
   practices of the fund.
 
   
   Fundamental policy The fund will not purchase a security if, as a result,
   with respect to 75% of its total assets, more than 5% of its total assets
   would be invested in securities of a single issuer, or if more than 10% of
   the voting securities of the issuer would be held by the fund.    
 
   Common and Preferred Stocks
   Stocks represent shares of ownership in a company. Generally, preferred stock
   has a specified dividend and ranks after bonds and before common stocks in
   its claim on income for dividend payments and on assets should the company be
   liquidated. After other claims are satisfied, common stockholders participate
   in company profits on a pro-rata basis; profits may be paid out in dividends
   or reinvested in the company to help it grow. Increases and decreases in
   earnings are usually reflected in a company's stock price, so common stocks
   generally have the greatest appreciation and depreciation potential of all
   corporate securities. While most preferred stocks pay a dividend, the fund
   may purchase preferred stock where the issuer has omitted, or is in danger of
   omitting, payment of its dividend. Such investments would be made primarily
   for their capital appreciation potential.
 
   Convertible Securities and Warrants
   
   The fund may invest in debt or preferred equity securities convertible into,
   or exchangeable for, equity securities. Traditionally, convertible securities
   have paid dividends or interest at rates higher than common stocks but lower
   than nonconvertible securities. They generally participate in the
   appreciation or depreciation of the underlying stock into which they are
   convertible, but to a lesser degree. In recent years, convertibles have been
   developed which combine higher or lower current income with options and other
   features. Warrants are options to buy a stated number of shares of common
   stock at a specified price anytime during the life of the warrants
   (generally, two or more years).    
 
   Fixed Income Securities
   
   The fund may invest in any type of investment-grade security. Such securities
   would be purchased in companies that meet the investment criteria for the
   fund. The price of a bond fluctuates with changes in interest rates, rising
   when interest rates fall and falling when interest rates rise.    
 
   Hybrid Instruments
   These instruments (a type of potentially high-risk derivative) can combine
   the characteristics of securities, futures, and options. For example, the
   principal amount, redemption, or conversion terms of a security could be
   related to the market price of some commodity, currency, or securities index.
   Such securities may bear interest or pay dividends at below-market or even
   relatively nominal rates. Under certain conditions, the redemption value of
   such an investment could be zero.
 
   
   o Hybrids can have volatile prices and limited liquidity, and their use by
     the fund may not be successful.    
 
   Operating policy The fund may invest up to 10% of its total assets in hybrid
   instruments.
<PAGE>
 
   Passive Foreign Investment Companies
   The fund may purchase the securities of certain foreign investment funds or
   trusts called passive foreign investment companies. Such trusts have been the
   only or primary way to invest in certain countries. In addition to bearing
   their proportionate share of the trust's expenses (management fees and
   operating expenses), shareholders will also indirectly bear similar expenses
   of such trusts. Capital gains on the sale of such holdings are considered
   ordinary income regardless of how long the fund held its investment. In
   addition, the fund may be subject to corporate income tax and an interest
   charge on certain dividends and capital gains earned from these investments,
   regardless of whether such income and gains are distributed to shareholders.
 
   
   To avoid such tax and interest, the fund intends to treat these securities as
   sold on the last day of its fiscal year and recognize any gains for tax
   purposes at that time; deductions for losses are allowable only to the extent
   of any gains resulting from these deemed sales for prior taxable years. Such
   gains and losses will be treated as ordinary income. The fund will be
   required to distribute any resulting income even though it has not sold the
   security.    
 
   Private Placements
   These securities are sold directly to a small number of investors, usually
   institutions. Unlike public offerings, such securities are not registered
   with the SEC. Although certain of these securities may be readily sold, for
   example, under Rule 144A, others may be illiquid, and their sale may involve
   substantial delays and additional costs.
 
   Operating policy The fund will not invest more than 15% of its net assets in
   illiquid securities.
 
 
 Types of Management Practices
 
   Reserve Position
   The fund will hold a certain portion of its assets in money market reserves.
   The fund's reserve position can consist of shares of one or more T. Rowe
   Price internal money market funds as well as short-term, high-quality U.S.
   and foreign dollar-denominated money market securities, including repurchase
   agreements. For temporary, defensive purposes, the fund may invest without
   limitation in money market reserves. The reserve position provides
   flexibility in meeting redemptions, expenses, and the timing of new
   investments and can serve as a short-term defense during periods of unusual
   market volatility.
 
   Borrowing Money and Transferring Assets
   The fund can borrow money from banks as a temporary measure for emergency
   purposes, to facilitate redemption requests, or for other purposes consistent
   with the fund's investment objective and program. Such borrowings may be
   collateralized with fund assets, subject to restrictions.
 
   Fundamental policy Borrowings may not exceed 33 1/3% of total fund
   assets.
 
   Operating policies The fund may not transfer as collateral any portfolio
   securities except as necessary in connection with permissible borrowings or
   investments, and then such transfers may not exceed 33 1/3% of the
   fund's total assets. The fund may not purchase additional securities when
   borrowings exceed 5% of total assets.
 
   Foreign Currency Transactions
   The fund will normally 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 entering into forward contracts
   to purchase or sell foreign currencies. The fund will generally not enter
   into a forward contract with a term greater than one year.
 
   The fund will generally enter into forward foreign currency exchange
   contracts only under two circumstances. First, when the fund enters into a
   contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a foreign
   currency, it may desire to "lock in" the U.S. dollar price of the security.
   Second, when Price-Fleming believes that the currency of a particular foreign
   country may suffer or enjoy a substantial movement against another currency,
   it may enter into a forward contract to sell or buy the former foreign
   currency (or another currency which acts as a proxy for that currency),
   approximating the value of some or all of the fund's portfolio securities
   denominated in such foreign currency. Under certain circumstances, the fund
   may commit a substantial portion or the entire value of its portfolio to the
   consummation of these contracts. Price-Fleming will consider the effect such
   a commitment of its portfolio to forward contracts would have on the
   investment program of the fund and the flexibility of the fund to purchase
   additional securities. Although forward contracts will be used primarily to
   protect the fund from adverse currency movements, they also involve the risk
   that anticipated currency movements will not be accurately predicted, and the
   fund's total return could be adversely affected as a result.
 
   
   There are certain markets where it is not possible to engage in effective
   foreign currency hedging. This may be true, for example, for the currencies
   of various emerging markets where the foreign exchange markets are not
   sufficiently developed to permit hedging activity to take place.    
 
   Futures and Options
   
   Futures (a type of potentially high-risk derivative) are often used to manage
   or hedge risk because they enable the investor to buy or sell an asset in the
   future at an agreed-upon price. Options (another type of potentially
   high-risk derivative) give the investor the right, but not the obligation, to
   buy or sell an asset at a predetermined price in the future. The fund may buy
   and sell futures and options contracts for a number of reasons, including: to
   manage its exposure to
   changes in securities prices and foreign currencies; as an efficient means of
   adjusting overall exposure to certain markets; in an effort to enhance
   income; and to protect the value of portfolio securities. The fund may
   purchase, sell, or write call and put options on securities, financial
   indices, and foreign currencies.    
 
   Futures contracts and options may not always be successful hedges; their
   prices can be highly volatile. Using them could lower the fund's total
   return, and the potential loss from the use of futures can exceed the fund's
   initial investment in such contracts. In many foreign countries, futures and
   options markets do not exist or are not sufficiently developed to be
   effectively used by the fund.
 
   Operating policies Futures: Initial margin deposits and premiums on options
   used for non-hedging purposes will not equal more than 5% of the fund's net
   asset value. Options on securities: The total market value of securities
   against which the fund writes call or put options may not exceed 25% of its
   total assets. The fund will not commit more than 5% of its total assets to
   premiums when purchasing call or put options.
 
   Tax Consequences of Hedging
   Under applicable tax law, the fund may be required to limit its gains from
   hedging in foreign currency forwards, futures, and options. Although the fund
   is expected to comply with such limits, the extent to which these limits
   apply is subject to tax regulations as yet unissued. Hedging may also result
   in the application of the mark-to-market and straddle provisions of the
   Internal Revenue Code. These provisions could result in an increase (or
   decrease) in the amount of taxable dividends paid by the fund and could
   affect whether dividends paid by the fund are classified as capital gains or
   ordinary income.
 
   Portfolio Turnover
   
   The fund will not generally trade in securities for short-term profits, but,
   when circumstances warrant, securities may be purchased and sold without
   regard to the length of time held. A high turnover rate may increase
   transaction costs and result in additional taxable gains. The fund's
   portfolio turnover rates for the fiscal years ending October 31, 1997, 1996,
   and 1995, were 15.9%, 13.8%, and 18.8%, respectively.    
 
 INVESTING IN THE FUND                                        4
 ACCOUNT REQUIREMENTS AND TRANSACTION INFORMATION
 ----------------------------------------------------------
Tax Identification Number
We must have your correct Social Security or corporate tax identification number
on a signed New Account Form or W-9 Form. Otherwise, federal law requires the
funds to withhold a percentage (currently 31%) of your dividends, capital gain
distributions, and redemptions, and may subject you to an IRS fine. If this
information is not received within 60 days after your account is established,
your account may be redeemed, priced at the NAV on the date of redemption.
 
Always verify your transactions by carefully reviewing the confirmation we send
you. Please report any discrepancies to Financial Institution Services promptly.
 
 
 
 OPENING A NEW ACCOUNT
 ----------------------------------------------------------
   
All initial and subsequent investments must be made by bank wire. (See
Redemptions in Kind in the fund's Statement of Additional Information for
further information on the issuance of fund shares for securities or assets
Call Financial Institution Services at 1-800-638-8797 for an account number and
assignment to a dedicated service representative, and give the following wire
PNC Bank, N.A. (Pittsburgh) ABA# 043000096 T. Rowe Price [fund name] Account#
Complete a New Account Form and mail it to one of the appropriate addresses
listed on the next page.    
 
   
Note: No services will be established and IRS penalty withholding may occur
until a signed New Account Form is received. Also, retirement plans cannot be
opened by wire.    
 
Regular Mail
T. Rowe Price Financial Institution Services P.O. Box 17302 Baltimore, MD
21298-9355
 
Mailgram, Express, Registered, or Certified Mail
T. Rowe Price Financial Institution Services 10090 Red Run Boulevard Owings
Mills, MD 21117
 
 
 
 PURCHASING ADDITIONAL SHARES
 ----------------------------------------------------------
   
$100,000 minimum purchase    
 
By Wire
Call Financial Institution Services or use the wire address in Opening a New
Account.
 
 
 
 EXCHANGING AND REDEEMING SHARES
 ----------------------------------------------------------
By Phone
Call Financial Institution Services at 1-800-638-8797
   
If you find our phones busy during unusually volatile markets, please consider
placing your order by your personal computer, Tele*Access (if you have
previously authorized telephone services), mailgram, or express mail. For
exchange policies, please see Transaction Procedures and Special Requirements -
Excessive Trading.    
 
Redemption proceeds can be mailed to your account address, sent by ACH transfer,
or wired to your bank (provided your bank information is already on file). For
charges, see Electronic Transfers - By Wire under Financial Institution
Services.
<PAGE>
 
By Mail
   
For each account involved, provide the account name, number, fund name, and
exchange or redemption amount. For exchanges, be sure to indicate any fund you
are exchanging out of and the fund or funds you are exchanging into. Please mail
to the appropriate address below. T. Rowe Price requires the signatures of all
owners exactly as registered, and possibly a signature guarantee (see
Transaction Procedures and Special Requirements - Signature Guarantees).    
 
Regular Mail
T. Rowe Price Financial Institution Services P.O. Box 17302 Baltimore, MD
21298-9355
 
Mailgram, Express, Registered, or Certified Mail
T. Rowe Price Financial Institution Services 10090 Red Run Boulevard Owings
Mills, MD 21117
 
 
 
 RIGHTS RESERVED BY THE FUND
 ----------------------------------------------------------
   
The fund and its agents reserve the right to waive or lower investment minimums;
to accept initial purchases by telephone or mailgram; to refuse any purchase
order; to cancel or rescind any purchase or exchange (for excessive trading or
fraud) upon notice to the shareholder within five business days of the trade or
if the written confirmation has not been received by the shareholder, whichever
is sooner; to freeze any account and suspend account services when notice has
been received of a dispute between the registered or beneficial account owners
or there is reason to believe a fraudulent transaction may occur; to otherwise
modify the conditions of purchase and any services at any time; or to act on
instructions believed to be genuine.    
 
 FINANCIAL INSTITUTION SERVICES
 ----------------------------------------------------------
Financial Institution Services 1-800-638-8797
   
Many services are available to you as a fund shareholder; some you receive
automatically, and others you must authorize on the New Account Form. By signing
up for services on the New Account Form rather than later on, you avoid having
to complete a separate form and obtain a signature guarantee. This section
reviews some of the principal services currently offered. Our Services Guide
contains detailed descriptions of these and other services.
 
Note: Corporate and other institutional accounts require an original or
certified resolution to establish services and to redeem by mail. For more
information, call Financial Institution Services.    
 
Retirement Plans
   
We offer a wide range of plans for individuals, institutions, and large and
small businesses: IRAs, SIMPLE IRAs, SEP-IRAs, Keoghs (profit sharing, money
purchase pension), 401(k), and 403(b)(7). For information on IRAs, call
Financial Institution Services. For information on all other retirement plans,
including our no-load variable annuity, please call our Trust Company at
1-800-492-7670.    
 
Exchange Service
   
You can move money from one account to an existing identically registered
account or open a new identically registered account. Remember, exchanges are
purchases and sales for tax purposes. (Exchanges into a state tax-free fund are
limited to investors living in states where the fund is registered.) Some of the
T. Rowe Price funds may impose a redemption fee of 0.5% to 2% on shares held for
less than six months or one year, as specified in the prospectus. The fee is
paid to the fund.    
 
Automated Services Tele*Access 1-800-638-2587 24 hours, 7 days
Tele*Access
   
24-hour service via toll-free number enables you to (1) access information on
fund yields, prices, distributions, account balances, and your latest
transaction; (2) request checks, prospectuses, services forms, duplicate
statements, and tax forms; and (3) initiate purchase, redemption, and exchange
transactions in your accounts (see Electronic Transfers below).
 
T. Rowe Price OnLine    
24-hour service via dial-up modem provides the same services as Tele*Access but
on a personal computer. Please call Financial Institution Services for an
information guide.
 
   
After obtaining proper authorization, account transactions may also be conducted
on the Internet.    
 
Subaccounting Services
An institution may arrange for subaccounting services. Such services provide a
master account record which links together individual accounts and provides the
following information: account number, trade date, transaction, previous share
balance, dollar amount of the current transaction, share price, number of shares
purchased, new share balance, and the current market value of your group. The
subaccounting agent reserves the right to charge a fee for such services or
other shareholder services.
 
Telephone Services
Buy, sell, or exchange shares by calling one of our service representatives.
 
Electronic Transfers
By Wire
Electronic transfers can be conducted via bank wire. There is currently a $5 fee
for wire redemptions under $5,000, and your bank may charge for incoming or
outgoing wire transfers regardless of size.
 
For information
 Financial Institutions Division
 1-800-638-8797 toll free,
 1-410-581-7290 in Baltimore

F78-040 3/1/98



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