BLACKROCK STRATEGIC TERM TRUST INC
N-30D, 1997-08-27
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- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC TERM TRUST INC.
                       SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS
                          REPORT OF INVESTMENT ADVISER
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------




                                                                   July 31, 1997




Dear Trust Shareholder:

      After experiencing  higher interest rates in the face of a resilient stock
market and  stronger  economic  growth  for the first few  months of 1997,  bond
investors  were  comforted by more moderate  economic  data released  during the
second quarter which allowed the bond market to recapture some of its losses.

      Our outlook for the bond market is cautiously  optimistic.  Over the short
term, we believe that the recent rally may continue,  since  inflation  news has
been  positive  and U.S.  securities  appear  cheap  relative  to  their  global
counterparts.  Additionally,  Fed Chairman  Greenspan  appears to be comfortable
allowing the economy to expand in the absence of rising inflationary  pressures.
Thus,  we do not  foresee  another  tightening  in the  immediate  future in the
absence of a visible  inflation  shock.  However,  recent  wage  increases,  the
buoyant  stock  market and record  levels of consumer  confidence  could lead to
stronger  consumer  spending and overall  economic  growth in the third quarter.
Therefore, an uninterrupted decline in yields is by no means a certainty.

      This report  provides the Trust's  portfolio  managers an  opportunity  to
provide you with detailed market  commentary and to review the major  investment
themes of the  portfolio  over the past six  months.  We hope that you find this
report  informative  and look  forward to serving  your  financial  needs in the
future.


Sincerely,



/s/ Laurence D. Fink                                   /s/ Ralph L. Schlosstein
- --------------------                                   -----------------------
Laurence D. Fink                                       Ralph L. Schlosstein
Chairman                                               President

                                       1

<PAGE>


                                                                   July 31, 1997

Dear Shareholder:

      We are  pleased  to  present  the  semi-annual  report  for The  BlackRock
Strategic  Term Trust Inc. ("the Trust") for the six months ended June 30, 1997.
We would like to take this opportunity to review the Trust's stock price and net
asset value (NAV) performance,  summarize market developments and discuss recent
portfolio management activity.

      The Trust is a diversified,  actively  managed  closed-end bond fund whose
shares are traded on the New York Stock  Exchange  under the symbol  "BGT".  The
Trust's  investment  objective is to return $10 per share (its initial  offering
price) to  shareholders  on or about  December  31,  2002 while  providing  high
current income. Although there can be no guarantee,  BlackRock is confident that
the  Trust  can  achieve  its  investment  objectives.  The  Trust  seeks  these
objectives by investing in investment grade fixed income  securities,  including
corporate debt securities,  mortgage-backed securities backed by U.S. Government
agencies  (such  as  Fannie  Mae,  Freddie  Mac  or  Ginnie  Mae),  asset-backed
securities and commercial mortgage-backed  securities. All of the Trust's assets
must be rated at least  "BBB" by  Standard  & Poor's or "Baa" by  Moody's at the
time of  purchase  or be  issued or  guaranteed  by the U.S.  Government  or its
agencies.

      The table below  summarizes the performance of the Trust's stock price and
NAV over the period:

                           -----------------------------------------------------
                            6/30/97   12/31/96      CHANGE      HIGH       LOW
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STOCK PRICE                 $8.125       $8.00       1.56%     $8.125     $7.75
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET ASSET VALUE (NAV)        $9.30       $9.15       1.64%      $9.33     $9.07
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5-YEAR U.S. TREASURY NOTE    6.39%       6.21%      +18 bp      6.85%     6.06%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

THE FIXED INCOME MARKETS

      The strong  economic  growth  witnessed  during the fourth quarter of 1996
spilled over into the first quarter of 1997. Although inflationary measures such
as commodity,  producer and consumer prices remained  relatively  stable,  labor
markets continued to strengthen. In an effort to subdue this growth, the Federal
Reserve  raised  the  Federal  funds rate by 25 basis  points at their  March 25
policy meeting as a pre-emptive strike against inflation.

      After expanding at a blistering pace of 5.9% during the first quarter, the
U.S.  economy's  growth rate slowed in the second  quarter of 1997.  Signs of an
economic  slowdown were  prevalent in a broad range of  industrial  and consumer
indicators,  including lower factory orders,  decreased consumer  spending,  and
higher inventories.  In addition,  inflationary forces remained benign according
to  year-over-year  comparisons  for the consumer and  producer  indices.  These
indicators allowed the Federal Reserve to maintain interest rate levels at their
May 20 and July 2 policy  meetings and wait for more definite signs of inflation
before increasing interest rates.

      The market for mortgage-backed securities (MBS) significantly outperformed
the broader investment grade bond market for the six months ended June 30, 1997.
Strong  investor  demand for higher yielding  "spread  product",  which offers a
yield premium over comparable  maturity Treasury  securities,  boosted prices in
the mortgage  sector.  For the period,  the MBS market as measured by the LEHMAN
BROTHERS  MORTGAGE  INDEX posted a 3.91% total return versus the 3.11% return of

                                        2

<PAGE>

the LEHMAN  BROTHERS  AGGREGATE  INDEX.  In the  corporate  bond market,  strong
fundamentals  created  by steady  economic  growth,  low  inflation,  and rising
corporate profits drove the sector to outperform comparable maturity Treasuries.
Corporate  yields rose during March and April as interest  rates drifted  higher
and the stock market faltered. However, a benign inflationary outlook and strong
corporate earnings led to a reversal of performance in May and June.


THE TRUST'S PORTFOLIO AND INVESTMENT STRATEGY

      BlackRock actively manages the Trust's portfolio holdings  consistent with
BlackRock's  overall market outlook and the Trust's investment  objectives.  The
following  chart  compares  the  Trust's  current  and  December  31, 1996 asset
composition.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC TERM TRUST INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      COMPOSITION                              JUNE 30, 1997   DECEMBER 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Taxable Zero Coupon Bond                       26%             26%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Multiple Class Mortgage Pass-Throughs          19%             16%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Stripped Mortgage-Backed Securities            14%             12%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Corporate Bonds                                13%             15%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      U.S. Government Securities                      7%              5%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Mortgage Pass-Throughs                          6%              8%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Municipal Zero Coupon Bonds                     5%              4%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities           5%              4%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Asset-Backed Securities                         2%              2%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Adjustable Rate Mortgages                       1%              6%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      CMO Residuals                                   1%              1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      FNMA Project Loans                              1%              1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------




- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 STANDARD & POOR'S/MOODY/FITCH'S
          CREDIT RATING                JUNE 30, 1997       DECEMBER 31, 1996
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
         AA or Equivalent                  5%                     8%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          A or Equivalent                  36%                    35%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        BBB or Equivalent                  59%                    57%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      In seeking the primary investment objective of returning the initial offer
price upon maturity,  the Trust continued to emphasize  securities offering both
attractive  yield spreads over Treasury  securities and a maturity date matching
the  Trust's  termination  date of December  31,  2002.  To that end,  the Trust
remained  primarily  invested in investment grade corporate bonds, U.S. Treasury
securities,  zero coupon bonds and  well-structured  mortgage  and  asset-backed
securities  (ABS).  Though  the Trust made no major  changes to the  portfolio's
composition over the period, ABS exposure was modestly increased.  ABS typically
offer  more  predictable  maturity  dates and cash  flows  than  mortgage-backed
securities in addition to higher yields than Treasuries.  The Trust also trimmed
its zero  coupon  bond  holdings,  which  performed  well in response to falling
interest rates, and reallocated those assets into coupon-bearing securities such
as Treasuries.


                                        3

<PAGE>


      We appreciate  your continued  confidence and look forward to managing The
BlackRock  Strategic  Term  Trust  Inc.  in the  coming  years  to  realize  its
investment  objectives.  Please feel free to contact the mutual fund specialists
at  BlackRock's  marketing  center  at  (800)  227-7BFM  (7236)  if you have any
questions that are not answered in this report.  Additionally,  you can reach us
via e-mail at [email protected].


Sincerely,



/s/ Robert S. Kapito                       /s/ Michael P. Lustig
- --------------------                       ---------------------
Robert S. Kapito                           Michael P. Lustig
Vice Chairman and Portfolio Manager        Principal and Portfolio Manager
BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.       BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.




- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC TERM TRUST INC.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Symbol on New York Stock Exchange:                              BGT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Initial Offering Date:                                   December 28, 1990
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Closing Stock Price as of 6/30/97:                             $8.125
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Net Asset Value as of 6/30/97:                                 $9.30
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Yield on Closing Stock Price as of 6/30/97 ($8.125)1:           5.85%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Current Monthly Distribution per Share2:                       $0.039583
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Current Annualized Distribution per Share2:                    $0.475
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- ----------
1  Yield on Closing Stock Price is calculated by dividing the current annualized
   distribution per share by the closing stock price per share.
2  Distribution not constant and is subject to change.

                                        4

<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC TERM TRUST, INC.
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS
JUNE 30, 1997 (UNAUDITED)
================================================================================
        PRINCIPAL
         AMOUNT                                                     VALUE
RATING*  (000)            DESCRIPTION                              (NOTE 1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS -- 147.7%
                  MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGHS -- 9.6%
                  Federal Home Loan Mortgage
                  Corporation,
       $19,261      6.50%, 11/01/25 ........................    $18,448,465
           801      7.50%, 11/01/10, 15 Year ...............        812,588
            19      7.50%, 02/01/15 ........................         19,236
         9,363      8.00%, 09/01/23 ........................      9,582,409
         1,363      9.00%, 11/01/05, 15 Year ...............      1,455,208
                  Federal Housing Administration,
         5,722      7.25%, 01/01/23, Project 797 ...........      5,708,116
                  Federal National
                    Mortgage Association,
         6,029      7.50%, 06/01/08, 15 Year ...............      6,115,726
         2,703      8.00%, 06/01/22 ........................      2,762,635
         2,554      8.50%, 01/01/25 ........................      2,650,268
                  Government National
                    Mortgage Association,
         1,579      7.00%, 10/15/22 ........................      1,549,457
         1,831      8.50%, 04/15/21 ........................      1,902,434
           106      9.00%, 11/15/16 ........................        111,620
                                                                -----------
                                                                 51,118,162
                                                                -----------
                  COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE-BACKED
                    SECURITIES -- 8.1%
AAA      2,600    Aetna Commercial Mortgage
                    Trust, Series 1995-C5,
                    Class B, 12/26/30 ......................      2,553,153
AAA     52,775    CS First Boston Mortgage Sec.,
                    Series 1997-C1, Class C1-AX,
                    04/20/22 ...............................      6,060,879
BBB+     4,000    Federal Deposit Ins. Corp. Trust,
                    Series 1994-C1,
                    Class IIF, 09/25/25 ....................      4,157,500
AAA      4,584    LTC Commercial MPT Cert.
                    Series 1996-1, Class A-144A,
                    04/15/28 ...............................      4,590,772
A        2,290    Merrill Lynch Mtg. Invs. Co.,
                    Trust 1995-1,
                    Class C1, 05/25/13 .....................      2,317,643
AAA      3,131    Morgan Stanley Capital I,
                    Series 1995-GAL1,
                    Class A1, 08/15/27 .....................      3,155,698
                  Paine Webber Mortgage
                    Acceptance Corp.,
AAA      2,000      Series 1995-M1, Class M1-A,
                      01/15/07 .............................      1,989,260
BBB      1,656      Series 1995-M1, Class M1-D,
                      01/15/07 .............................      1,654,788
                  Resolution Trust Corp.,
A        5,908      Series 1993-C3, Class C3-D,
                      12/25/24 .............................      5,879,349
AA       4,000      Series 1994-C1, Class C1-C,
                      06/25/26 .............................      4,082,486
AA       3,000    Salomon Brothers Mtg Sec. Vii,
                    Series 1997-TZH,
                    Class TZH-A1, 03/25/22 .................      3,037,500
AAA      3,925    Structured Asset Securities
                    Corp., Series 1996-CFL,
                    Class B, 02/25/28 ......................      3,841,769
                                                                -----------
                                                                 43,320,797
                                                                -----------

                MULTIPLE CLASS MORTGAGE
                  PASS-THROUGHS -- 30.4%
                Federal Home Loan Mortgage
                  Corporation, Multiclass Mortgage
                  Participation Certificates,
         3,088    Series 39, Class 39-J,
                    03/25/24 (I) ...........................        552,689
        22,040++  Series 90, Class 90-G,
                    10/15/20 ...............................     22,774,152
         3,000    Series 1218, Class 1218-G,
                    05/15/14 ...............................      2,880,840
         5,000+   Series 1295, CLASS 1295-JB,
                    03/15/07 ...............................      4,454,200
         5,505    Series 1379, Class 1379-FB,
                    08/15/18 (I) ...........................      1,156,530
           739    Series 1407, Class 1407-PO,
                    01/15/22 ...............................        729,555
         1,883    Series 1488, Class 1488-F,
                    09/15/06 ...............................      1,814,496
         1,625    Series 1488, Class 1488-PF,
                    09/15/06 ...............................      1,621,848
         2,780    Series 1577, Class 1577-A,
                    11/15/22 ...............................      2,727,950
         1,704    Series 1590, Class 1590-K
                    10/15/23 ...............................      1,692,529
         1,598    Series 1602, Class 1602-Y,
                    07/15/22 ...............................      1,479,048
         3,366++  Series 1603, Class 1603-MB,
                    10/15/23 (ARM) .........................      3,082,726
         4,973    Series 1626, Class 1626-PV,
                    12/15/08 (I) ...........................        758,455
         2,067    Series 1662, Class 1662-P,
                    11/15/07 (I) ...........................        456,315
         1,571    Series 1675, Class 1675-SB,
                    08/15/23 ...............................      1,468,848
        29,836    Series 1954, Class 1954-MD,
                    03/15/16 (I) ...........................      4,270,208
                Federal National Mortgage Association,
                  REMIC Pass-Through Certificates,
           155    Trust 1991-146, Class 146-SB,
                    10/25/06 (ARM) .........................        153,965

        10,000+   TRUST 1992-43, CLASS 43-E,
                    04/25/22 ...............................      9,982,800

See Notes to Financial Statements.

                                       5

<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        PRINCIPAL
         AMOUNT                                                     VALUE
RATING*  (000)            DESCRIPTION                              (NOTE 1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

       $ 5,010+   Trust 1992-129, Class 129-G,
                    06/25/18 ...............................    $ 4,561,355
         2,000    Trust 1992-155, Class 155-SB,
                    12/25/06 (ARM) .........................      2,138,800
        35,550++  Trust 1992-156, Class 156-H,
                    04/25/06 ...............................     31,935,632
           856    TRUST 1992-209, CLASS 209-SB,
                    04/25/07 ...............................        826,795
         1,469    Trust 1993-17, Class 17-SH,
                    04/25/23 (ARM) .........................        879,348
        13,532    Trust 1993-26, Class 26-PT,
                    12/25/17 (I) ...........................      2,279,625
         3,376    Trust 1993-71, Class 71-SB,
                    06/25/07 (ARM) .........................      3,056,370
        10,000    Trust 1993-92, Class 92-F,
                    06/25/23 (I) ...........................      5,111,290
         9,800+   Trust 1993-124, Class 124-D,
                    08/25/22 (P) ...........................      8,737,288
           536    Trust 1993-132, Class 132-CA,
                    10/25/22 (P) ...........................        358,533
         6,244+   Trust 1993-170, Class 170-SA,
                    09/25/08 (ARM) .........................      6,023,057
         5,000    Trust 1993-245, Class 245-JA,
                    03/25/19 (I) ...........................        675,900
         4,750+   Trust 1994-M1, CLASS M1-B,
                    10/25/23 Multifamily ...................      4,680,234
         2,205    Trust 1994-40, Class 40-H,
                    10/25/20 ...............................      2,135,190
        12,937    Trust 1996-20, Class 20-SB,
                    10/25/08 (ARM) .........................      4,410,595
        31,374    Trust 1997-30, Class 30-I,
                    01/15/23 (I) ...........................     10,314,269
         5,647    Trust 1997-32, Class 32-ML,
                    02/25/27 (P) ...........................      4,768,877
         3,835    Trust 1997-35, Class 35-PK,
                    09/18/21 (I) ...........................        588,466
        38,510    Trust 1997-50, Class 50-HJ,
                    07/25/05 (I) ...........................      4,404,581
AAA      3,250   Prudential Bache Collateralized
                  Mortgage Obligation,
                  Trust 10-H, Class H,
                  04/01/19 (P) .............................      2,673,125
                                                                -----------
                                                                162,616,484
                                                                -----------
                 COLLATERALIZED MORTGAGE
                  OBLIGATION RESIDUALS ** -- 0.9%
AAA        253   American Housing Trust 8, Senior
                  Mortgage Pass-Through Certificate,
                  Series 8, Class R (REMIC),
                    01/25/21 ...............................        162,229
                 FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE
                  CORPORATION, MULTICLASS
                  Mortgage Participation Certificates,
            10    Series 1016, Class 1016-R, 11/15/20.......        119,500
                 Federal National Mortgage Association,
                  REMIC Pass-Through Certificates,
             1    Trust 1991-9, Class 9-R,
                    02/25/06 ...............................        860,300
             1    Trust 1991-9, CLASS 9-RL,
                    02/25/06 ...............................    $     1,000
             2    Trust 1991-48, Class 48-R,
                    05/25/06 ...............................      2,922,000
             2    Trust 1991-48, Class 48-RL,
                    05/25/06 ...............................          1,000
            17    Trust 1991-50, Class 50-R,
                    05/25/06 ...............................        667,400
AAA        718  Ryland Acceptance Corp,
                  Collateralized Mortgage Obligation,
                  Series 1983-R,
                  Class R, 10/01/18 ........................         20,000
                                                                -----------
                                                                  4,753,429
                                                                -----------
                TAXABLE ZERO COUPON
                  BONDS -- 37.7%
                Financing Corp (FICO Strips),
        18,000      03/07/02 ...............................     13,263,840
         5,311      08/08/02 ...............................      3,804,588
         5,400      09/09/02 ...............................      3,849,444
         4,472      09/26/02 ...............................      3,175,791
         2,992      10/06/02 ...............................      2,121,448
         3,667      11/02/02 ...............................      2,587,802
         4,535      11/11/02 ...............................      3,196,313
         3,616      12/06/02 ...............................      2,537,058
        29,300      12/27/02 ...............................     20,479,235
                Aid to Israel,
         2,932      08/15/02 ...............................      2,101,076
                Government Trust Certificates,
         5,880      11/15/01 ...............................      4,457,393
        25,000      11/15/02 ...............................     17,759,000
                U.S. Treasury Strip,
       108,000+     08/15/02 ...............................     78,184,440
        61,750++    11/15/02 ...............................     44,066,035
           280      05/15/04 ...............................        180,104
                                                                -----------
                                                                201,763,567
                                                                -----------
                UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT
                  SECURITIES -- 9.9%
                United States Treasury Notes,
         3,390      6.25%, 02/28/02 ........................      3,370,914
         1,650      6.375%, 04/30/99 .......................      1,658,762
        41,950      6.625%, 03/31/02 .......................     37,335,220
                United States Treasury Bonds,
         8,514      6.5%, 11/15/26 .........................      8,165,437
         2,500      6.75%, 08/15/26 ........................      2,474,225
                                                                -----------
                                                                 53,004,558
                                                                -----------
                STRIPPED MORTGAGE-BACKED
                  SECURITIES -- 20.2%
AAA      2,528  BEAR STEARNS SECURED INVESTORS
                  TRUST 1988-8, CLASS C,
                  12/01/18 (P/O) ...........................      2,244,244
AAA      3,393   Collateralized Mortgage Obligation
                  Trust 26, Class A,
                  04/23/17 (P/O) ...........................      2,768,787

See Notes to Financial Statements.

                                       6

<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        PRINCIPAL
         AMOUNT                                                     VALUE
RATING*  (000)            DESCRIPTION                              (NOTE 1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                 Federal Home Loan Mortgage
                  Corporation, Multiclass
                  Mortgage Participation
                  Certificates:
     $  13,084    Series G2, Class G2-M,
                    07/25/18 (I/O) .........................    $ 2,618,963

         4,100    SERIES 186, CLASS 186-J,
                    08/15/21 (I/O) .........................        849,473
           433    Series 1373, Class 1373-B,
                    09/15/22 (P/O) .........................        348,612
         1,249    Series 1375, Class 1375-H,
                    12/15/05 (I/O) .........................        196,821
        24,765    Series 1551, Class 1551-J,
                    07/15/08 (I/O) .........................        875,180
         6,820+   Series 1570, Class 1570-J,
                    08/15/23 (P/O) .........................      5,661,131
         8,248    Series 1590, Class 1590-JC,
                    01/15/19 (I/O) .........................        495,512
         2,269    Series 1597, Class 1597-H,
                    07/15/23 (P/O) .........................        803,119
         3,901    Series 1662, Class 1662-PO,
                    01/15/09 (P/O) .........................      3,007,548
         1,520    Series 1900, Class 1900-SD,
                    01/15/23 (I/O) .........................        417,525
        23,579    Series 1938, Class 1938-SB,
                    08/15/19 (I/O) .........................        456,843
       149,699    Series 1954, Class 1954-BA,
                    04/15/21 (I/O) .........................      2,713,296
        92,419    Series 1954, Class 1954-BB,
                    04/15/21 (I/O) .........................      1,299,635
        39,879    Series 1954, Class 1954-LL,
                    05/15/21 (I/O) .........................        573,254
        39,879    Series 1954, Class 1954-LM,
                    05/15/21 (I/O) .........................        610,640
                 FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION
                  REMIC Pass-Through Certificates,
         5,071    Trust 116, Class 2,
                    01/01/17 (I/O) .........................      1,637,280
         1,363    Trust 225, Class 1,
                    02/01/23 (P/O) .........................      1,009,777
         3,475    Trust 1991-49, Class 49-G,
                    05/25/06 (I/O) .........................        939,933
            77    Trust 1991-79, Class 79-B,
                    07/25/98 (P/O) .........................         72,901
         3,026    Trust 1992-82, Class 82-2
                    05/25/22 (I/O) .........................        945,737
        10,500+   Trust 1993-67, Class 67-B,
                    12/25/21 (P/O) .........................      9,011,730
        31,131    Trust 1993-G31, Class 31-PS,
                    08/25/18 (I/O) .........................      1,083,965
         2,617    Trust 1993-92, Class 92-G,
                    05/25/23 (P/O) .........................        974,038
         5,900    Trust 1993-92, CLASS 92-G,
                    12/25/19 (I/O) .........................      1,543,322
         9,595    Trust 1993-146, Class 146-C,
                    05/25/23 (P/O) .........................      8,275,650
        15,220++  Trust 1993-213, Class 213-H,
                    09/25/23 (P/O) .........................     12,158,543
         1,172    Trust 1993-237, Class 237-E,
                    11/25/23 (P/O) .........................        852,944
         1,930    Trust 1993-249, CLASS 249-PE,
                    11/25/23 (P/O) .........................      1,410,463
         4,034    Trust 1994-16, Class 16-D,
                    11/25/23 (P/O) .........................      3,399,758
         4,448    Trust 1994-24, Class 24-C,
                    11/25/23 (P/O) .........................      3,678,299
         2,946    Trust 1994-42, Class 42-SO,
                    03/25/23 (I/O) .........................        427,226
         3,369    Trust 1994-54, Class 54-C,
                    11/25/23 (P/O) .........................      2,674,275
           550    Trust 1994-54, Class 54-E,
                    11/25/23 (P/O) .........................        317,625
        19,313+   Trust 1994-61, Class 61-DB,
                    03/25/24 (P/O) .........................     12,393,520
         6,900    Trust 1994-87, Class 87-E,
                    03/25/09 (P/O) .........................      5,220,190
        10,147    Trust 1996-55, Class 55-S,
                    11/25/26 (I/O) .........................      2,879,241
        20,598    Trust 1996-15, Class 15-SG,
                    08/25/08 (I/O) .........................      2,252,908
         4,484    Trust 1996-24, Class 24-SB,
                    10/25/08 (I/O) .........................        880,047
         8,499    Trust 1996-24, Class 24-SJ,
                    01/25/22 (I/O) .........................      2,395,670
         2,000    Trust 1997-7, Class 7-WC
                    04/25/22 (I/O) .........................      1,502,000
         4,490    Trust 1997-17, Class 17-PJ,
                    03/18/18 (I/O) .........................        867,218
        24,000    Trust 1997-44, Class 44-SC,
                    06/25/08 (I/O) .........................      2,625,000
AAA      1,698  SALOMON BROTHERS MORTGAGE SECURITIES,
                  Series 87-3, Class B,
                  10/23/17 (I/O) ...........................        624,160
                                                                -----------
                                                                107,994,003
                                                                -----------

                ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES -- 3.5%
AAA      4,281  Chase Manhattan Grantor Trust,
                  Series 1996-A, Class A,
                  5.20%, 02/15/02 ..........................      4,235,141
AAA      4,878  Structured Mtg. Asset Residential
                  Trust (SMART),Series 1997-2,
                  Class 2, 03/15/06 ........................      4,853,411
AAA      4,962  Structured Mtg. Asset Residential
                  Trust (SMART),  Series 1997-3,
                  04/15/06 .................................      4,986,388
AAA      4,500  Student Loan Marketing Assoc.,
                  Trust 1995-1, Class 1,
                  10/25/09 (ARM) ...........................      4,500,000
                                                                -----------
                                                                 18,574,940
                                                                -----------

                MUNICIPAL BOND -- 7.8%
AAA      1,000   Kern County California,
                  Pension Series
                  6.54%, 08/15/02 ..........................        982,870

AAA      3,510   LONG BEACH CALIFORNIA ,
                  Pension Series
                  6.56%, 09/01/02 ..........................      3,472,022

See Notes to Financial Statements.


                                       7

<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        PRINCIPAL
         AMOUNT                                                     VALUE
RATING*  (000)            DESCRIPTION                              (NOTE 1)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                Los Angeles County California,
BBB    $ 6,250    PENSION SERIES A
                    7.60%, 06/30/98 ........................    $ 6,329,813
AAA      5,000    Pension Series D
                    6.54%, 06/30/02 ........................      4,951,900
AAA     10,000  New Jersey Economic
                  Development Authority
                  Series B, 02/15/03 .......................      6,867,500
BBB      5,000  New York, New York
                  Taxable Series 1,
                  6.54%, 03/15/02 ..........................      4,919,900
BBB      5,000  New York, New York
                  Taxable Series 1,
                  7.125%, 08/15/02 .........................      5,038,850
BBB     5,000   New York, New York
                  Taxable Series 1,
                  7.34%, 04/15/02 ..........................      5,075,000
BBB      1,235  New York, New York
                  Taxable Series A,
                  6.73%, 09/15/02 ..........................      1,222,119
AAA      1,950  San Francisco California International
                  Airport, Taxable 2nd Series,
                  Issue 13 A, 6.35%, 05/01/02 ..............      1,920,341
AA       1,000  St. Josephs Health System California,
                  Direct Obligation NTS Series A,
                  7.13% 07/01/02 ...........................      1,010,410
                                                                -----------
                                                                 41,790,725
                                                                -----------
                CORPORATE BONDS -- 19.5%
                BANKING & FINANCE -- 9.8%
BBB      4,960  AHMANSON HF&CO.
                  8.25%, 10/01/02 ..........................      5,246,458
BBB      1,700  Amsouth Bankcorporation
                  6.75%, 11/01/25 ..........................      1,665,013
A        5,000  Goldman Sachs Group L. P.
                  6.25%, 02/01/03 # ........................      4,835,596
A        2,800  Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc.
                  6.00%, 01/15/01 ..........................      2,741,340
A        5,000  Nationsbank Corp, Series E
                  6.65%, 04/09/02 ..........................      4,963,300
A        5,000  Nationsbank Corp.
                  7.00%, 09/15/01 ..........................      5,044,150
                Paine Webber Group Inc.
BBB      2,190    7.875%, 02/15/03 .........................      2,270,395
BBB      7,790    8.25%, 05/01/02 ..........................      8,141,719
                Smith Barney Holdings Inc.,
A        3,000    5.875%, 02/01/01 .........................      2,917,620
A        1,500    7.00%, 05/15/00 ..........................      1,514,460
A        4,500    7.98%, 03/01/00 ..........................      4,649,445
A        8,500  Transamerica Finance Corporation
                  6.75%, 06/01/00 ..........................      8,522,865
                                                                -----------
                                                                 52,512,361
                                                                -----------
                CORPORATE BONDS (CONT'D)
                INDUSTRIAL -- 2.7%
A        1,000  Bass America Inc.
                  8.125%, 03/31/02 .........................      1,054,810
A        1,000  Ford Motor Credit Co.
                  8.00%, 06/15/02 ..........................      1,050,590
BBB      5,000  RJR NABISCO INC.
                  8.625%, 12/01/02 .........................      5,139,650
BBB      4,000  Tele Communications Inc.
                  9.25%, 04/15/02 ..........................      4,292,080
BBB      2,700  Tenneco Inc.
                  8.075%, 10/01/02 .........................      2,833,542
                                                                -----------
                                                                 14,370,672
                                                                -----------
                CORPORATE BONDS (CONT'D)
                UTILITY -- 1.7%
BBB      5,000  COLUMBIA GAS SYSTEMS INC.,
                  6.610%, 11/28/02 .........................      4,943,500
BBB      4,000  360 Communications,
                  7.125%, 03/01/03 .........................      3,970,640
                                                                -----------
                                                                  8,914,140
                                                                -----------
                CORPORATE BONDS (CONT'D)
                YANKEE BONDS -- 5.3%
AA       5,000  African Dev. Bank, 7.75%,
                  12/15/01 .................................      5,205,800
BBB      5,000  Corporacion Andina De Fome
                  7.10%, 02/01/03 ..........................      5,024,100
BBB      3,500  Empresa Elec. Guacolda SA
                  7.95%, 04/30/03  # .......................      3,567,972
BBB      2,000  Empresa Elec. Pehuence
                  7.30%, 05/01/03 ..........................      2,009,205
AAA      7,500  U.S. Remittance Master,
                  Series 1996-1, 01/01/01 ..................      7,429,500
BBB      4,842  YPF Sociedad Anonima
                  7.50%, 10/26/02 ..........................      4,982,085
                                                                -----------
                                                                 28,218,662
                                                                -----------
                PUT OPTION PURCHASED--0.1%
        50,000  Interest Rate Swap
                  3 month LIBOR over 8.5%,
                  Expires 6/15/01 ..........................        656,350
                                                                -----------
                Total Investments before
                  securities sold short
                  (Cost $786,262,801)--147.7% ..............   $789,608,850
                                                                -----------
                SECURITIES SOLD SHORT -- (9.7%)
       48,000@    U.S. Treasury Bond
                  7.50%, 11/15/24
                  (Proceeds $44,430,000) ...................   (51,787,680)
                                                                -----------
                Total Investments net of short
                  sales - 138.0%
                  (Cost $741,832,801) ......................    737,821,170
                                                                -----------
                Liabilities in excess of other
                  assets - ( 38.0%) ........................   (203,177,787)
                                                                -----------
                NET ASSETS-- 100%                              $534,643,383
                                                                ===========
- ----------

  *  Using the higher of Standard & Poor's or Moody's rating.
 **  IIliquid securities representing 0.6% of portfolio assets. See Note 3.
  #  Private placement / 144A securities restricted as to resale. See Note 3.
  +  Partial  principal  amount  pledged as  collateral  for reverse  repurchase
     agreements. See Note 4.
 ++  Entire  principal  amount  pledged as  collateral  for  reverse  repurchase
     agreements. See Note 4.
  @  Amount pledged as collateral for Financial Futures

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              KEY TO ABBREVIATIONS
            ARM -- Adjustable Rate Mortgage
            CMO -- Collateralized Mortgage Obligation
            CMT -- Constant Maturity Treasury
            P/O -- Principal Only Class
              P -- Denotes a CMO with Principal Only Characteristics
            I/O -- Interest Only Class
              I -- Denotes a CMO with  Interest  Only  Characteristics  
          REMIC -- Real Estate Mortgage Investment Conduit.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


See Notes to Financial Statements.

                                       8

<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC TERM TRUST INC.
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
JUNE 30, 1997
(UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASSETS
Investments, at value
  (cost $786,262,801) (Note 1) .........................        $ 789,608,850
Cash ...................................................              441,336
Deposit with broker for investments
  sold short (Note 1) ..................................           52,620,000
Interest receivable ....................................            5,862,094
Receivable for investments sold ........................            9,148,379
Unrealized appreciation on interest rate cap
  (Notes 1 &3) .........................................               67,588
Unrealized appreciation on interest rate swap
  (Notes 1 &3) .........................................                1,003
Other assets (Note 1) ..................................               42,094
                                                                -------------
                                                                  857,791,344
                                                                -------------
LIABILITIES
Reverse repurchase agreement (Note 4) ..................          241,944,750
Investment sold short, at value
  (proceeds $44,430,000) (Note 1) ......................           51,787,680
Payable for investments purchased ......................           28,046,492
Interest payable .......................................              932,485
Due to broker-variation margin .........................               65,475
Advisory fee payable (Note 2) ..........................              195,611
Administration fee payable (Note 2) ....................               54,336
Other accrued expenses and liabilities .................              121,132
                                                                -------------
                                                                  323,147,961
                                                                -------------

NET ASSETS .............................................        $ 534,643,383
                                                                =============

Net assets were comprised of:
  Common stock, at par (Note 5) ........................        $     575,106
  Paid-in capital in excess of par .....................          535,942,670
                                                                -------------
                                                                  536,517,776
  Undistributed net investment income ..................           13,503,719
  Accumulated net realized losses ......................          (11,238,585)
  Net unrealized depreciation ..........................           (4,139,527)
                                                                -------------
  Net assets, June 30, 1997 ............................        $ 534,643,383
                                                                =============



NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE:
  ($534,643,383 / 57,510,639 shares of
  common stock issued and outstanding) .................                $9.30
                                                                        =====

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC TERM TRUST INC.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
(UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NET INVESTMENT INCOME
Income
  Interest (net including accretion of discount
    of $2,551,900 and net of interest
    expense of $5,823,312) .............................        $  20,524,348
                                                                -------------
Expenses
  Investment advisory ..................................            1,181,292
  Administration .......................................              328,137
  Reports to shareholders ..............................              109,510
  Custodian ............................................               63,446

TRANSFER AGENT .........................................               44,216
  Audit ................................................               42,097
  Directors ............................................               32,857
  Legal ................................................                8,741
  Miscellaneous ........................................              132,583
                                                                -------------
    Total operating expenses ...........................            1,942,879
                                                                -------------
Net investment income ..................................           18,581,469
                                                                -------------

REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON
  INVESTMENTS (NOTE 3)
Net realized gain (loss) on:
  Investments ..........................................              535,421
  Short Sales ..........................................           (3,010,223)
  Options ..............................................            7,129,125
  Futures ..............................................           (3,733,525)
                                                                -------------
                                                                      920,798
                                                                -------------
Change in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on:
  Investments ..........................................              153,424
  Short Sales ..........................................              725,445
  Options ..............................................             (316,900)
  Futures ..............................................             (154,506)
                                                                -------------
                                                                      407,463
                                                                -------------
Net gain on investments ................................            1,328,261
                                                                -------------


NET INCREASE IN NET ASSETS RESULTING
  FROM OPERATIONS ......................................        $  19,909,730
                                                                =============

See Notes to Financial Statements.


                                        9

<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC TERM TRUST INC.
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 1997
(UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH Cash flows used for operating activities:
  Interest received (excluding net discount
    amortization of $2,551,900) ........................        $  23,262,357
  Operating expenses paid ..............................           (2,064,215)
  Interest expense paid ................................           (6,681,058)
  Cash received from disposition of short-term
    portfolio investments, net .........................            8,000,044
  Variation Margin on Futures ..........................           (7,885,378)
  Purchase of long-term portfolio investments ..........         (414,369,772)
  Proceeds from disposition of long-term
    portfolio investments ..............................          384,512,575
                                                                -------------
NET CASH FLOWS USED FOR OPERATING ACTIVITIES ...........          (15,225,447)
                                                                -------------
Cash flows provided by financing activities:
  Net proceeds from issuance of reverse
    repurchase agreements ..............................           28,859,375
  Cash dividends paid ..................................          (13,658,632)
                                                                -------------
  Net cash provided by financing activities ............           15,200,743
                                                                -------------
Net decrease in cash ...................................              (24,704)
Cash at beginning of period ............................              466,040
                                                                -------------
CASH AT END OF PERIOD ..................................        $     441,336
                                                                =============
RECONCILIATION OF NET INCREASE IN
  NET ASSETS RESULTING FROM
  OPERATIONS TO NET CASH FLOWS
  USED FOR OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net increase in net assets resulting
  from operations ......................................        $  19,909,730
                                                                -------------
Increase in investments ................................          (33,995,009)
Net realized gain ......................................             (920,798)
Decrease in unrealized depreciation ....................             (407,463)
Increase in receivable for investments sold ............           (8,604,926)
Increase in payable from variation margin ..............               49,812
Increase in interest receivable ........................             (533,403)
Increase in unrealized appreciation on interest
  rate cap .............................................              (67,588)
Increase in unrealized appreciation on interest
  rate swap ............................................               (1,003)
Decrease in other assets ...............................               16,946
Increase in payable for investments purchased ..........            9,953,584
Decrease in deposits with brokers
  for short sales ......................................            4,595,625
Decrease in payable for securities sold short ..........           (4,238,570)
Decrease in interest payable ...........................             (857,746)
Decrease in accrued expenses and
  other liabilities ....................................             (124,638)
                                                                -------------
  TOTAL ADJUSTMENTS ....................................          (35,135,177)
                                                                -------------
Net cash flows used for operating activities ...........        $ (15,225,447)
                                                                =============

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC TERM TRUST INC.
STATEMENT OF CHANGES
IN NET ASSETS
(UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                                                   FOR THE YEAR
                                             FOR THE SIX MONTHS        ENDED
                                                  ENDED            DECEMBER 31,
                                               JUNE 30, 1997           1996
                                               -------------      -------------
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN

NET ASSETS

Operations:

  Net investment income ..................     $  18,581,469      $  33,170,965

  Net realized gain (loss) ...............           920,798         (2,052,546)

  Net change in unrealized
    appreciation (depreciation)
    on investments, futures
    and short sales ......................           407,463        (10,429,730)
                                               -------------      -------------

  Net increase in net assets
    resulting from operations ............        19,909,730         20,688,689

  Dividends from net
    investment income ....................       (11,382,189)       (30,313,915)
                                               -------------      -------------


  Total increase
    (decrease) ...........................         8,527,541         (9,625,226)
NET ASSETS
Beginning of period ......................       526,115,842        535,741,068
                                               -------------      -------------
End of period ............................     $ 534,643,383      $ 526,115,842
                                               =============      =============


See Notes to Financial Statements.

                                       10

<PAGE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC TERM TRUST INC.
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                SIX MONTHS
                                                   ENDED                     YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                 JUNE 30,     ---------------------------------------------------
                                                  1997        1996        1995        1994       1993        1992
                                                  ----        ----        ----        ----       ----        ----
<S>                                                <C>         <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>    
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period               $9.15       $9.32      $ 8.12      $ 9.36     $ 9.76     $ 10.13
                                                   -----       -----      ------      ------     ------     -------
  Net investment income (net of interest expense
    of $.10, $.19,  $.34, $.19, $.12, and $.17,
    respectively)                                    .32         .58         .62         .46        .82         .82
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)
    on investments                                   .02        (.22)       1.14       (1.07)       .39        (.29)
                                                   -----       -----      ------      ------     ------     -------
Net increase (decrease) from investment
    operations                                       .34         .36        1.76        (.61)       .43         .53
  Dividends from net investment income              (.19)       (.53)       (.56)       (.49)      (.83)      (.90)
  Distributions in excess of net investment
    income                                            --          --          --        (.14)        --          --
                                                   -----       -----      ------      ------     ------     -------
Net asset value, end of period*                    $9.30       $9.15      $ 9.32      $ 8.12     $ 9.36      $ 9.76
                                                   =====       =====      ======      ======     ======     =======
Market value, end of period*                       $8.13       $8.00      $ 7.63      $ 7.13     $ 9.75      $ 9.88
                                                   =====       =====      ======      ======     ======     =======
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+:                         16.94%      11.79%      14.68%     (20.28%)     7.24%       1.29%
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Operating Expenses**                               0.74%+++    0.74%       0.78%       0.98%      0.93%       0.89%
Net Investment Income                              7.10%+++    6.39%       7.13%       5.32%      8.40%       8.32%
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Average net assets (in thousands)               $528,039    $518,963    $501,869    $491,747   $560,543    $568,959
Portfolio turnover rate                              57%        107%        135%        133%        94%         18%
Net assets, end of period (000)                 $534,643    $526,116    $535,741    $467,125   $538,465    $561.407
Reverse repurchase agreements
  outstanding, end of period (000)              $241,945    $213,085    $232,396    $184,672   $175,569    $249,768
Asset coverage++                                 $ 3,210  $    3,469     $ 3,305     $ 3,529    $ 4,067     $ 3,248

</TABLE>


- ----------
   * NAV and market value published in THE WALL STREET JOURNAL each Monday.
  ** The ratios of operating  expenses,  including interest expense,  to average
     net assets were 2.97%+++,  3.87%,  4.68%,  3.18%,  2.12%, and 2.64% for the
     periods indicated above,  respectively.  The ratios of operating  expenses,
     including  interest  expense  and excise  tax,  to average  net assets were
     2.97%+++,  3.87%,  4.68%,  3.18%,  2.12%, and 2.67% for the years indicated
     above, respectively.
   + Total investment  return is calculated  assuming a purchase of common stock
     at the  current  market  price on the first  day and a sale at the  current
     market  price  on the  last  day of each  period  reported.  Dividends  and
     distributions,  if any, are assumed for purposes of this  calculation to be
     reinvested at prices obtained under the Trust's dividend reinvestment plan.
     Total  investment  return does not  reflect  brokerage  commissions.  Total
     investment  returns  for  periods  of  less  than  one  full  year  are not
     annualized.
  ++ Per $1,000 of reverse repurchase agreement outstanding.
 +++ Annualized.

The information above represents the unaudited operating  performance data for a
share of common stock outstanding,  total investment  return,  ratios to average
net assets and other supplemental data for each of the periods  indicated.  This
information has been determined based upon financial information provided in the
financial statements and market value data for the Trust's shares.



See Notes to Financial Statements.

                                       11

<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC TERMTRUST INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE 1.  ACCOUNTING  POLICIES  The  BlackRock  Strategic  Term Trust Inc.,  (the
"Trust")  a  Maryland  corporation,  is  a  diversified,  closed-end  management
investment  company.  The  investment  objective  of the  Trust  is to  manage a
portfolio of investment grade fixed income  securities that will return at least
$10 per share to  investors  on or  shortly  before  December  31,  2002,  while
providing high monthly income. The ability of issuers of debt securities held by
the Trust to meet their obligations may be affected by economic  developments in
a  specific  industry  or region.  No  assurance  can be given that the  Trust's
investment objective will be achieved.

   The following is a summary of significant accounting policies followed by the
Trust.

SECURITIES VALUATION: The Trust values mortgage-backed,  asset-backed, municipal
and other debt securities on the basis of current market quotations  provided by
dealers or pricing  services  approved by the  Trust's  Board of  Directors.  In
determining the value of a particular security, pricing services may use certain
information  with respect to  transactions in such  securities,  quotations from
dealers,  market transactions in comparable  securities,  various  relationships
observed in the market between  securities,  and calculated yield measures based
on valuation  technology  commonly  employed in the market for such  securities.
Exchange-traded  options are valued at their last sales price as of the close of
options trading on applicable exchanges.  In the absence of a last sale, options
are valued at the average of the quoted bid and asked  prices as of the close of
business. A futures contract is valued at the last sale price as of the close of
the  commodities  exchange  on which  it  trades  unless  the  Trust's  Board of
Directors  determines  that such price does not reflect its fair value, in which
case it will be valued at its fair value as  determined  by the Trust's Board of
Directors.  Any  securities  or other  assets  for  which  such  current  market
quotations  are not readily  available are valued at fair value as determined in
good faith under procedures established by and under the general supervision and
responsibility of the Trust's Board of Directors.

   Short-term securities which mature in 60 days or less are valued at amortized
cost,  if their  term to  maturity  from  date of  purchase  is 60 days or less.
Short-term securities with a term to maturity greater than 60 days from the date
of purchase are valued at current market quotations until maturity.

   In  connection  with  transactions  in  repurchase  agreements,  the  Trust's
custodian takes possession of the underlying collateral securities, the value of
which at least  equals  the  principal  amount  of the  repurchase  transaction,
including  accrued  interest.  To the  extent  that any  repurchase  transaction
exceeds one business day, the value of the collateral is  marked-to-market  on a
daily basis to ensure the adequacy of the collateral. If the seller defaults and
the value of the collateral declines or if bankruptcy  proceedings are commenced
with respect to the seller of the security, realization of the collateral by the
Trust may be delayed or limited.

OPTION  SELLING/PURCHASING:  When the Trust  sells or  purchases  an option,  an
amount  equal to the  premium  received  or paid by the Trust is  recorded  as a
liability or an asset and is  subsequently  adjusted to the current market value
of the option  written or purchased.  Premiums  received or paid from writing or
purchasing  options  which  expire  unexercised  are treated by the Trust on the
expiration date as realized gains or losses.  The difference between the premium
and the  amount  paid or  received  on  effecting  a  closing  purchase  or sale
transaction, including brokerage commissions, is also treated as a realized gain
or loss. If an option is exercised, the premium paid or received is added to the
proceeds from the sale or cost of the purchase in determining  whether the Trust
has realized a gain or a loss on investment  transactions.  The Trust, as writer
of an option, may have no control over whether the underlying  securities may be
sold  (call) or  purchased  (put) and as a result  bears the  market  risk of an
unfavorable change in the price of the security underlying the written option.

   Options,  when used by the Trust,  help in  maintaining a targeted  duration.
Duration is a measure of the price  sensitivity  of a security or a portfolio to
relative changes in interest rates. For instance, a duration of "one" means that
a portfolio's or a security's price would be expected to change by approximately
one percent  with a one percent  change in interest  rates,  while a duration of
five  would  imply  that the price  would  move  approximately  five  percent in
relation to a one percent change in interest rates.

   Option  selling and  purchasing is used by the Trust to  effectively  "hedge"
positions  so that  changes in interest  rates do not change the duration of the
portfolio  unexpectedly.  In general,  the Trust uses options to hedge a long or
short  position  or an  overall  portfolio  that is longer or  shorter  than the
benchmark  security.  A call option gives the  purchaser of the option the right
(but not  obligation)  to buy, and obligates the seller to sell (when the option

                                       12

<PAGE>

is exercised), the underlying position at the exercise price at any time or at a
specified time during the option period. A put option gives the holder the right
to sell and obligates the writer to buy the underlying  position at the exercise
price at any time or at a specified time during the option  period.  Put options
can be purchased to  effectively  hedge a position or a portfolio  against price
declines  if a  portfolio  is  long.  In the same  sense,  call  options  can be
purchased to hedge a portfolio that is shorter than its benchmark  against price
changes. The Trust can also sell (or write) covered call options and put options
to hedge portfolio positions.

   The main risk that is associated with  purchasing  options is that the option
expires without being exercised.  In this case, the option expires worthless and
the premium paid for the option is considered the loss. The risk associated with
writing call options is that the Trust may forego the  opportunity  for a profit
if the  market  value of the  underlying  position  increases  and the option is
exercised. The risk in writing put options is that the Trust may incur a loss if
the  market  value  of the  underlying  position  decreases  and the  option  is
exercised.  In addition,  as with futures  contracts,  the Trust risks not being
able to enter into a closing transaction for the written option as the result of
an illiquid  market.  

INTEREST  RATE  SWAPS:  In a simple  interest  rate swap,  one  investor  pays a
floating  rate of interest on a notional  principal  amount and receives a fixed
rate of interest on the same notional principal amount for a specified period of
time.  Alternatively,  an  investor  may pay a fixed rate and receive a floating
rate.  Rate swaps were conceived as  asset/liability  management  tools. In more
complex swaps, the notional principal amount may decline (or amortize) overtime.

During the term of the swap,  changes in the value of the swap are recognized as
unrealized gains or losses by "marking-to-market" to reflect the market value of
the swap. When the swap is terminated,  the Trust will record a realized gain or
loss equal to the difference  between the proceeds from (or cost of) the closing
transaction and the Trust's basis in the contract, if any.

   The Trust is exposed to credit  loss in the event of  non-performance  by the
other party to the swap. However, the Trust does not anticipate  non-performance
by any  counterparty.

SWAP  OPTIONS:  Swap  options are similar to options on  securities  except that
instead of  purchasing  the right to buy a security,  the  purchaser of the swap
option has the right to enter into a previously  agreed upon  interest rate swap
agreement at any time before the expiration of the option.  Premiums received or
paid from writing or purchasing  options which expire unexercised are treated by
the Trust on the  expiration  date as realized  gains or losses.  The difference
between the  premium  and the amount  paid or  received  on  effecting a closing
purchase or sale transaction,  including brokerage commissions,  is also treated
as a realized  gain or loss.  If an option is  exercised,  the  premium  paid or
received  is added to the  proceeds  from  the sale or cost of the  purchase  in
determining  whether  the  Trust  has  realized  a gain or a loss on  investment
transactions.  The Trust,  as writer of an option,  bears the market  risk of an
unfavorable  change in the value of the swap  contract  underlying  the  written
option.  Interest  rate swap options may be used as part of an income  producing
strategy  reflecting  the view of the Trust's  management  on the  direction  of
interest rates.

FINANCIAL  FUTURES  CONTRACTS:  A futures  contract is an agreement  between two
parties to buy or sell a financial  instrument for a set price on a future date.
Initial margin deposits are made upon entering into futures contracts and can be
either cash or securities.  During the period that the futures contract is open,
changes in the value of the  contract  are  recognized  as  unrealized  gains or
losses by  "marking-to-market"  on a daily basis to reflect the market  value of
the contract at the end of each day's  trading.  Variation  margin  payments are
made or  received,  depending  upon  whether  unrealized  gains  or  losses  are
incurred. When the contract is closed, the Trust records a realized gain or loss
equal to the  difference  between  the  proceeds  from (or cost of) the  closing
transaction and the Trust's basis in the contract.

   Financial  futures  contracts,  when used by the Trust, help in maintaining a
targeted  duration.  Futures  contracts  can be sold to  effectively  shorten an
otherwise longer duration portfolio. In the same sense, futures contracts can be
purchased  to lengthen a portfolio  that is shorter  than its  duration  target.
Thus, by buying or selling futures  contracts,  the Trust can effectively  hedge
positions  so that  changes in interest  rates do not change the duration of the
portfolio unexpectedly.

   The Trust may invest in financial futures contracts primarily for the purpose
of hedging its existing portfolio  securities or securities the Trust intends to
purchase  against  fluctuations in value caused by changes in prevailing  market
interest  rates.  Should  interest  rates move  unexpectedly,  the Trust may not
achieve the  anticipated  benefits of the  financial  futures  contracts and may
realize a loss. The use of futures  transactions  involves the risk of imperfect
correlation in movements in the price of futures  contracts,  interest rates and
the underlying hedged assets. The Trust is also at the risk of not being able to
enter into a closing transaction for the futures contract because of an illiquid
secondary market.  In addition,  since futures are used to shorten or lengthen a
portfolio's  duration,  there is a risk that the portfolio may have  temporarily
performed better without the hedge or that the Trust may lose the opportunity to
realize appreciation in the market price of the underlying positions. 

                                       13

<PAGE>

SECURITIES  LENDING:  The Trust may lend its  portfolio  securities to qualified
institutions.  The loans are secured by collateral at least equal, at all times,
to the market  value of the  securities  loaned.  The Trust may bear the risk of
delay in recovery of, or even loss of rights in, the  securities  loaned  should
the borrower of the securities fail financially. The Trust receives compensation
for lending its  securities in the form of interest on the loan.  The Trust also
continues to receive interest on the securities  loaned, and any gain or loss in
the market price of the securities  loaned that may occur during the term of the
loan  will be for the  account  of the  Trust.  The  Trust  did  not  engage  in
securities lending during the year ended June 30, 1997.

SHORT SALES: The Trust may make short sales of securities as a method of hedging
potential  price declines in similar  securities  owned.  When the Trust makes a
short  sale,  it may  borrow  the  security  sold  short and  deliver  it to the
broker-dealer  through  which  it made  the  short  sale as  collateral  for its
obligation  to deliver the security upon  conclusion of the sale.  The Trust may
have to pay a fee to borrow the  particular  securities  and may be obligated to
pay over any payments received on such borrowed  securities.  A gain, limited to
the price at which the Trust sold the security short, or a loss, unlimited as to
dollar amount will be  recognized  upon the  termination  of a short sale if the
market price is less or greater than the proceeds originally received.

SECURITIES  TRANSACTIONS  AND INVESTMENT  INCOME:  Securities  transactions  are
recorded  on the trade  date.  Realized  and  unrealized  gains and  losses  are
calculated  on the  identified  cost basis.  Interest  income is recorded on the
accrual  basis,  and the  Trust  accretes  discount  and  amortizes  premium  on
securities  purchased  using  the  interest  method. 

TAXES:  It is the Trust's  intention  to meet the  requirements  of the Internal
Revenue Code  applicable  to regulated  investment  companies  and to distribute
substantially all of its taxable income to shareholders.  Therefore,  no federal
income tax  provision is required.  As part of the tax  planning  strategy,  the
Trust may  retain a portion of its  taxable  income and pay an excise tax on the
undistributed amounts.

DIVIDENDS  AND  DISTRIBUTIONS:   The  Trust  declares  and  pays  dividends  and
distributions  monthly,  first from net  investment  income,  then from realized
short-term capital gains and other sources, if necessary.  Net long-term capital
gains,  if any, in excess of loss  carryforwards,  may be distributed  annually.
Dividends and distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date.

   Income  distributions  and  capital  gain  distributions  are  determined  in
accordance with income tax regulations which may differ from generally  accepted
accounting  principles.  

ESTIMATES:  The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted  accounting  principles  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and
assumptions  that  affect the  reported  amounts of assets and  liabilities  and
disclosure of  contingent  assets and  liabilities  at the date of the financial
statements  and the  reported  amounts  of  revenues  and  expenses  during  the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.


DEFERRED  ORGANIZATION  EXPENSES:  A total of $67,520 was incurred in connection
with the  organization  of the Trust.  These costs were  deferred and  amortized
ratably  over a period  of sixty  months  from  the  date  the  Trust  commenced
operations.

NOTE 2.  AGREEMENTS         The Trust has an Investment  Advisory Agreement with
BlackRock Financial  Management Inc. (the "Adviser"),  a wholly-owned  corporate
subsidiary of PNC Asset  Management  Group,  Inc., the holding company for PNC's
asset  management  business,  and an  Administration  Agreement with Dean Witter
InterCapital Inc. ("DWI").

   The  investment  advisory  fee paid to the  Adviser  is  computed  weekly and
payable monthly at an annual rate of 0.45%. The  administration  fee paid to DWI
is also  computed  weekly and  payable  monthly at an annual rate of 0.125% from
January 1, 1995 through  December 31, 1998 and 0.10% from January 1, 1999 to the
termination of the Trust.

   Pursuant to the agreements,  the Adviser provides  continuous  supervision of
the investment  portfolio and pays the compensation of officers of the Trust who
are affiliated  persons of the Adviser.  DWI pays occupancy and certain clerical
and accounting costs of the Trust. The Trust bears all other costs and expenses.

NOTE 3. PORTFOLIO  SECURITIES     Purchases and sales of investment  securities,
other than  short-term  investments,  and dollar rolls for the period ended June
30, 1997 aggregated $424,323,356 and $372,031,573 respectively.

   The Trust may invest up to 60% of its total  assets in  securities  which are
not readily  marketable,  including those which are restricted as to disposition
under securities law ("restricted securities"). At June 30, 1997, the Trust held
0.6% of its  portfolio  assets  in  illiquid  securities  including  0.1% of its
portfolio assets in securities restricted as to resale.

   The portfolio may from time to time purchase in the secondary  market certain
mortgage  pass-through  securities  packaged or master  serviced by PNC Mortgage
Securities Corp. (or Sears Mortgage if PNC Mortgage  Securities Corp.  succeeded
to rights and duties of Sears) or mortgage related  securities  containing loans
or mortgages  originated  by PNC Bank or its  affiliates.  It is possible  under

                                       14

<PAGE>


certain  circumstances  for PNC Mortgage  Securities  Corp. or its affiliates to
have  interests  that are in conflict with the holders of these  mortgage-backed
securities,  and such holders could have rights against PNC Mortgage  Securities
Corp. or its affiliates.

   The federal income tax basis of the Trust's  investments at June 30, 1997 was
substantially the same as the basis for financial reporting,  and,  accordingly,
net  unrealized  appreciation  for federal  income tax purposes  was  $3,346,049
(gross      unrealized      appreciation--$15,039,012;      gross     unrealized
depreciation--$11,692,963).

   For federal income tax purposes, the Trust has a capital loss carryforward of
$12,134,000 of which $9,420,600 expires in 2001 and $2,713,400 expires in 2004.

   During the six months ended June 30, 1997 the Trust  entered  into  financial
futures contracts. Details of open contracts at June 30, 1997 were as follows:

                                     VALUE AT   VALUE AT
NUMBER OF               EXPIRATION     TRADE     JUNE 30,      UNREALIZED
CONTRACTS    TYPE          DATE         DATE       1997        DEPRECIATION
- ---------    ----          ----         ----       ----        ------------
          Long positions:
              30 Yr.
   200    T-Bond         Sep. 1997   $22,251,050  $22,212,500    ($38,550)
             10 Yr.
    20    T-Note         Sep. 1997     2,129,465    2,157,500      28,035
          Short Positions:
   (85)   Eurodollar     Sep. 1997    19,958,616   20,000,500     (41,884)
   (80)   Eurodollar     Dec. 1997    18,744,580   18,780,000     (35,420)
   (75)   Eurodollar     Mar. 1998    17,554,294   17,588,438     (34,144)
   (70)   Eurodollar     Jun. 1998    16,363,883   16,394,000     (30,117)
   (65)   Eurodollar     Sep. 1998    15,180,409   15,203,500     (23,091)
   (60)   Eurodollar     Dec. 1998    13,997,685   14,019,000     (21,315)
                                                                ---------
                                                                ($196,486)
                                                                =========

   The Trust  entered  into an  interest  rate cap  agreement  which  settled on
February 19,  1997.  Under the  agreement,  the Trust paid  $1,934,400  and will
receive from the counterparty an amount of interest  calculated as the excess of
the 3 month  LIBORover 6.0%  ("Protected  Rate") based on the notional amount of
$60 million. Where the 3 month LIBOR is equal to or less than the Protected Rate
no amount is receivable by the Trust.  The agreement  terminates on February 19,
2002. At June 30, 1997, the unrealized appreciation was $67,588.

   The Trust entered into an interest rate swap agreement  which settles on June
13, 2001 with a notional amount of $15,455,000.  Under the agreement,  the Trust
will pay  interest to the  counterparty  on the  notional  amount at the 10 year
forward  swap  rate  and will  receive  from the  counterparty  interest  on the
notional amount at a rate of 7.235%. The agreement  terminates on June 13, 2011.
At June 30, 1997, the unrealized appreciation was $1,003.

   The Trust entered into a put swaption  agreement which settled on February 7,
1997. The premium paid by the Trust was $1,095,000.  The put swaption  agreement
grants the Trust the right to enter into an interest rate swap  agreement  which
commences  June 15,  2001  with a  notional  amount  of $50  million  and  which
terminates on June 15, 2011.  Under the interest rate agreement,  the Trust will
pay interest to the  counterparty  on the notional  amount at a rate of 8.5% and
will receive  from the  counterparty  interest on the notional  amount at the 10
year forward swap rate. The swaption  agreement  terminates on June 15, 2001. At
June 30, 1997,  the unrealized  depreciation  was $438,650. 


NOTE 4. BORROWINGS       REVERSE REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS: The Trust may enter into
reverse  repurchase  agreements with qualified,  third party  broker-dealers  as
determined  by and  under  the  direction  of the  Trust's  board of  directors.
Interest  on  the  value  of  the  reverse  repurchase   agreements  issued  and
outstanding will be based upon competitive market rates at the time of issuance.
At the time the  Trust  enters  into a  reverse  repurchase  agreement,  it will
establish  and maintain a segregated  account with the lender the value of which
at least  equals the  principal  amount of the reverse  repurchase  transaction,
including accrued interest.

   The average daily balance of reverse repurchase agreements outstanding during
the six  months  ended June 30,  1997 was  $208,274,035  at a  weighted  average
interest rate of approximately  5.60%. The maximum amount of reverse  repurchase
outstanding  at any  month-end  during  the  period  ended  June  30,  1997  was
$241,944,750 as of June 30, 1997 which was 28.2% of total assets.

DOLLAR  ROLLS:  The Trust may enter into  dollar  rolls in which the Trust sells
securities  for delivery in the current  month and  simultaneously  contracts to
repurchase  substantially similar (same type, coupon and maturity) securities on
a specified future date.  During the roll period the Trust forgoes principal and
interest paid on the  securities.  The Trust will be compensated by the interest
earned on the cash  proceeds  of the  initial  sale and by the lower  repurchase
price at the future date.

   The average monthly balance of dollar rolls outstanding during the six months
ended June 30, 1997 was approximately $17,100,000.  The maximum amount of dollar
rolls  outstanding at any month end during the period was $17,240,580 as of June
30, 1997 which was 2.0% of total assets.

NOTE 5. CAPITAL   There are 200 million  shares of $.01 par value  common  stock
authorized.  Of the 58,660,527 shares  outstanding at June 30, 1997, the Adviser
owned 10,527 shares.

NOTE 6. DIVIDENDS AND  DISTRIBUTIONS     Subsequent to June 30,1997 the Board of
Directors  of the Trust  declared  a dividend  from  undistributed  earnings  of
$.039583 per share payable July 31, 1997 to  shareholders  of record on July 15,
1997.

                                       15

<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC TERM TRUST INC.
                           DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT PLAN
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      Pursuant  to  the  Trust's  Dividend   Reinvestment   Plan  (the  "Plan"),
shareholders may elect to have all  distributions of dividends and capital gains
automatically  reinvested  by Dean Witter Trust  Company (the  "Agent") in Trust
Shares  pursuant to the Plan.  Shareholders  who do not  participate in the Plan
will receive all  distributions  in cash paid by check in United States  dollars
mailed  directly  to the  shareholders  of record  (or if the shares are held in
street or other nominee name, then to the nominee) by the Custodian, as dividend
disbursing agent.

      The Plan Agent serves as agent for the shareholders in  administering  the
Plan.  After the Trust  declares a dividend or determines to make a capital gain
distribution,  the Plan Agent will, as agent for the  participants,  receive the
cash  payment and use it to buy Trust  shares in the open market on the New York
Stock Exchange, for the participants'  accounts. The Trust will not issue shares
under the Plan.

      Participants in the Plan may withdraw from the Plan upon written notice to
the Plan Agent and will receive  certificates  for whole Trust shares and a cash
payment will be made for any fraction of a Trust share.

      The Plan Agent's fees for the  handling of the  reinvestment  of dividends
and distributions will be paid by the Trust.  However, each participant will pay
a pro rata share of  brokerage  commissions  incurred  with  respect to the Plan
Agent's open market  purchases in connection with the  reinvestment of dividends
and  distributions.  The automatic  reinvestment of dividends and  distributions
will not relieve  participants  of any federal income tax that may be payable on
such dividends or distributions.

      Experience  under  the Plan  may  indicate  that  changes  are  desirable.
Accordingly,  the Trust  reserves  the right to amend or  terminate  the Plan as
applied to any dividend or distribution paid subsequent to written notice of the
change sent to all  shareholders of the Trust at least 90 days before the record
date  for the  dividend  or  distribution.  The  Plan  also  may be  amended  or
terminated  by the Plan  Agent  upon at least 90  days'  written  notice  to all
shareholders  of the Trust.  All  correspondence  concerning  the Plan should be
directed to the Plan Agent at (800) 576-3143 or BlackRock  Financial  Management
at (800) 227-7BFM. The addresses are on the front of this report.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

      There have been no material changes in the Trust's  investment  objectives
or policies that have not been approved by the  shareholders,  or to its charter
or by-laws,  or in the principal risk factors  associated with investment in the
Trust.  There have been no changes in the persons who are primarily  responsible
for the day-to-day management of the Trust's portfolio.

      The Annual Meeting of Trust  Shareholders  was held April 15, 1997 to vote
      on the following matters: 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

      (1) To elect four Directors to serve as follows:
         DIRECTOR                                                        CLASS             TERM           EXPIRING
         --------                                                        -----             -----           ------
         <S>                                                              <C>             <C>               <C> 
         Andrew F. Brimmer                                                III             3 years           2000
         Kent Dixon                                                       III             3 years           2000
         Laurence D. Fink                                                 III             3 years           2000
         Walter F. Mondale                                                II              2 years           1999
         Directors  whose term of office  continues  beyond this meeting are Richard E.  Cavanagh,  James  Grosfeld,  James
         Clayburn LaForce, Jr., Frank J. Fabozzi, and Ralph L. Schlosstein.
</TABLE>

      (2) To ratify the selection of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent public
accountants of the Trust for the fiscal year ending December 31, 1997.

      (3)To  approve  a   new   investment  advisory  agreement  with  BlackRock
         Financial Management, Inc.
         Shareholders  elected the four  Directors,  ratified  the  selection of
         Deloitte  &  Touche  LLP,  and  ratified  the new  investment  advisory
         agreement. The results of the voting was as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                       VOTES FOR       VOTES AGAINST     ABSTENTIONS
                                                                       --------         -----------      ----------
         <S>                                                          <C>                    <C>          <C>      
         Andrew F. Brimmer                                            27,914,702             0            2,157,976
         KENT DIXON                                                   27,994,463             0            2,078,215
         Laurence D. Fink                                       .     27,993,232             0            2,079,446
         Walter F. Mondale                                            27,863,573             0            2,209,105
         Ratification of Deloitte & Touche LLP                        28,992,155           206,209          874,313
         Ratification of new investment advisory agreement            20,461,767         8,430,096        1,180,816

</TABLE>


                                       16

<PAGE>


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC TERM TRUST INC.
                               INVESTMENT SUMMARY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


THE TRUST'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Trust's  investment  objective is to manage a portfolio of investment  grade
fixed  income  securities  that will  return $10 per share (the  initial  public
offering  price per share) to investors on or shortly  before  December 31, 2002
while providing high monthly income.


WHO MANAGES THE TRUST?
BlackRock Financial Management, Inc. ("BlackRock") is the investment adviser for
the Trust.  BlackRock is a registered  investment adviser  specializing in fixed
income  securities.  Currently,  BlackRock manages  approximately $50 billion of
assets across the government,  mortgage,  corporate and municipal sectors. These
assets are managed on behalf of  institutional  and  individual  investors in 21
closed-end  funds traded  either on the New York Stock  Exchange or the American
Stock Exchange,  several open-end funds and separate  accounts for more than 125
clients  in the U.S.  and  overseas.  BlackRock  is a  subsidiary  of PNC  Asset
Management  Group,  Inc.  which is a division of PNC Bank,  one of the  nation's
largest banking organizations.


WHAT CAN THE TRUST INVEST IN?
The Trust may invest in all fixed income  securities  rated  investment grade or
higher ("AAA",  "AA",  "A" or "BBB").  Examples of securities in which the Trust
may invest include U.S. government and government agency securities, zero coupon
securities,  mortgage-backed securities, corporate debt securities, asset-backed
securities,  U.S.  dollar-denominated  foreign  debt  securities  and  municipal
securities. Under current market conditions,  BlackRock expects that the primary
investments of the Trust will be U.S. government  securities,  securities backed
by government  agencies (such as mortgage-backed  securities) and corporate debt
securities.



WHAT IS THE ADVISER'S INVESTMENT STRATEGY?
The Adviser will seek to meet the Trust's  investment  objective by managing the
assets of the Trust so as to return the initial  offering  price ($10 per share)
at maturity.  The Trust will implement a conservative strategy that will seek to
closely match the maturity of the assets of the portfolio with the future return
of the  initial  investment  at the end of  2002.  At the  Trust's  termination,
BlackRock expects that the value of the securities which have matured,  combined
with the value of the securities  that are sold will be sufficient to return the
initial offering price to investors.  On a continuous basis, the Trust will seek
its objective by actively managing its assets in relation to market  conditions,
interest rate changes and,  importantly,  the remaining  term to maturity of the
Trust.

In addition to seeking the return of the  initial  offering  price,  the Adviser
also seeks to provide high monthly income to investors.  The portfolio  managers
will attempt to achieve this  objective by investing in securities  that provide
competitive  income.  In  addition,  leverage  will be used (in an  amount up to
331/3% of total  assets) to enhance  the  income of the  portfolio.  In order to
maintain  competitive  yields as the Trust approaches  maturity and depending on
market  conditions,  the Adviser will attempt to purchase  securities  with call
protection  or  maturities  as close to the Trust's  maturity  date as possible.
Securities with call protection should provide the portfolio with some degree of
protection against  reinvestment risk during times of lower prevailing  interest
rates. Since the Trust's primary goal is to return the initial offering price at
maturity, any cash that the Trust receives prior to its maturity date (i.e. cash
from early and  regularly  scheduled  payments of principal  on  mortgage-backed
securities) will be reinvested in securities with maturities which coincide with
the remaining term of the Trust. Since shorter-term  securities  typically yield
less than longer-term securities,  this strategy will likely result in a decline
in the Trust's income over time. However, the Adviser will attempt to maintain a
yield which is competitive with a comparable maturity Treasury at the same point
on the yield curve (i.e.  if the Trust has three years left until its  maturity,
the  Adviser  will  attempt  to  maintain  a yield  at a  spread  over a  3-year
Treasury).  It is  important  to note that the Trust  will be  managed  so as to
preserve the integrity of the return of the initial offering price.

                                       17

<PAGE>

HOW ARE THE TRUST'S  SHARES  PURCHASED  AND SOLD?  DOES THE TRUST PAY  DIVIDENDS
REGULARLY?

The  Trust's  shares are traded on the New York Stock  Exchange  which  provides
investors with  liquidity on a daily basis.  Orders to buy or sell shares of the
Trust must be placed through a registered broker or financial adviser. The Trust
pays monthly  dividends which are typically paid on the last business day of the
month. For shares held in the shareholder's name, dividends may be reinvested in
additional  shares of the fund through the Trust's  transfer agent,  Dean Witter
Trust Company.  Investors who wish to hold shares in a brokerage  account should
check with their  financial  adviser to determine  whether their  brokerage firm
offers dividend reinvestment services.


LEVERAGE CONSIDERATIONS IN A TERM TRUST
Under current  market  conditions,  leverage  increases the income earned by the
Trust.  The  Trust  employs  leverage  primarily  through  the  use  of  reverse
repurchase  agreements  and dollar rolls.  Leverage  permits the Trust to borrow
money at short-term  rates and reinvest that money in  longer-term  assets which
typically offer higher interest  rates.  The difference  between the cost of the
borrowed funds and the income earned on the proceeds that are invested in longer
term assets is the benefit to the Trust from leverage. In general, the portfolio
is typically leveraged at approximately 331/3% of total assets.

Leverage also increases the duration (or price  volatility of the net assets) of
the Trust,  which can improve the  performance  of the fund in a declining  rate
environment,  but can cause net  assets to decline  faster  than the market in a
rising  environment.  BlackRock's  portfolio managers  continuously  monitor and
regularly  review the  Trust's  use of  leverage  and the Trust may  reduce,  or
unwind, the amount of leverage employed should BlackRock consider that reduction
to be in the best interests of the shareholders.


SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND RISK FACTORS RELEVANT TO TERM TRUSTS

THE TRUST IS  INTENDED  TO BE A  LONG-TERM  INVESTMENT  AND IS NOT A  SHORT-TERM
TRADING VEHICLE.

RETURN OF INITIAL  INVESTMENT.  Although the objective of the Trust is to return
its initial offering price upon termination, there can be no assurance that this
objective will be achieved.

DIVIDEND  CONSIDERATIONS.  The income and dividends paid by the Trust are likely
to  decline  to some  extent  over the term of the Trust due to the  anticipated
shortening of the dollar-weighted average maturity of the Trust's assets.

LEVERAGE.  The Trust utilizes leverage through reverse repurchase agreements and
dollar rolls,  which  involves  special  risks.  The Trust's net asset value and
market value may be more volatile due to its use of leverage.

MARKET PRICE OF SHARES.  The shares of closed-end  investment  companies such as
the Trust trade on the New York Stock Exchange and as such are subject to supply
and demand influences.  As a result, shares may trade at a discount or a premium
to their net asset value.

MORTGAGE-BACKED   AND   ASSET-BACKED   SECURITIES.   The  cash  flow  and  yield
characteristics of these securities differ from traditional debt securities. The
major  differences  typically include more frequent payments and the possibility
of prepayments which will change the yield to maturity of the security.

CORPORATE  DEBT  SECURITIES.  The value of corporate debt  securities  generally
varies inversely with changes in prevailing market interest rates. The Trust may
be subject to certain  reinvestment  risks in environments of declining interest
rates.

ZERO COUPON SECURITIES. Such securities receive no cash flows prior to maturity,
therefore  interim  price  movements  on these  securities  are  generally  more
sensitive to interest rate movements than  securities  that make periodic coupon
payments.  These  securities  appreciate  in  value  over  time  and can play an
important role in helping the Trust achieve its primary objective.

ILLIQUID  SECURITIES.  The Trust may  invest in  securities  that are  illiquid,
although  under current  market  conditions the Trust expects to do so to only a
limited extent. These securities involve special risks.

NON-U.S SECURITIES. The Trust may invest less than 10% of its assets in non-U.S.
dollar-denominated  securities  which  involve  special  risks such as currency,
political and economic risks,  although under current market conditions does not
do so.

ANTITAKEOVER  PROVISIONS.  Certain antitakeover provisions will make a change in
the Trust's  business or management  more difficult  without the approval of the
Trust's Board of Directors and may have the effect of depriving  shareholders of
an  opportunity  to sell their shares at a premium above the  prevailing  market
price.

                                       18

<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC TERM TRUST INC.
                                    GLOSSARY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE-
  BACKED SECURITIES    (ARMS):         Mortgage  instruments with interest rates
                                       that  adjust at periodic  intervals  at a
                                       fixed  amount   relative  to  the  market
                                       levels of interest  rates as reflected in
                                       specified  indexes.  ARMs are  backed  by
                                       mortgage loans secured by real property.

ASSET-BACKED SECURITIES:               Securities  backed  by  various  types of
                                       receivables such as automobile and credit
                                       card receivables.

CLOSED-END FUND:                       Investment vehicle which initially offers
                                       a fixed  number of shares and trades on a
                                       stock  exchange.  The fund  invests  in a
                                       portfolio  of  securities  in  accordance
                                       with its stated investment objectives and
                                       policies.

COLLATERALIZED                         Mortgage-backed securities which separate
                                       mortgage pools into short-,  medium-, and
                                       long-term   securities   with   different
                                       priorities  for receipt of principal  and
                                       interest.  Each  class is paid a fixed or
                                       floating  rate  of  interest  at  regular
                                       intervals.  Also known as  multiple-class
                                       mortgage pass-throughs.

DISCOUNT:                              When a fund's net asset  value is greater
                                       than its stock  price the fund is said to
                                       be trading at a discount.


DIVIDEND:                              This is income generated by securities in
                                       a   portfolio    and    distributed    to
                                       shareholders after deduction of expenses.
                                       This Trust declares and pays dividends on
                                       a monthly basis.

DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT:                 Shareholders   may   elect  to  have  all
                                       distributions  of  dividends  and capital
                                       gains   automatically   reinvested   into
                                       additional shares of the Trust.

FHA:                                   Federal   Housing    Administration,    a
                                       government   agency  that  facilitates  a
                                       secondary mortgage market by providing an
                                       agency that guarantees  timely payment of
                                       interest and principal on mortgages.

FHLMC:                                 Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, a
                                       publicly   owned,   federally   chartered
                                       corporation  that facilitates a secondary
                                       mortgage  market by purchasing  mortgages
                                       from lenders such as savings institutions
                                       and reselling  them to investors by means
                                       of      mortgage-backed       securities.
                                       Obligations  of FHLMC are not  guaranteed
                                       by the U.S. government, however; they are
                                       backed  by  FHLMC's  authority  to borrow
                                       from the U.S.  government.  Also known as
                                       Freddie Mac.

FNMA:                                  Federal National Mortgage Association,  a
                                       publicly   owned,   federally   chartered
                                       corporation  that facilitates a secondary
                                       mortgage  market by purchasing  mortgages
                                       from lenders such as savings institutions
                                       and reselling  them to investors by means
                                       of      mortgage-backed       securities.
                                       Obligations of FNMA are not guaranteed by
                                       the U.S.  government,  however,  they are
                                       backed by FNMA's authority to borrow from
                                       the U.S. government. Also known as Fannie
                                       Mae.

GNMA:                                  Government National Mortgage Association,
                                       a U.S. Government agency that facilitates
                                       a secondary  mortgage market by providing
                                       an agency that guarantees  timely payment
                                       of interest and  principal on  mortgages.
                                       GNMA's  obligations  are supported by the
                                       full   faith  and   credit  of  the  U.S.
                                       Treasury. Also known as Ginnie Mae.

GOVERNMENT SECURITIES:                 Securities  issued or  guaranteed  by the
                                       U.S.  government,  or one of its agencies
                                       or   instrumentalities,   such   as  GNMA
                                       (Government       National       Mortgage
                                       Association),   FNMA  (Federal   National
                                       Mortgage  Association) and FHLMC (Federal
                                       Home Loan Mortgage Corporation).

                                       19

<PAGE>

INTEREST-ONLY                          Mortgage securities that receive only the
  SECURITIES  (I/O):                   interest  cash flows  from an  underlying
                                       pool  of  mortgage  loans  or  underlying
                                       pass-through securities.  Also known as a
                                       Strip.

MARKET PRICE:                          Price per share of a security  trading in
                                       the  secondary  market.  For a closed-end
                                       fund,  this is the  price  at  which  one
                                       share of the  fund  trades  on the  stock
                                       exchange.  If you  were  to  buy or  sell
                                       shares,  you  would  pay or  receive  the
                                       market price.

MORTGAGE DOLLAR ROLLS:                 A mortgage  dollar roll is a  transaction
                                       in which the Trust sells  mortgage-backed
                                       securities  for  delivery  in the current
                                       month  and  simultaneously  contracts  to
                                       repurchase      substantially     similar
                                       (although  not the same)  securities on a
                                       specified future date.  During the "roll"
                                       period,   the  Trust  does  not   receive
                                       principal  and  interest  payments on the
                                       securities, but is compensated for giving
                                       up these  payments by the  difference  in
                                       the  current  sales  price (for which the
                                       security  is sold) and lower  price  that
                                       the Trust pays for the  similar  security
                                       at the end  date as well as the  interest
                                       earned  on  the  cash   proceeds  of  the
                                       initial sale.

MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGHS:                Mortgage-backed   securities   issued  by
                                       Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac or Ginnie Mae.

MULTIPLE-CLASS PASS-THROUGHS:          Collateralized Mortgage Obligations.

NET ASSET VALUE (NAV):                 Net asset value is the total market value
                                       of all  securities  and other assets held
                                       by the Trust,  plus income accrued on its
                                       investments,    minus   any   liabilities
                                       including  accrued  expenses,  divided by
                                       the total number of  outstanding  shares.
                                       It is the  underlying  value  of a single
                                       share on a given day. Net asset value for
                                       the  Trust  is   calculated   weekly  and
                                       published in BARRON'S on Saturday and THE
                                       WALL STREET JOURNAL each Monday.

PRINCIPAL-ONLY SECURITIES (P/O):       Mortgage securities that receive only the
                                       principal  cash flows from an  underlying
                                       pool  of  mortgage  loans  or  underlying
                                       pass-through  securities.  

PROJECT LOANS:                         Mortgages  for   multi-family,   low-  to
                                       middle-income housing.

PREMIUM:                               When a fund's stock price is greater than
                                       its net asset value,  the fund is said to
                                       be trading at a premium.

REMIC:                                 A real estate mortgage investment conduit
                                       is a  multiple-class  security  backed by
                                       mortgage-backed   securities   or   whole
                                       mortgage  loans  and  formed  as a trust,
                                       corporation,  partnership,  or segregated
                                       pool of assets  that elects to be treated
                                       as a  REMIC  for  federal  tax  purposes.
                                       Generally,  Fannie  Mae REMICs are formed
                                       as    trusts    and   are    backed    by
                                       mortgage-backed securities.

RESIDUALS:                             Securities   issued  in  connection  with
                                       collateralized  mortgage obligations that
                                       generally  represent the excess cash flow
                                       from the mortgage  assets  underlying the
                                       CMO  after   payment  of  principal   and
                                       interest on the other CMO  securities and
                                       related administrative expenses.

REVERSE                                In a reverse  repurchase  agreement,  the
  REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS:               Trust  sells  securities  and  agrees  to
                                       repurchase them at a mutually agreed date
                                       and price.  During  this time,  the Trust
                                       continues  to receive the  principal  and
                                       interest payments from that security.  At
                                       the end of the term,  the Trust  receives
                                       the same  securities  that  were sold for
                                       the  same  initial   dollar  amount  plus
                                       interest  on  the  cash  proceeds  of the
                                       initial sale.

STRIPPED MORTGAGE BACKED               Arrangements in which a pool of assets is
    SECURITIES:                        separated  into two classes  that receive
                                       different proportions of the interest and
                                       principal  distributions  from underlying
                                       mortgage-backed securities. IO's and PO's
                                       are examples of strips.

                                       20

<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                      BLACKROCK FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT, INC.
                           SUMMARY OF CLOSED-END FUNDS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TAXABLE TRUSTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                 TERMINATION
                                                               TOCK SYMBOL          DATE
                                                               -----------       ----------
<S>                                                              <C>               <C> 
PERPETUAL TRUSTS
The BlackRock Income Trust Inc.                                   BKT                N/A

THE BLACKROCK NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST INC.         BNA                N/A

TERM TRUSTS
The BlackRock 1998 Term Trust Inc.                                BBT               12/98
The BlackRock 1999 Term Trust Inc.                                BNN               12/99
The BlackRock Target Term Trust Inc.                              BTT               12/00
The BlackRock 2001 Term Trust Inc.                                BLK               06/01
The BlackRock Strategic Term Trust Inc.                           BGT               12/02
The BlackRock Investment Quality Term Trust Inc.                  BQT               12/04
The BlackRock Advantage Term Trust Inc.                           BAT               12/05
The BlackRock Broad Investment Grade 2009 Term Trust Inc.         BCT               12/09

</TABLE>



TAX-EXEMPT TRUSTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                          TERMINATION
PERPETUAL TRUSTS                                                       STOCK SYMBOL          DATE
                                                                        -----------       ----------
<S>                                                                       <C>               <C>
The BlackRock Investment Quality Municipal Trust Inc.                      BKN                N/A
The BlackRock California Investment Quality Municipal Trust Inc.           RAA                N/A
The BlackRock Florida Investment Quality Municipal Trust                   RFA                N/A
The BlackRock New Jersey Investment Quality Municipal Trust Inc.           RNJ                N/A
The BlackRock New York Investment Quality Municipal Trust Inc.             RNY                N/A

TERM TRUSTS
The BlackRock Municipal Target Term Trust Inc.                             BMN               12/06
The BlackRock Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust Inc.                       BRM               12/08
The BlackRock California Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust Inc.            BFC               12/08
The BlackRock Florida Insured Municipal 2008 Term Trust                    BRF               12/08

THE BLACKROCK NEW YORK INSURED MUNICIPAL 2008 TERM TRUST INC.              BLN               12/08
The BlackRock Insured Municipal Term Trust Inc.                            BMT               12/10

</TABLE>


IF YOU WOULD LIKE FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CALL BLACKROCK AT (800) 227-7BFM OR
CONSULT WITH YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR.

                                       21

<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       BLACKROCKFINANCIAL MANAGMENT, INC.
                                   AN OVERVIEW
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


      BlackRock Financial Management Inc. (BlackRock) is a registered investment
adviser which specializes in managing high quality fixed income securities, both
taxable and tax exempt. BlackRock currently manages approximately $50 billion of
assets across the government,  mortgage,  corporate and municipal sectors. These
assets are managed on behalf of  institutional  and  individual  investors in 21
closed-end  funds traded  either on the New York Stock  Exchange or the American
Stock Exchange, several open-end funds and over 125 institutional clients in the
United States and overseas.

      BlackRock  was  formed in April  1988 by fixed  income  professionals  who
sought to create an asset management firm  specializing in managing fixed income
securities for individuals and  institutional  investors.  The  professionals at
BlackRock have extensive experience creating, analyzing and trading a variety of
fixed income instruments,  including the most complex structured securities.  In
fact, individuals at BlackRock are responsible for many of the major innovations
in  the  mortgage-backed  and  asset-backed  securities  market,  including  the
creation of the CMO, the floating rate CMO, the senior/subordinated pass-through
and the multi-class asset-backed security.

      BlackRock  is unique  among asset  management  and  advisory  firms in the
significant  emphasis  it  places on the  development  of  propriety  analytical
capabilities.  A quarter of the professionals at BlackRock work full-time in the
design,  maintenance  and use of such systems  which are otherwise not generally
available to  investors.  BlackRock's  propriety  analytical  tools are used for
evaluating,  investing in and designing  investment  strategies and portfolio of
fixed  income  securities,   including  mortgage   securities,   corporate  debt
securities or tax-exempt securities and a variety of hedging instruments.

      BlackRock has developed  investment  products  which respond to investors'
needs and has been  responsible  for several  major  innovations  in  closed-end
funds.  BlackRock  introduced  the first  closed-end  mortgage  fund,  the first
taxable  and  tax-exempt  closed-end  funds to offer a finite  term,  the  first
closed-end  fund to achieve a AAAf  rating by  Standard & Poor's,  and the first
closed-end  fund to invest  primarily in North American  Government  securities.
BlackRock's  closed-end funds currently have dividend  reinvestment  plans which
are  designed  to  provide  an  ongoing  source of  demand  for the stock in the
secondary market. BlackRock manages a ladder of alternative investment vehicles,
with each fund having specific investment objectives and policies.

      In view of our continued  desire to provide a high level of service to all
our shareholders, BlackRock maintains a toll-free number for your questions. The
number is (800) 227-7BFM (7236).  We encourage you to call us with any questions
you may have about your  BlackRock  funds and thank you for the continued  trust
you place in our abilities.

                                       22

<PAGE>

THE BLACKROCK
STRATEGIC TERM
TRUST INC.
================================================================================
SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
JUNE 30, 1997


[GRAPHIC OMITTED]


BLACKROCK


DIRECTORS
Laurence D. Fink, CHAIRMAN
Andrew F. Brimmer
Richard E. Cavanagh
Kent Dixon
Frank J. Fabozzi
James Grosfeld
James Clayburn La Force, Jr.
Walter F. Mondale
Ralph L. Schlosstein


OFFICERS
Ralph L. Schlosstein, PRESIDENT
Keith T. Anderson, VICE PRESIDENT
Michael C. Huebsch, VICE PRESIDENT
Scott Amero, VICE PRESIDENT
Robert S. Kapito, VICE PRESIDENT
Richard M. Shea, VICE PRESIDENT/TAX
Henry Gabbay, TREASURER
James Kong, ASSISTANT TREASURER
Frank Smith, ASSISTANT TREASURER
Karen H. Sabath, SECRETARY

INVESTMENT ADVISER
BlackRock Financial Management, Inc.
345 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10154
(800) 227-7BFM

ADMINISTRATOR
Dean Witter InterCapital Inc.
Two World Trade Center
New York, NY 10048
(800) 729-8855

CUSTODIAN
State Street Bank and Trust Company
One Heritage Drive
North Quincy, MA 02171
(800) 699-1BFM

TRANSFER AGENT
Dean Witter Trust Company
Harborside Financial Center -- Plaza Two
Jersey City, New Jersey 07311-3977
(800) 526-3143

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Deloitte & Touche LLP
Two World Financial Center
New York, NY 10281-1434

LEGAL COUNSEL
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York, NY 10022

   The  accompanying  financial  statements as of June 30, 1997 were not audited
and accordingly, no opinion is expressed on them.

   This report is for shareholder information. This is not a prospectus intended
for use in the purchase or sale of any securities.


                     THE BLACKROCK STRATEGIC TERM TRUST INC.
                       c/o Dean Witter InterCapital, Inc.
                                   71st Floor
                             Two World Trade Center
                               New York, NY 10048
                          Call toll free (800) 227-7BFM


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