ASTRA INSTITUTIONAL SECURITIES TRUST
N-30D, 1996-06-28
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<PAGE>

                                 [ ASTRA LOGO ]
           ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUSTS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
 
                                                                   June 20, 1996
 
Dear Shareholder:
 
The Trusts' performance during the past six months was heavily influenced by
real and expected changes in U.S. interest rates, mortgage prepayments, and
mortgage defaults. The Trusts' fiscal year began in the midst of the U.S.
Federal Reserve's attempt to stimulate economic growth through decreases in the
Fed Funds rate. As a result, both short-term and long-term interest rates
dropped. However, beginning in late December 1995, long-term interest rates
began to rise as investors' perception of future economic growth increased in
conjunction with concerns of rising inflation brought about by an increase in
the price of gold as well as other commodities. During the six months ended
April 30, 1996, the U.S. two year treasury yield increased from 5.61% to 5.98%,
an increase of 37 basis points, while the U.S. thirty year treasury yield
increased from 6.33% to 6.84%, an increase of 51 basis points. Additionally,
during the last month of 1995, the Trusts were hampered by credit and default
risk on the balance of single-family, subordinated mortgage securities in the
portfolio primarily backed by Southern California real estate.
 
The Astra family of funds continues its recovery from a turbulent two year
period which saw its funds impacted by unforeseen events such as rapid changes
in U.S. interest rates, a prolonged recession of the California economy, and the
devaluation of the Mexican Peso. Since late 1995, we have attempted to improve
the performance of all Astra funds by focusing on a core holding of securities
which management believes offer less price volatility while still providing
relatively attractive returns. Over the last six months, the Adjustable Rate
Securities Trusts have somewhat improved their performance relative to the past
two years. The Trust has attempted to stabilize NAV by investing in
higher-quality agency issues. As previously mentioned in past correspondence,
the Investment Committee ('the Committee'), led by new members, completed an
exhaustive review of all subordinated mortgage securities held in the portfolio.
Upon identifying those particular securities which the Committee believed might
cause additional credit and/or default problems in the future, the Committee
implemented a liquidation process designed to maximize retention of shareholder
value. At this point, the Trusts hold less than 1% in subordinated mortgage
securities. The liquidation process was completed in December 1995.
 
Currently, the Committee plans to take advantage of the relatively stable price
performance of annually resetting adjustable-rate Agency mortgages. However, as
the Trusts have experienced an increase in the rate of redemptions, a portion of
its assets will be invested in short-term U.S. government securities which has
the effect of reducing yield.
 
On behalf of Astra, we want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to help
you achieve your financial goals and objectives.
 
Sincerely,
 
Astra Management Corporation
- ------------------
 
Astra Adjustable Rate Securities Trusts invest all investable assets in the
Astra Institutional Adjustable Rate Securities Portfolio. The Portfolio seeks to
achieve its investment objective by investing at least 65% of its assets in
adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) securities. A majority of the Portfolio's assets
may be invested in ARM securities that are issued or sponsored by commercial
banks, savings and loan associations, mortgage bankers or other financial
institutions, that have no government guarantee and that are senior or
subordinated to other mortgage securities arising out of the same pool of
mortgages. The Portfolio invests the remainder of its assets in (i) mortgage
securities which are issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies
or instrumentalities, or which are collateralized by or represent an interest in
U.S. Government mortgage securities and (ii) certain other mortgage securities.
 
PERFORMANCE DATA REPRESENTS PAST PERFORMANCE. INVESTMENT RETURN AND THE
PRINCIPAL VALUE OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE TRUST WILL FLUCTUATE. SHARES, WHEN
REDEEMED, MAY BE WORTH MORE OR LESS THAN THEIR ORIGINAL COST.
<PAGE>
            TABLE OF CONTENTS
- ------------------------------
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST I
  Statement of Assets and Liabilities......................................    3
  Statement of Operations..................................................    3
  Statement of Changes in Net Assets.......................................    4
  Financial Highlights.....................................................    5
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST I-A
  Statement of Assets and Liabilities......................................    6
  Statement of Operations..................................................    6
  Statement of Changes in Net Assets.......................................    7
  Financial Highlights.....................................................    8
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST II
  Statement of Assets and Liabilities......................................    9
  Statement of Operations..................................................    9
  Statement of Changes in Net Assets.......................................   10
  Financial Highlights.....................................................   11
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST IV
  Statement of Assets and Liabilities......................................   12
  Statement of Operations..................................................   12
  Statement of Changes in Net Assets.......................................   13
  Financial Highlights.....................................................   14
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUSTS
  Notes to Financial Statements............................................   15
 
ASTRA INSTITUTIONAL ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
  Portfolio of Investments.................................................   20
  Statement of Assets and Liabilities......................................   21
  Statement of Operations..................................................   21
  Statement of Changes in Net Assets.......................................   22
  Financial Highlights.....................................................   23
  Notes to Financial Statements............................................   24

 
- ------
 
    2
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST I
            STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
            APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
  --------------------------------
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
ASSETS:
  Investments in securities at value* (identified cost $5,142,734) (Notes 1 and 2A)................  $   2,728,847
  Dividends receivable from Portfolio..............................................................         13,188
  Deferred organization expense (net of accumulated amortization of $68,823) (Note 2D).............          9,579
  Prepaid expenses.................................................................................          4,826
                                                                                                     -------------
      Total Assets.................................................................................      2,756,440
                                                                                                     -------------
LIABILITIES:
  Payable for capital stock redeemed...............................................................         36,430
  Accrued expenses.................................................................................         48,658
                                                                                                     -------------
      Total Liabilities............................................................................         85,088
                                                                                                     -------------
NET ASSETS.........................................................................................  $   2,671,352
                                                                                                     -------------
                                                                                                     -------------
Net asset value per share ($2,671,352/872,865 shares) (Note 6).....................................  $        3.06
                                                                                                     -------------
                                                                                                     -------------
At April 30, 1996 the components of net assets were as follows:
  Paid-in capital..................................................................................  $  22,666,607
  Accumulated net realized loss on investments.....................................................    (17,534,349)
  Accumulated net investment deficit...............................................................        (47,019)
  Net unrealized depreciation of investments.......................................................     (2,413,887)
                                                                                                     -------------
      Net Assets...................................................................................  $   2,671,352
                                                                                                     -------------
                                                                                                     -------------
</TABLE>

- ------------------
* Investments of Astra Adjustable Rate Securities Trust I consist entirely of
  59,570 shares of Astra Institutional Adjustable Rate Securities Portfolio.
  Cost for Federal income tax purposes is $5,142,734. See Notes 1 and 2A.
 
      
            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
            SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
  INCOME:
    Dividends from Portfolio.......................................................................  $     124,979
    Other (Note 4A)................................................................................         11,661
                                                                                                     -------------
      Total Income.................................................................................        136,640
                                                                                                     -------------
  EXPENSES:
    Shareholders servicing costs...................................................................          9,894
    Amortization of organization expense (Note 2D).................................................          8,017
    Professional fees..............................................................................          4,834
    Distribution expenses (Note 4A)................................................................          4,485
    Registration fees..............................................................................          3,977
    Insurance expense..............................................................................          3,258
    Administrative servicing costs (Note 5)........................................................          1,794
    Reports to shareholders........................................................................          1,395
    Miscellaneous expense..........................................................................            711
    Trustees' fees.................................................................................            440
                                                                                                     -------------
      Total expenses...............................................................................         38,805
                                                                                                     -------------
         Net investment income.....................................................................         97,835
                                                                                                     -------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:
    Net realized loss on investments...............................................................     (2,278,201)
    Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments...........................................      2,076,294
                                                                                                     -------------
      Net loss on investments......................................................................       (201,907)
                                                                                                     -------------
         Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations......................................  $    (104,072)
                                                                                                     -------------
                                                                                                     -------------
</TABLE>
 
                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements

- ------
    3

<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST I
            STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS 
  --------------------------------

                                                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                APRIL 30, 1996      YEAR ENDED
                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)     OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
<S>                                                                            <C>               <C>
OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income......................................................   $       97,835    $      761,180
  Net realized loss on investments...........................................       (2,278,201)      (14,118,255)
  Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments.......................        2,076,294         1,774,675
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
  Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations.......................         (104,072)      (11,582,400)
 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
  Distributions from net investment income ($0.114 and $0.260 per share,
    respectively)............................................................         (144,854)         (897,466)
  Distributions from paid-in capital ($0.108 per share)......................         --                (373,209)
 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
  Net decrease in net assets derived from the net change in the number of
    outstanding shares (a)...................................................       (1,883,842)      (42,151,566)
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
      Total decrease in net assets...........................................       (2,132,768)      (55,004,641)
Net assets at the beginning of the period....................................        4,804,120        59,808,761
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
NET ASSETS at the end of the period (including accumulated net investment
  deficit of $47,019 and $0, respectively)...................................   $    2,671,352    $    4,804,120
                                                                               ================   ===============

</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                            SIX MONTHS ENDED                YEAR ENDED
                                                       APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)        OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                       --------------------------  -----------------------------
                                                         SHARES        VALUE          SHARES          VALUE
                                                       ----------  --------------  ------------  ---------------
<S>                                                    <C>         <C>             <C>           <C>
Shares sold..........................................      --      $     --              61,778  $       362,064
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions to
  shareholders.......................................      14,690          46,603        79,584          387,089
Shares repurchased...................................    (615,895)     (1,930,445)   (7,917,358)     (42,900,719)
                                                       ----------  --------------  ------------  ---------------
  Net decrease.......................................    (601,205) $   (1,883,842)   (7,775,996) $   (42,151,566)
                                                       ----------  --------------  ------------  ---------------
                                                       ----------  --------------  ------------  ---------------
</TABLE>
 

                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
- ------
    4


<PAGE>
            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST I
            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
            FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
- ------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

      
                                                                                                          NOVEMBER 27, 1991
                                                                                                          (COMMENCEMENT OF
                                            SIX MONTHS ENDED         YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,               OPERATIONS) TO
                                             APRIL 30, 1996   ------------------------------------          OCTOBER 31,
                                              (UNAUDITED)        1995          1994        1993                1992
                                            ----------------     ----          ----        ----           ----------------
<S>                                            <C>              <C>           <C>          <C>               <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Net asset value, beginning of
  period........................               $   3.260        $   6.470     $   7.210    $   7.250         $    7.350
                                               ---------        ---------     ---------    ---------         ----------
                                           
Income (loss) from investment              
  operations--                             
  Net investment income.........                   0.085 (e)        0.224 (e)     0.357        0.475              0.524
  Net realized and unrealized              
    loss on investments.........                  (0.171)(e)       (3.066)(e)    (0.688)      (0.002)            (0.052)
                                               ---------        ---------     ---------    ---------         ----------
    Total from investment                  
      operations................                  (0.086)          (2.842)       (0.331)       0.473              0.472
                                               ---------        ---------     ---------    ---------         ----------
Less distributions--                       
  Distributions from net                   
    investment income...........                   0.114            0.260         0.409        0.513              0.524
  Distributions from paid-in               
    capital.....................                     --             0.108           --           --               0.048
                                               ---------        ---------     ---------    ---------         ----------
    Total distributions.........                   0.114            0.368         0.409         0.513             0.572
                                               ---------        ---------     ---------    ---------         ----------
Net asset value, end of                    
  period........................               $   3.060        $   3.260     $   6.470     $   7.210        $    7.250
                                               =========        =========     =========     =========        ==========
                                           
TOTAL RETURN (f)................                   (2.70%)         (45.38%)       (4.85%)        6.74%             7.18%(a)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA                   
Net assets, end of period (in              
  thousands)....................               $   2,671        $   4,804     $  59,809     $  63,121        $   53,187
Ratio to average net assets--              
  Expenses......................                    2.16%(a)(b)      1.32%(b)      1.34%(b)      1.36%(b)          1.38%(a)(b)(c)
  Net investment income.........                    5.45%(a)         4.68%         5.02%         6.59%             7.63%(a)(d)
Portfolio turnover rate.........                       5%               9%           30%            7%                4%
</TABLE>

- ------------------
(a) Annualized
 
(b) Ratio of expenses to average net assets excludes 1.00% (a), 1.09%, 0.76%,
    0.76% and 0.76%(a), respectively, of expenses of the Portfolio, which
    reduced dividends paid to Trust I.
 
(c) Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to expense waivers was
    1.46%(a).
 
(d) Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to expense
    waivers was 7.55%(a).
 
(e) Based upon average shares outstanding throughout the period.
 
(f) Calculated without the deduction of sales charges.
 
                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
 
- ------
 
    5
<PAGE>
            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST I-A
            STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
            APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
ASSETS:
  Investments in securities at value* (identified cost $16,614,488) (Notes 1 and 2A)...............  $   8,453,038
  Dividends receivable from Portfolio..............................................................         40,393
  Deferred organization expense (net of accumulated amortization of $43,132) (Note 2D).............          6,539
  Prepaid expenses.................................................................................          8,581
                                                                                                     -------------
         Total Assets..............................................................................      8,508,551
                                                                                                     -------------
LIABILITIES:
  Payable for capital stock redeemed...............................................................         60,791
  Accrued expenses.................................................................................        106,724
                                                                                                     -------------
         Total Liabilities.........................................................................        167,515
                                                                                                     -------------
NET ASSETS.........................................................................................  $   8,341,036
                                                                                                     -------------
                                                                                                     -------------
Net asset value per share ($8,341,036/2,714,264 shares) (Note 6)...................................  $        3.07
                                                                                                     -------------
                                                                                                     -------------
At April 30, 1996 the components of net assets were as follows:
  Paid-in capital..................................................................................  $  63,130,827
  Accumulated net realized loss on investments.....................................................    (46,485,299)
  Accumulated net investment deficit...............................................................       (143,042)
  Net unrealized depreciation of investments.......................................................     (8,161,450)
                                                                                                     -------------
      Net Assets...................................................................................  $   8,341,036
                                                                                                     -------------
                                                                                                     -------------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
* Investments of Astra Adjustable Rate Securities Trust I-A consist entirely of
  184,527 shares of Astra Institutional Adjustable Rate Securities Portfolio.
  Cost for Federal income tax purposes is $16,614,488. See Notes 1 and 2A.
 
            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
            SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
  INCOME:
    Dividends from Portfolio.......................................................................       $378,942
                                                                                                     -------------
EXPENSES:
    Distribution expenses (Note 4A)................................................................         54,270
    Shareholders servicing costs...................................................................         29,299
    Insurance expense..............................................................................          9,606
    Professional fees..............................................................................          7,227
    Administrative servicing costs (Note 5)........................................................          5,427
    Reports to shareholders........................................................................          4,552
    Registration fees..............................................................................          4,361
    Amortization of organization expense (Note 2D).................................................          4,185
    Trustees' fees.................................................................................          1,429
    Miscellaneous..................................................................................          1,044
                                                                                                     -------------
         Total expenses............................................................................        121,400
                                                                                                     -------------
           Net investment income...................................................................        257,542
                                                                                                     -------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:
    Net realized loss on investments...............................................................     (6,072,043)
    Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments...........................................      5,450,536
                                                                                                     -------------
         Net loss on investments...................................................................       (621,507)
                                                                                                     -------------
           Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations....................................      $(363,965)
                                                                                                     ============= 

</TABLE>
 
                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
 
- ------
 
    6

<PAGE>
            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST I-A
            STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                APRIL 30, 1996      YEAR ENDED
                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)     OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
<S>                                                                            <C>               <C>
OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income......................................................   $      257,542    $    1,644,712
  Net realized loss on investments...........................................       (6,072,043)      (37,656,821)
  Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments.......................        5,450,536         2,368,536
                                                                               ---------------   --------------- 
  Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations.......................         (363,965)      (33,643,573)
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
  Distributions from net investment income ($0.105 and $0.184 per share,
     respectively)...........................................................         (400,584)       (1,838,392)
  Distributions from paid-in capital ($0.163 per share)......................         --              (1,634,558)
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
  Net decrease in net assets derived from the net change in the number of
     outstanding shares (a)..................................................       (5,219,939)     (102,359,995)
                                                                               ---------------   ---------------
       Total decrease in net assets..........................................       (5,984,488)     (139,476,518)
Net assets at the beginning of the period....................................       14,325,524       153,802,042
                                                                               ---------------   ---------------
NET ASSETS at the end of the period (including accumulated net investment
  deficit of $143,042 and $0, respectively)..................................   $    8,341,036    $   14,325,524
                                                                               ===============   ===============
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                        SIX MONTHS ENDED                   YEAR ENDED
                                                   APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)           OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                  ----------------------------  --------------------------------
                                                     SHARES         VALUE           SHARES           VALUE
                                                  ------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------
<S>                                               <C>           <C>             <C>             <C>
Shares sold.....................................       --       $     --               286,384  $      1,691,969
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions
  to shareholders...............................        39,693         127,566         284,239         1,316,939
Shares repurchased..............................    (1,693,231)     (5,347,505)    (19,919,439)     (105,368,903)
                                                  ------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------
  Net decrease..................................    (1,653,538) $   (5,219,939)    (19,348,816) $   (102,359,995)
                                                  ============  ==============  ==============  ================
</TABLE>
 
                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
 
- ------
 
    7
<PAGE>
            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST I-A
            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
            FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                MAY 19, 1992
                                                                                              (COMMENCEMENT OF
                               SIX MONTHS ENDED               YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,            OPERATIONS) TO
                                APRIL 30, 1996       --------------------------------------        OCTOBER 31,
                                  (UNAUDITED)           1995           1994          1993             1992
                               -----------------     ---------      ----------    ----------    ------------------
<S>                            <C>                    <C>            <C>           <C>           <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
  PERFORMANCE
Net asset value, beginning of
  period.....................      $   3.280         $   6.490      $    7.240    $    7.260       $    7.290
                                   ---------         ---------      ----------    ----------       ----------
                                   
Income (loss) from investment
  operations--
  Net investment
    income...................          0.074 (e)         0.169 (e)       0.348         0.474            0.252
  Net realized and unrealized
    gain (loss) on
    investments..............         (0.179)(e)        (3.032)(e)      (0.694)        0.018           (0.004)
                                   ---------         ---------      ----------    ----------       ----------
    Total from investment
      operations.............         (0.105)           (2.863)         (0.346)        0.492            0.248
                                   ---------         ---------      ----------    ----------       ----------
Less distributions--
  Distributions from net
    investment income........          0.105             0.184           0.404         0.512            0.252
  Distributions from paid-in
    capital..................            --              0.163            --             --             0.026
                                   ---------         ---------      ----------    ----------       ----------
    Total distributions......          0.105             0.347           0.404         0.512            0.278
                                   ---------         ---------      ----------    ----------       ----------
Net asset value, end of
  period.....................      $   3.070         $   3.280      $    6.490    $    7.240       $    7.260
                                   =========         =========      ==========    ==========       ==========

    TOTAL RETURN (f).........          (3.27%)          (45.46%)         (5.05%)        7.01%            7.63%(a)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (in
  thousands).................      $   8,341         $  14,326      $  153,802     $  178,769      $   57,311
Ratio to average net assets--
  Expenses...................           2.24%(a)(b)       1.76%(b)        1.43%(b)       1.14%(b)(c)     1.18%(a)(b)
  Net investment
    income...................           4.75%(a)          3.51%           4.88%          6.40%           6.86%(a)(d)
Portfolio turnover rate......              4%                4%             23%             0%              0%
</TABLE>

- ------------------
(a) Annualized
 
(b) Ratio of expenses to average net assets excludes 1.00%(a), 1.09%, 0.76%,
    0.76% and 0.76%(a), respectively, of expenses of the Portfolio, which
    reduced dividends paid to Trust I-A.
 
(c) Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to expense waivers was 1.16%
    and 1.28%(a).
 
(d) Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to expense
    waivers was 6.38% and 6.76%(a), respectively.
 
(e) Based upon average shares outstanding throughout the period.
 
(f) Calculated without the deduction of sales charges.
 
                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
 
- ------
 
    8
<PAGE>
            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST II
            STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
            APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
ASSETS:
  Investments in securities at value* (identified cost $2,389,370) (Notes 1 and 2A)................  $   1,287,223
  Dividends receivable from Portfolio..............................................................          5,971
  Deferred organization expense (net of accumulated amortization of $66,989) (Note 2D).............          8,554
  Prepaid expenses.................................................................................          4,321
                                                                                                     -------------
      Total Assets.................................................................................      1,306,069
                                                                                                     -------------
LIABILITIES:
  Payable for capital stock redeemed...............................................................         47,818
  Accrued expenses.................................................................................         16,829
                                                                                                     -------------
      Total Liabilities............................................................................         64,647
                                                                                                     -------------
NET ASSETS.........................................................................................  $   1,241,422
                                                                                                     =============

COMPUTATION OF OFFERING PRICE:
  Net asset value per share ($1,241,422/397,092 shares)............................................  $        3.13
                                                                                                     =============
  Offering price per share (100/97 of $3.13)(a)....................................................  $        3.23
                                                                                                     =============

(a) On investments of $100,000 or more the offering price is reduced.
At April 30, 1996 the components of net assets were as follows:
  Paid-in capital..................................................................................     10,537,180
  Accumulated net realized loss on investments.....................................................     (8,145,206)
  Accumulated net investment deficit...............................................................        (48,405)
  Net unrealized depreciation of investments.......................................................     (1,102,147)
                                                                                                     -------------
      Net Assets...................................................................................  $   1,241,422
                                                                                                     =============
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
* Investments of Astra Adjustable Rate Securities Trust II consist entirely of
  28,100 shares of Astra Institutional Adjustable Rate Securities Portfolio.
  Cost for Federal income tax purposes is $2,389,370. See Notes 1 and 2A.
 
            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
            SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
  INCOME:
    Dividends from Portfolio.......................................................................  $     110,042
                                                                                                     -------------
  EXPENSES:
    Amortization of organization expense (Note 2D).................................................          7,354
    Shareholders servicing costs...................................................................          6,268
    Registration fees..............................................................................          4,779
    Distribution expenses (Note 4B)................................................................          4,052
    Professional fees..............................................................................          2,888
    Insurance expense..............................................................................          2,533
    Administrative servicing costs (Note 5)........................................................          1,621
    Reports to shareholders........................................................................          1,254
    Miscellaneous expense..........................................................................            882
    Trustees' fees.................................................................................            475
                                                                                                     -------------
      Total expenses...............................................................................         32,106
                                                                                                     -------------
         Net investment income.....................................................................         77,936
                                                                                                     -------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:
    Net realized loss on investments...............................................................     (3,064,707)
    Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments...........................................      2,879,345
                                                                                                     -------------
      Net loss on investments......................................................................       (185,362)
                                                                                                     -------------
         Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations......................................  $    (107,426)
                                                                                                     =============

</TABLE>
 
                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
 
- ------
 
    9
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST II
            STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
  --------------------------------
                                                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                APRIL 30, 1996      YEAR ENDED
                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)     OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
<S>                                                                            <C>               <C>
OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income......................................................   $       77,936    $      297,562
  Net realized loss on investments...........................................       (3,064,707)       (3,997,087)
  Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments.......................        2,879,345        (1,875,278)
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
  Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations.......................         (107,426)       (5,574,803)
 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
  Distributions from net investment income ($0.114 and $0.192 per share,
    respectively)............................................................         (126,341)         (347,695)
  Distributions from paid-in capital ($0.193 per share)......................         --                (348,497)
 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
  Net decrease in net assets derived from the net change in the number of
    outstanding shares (a)...................................................       (2,586,871)      (10,447,746)
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
      Total decrease in net assets...........................................       (2,820,638)      (16,718,741)
Net assets at the beginning of the period....................................        4,062,060        20,780,801
                                                                               ---------------   ---------------
NET ASSETS at the end of the period (including accumulated net investment
  deficit of $48,405 and $0, respectively)...................................   $    1,241,422    $    4,062,060
                                                                               ===============   ===============

</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         SIX MONTHS ENDED                YEAR ENDED
                                                    APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)        OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                    --------------------------  -----------------------------
                                                      SHARES        VALUE          SHARES          VALUE
                                                    ----------  --------------  ------------  ---------------
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>             <C>           <C>
Shares sold.......................................      --      $     --               9,197  $        54,958
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  distributions to shareholders...................      10,384          33,749        46,165          222,295
Shares repurchased................................    (828,820)     (2,620,620)   (1,980,374)     (10,724,999)
                                                    ----------  --------------  ------------  ---------------
  Net decrease....................................    (818,436) $   (2,586,871)   (1,925,012) $   (10,447,746)
                                                    ==========  ==============  ============  ===============

</TABLE>
 

                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
 ------
    10


<PAGE>
            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST II
            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
            FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
- ------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                     DECEMBER 2, 1991
                                                                                                     (COMMENCEMENT OF
                                   SIX MONTHS ENDED               YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,               OPERATIONS) TO
                                    APRIL 30, 1996         --------------------------------------         OCTOBER 31,
                                     (UNAUDITED)              1995           1994          1993              1992
                                  -----------------        ---------      ----------    ----------    ------------------
<S>                               <C>                      <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Net asset value, beginning of
  period.........................      $   3.340           $   6.620     $   7.320      $   7.300         $    7.350
                                       ---------           ---------     ---------      ---------         ----------
Income (loss) from investment
  operations--
    Net investment income........          0.082(e)            0.168 (e)     0.407          0.509              0.577
    Net realized and unrealized
      gain (loss) on
      investments................         (0.178)(e)          (3.063)(e)    (0.701)         0.017             (0.050)
                                       ---------           ---------     ---------      ---------         ----------
      Total from investment
         operations..............         (0.096)             (2.895)       (0.294)         0.526              0.527
                                       ---------           ---------     ---------      ---------         ----------
Less distributions--
  Distributions from net
    investment income............          0.114               0.192         0.405          0.504              0.577
  Distribution from realized
    gains on investments.........            --                  --          0.001          0.002                --
  Distributions from paid-in
    capital......................            --                0.193           --             --                 --
                                       ---------           ---------     ---------      ---------         ----------
    Total distributions..........          0.114               0.385         0.406          0.506              0.577
                                       ---------           ---------     ---------      ---------         ----------
Net asset value, end of
  period.........................      $   3.130           $   3.340     $   6.620      $   7.320         $    7.300
                                       =========           =========     =========      =========         ==========
TOTAL RETURN (f).................          (2.94%)            (45.20%)       (4.25%)         7.45%              8.14%(a)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (in
  thousands).....................      $   1,241           $   4,062     $  20,781      $  59,092         $   27,511
Ratio to average net assets--
  Expenses.......................           1.98%(a)(b)         1.03%(b)      0.59%(b)       0.63%(b)(c)        0.64%(a)(b)(c)
  Net investment income..........           4.81%(a)            3.46%         5.67%          6.90%              8.22%(a)(d)
Portfolio turnover rate..........              4%                  4%           64%            97%                63%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) Annualized
(b) Ratio of expenses to average net assets excludes 1.00%(a), 1.09%, 0.76%,
    0.76% and 0.76%(a), respectively, of expenses of the Portfolio, which
    reduced dividends paid to Trust II.
(c) Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to expense waivers was
    0.84%(a).
(d) Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to expense
    waivers was 8.02%(a).
(e) Based upon average shares outstanding throughout the period.
(f) Calculated without the deduction of sales charges.
 
                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
 
- ------
 
    11
<PAGE>
            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST IV
            STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
            APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
ASSETS:
  Investments in securities at value* (identified cost $5,407,525) (Notes 1 and 2A)................  $   2,803,065
  Dividends receivable from Portfolio..............................................................         13,166
  Deferred organization expense (net of accumulated amortization of $30,976) (Note 2D).............         20,891
  Prepaid expenses.................................................................................          4,075
                                                                                                     -------------
      Total Assets.................................................................................      2,841,197
                                                                                                     -------------
LIABILITIES:
  Accrued expenses.................................................................................         19,034
                                                                                                     -------------
NET ASSETS.........................................................................................  $   2,822,163
                                                                                                     -------------
                                                                                                     -------------
Net asset value per share ($2,822,163/901,840 shares) (Note 6).....................................  $        3.13
                                                                                                     -------------
                                                                                                     -------------
At April 30, 1996 the components of net assets were as follows:
  Paid-in capital..................................................................................  $  31,297,008
  Accumulated net realized loss on investments.....................................................    (25,824,372)
  Accumulated net investment deficit...............................................................        (46,013)
  Net unrealized depreciation of investments.......................................................     (2,604,460)
                                                                                                     -------------
      Net Assets...................................................................................  $   2,822,163
                                                                                                     =============
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
* Investments of Astra Adjustable Rate Securities Trust IV consist entirely of
  61,190 shares of Astra Institutional Adjustable Rate Securities Portfolio.
  Cost for Federal income tax purposes is $5,407,525. See Notes 1 and 2A.
 
            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
            SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
  INCOME:
    Dividends from Portfolio.......................................................................  $     119,612
                                                                                                     -------------
  EXPENSES:
    Distribution expenses (Note 4B)................................................................         10,241
    Shareholder servicing costs....................................................................          4,128
    Registration fees..............................................................................          3,687
    Amortization of organization expense (Note 2D).................................................          5,170
    Professional fees..............................................................................          3,015
    Insurance expense..............................................................................          3,263
    Administrative servicing costs (Note 5)........................................................          1,707
    Reports to shareholders........................................................................          1,010
    Miscellaneous..................................................................................            619
    Trustees' fees.................................................................................            352
                                                                                                     -------------
      Total expenses...............................................................................         33,192
                                                                                                     -------------
         Net investment income.....................................................................         86,420
                                                                                                     -------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:
    Net realized loss on investments...............................................................     (1,874,548)
    Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments...........................................      1,676,028
                                                                                                     -------------
      Net loss on investments......................................................................       (198,520)
                                                                                                     -------------
         Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations......................................  $    (112,100)
                                                                                                     =============

</TABLE>
 
                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
 
- ------
 
    12
<PAGE>



            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST IV
             STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
 --------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>


                                                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                APRIL 30, 1996      YEAR ENDED
                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)     OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
<S>                                                                           <C>                <C>
OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income......................................................   $       86,420    $      858,115
  Net realized loss on investments...........................................       (1,874,548)      (19,194,377)
  Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments.......................        1,676,028         3,619,765
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
  Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations.......................         (112,100)      (14,716,497)
 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
  Distributions from net investment income ($0.112 and $0.211 per share,
    respectively)............................................................         (132,433)         (877,272)
  Distributions from paid-in capital ($0.166 per share)......................         --                (686,694)
 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
  Net decrease in net assets derived from the net change in the number of
    outstanding shares (a)...................................................       (1,476,635)      (56,587,157)
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
      Total decrease in net assets...........................................       (1,721,168)      (72,867,620)
Net assets at the beginning of the period....................................        4,543,331        77,410,951
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
NET ASSETS at the end of the period (including accumulated net investment
  deficit of $46,013 and $0, respectively)...................................   $    2,822,163    $    4,543,331
                                                                               ================  ================

</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                        SIX MONTHS ENDED                   YEAR ENDED
                                                   APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)           OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                  ----------------------------  --------------------------------
                                                     SHARES         VALUE           SHARES           VALUE
                                                  ------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------
<S>                                               <C>           <C>             <C>             <C>
Shares sold.....................................       --       $     --               158,416  $        926,395
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions
  to shareholders...............................        18,623          61,107          98,614           463,587
Shares repurchased..............................      (477,610)     (1,537,742)    (10,481,720)      (57,977,139)
                                                  ------------  --------------  --------------  ----------------
  Net decrease..................................      (458,987) $   (1,476,635)    (10,224,690) $    (56,587,157)
                                                  ============  ==============  ==============  ================

</TABLE>
 

                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
 ------
    13

<PAGE>
            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST IV
            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
            FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
- ------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                    MAY 7, 1993
                                                                                                  (COMMENCEMENT OF
                                              SIX MONTHS ENDED       YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,        OPERATIONS) TO
                                                APRIL 30,1996       ------------------------         OCTOBER 31,
                                                 (UNAUDITED)           1995            1994                1993
                                                -------------       ---------       ---------       ----------------
<S>                                              <C>                <C>             <C>               <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Net asset value, beginning of period.........    $   3.340          $   6.680       $   7.400         $      7.350
                                                 ---------          ---------       ---------         ------------

Income (loss) from investment operations--
  Net investment income......................        0.080(e)           0.210 (e)        0.415                0.208
  Net realized and unrealized gain (loss) on
    investments..............................       (0.178)(e)         (3.173)(e)       (0.728)               0.050
                                                 ---------          ---------           (0.313)               0.258
                                                 ---------          ---------        ---------         ------------
Less distributions--
  Distributions from net investment
    income...................................        0.112              0.211            0.407                0.208
  Distributions from paid-in capital.........          --               0.166              --                  --
                                                 ---------          ---------        ---------         ------------
    Total distributions......................        0.112              0.377            0.407                0.208
                                                 ---------          ---------        ---------         ------------
Net asset value, end of period...............    $   3.130          $   3.340        $   6.680         $      7.400
                                                 =========          =========        =========         ============
TOTAL RETURN(f)..............................        (3.00%)           (45.78%)          (4.47%)               7.28%(a)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (in thousands).....    $   2,822          $   4,543        $  77,411         $    126,708
Ratio to average net assets--
  Expenses...................................         1.94%(a)(b)        1.37%(b)(c)      0.65%(b)(c)          0.50%(a)(b)(c)
  Net investment income......................         5.06%(a)           4.26%(d)         5.58%(d)             5.56%(a)(d)
Portfolio turnover rate......................            5%                 3%              70%                   0%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) Annualized
 
(b) Ratio of expenses to average net assets excludes 1.00%(a), 1.09%, 0.76% and
    0.76%(a), respectively, of expenses of the Portfolio, which reduced
    dividends paid to Trust IV.
 
(c) Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to expense waivers was 1.42%,
    0.86% and 0.75%(a), respectively.
 
(d) Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to expense
    waivers was 4.20%, 5.37% and 5.31%(a), respectively.
 
(e) Based upon average shares outstanding throughout the period.
 
(f) Calculated without the deduction of sales charges.
 
                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
 
- ------
 
    14
<PAGE>
            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST
            NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
            APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
NOTE 1--ORGANIZATION
 
Astra Strategic Investment Series (the 'Company') is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment
company. On September 15, 1994 the Company's shareholders approved a change in
the Company's Declaration of Trust to permit the creation of additional classes
of shares of each of the Trust's series. Currently, the Company has authorized
an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest without par value and at
April 30, 1996 had outstanding a single class of shares in eight series: Astra
Adjustable Rate Securities Trust I, I-A, II and IV (collectively, the 'Astra
Adjustable Rate Securities Trusts' or the 'Trusts'), Astra Adjustable U.S.
Government Securities Trust I, I-A, II and IV (collectively, the 'Astra
Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Trusts'), all of which are non-diversified
series. Effective March 1, 1995, the Trusts discontinued the public offering of
their shares.
 
The value of the Trusts' investment in shares of Astra Institutional Adjustable
Rate Securities Portfolio (the 'Portfolio'), a non-diversified series of Astra
Institutional Securities Trust ('AIST'), reflects their proportionate interest
in the net assets of the Portfolio. The financial statements of the Portfolio,
including the portfolio of investments, are included in this report and should
be read in conjunction with the financial statements of the Trusts.
 
NOTE 2--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  A. SECURITY VALUATION. The investment policy of the Trusts is to invest in
     shares of the Portfolio. Shares of the Portfolio held by the Trusts are
     valued at the net asset value then determined by the Portfolio. A valuation
     committee of the Board of Trustees of AIST is responsible for establishing
     security valuation policies, reviewing the valuation of portfolio
     securities, monitoring the level of illiquid securities and reviewing
     liquidity determinations for securities held by the Portfolio. AIST
     considers to be illiquid all securities which cannot be disposed of within
     seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount
     at which the Portfolio values the security. Additionally, interest rate
     swap contracts, interest-only and principal-only mortgage backed
     securities, and special hazard certificates are treated as illiquid
     securities in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission policy.
     Liquid securities are valued primarily using prices provided by independent
     pricing services which use prices provided by market-markers or estimates
     of market values obtained from yield and other data relating to instruments
     or securities with similar characteristics, and secondarily based upon
     market quotations and/or other available information. Securities for which
     reliable market information or pricing service quotes are not readily
     available, including illiquid securities, are valued at fair value as
     determined in good faith by, or under procedures established by, the Board
     of Trustees of AIST which procedures may include the delegation of certain
     responsibilities regarding valuation to Astra Management Corporation (the
     'Manager'). The Manager reports, as necessary, to the Trustees of AIST
     regarding portfolio valuation determinations.
 
     Short-term securities with less than sixty days remaining to maturity when
     acquired by the Portfolio are valued on an amortized cost basis by the
     Portfolio when the Trustees of AIST have determined that amortized cost is
     fair value.
- ------
 
   15
<PAGE>
 
  B. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES. The Trusts intend to comply with the requirements of
     the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and
     to distribute all of their taxable income to their shareholders. Therefore,
     no Federal income tax provision is required.
 
  C. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS, INCOME AND DISTRIBUTIONS. As is common in the
     industry, security transactions of the Portfolio and Trusts are accounted
     for on the trade date. Interest income on adjustable rate mortgage
     securities is recorded on the accrual basis at current interest rates.
     Dividends to shareholders of the Portfolio from net investment income are
     declared daily and reinvested monthly.
 
     Dividends to shareholders of the Trusts from net investment income are
     declared and paid or reinvested monthly. Discounts and premiums on
     Portfolio debt securities are amortized in accordance with the provisions
     of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
  D. DEFERRED ORGANIZATION EXPENSES. All of the expenses incurred in connection
     with the organization of the Trusts are being borne ratably by the Trusts
     and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of five years
     from the date of commencement of operations.
 
NOTE 3--INVESTMENTS
 
For the six months ended April 30, 1996, the cost of purchases and the proceeds
from sales of investments in the Portfolio were as follows:
 

                             PURCHASES       SALES
                            -----------  -------------
Trust I...................  $   184,675  $   2,111,386
Trust I-A.................      426,922      5,650,886
Trust II..................      113,013      2,712,160
Trust IV..................      167,483      1,804,405

 
At October 31, 1995 the Trusts had capital loss carryforwards for federal income
tax purposes as follows:
 

                           CAPITAL LOSS      EXPIRES
                           CARRYFORWARD    OCTOBER 31,
                          --------------  -------------
Trust I.................  $   15,256,000      2003
                          --------------
                          --------------
Trust I-A...............  $       54,000      2002
                              40,359,000      2003
                          --------------
                          $   40,413,000
                          --------------
                          --------------
Trust II................  $      665,000      2002
                               4,415,000      2003
                          --------------
                          $    5,080,000
                          --------------
                          --------------
Trust IV................  $    1,212,000      2002
                              22,738,000      2003
                          --------------
                          $   23,950,000
                          --------------
                          --------------

 
NOTE 4--DISTRIBUTION PLANS
 
  A. TRUST I AND TRUST I-A DISTRIBUTION PLANS. Trust I and Trust I-A have
     adopted distribution plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the
     'Distribution Plans'), whereby they will provide daily compensation to
     Astra Fund (formerly Pilgrim) Distributors Corp., the Trusts' principal
     underwriter (the 'Principal Underwriter') in the form of sales commissions
     equal to 4% of the amount received by Trust I for each share sold and 5% of
     the amount received by Trust I-A for each share sold (excluding
     reinvestment of dividends and distributions) plus an interest fee
     calculated by applying the rate of 1% over prime rate to the outstanding
     balance of Uncovered Distribution Charges. Daily compensation payments will
     be made monthly and are limited to an annual rate of 0.75% of each Trust's
     daily net assets. During the six months ended April 30, 1996, the Principal
     Underwriter earned daily compensation of $40,703 from Trust I-A. At April
     30, 1996, Uncovered Distribution Charges (cumulative sales commissions and
     interest fees reduced by cumulative daily compensation and contingent
     deferred sales
- ------
 
   16
<PAGE>

     charges paid to the Principal Underwriter) were $3,176,374
     for Trust I-A.
 
     On November 1, 1994, Trust I had no Uncovered Distribution Charges pursuant
     to the Distribution Plan and, accordingly, discontinued the accrual of
     daily compensation payments. The Distribution Plan also contains provisions
     which contractually obligate the Principal Underwriter to reimburse Trust
     I, to the extent it has collected contingent deferred sales charges from
     redeeming shareholders when there were no such Uncovered Distribution
     Charges, for Trust I's pro rata share of the Portfolio's investment
     management fee. This management fee is calculated at .65% of the
     Portfolio's average daily net assets. During the six months ended April 30,
     1996, such reimbursement amounted to $11,661 which is included in other
     income in the accompanying financial statements of Trust I.
 
     On August 5, 1994, the shareholders of Trust I and Trust I-A approved
     changes to their respective distribution plans to provide a method by which
     a proportionate amount of Uncovered Distribution Charges will be
     transferred from the Trusts upon exchanges to other mutual funds for which
     Astra Fund Distributors Corp. serves as Principal Underwriter and which
     have substantially the same contingent deferred sales charge structure and
     distribution plan.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission the
     daily compensation (sales commission) payments to the Principal Underwriter
     pursuant to the Distribution Plan must be reflected as operating expenses
     of Trust I and Trust I-A. For periods through December 31, 1994, these
     payments were treated as capital transactions and were not deductible for
     Federal income tax purposes.
 
     The Distribution Plans also provide for monthly payments to the Principal
     Underwriter of a trail or maintenance fee in an amount equal to an annual
     rate of 0.25% of the daily net assets of Trust I and Trust I-A. During the
     six months ended April 30, 1996, the Principal Underwriter earned
     maintenance fees of $4,485 from Trust I and $13,567 from Trust I-A.
 
  B. TRUST II AND TRUST IV DISTRIBUTION PLANS. Trust II and Trust IV have
     adopted distribution plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the
     'Distribution Plans'), whereby Trust II may pay up to a maximum annual rate
     of 0.25% of its average daily net assets and Trust IV may pay up to a
     maximum annual rate of 0.60% of its average daily net assets to the
     Principal Underwriter as reimbursement for expenses incurred in the
     distribution of the shares of Trust II and Trust IV. Pursuant to the
     Distribution Plans, the Principal Underwriter is entitled to reimbursement
     each month (up to a maximum of 0.25% of Trust II's daily net assets and
     0.60% of Trust IV's daily net assets) for its actual expenses incurred in
     the distribution and promotion of Trust II's and Trust IV's shares,
     including the printing of prospectuses used for sales purposes,
     advertisements, expenses of preparation and printing of sales literature,
     and other distribution related expenses, including any distribution or
     service fees paid to security dealers and others who have executed a
     distribution or service agreement with the Principal Underwriter. The
     Distribution Plans provide that the Principal Underwriter may include as
     distribution expenses a portion of its overhead expenses directly
     attributable to the distribution of Trust II's and Trust IV's shares,
     including personnel and out-of-pocket costs. The Distribution Plans permit
     the Principal Underwriter to carryforward for a maximum of three years
     (without carrying charges) distribution expenses covered by the
     Distribution Plans for which it has not yet received reimbursement. At
     April 30, 1996, the Principal Underwriter had incurred $1,127,632 of
     distribution expenses in excess of amounts currently reimbursable by

- ------
 
   17
<PAGE>


     Trust II and $1,471,168 of distribution expenses in excess of amounts
     currently reimbursable by Trust IV. During the six months ended April 30,
     1996, the Principal Underwriter received distribution expense
     reimbursements of $4,052 from Trust II and $10,241 from Trust IV.
     Distribution expenses incurred by the Principal Underwriter included $406
     and $432 for the salaries and related costs of certain of its employees
     involved in the sales of Trust II's and Trust IV's shares, respectively.
 
NOTE 5--INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
 
The Trusts invest substantially all of their assets in the Portfolio, which has
the same investment objective as each of the Trusts. The Trustees of AIST
establish the Portfolio's investment policies and supervise and review the
operations and management of the Portfolio. For furnishing the Portfolio with
investment advice and investment management and administrative services with
respect to the Portfolio's assets, including making specific recommendations as
to the purchase and the sale of portfolio securities, furnishing requisite
office space and personnel, and in general supervising and managing the
Portfolio's investments subject to the ultimate supervision and direction of
AIST's Trustees, the Manager is paid monthly a fee equal to 0.65% per annum of
the first $500 million of average daily net assets of the Portfolio. The annual
rate is reduced to 0.60% on net assets from $500 million to $1 billion and to
0.55% on net assets over $1 billion. The management fees paid by the Portfolio
to the Manager are expenses of the Portfolio and reduce the net investment
income available for distribution by the Portfolio to the Trusts. The Manager
has agreed to reimburse the Portfolio and Trusts to the extent required so that
the aggregate expenses do not exceed the expense limitations applicable under
the securities laws or regulations of those states or jurisdictions in which the
Trusts' shares are registered or qualified for sale. Currently, the most
restrictive of such expense limitations would require the Manager to reimburse
the Portfolio and Trusts to the extent required so that the Portfolio's and
Trusts expenses, as described above, for any fiscal year do not exceed 2.50% of
the first $30 million of average net assets, 2.00% of the next $70 million of
average net assets and 1.50% of the remaining average net assets. The amount of
any such required reimbursement, however, is limited to the management fees paid
by the Portfolio to the Manager. Expenses for purposes of these expense
limitations include the management fee, but exclude distribution expenses,
brokerage commissions and fees, taxes, interest and extraordinary expenses such
as litigation paid or incurred by the Trusts or the Portfolio.
 
The Trusts have retained Atlas Holdings Group Inc. (The 'Administrator') to
provide administration for the Trusts pursuant to an administration agreement.
These administrative services include supervising the preparation and filing of
all documents required for compliance by the Trusts with applicable laws and
regulations, supervising the maintenance of books and records and other general
and administrative responsibilities. For providing these services the
Administrator receives a fee equal to 0.10% of each Trust's average daily net
assets.
 
Certain officers and trustees of the Company are also officers and/or
directors/trustees of AIST, the Administrator, the Manager, and the Principal
Underwriter.
 
NOTE 6--EARLY WITHDRAWAL CHARGES
 
Shares of Trust I, Trust I-A and Trust IV which are redeemed may be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge. The contingent deferred sales charge is not
imposed on shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions or on the appreciation of the value of shares acquired over their
purchase price. Redemption proceeds are applied first against shares not subject
to the contingent deferred sales charge for purposes of calculating such charge.
The contingent deferred sales charges are paid by the redeeming shareholder to
the Principal Underwriter at the time of redemption. The contingent deferred
sales charges for Trust I and Trust I-A are imposed at the rate of 4% for
redemptions in the first year after 
 
- ------
 
   18
<PAGE>

purchase, declining to 3%, 2%, and 1% in the second, third and fourth years,
respectively. The contingent deferred sales charges for Trust IV are imposed at
the rate of 0.25% of redemptions within 3 months of the date of purchase. During
the six months ended April 30, 1996, the Principal Underwriter received
contingent deferred sales charges of $81,822 from redemptions of Trust I-A
shares, and $-0- from redemptions of Trust IV shares.
 
NOTE 7--LEGAL MATTERS
 
Between December 1994 and July 1995, various complaints have been filed by
certain shareholders of the Astra Adjustable Rate Securities Trusts and the
Astra Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Trusts (collectively, the 'Astra
Trusts') in the United States District Court for the Central District of
California and in the Superior Court for the State of California against the
Company and certain of its officers and trustees, AIST and certain of its
officers and trustees, Astra Management Corporation, Astra Fund Distributors
Corporation, and, Atlas Holdings Group Inc. and its principal stockholder and
certain of its employees. These complaints have been consolidated in the United
States District Court for the Central District of California in the matter
referred to as 'In re Pilgrim Securities Litigation.'
 
The complaints allege violations of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940 relating principally to disclosure concerning
pricing and liquidity of portfolio securities held by the Portfolios of AIST.
The complaints seek relief measured by the consideration each shareholder paid
for shares of the Astra Trusts and interest thereon, less the amount of income
received thereon, or in the event the shareholder no longer owns such shares,
for damages, plus interest. Management of the Company believes the complaints
are without merit and intends, and has been advised that each of the other
defendants intends, to vigorously defend these actions. The ultimate outcome of
these matters, however, cannot presently be determined and accordingly the Astra
Trusts have made no provision for any losses which may result from settlement of
these complaints.
 
- ------
 
   19
<PAGE>
            ASTRA INSTITUTIONAL ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
            PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS AS OF APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                MARKET
 PRINCIPAL                                                             INTEREST                  VALUE
   AMOUNT                                                                RATE*    MATURITY     (NOTE 2A)
- ------------                                                           ---------  ---------  -------------
<S>           <C>                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>
              ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE SECURITIES: 84.6%
              U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY SECURITIES: 84.6%
$    970,509  Federal Home Loan Mtge. Corp., Pool 845249.............     8.031%   11/01/22  $     991,744
     943,713  Federal National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 124666.............     7.711%   01/01/23        965,536
   1,020,694  Federal National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 124862.............     7.353%   05/01/23      1,044,935
   1,034,390  Federal National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 124870.............     7.376%   05/01/23      1,055,078
   1,389,576  Federal National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 264864.............     7.494%   01/01/24      1,423,447
   1,890,186  Government National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 8443............     6.500%   06/20/24      1,912,632
   2,982,284  Government National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 8770............     6.500%   12/20/25      3,006,530
   2,495,859  Government National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 8793............     7.000%   01/20/26      2,539,536
                                                                                             -------------
              Total U.S. Government Agency Securities................                           12,939,438
                                                                                             -------------
              SUBORDINATED RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SECURITIES: 0.0%
   1,553,330(R) Coast Federal Bank 1991-2, Class B-1...................   1.022%   11/25/21          1,549
     612,666(R) Paine Webber Mortgage Acceptance Corp. 1991-1, Class
                B....................................................     0.854%   02/21/21            841
                                                                                             -------------
              Total Subordinated Residential Mortgage Securities.....                                2,390
                                                                                             -------------
              Total Adjustable Rate Mortgage Securities (Cost
                    $14,918,578).....................................                           12,941,828
                                                                                             -------------
              SHORT-TERM SECURITIES: 31.2%
              U.S. GOVERNMENT & AGENCY OBLIGATIONS: 31.2%
     500,000  U.S. Treasury Note.....................................     5.250%   12/31/97        494,400
   4,290,000  Federal Home Loan Mtge. Corp. Discount Note............     5.300%   05/01/96      4,290,000
                                                                                             -------------
              Total Short-Term Securities (Cost $4,790,138)..........                            4,784,400
                                                                                             -------------
              Total Investments In Securities (Cost $19,708,716).....                115.8%     17,726,228
              Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets--Net.............                (15.8%)    (2,423,135)
                                                                                  ---------  -------------
              Total Net Assets.......................................                100.0%  $  15,303,093
                                                                                  =========  =============
                                                                                  
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(R) Restricted securities (See Note 3).
*   Rates shown are as of April 30, 1996. Interest rates on adjustable rate
    mortgage securities reset periodically.
**  Cost for Federal income tax purposes is $19,708,716 and net unrealized
    depreciation consists of:
 
<TABLE>
<S>              <C>                                                                     <C>
                 Gross Unrealized Appreciation.........................................  $       1,370
                 Gross Unrealized Depreciation.........................................     (1,983,858)
                                                                                         -------------
                 Net Unrealized Depreciation...........................................  $  (1,982,488)
                                                                                         =============
                                                                                         
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements
 
- ------
 
   20
<PAGE>

            ASTRA INSTITUTIONAL ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
            STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
            APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                 <C>
ASSETS:
  Investments in securities at value (identified cost $19,708,716) (Note 2A)......................  $   17,726,228
  Cash............................................................................................           3,379
  Receivables:
    Interest......................................................................................         125,735
    Principal repayments..........................................................................          69,728
    Securities sold...............................................................................       2,045,939
  Deferred organization expense (net of accumulated amortization of $41,782) (Note 2E)............           4,948
                                                                                                    --------------
    Total Assets..................................................................................      19,975,957
                                                                                                    --------------
LIABILITIES:
  Payable for securities purchased................................................................       4,468,156
  Distribution payable to Trusts..................................................................          72,860
  Accrued expenses................................................................................         131,848
                                                                                                    --------------
    Total Liabilities.............................................................................       4,672,864
                                                                                                    --------------
NET ASSETS........................................................................................  $   15,303,093
                                                                                                    ==============
Net asset value per share ($15,303,093/334,061 shares)............................................  $        45.81
                                                                                                    ==============
                                                                                                    
At April 30, 1996 the components of net assets were as follows:
  Paid-in capital.................................................................................  $  130,691,217
  Accumulated net realized loss on investments....................................................    (113,435,534)
  Undistributed net investment income.............................................................          29,898
  Net unrealized depreciation of investments......................................................      (1,982,488)
                                                                                                    --------------
    Net Assets....................................................................................  $   15,303,093
                                                                                                    ==============
                                                                                                    
</TABLE>
 
            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
            SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
  INCOME:
    Interest.......................................................................................  $     872,889
                                                                                                     -------------
  EXPENSES:
    Investment management fee (Note 4).............................................................         69,316
    Recordkeeping fees.............................................................................         18,225
    Custody fees...................................................................................          7,795
    Professional fees..............................................................................          5,139
    Amortization of organization expense (Note 2E).................................................          4,601
    Miscellaneous..................................................................................          1,195
                                                                                                     -------------
      Total expenses...............................................................................        106,271
                                                                                                     -------------
         Net investment income.....................................................................        766,618
                                                                                                     -------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:
    Net realized loss on investments...............................................................    (12,456,897)
    Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments...........................................     11,216,958
                                                                                                     -------------
      Net loss on investments......................................................................     (1,239,939)
                                                                                                     -------------
         Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations......................................  $    (473,321)
                                                                                                     =============
                                                                                                     
</TABLE>
 
                        See Notes to Financial Statements
 
- ------
 
    21

<PAGE>

            ASTRA INSTITUTIONAL ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
            STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                APRIL 30, 1996      YEAR ENDED
                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)     OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
<S>                                                                             <C>               <C>    
OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income......................................................   $      766,618    $    8,581,527
  Net realized loss on investments...........................................      (12,456,897)      (85,991,915)
  Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments.......................       11,216,958        11,674,390
                                                                                --------------    --------------
  Net decrease in net assets resulting from operations.......................         (473,321)      (65,735,998)
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
  Distributions from net investment income ($1.542 and $2.545 per share,
     respectively)...........................................................         (736,720)       (4,981,182)
  Distributions from paid-in capital ($0.316 per share)......................         --                (619,391)
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
  Net decrease in net assets derived from the net change in the number of
     outstanding shares (a)..................................................      (11,653,765)     (234,382,963)
                                                                                --------------    --------------
       Total decrease in net assets..........................................      (12,863,806)     (305,719,534)
Net assets at the beginning of the period....................................       28,166,899       333,886,433
                                                                                --------------    --------------
NET ASSETS at the end of the period..........................................   $   15,303,093    $   28,166,899
                                                                                ==============    ==============
                                                                                
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         SIX MONTHS ENDED                  YEAR ENDED
                                                     APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)          OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                    ---------------------------  ------------------------------
                                                      SHARES         VALUE          SHARES          VALUE
                                                    ----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>              <C>           <C>             
Shares sold.......................................       6,121  $       288,787        25,199  $      2,037,744
Shares issued in payment of distributions to
  shareholders....................................      14,100          661,738        48,815         3,084,153
Shares repurchased................................    (270,180)     (12,604,290)   (3,211,688)     (239,504,860)
                                                    ----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------
  Net decrease....................................    (249,959) $   (11,653,765)   (3,137,674) $   (234,382,963)
                                                    ==========  ===============  ============  ================
                                                   
</TABLE>
 
                        See Notes to Financial Statements
 
- ------
 
    22

<PAGE>

            ASTRA INSTITUTIONAL ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
            FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                   NOVEMBER 22, 1991
                                                                                    (COMMENCEMENT OF
                              SIX MONTHS ENDED       YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,          OPERATIONS) TO
                               APRIL 30, 1996   ---------------------------------     OCTOBER 31,
                                (UNAUDITED)       1995        1994        1993            1992
                              ----------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------------
<S>                              <C>            <C>        <C>         <C>             <C>  
PER SHARE OPERATING
  PERFORMANCE
Net asset value, beginning
  of period.................     $   48.230     $  89.710  $   99.040  $   99.050      $  100.000
                              ----------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------------
Income (loss) from
  investment operations--
  Net investment
    income..................          1.684(d)      6.049(d)    6.460       7.804           8.606
  Net realized and
    unrealized loss on
    investments.............         (2.562)(d)   (44.668)(d)  (9.750)     (0.004)         (0.950)
                              ----------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------------
    Total from investment
      operations............         (0.878)      (38.619)     (3.290)      7.800           7.656
                              ----------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------------
Less distributions--
  Distributions from net
    investment income.......          1.542         2.545       6.040       7.810           8.606
  Distributions from paid-in
    capital.................            --          0.316         --          --              --
                              ----------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------------
    Total distributions.....          1.542         2.861       6.040       7.810           8.606
                              ----------------  ---------  ----------  ----------  ------------------
  Net asset value, end of
    period..................     $   45.810     $  48.230  $   89.710  $   99.040      $   99.050
                              ================  =========  ==========  ==========  ==================
                             
TOTAL RETURN................          (1.88%)      (44.04%)     (3.56%)      8.14%           8.51%(a)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period
  (in thousands)............     $   15,303     $  28,167  $  333,886  $  455,802      $  156,682
Ratio to average net
  assets--
  Expenses..................           1.00%(a)      1.09%       0.76%       0.76%           0.76%(a)(b)
  Net investment income.....           7.19%(a)      8.87%       6.55%       7.61%           9.14%(a)(c)
Portfolio turnover rate.....            174%           45%         61%        107%            254%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) Annualized
 
(b) Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to expense waivers was
    0.79%(a).
 
(c) Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to expense
    waivers was 9.11%(a).
 
(d) Based upon average shares outstanding throughout the period.
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements
 
- ------
 
    23

<PAGE>

            ASTRA INSTITUTIONAL ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
            NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
            APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
NOTE 1--ORGANIZATION
 
Astra Institutional Securities Trust (the 'Company') is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment
company. The Company was organized as a Massachusetts Business Trust on
September 4, 1991 with an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest
without par value. The Company offers shares in two non-diversified series,
Astra Institutional Adjustable Rate Securities Portfolio (the 'Portfolio') and
Astra Institutional Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Portfolio. The
Portfolio is structured to serve as the investment vehicle for four affiliated
open-end management investment companies: Astra Adjustable Rate Securities Trust
I, I-A, II and IV (collectively, the 'Trusts'). The Trusts invest substantially
all of their net assets in the Portfolio, which has the same investment
objectives as that of the Trusts.
 
NOTE 2--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  A. SECURITY VALUATION. A valuation committee of the Board of Trustees is
     responsible for establishing security valuation policies, reviewing the
     valuation of portfolio securities, monitoring the level of illiquid
     securities and reviewing liquidity determinations. The Company considers to
     be illiquid all securities which cannot be disposed of within seven days in
     the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount at which the
     Portfolio values the security. Additionally, interest rate swap contracts,
     interest-only and principal-only mortgage backed securities, and special
     hazard certificates are treated as illiquid securities in accordance with
     Securities and Exchange Commission policy. Liquid securities are valued
     primarily using prices provided by independent pricing services which use
     prices provided by market-makers or estimates of market values obtained
     from yield and other data relating to instruments or securities with
     similar characteristics, and secondarily based upon market quotation and/or
     other available information. Securities for which reliable market
     information or pricing service quotes are not readily available, including
     illiquid securities, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith
     by, or under procedures established by, the Board of Trustees, which
     procedures may include the delegation of certain responsibilities regarding
     valuation to Astra Management Corporation (the 'Manager'). The Manager
     reports, as necessary, to the Trustees of the Company regarding portfolio
     valuation determinations. Short-term securities with less than sixty days
     remaining to maturity when acquired by the Portfolio are valued on an
     amortized cost basis by the Portfolio when the Board of Trustees has
     determined that amortized cost is fair value.
 
  B. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES. The Portfolio intends to comply with the requirements
     of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies
     and to distribute all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore,
     no Federal income tax provision is required.
 
  C. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS, INCOME AND DISTRIBUTIONS. As is common in the
     industry, security transactions are accounted for on the trade date.
     Interest income on adjustable rate mortgage securities is recorded on the
     accrual basis at current interest rates. Dividends to shareholders from net
     investment income are declared daily and paid or reinvested monthly.
     Discounts and premiums on debt securities are amortized in accordance with
     the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
 
- ------
 
   24

<PAGE>

  D. INTEREST RATE SWAP CONTRACTS. The Portfolio may enter into interest rate
     swap contracts as a hedging technique. Interest rate swap contracts are
     marked-to-market daily using market quotations or independent pricing
     services. The change in market value is recorded by the Portfolio as an
     unrealized gain or loss. Interest income (expense) is accrued daily on the
     contract's notional amount and applicable interest rates.
 
     Interest rate swap contracts may expose the Portfolio to risks resulting
     from unanticipated movements in interest rates or the failure of the
     counterparty to the agreement to perform in accordance with the terms of
     the contract.
 
  E. DEFERRED ORGANIZATION EXPENSES. All of the Portfolio's expenses in
     connection with its organization are being borne by the Portfolio and are
     amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of five years.
 
NOTE 3--INVESTMENTS
 
For the six months ended April 30, 1996, the cost of purchases and the proceeds
from sales of investments and principal repayments, excluding short-term
securities, aggregated $34,332,728 and $42,722,845, respectively.
 
At October 31, 1995, the Portfolio had a capital loss carryforward for Federal
income tax purposes of $100,979,000 of which $221,000 expires in 2000,
$3,271,000 in 2001, $15,105,000 in 2002 and $82,382,000 in 2003.
 
NOTE 4--INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEE AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
 
The Manager provides the Portfolio with investment management and administrative
services under an Investment Management Agreement. The Manager furnishes all
investment advice, office space and salaries of personnel needed by the
Portfolio, except those involved with record-keeping, daily net asset value
calculations, placing orders for the execution of portfolio transactions,
shareholder servicing, and maintaining registration of shares under state
securities laws. As compensation for its services, the Manager is paid monthly a
fee which is equal to the annual rate of 0.65% of the first $500 million of
average daily net assets, 0.60% on net assets from $500 million to $1 billion
and 0.55% on net assets over $1 billion.
 
The Manager has agreed to reimburse the Portfolio and Trusts to the extent
required so that the aggregate expenses do not exceed the expense limitations
applicable to the Portfolio and Trust under the securities laws or regulations
of those states or jurisdictions in which the Trusts' shares are registered or
qualified for sale. Currently, the most restrictive of such expense limitations
would require the Manager to reimburse the Portfolio and Trusts to the extent
required so that the Portfolio's and Trusts' expenses, as described above, for
any fiscal year do not exceed 2 1/2% of the first $30 million of average daily
net assets, 2% of the next 70 million of average net assets and 1 1/2% of the
remaining average net assets. The amount of any such required reimbursement is
limited to the management fees paid by the Portfolio to the Manager. Expenses
for purposes of this expense limitation include the management fee, but exclude
distribution expenses, brokerage commissions and fees, taxes, interest and
extraordinary expenses such as litigation, paid or incurred by the Portfolio or
Trusts.
 
Certain officers and trustees of the Company are also officers and/or
trustees/directors of the Trusts and the Manager.
 
NOTE 5--LEGAL MATTERS
 
Between December 1994 and May 1995, various complaints have been filed by
certain shareholders of Astra Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Trusts I,
I-A, II, III, and IV and Astra Adjustable Rate Securities Trusts I, I-A, II,
III, and IV (collectively, the 'Astra Trusts') in the United States District
Court for the Central District of California and in the Superior Court for the
State of California against the Company and certain of its officers and
trustees, the Astra Trusts and certain of their officers and trustees, Astra
Management Corporation, Astra Fund Distributors 

- ------
 
   25

<PAGE>


Corporation, and Atlas Holding Group Inc. and its principal stockholder and
certain of its employees. These complaints have been consolidated in the United
States District Court for the Central District of California in the matter
referred to as 'In re Pilgrim Securities Litigation.'
 
The complaints allege violations of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940 relating principally to disclosure concerning
pricing and liquidity of portfolio securities held by the two Portfolios of the
Company. The complaints seek relief measured by the consideration each
shareholder paid for shares of the Astra Trusts with interest thereon, less the
amount of income received thereon, or in the event the shareholder no longer
owns such shares, for damages, plus interest. Management of the Company believes
the complaints are without merit and intends, and has been advised that each of
the other defendants intends, to vigorously defend these actions. The ultimate
outcome of these matters, however, cannot presently be determined and
accordingly the Portfolios have made no provision for any losses which may
result from settlement of these complaints.
 
- ------
 
   26

<PAGE>

            ASTRA GROUP
            FAMILY OF FUNDS
- ------------------------------
 
            ADJUSTABLE-INCOME FUNDS
- ------------------------------
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST I
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST I-A
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST II
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST IV
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST I
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST I-A
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST II
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST IV

 
            FIXED-INCOME FUNDS
- ------------------------------
 
ASTRA ALL-AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
 
ASTRA SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET INCOME FUND I
 
ASTRA SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET INCOME FUND II
 
- ------------------
Prospectuses containing more complete information about the Funds, including
charges and expenses, may be obtained from Astra Fund Distributors Corp. Read
the Prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.
 
- ------
 
    27



<PAGE>

- -------------------------------
750 B Street
Suite 2350
San Diego, CA 92101
- -------------------------------

ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S.
RATE SECURITIES TRUSTS
I, I-A, II, IV

Investment Manager
Astra Management Corp.
750 B Street
Suite 2350
San Diego, CA 92101
1-619-238-7100

Principal Underwriter
Astra Fund Distributors Corp.
750 B Street
Suite 2350
San Diego, CA 92101
1-800-219-1080

Shareholder Servicing Agent
DST Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 419174
Kansas City, Missouri 64141
1-800-441-7267

Transfer Agent
Investors Fiduciary Trust Company
c/o DST Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 419174
Kansas City, Missouri 64141


This report is submitted for the general information of the
shareholders of the Trusts. It is not authorized for distribution
to prospective investors in the Trusts unless preceded or
accompanied by an effective prospectus which includes details 
regarding the Trusts' objectives, policies, sales commissions and 
other information.

AARST 696 3        AST 606113



ASTRA
ARM
FUNDS

SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
APRIL 30, 1996

ASTRA ADJUSTABLE
RATE SECURITIES TRUSTS
I, I-A, II, IV


[LOGO]
ASTRA



<PAGE>


                                 [ ASTRA LOGO ]

     ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUSTS SEMI-ANNUAL REPORT
 
                                                                  June 20, 1996
 
Dear Shareholder:
 
The Trusts' performance during the past six months was heavily influenced by
real and expected changes in U.S. interest rates, mortgage prepayments, and
mortgage defaults. The Trusts' fiscal year began in the midst of the U.S.
Federal Reserve's attempt to stimulate economic growth through decreases in the
Fed Funds rate. As a result, both short-term and long-term interest rates
dropped. However, beginning in late December 1995, long-term interest rates
began to rise as investors' perception of future economic growth increased in
conjunction with concerns of rising inflation brought about by an increase in
the price of gold as well as other commodities. During the six months ended
April 30, 1996, the U.S. two year treasury yield increased from 5.61% to 5.98%,
an increase of 37 basis points, while the U.S. thirty year treasury yield
increased from 6.33% to 6.84%, an increase of 51 basis points. Additionally,
during the last month of 1995, the Trusts were somewhat hampered by credit and
default risk on the balance of single-family, subordinated mortgage securities
in the portfolio primarily backed by Southern California real estate.
 
The Astra family of funds continues its recovery from a turbulent two year
period which saw its funds impacted by unforeseen events such as rapid changes
in U.S. interest rates, a prolonged recession of the California economy, and the
devaluation of the Mexican Peso. Since late 1995, we have attempted to improve
the performance of all Astra funds by focusing on a core holding of securities
which management believes offer less price volatility while still providing
relatively attractive returns. Over the last six months, the Adjustable U.S.
Government Securities Trusts have improved their performance relative to the
past two years. The Trust has improved its NAV stability by investing in
higher-quality agency issues. As previously mentioned in past correspondence,
the Investment Committee ('the Committee'), led by new members, completed an
exhaustive review of all subordinated mortgage securities held in the portfolio.
Upon identifying those particular securities which the Committee believed might
cause additional credit and/or default problems in the future, the Committee
implemented a liquidation process designed to maximize retention of shareholder
value. At this point, the majority of subordinated mortgage securities held by
the Trusts are multi-family mortgages located in New York and New Jersey. The
liquidation process was completed in December 1995.
 
Currently, the Committee plans to take advantage of the relatively stable price
performance of annually resetting adjustable-rate Agency mortgages. However, as
the Trusts have experienced an increase in the rate of redemptions, a portion of
its assets will be invested in short-term U.S. government securities which has
the effect of reducing yield.
 
On behalf of Astra, we want to thank you for giving us the opportunity to help
you achieve your financial goals and objectives.
 
Sincerely,
 
Astra Management Corporation
- ------------------
 
Astra Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Trusts invest all investable assets
in the Astra Institutional Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Portfolio. The
Portfolio seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing at least 65% of
its assets in adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) securities which are issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities ('U.S.
Government Mortgage Securities'). The Portfolio invests the remainder of its
assets generally in mortgage securities that are issued or sponsored by
commercial banks, savings and loan associations, mortgage bankers or other
financial institutions, that have no government guarantee and that are senior or
subordinated to other mortgage securities arising out of the same pool of
mortgages ('Multi-Class Residential Mortgage Securities'). The portion of assets
invested in Subordinated Residential Mortgage Securities may entail greater risk
than the portion invested in senior Mortgage Securities or U.S. Government
Mortgage Securities.
 
PERFORMANCE DATA REPRESENTS PAST PERFORMANCE. INVESTMENT RETURN AND THE
PRINCIPAL VALUE OF AN INVESTMENT IN THE TRUST WILL FLUCTUATE. SHARES, WHEN
REDEEMED, MAY BE WORTH MORE OR LESS THAN THEIR ORIGINAL COST.
<PAGE>
            TABLE OF CONTENTS
- ------------------------------
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST I
  Statement of Assets and Liabilities...................................     3
  Statement of Operations...............................................     3
  Statement of Changes in Net Assets....................................     4
  Financial Highlights..................................................     5
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST I-A
  Statement of Assets and Liabilities...................................     6
  Statement of Operations...............................................     6
  Statement of Changes in Net Assets....................................     7
  Financial Highlights..................................................     8
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST II
  Statement of Assets and Liabilities...................................     9
  Statement of Operations...............................................     9
  Statement of Changes in Net Assets....................................    10
  Financial Highlights..................................................    11
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST IV
  Statement of Assets and Liabilities...................................    12
  Statement of Operations...............................................    12
  Statement of Changes in Net Assets....................................    13
  Financial Highlights..................................................    14
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUSTS
  Notes to Financial Statements.........................................    15
 
ASTRA INSTITUTIONAL ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
  Portfolio of Investments..............................................    20
  Statement of Assets and Liabilities...................................    21
  Statement of Operations...............................................    21
  Statement of Changes in Net Assets....................................    22
  Financial Highlights..................................................    23
  Notes to Financial Statements.........................................    24
 
- ------
    2

<PAGE>

            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST I
            STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
            APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- --------------------------------
<TABLE>
ASSETS:
<S>                                                                                                <C>
  Investments in securities at value* (identified cost $79,829,915) (Notes 1, 2A and 3)...........  $ 64,984,128
  Dividends receivable from Portfolio.............................................................       399,260
  Prepaid expenses................................................................................        46,392
  Other assets....................................................................................        46,082
                                                                                                    ------------
      Total Assets................................................................................    65,475,862
                                                                                                    ------------
LIABILITIES:
  Payable for capital stock redeemed..............................................................       429,601
  Accrued expenses................................................................................       209,771
                                                                                                    ------------
      Total Liabilities...........................................................................       639,372
                                                                                                    ------------
NET ASSETS........................................................................................  $ 64,836,490
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                    ------------
Net asset value per share ($64,836,490/11,857,346 shares) (Note 6)................................  $       5.47
                                                                                                    ============
At April 30, 1996 the components of net assets were as follows:
  Paid-in capital.................................................................................  $145,050,943
  Accumulated net realized loss on investments....................................................   (65,195,539)
  Accumulated net investment deficit..............................................................      (173,127)
  Net unrealized depreciation of investments......................................................   (14,845,787)
                                                                                                    ------------
      Net Assets..................................................................................  $ 64,836,490
                                                                                                    ============
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
* Investments of Astra Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Trust I consist
  entirely of 843,502 shares of Astra Institutional Adjustable Rate Securities
  Portfolio. Cost for Federal income tax purposes is $79,829,915. See Notes 1
  and 2A.

 
            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
            SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>

INVESTMENT INCOME:
<S>                                                                                                <C>
  INCOME:
    Dividends from Portfolio......................................................................  $    2,712,420
                                                                                                    --------------
  EXPENSES:
    Distribution expenses (Note 4A)...............................................................         395,774
    Shareholder servicing costs...................................................................         161,000
    Insurance expense.............................................................................          47,780
    Administrative servicing costs (Note 5).......................................................          39,577
    Professional fees.............................................................................          38,587
    Amortization of organization expense (Note 2D)................................................          17,099
    Reports to shareholders.......................................................................          15,288
    Trustees' fees................................................................................          13,638
    Registration fees.............................................................................          11,180
    Miscellaneous expense.........................................................................           4,197
                                                                                                    --------------
      Total expenses..............................................................................         744,120
                                                                                                    --------------
         Net investment income....................................................................       1,968,300
                                                                                                    --------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:
    Net realized loss on investments..............................................................      (8,019,877)
    Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments..........................................       6,614,147
                                                                                                    --------------
      Net loss on investments.....................................................................      (1,405,730)
                                                                                                    --------------
         Net increase in net assets resulting from operations.....................................  $      562,570
                                                                                                    ==============
 
</TABLE>

                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
- ------
    3

<PAGE>

           ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST I
           STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                APRIL 30, 1996      YEAR ENDED
                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)     OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
OPERATIONS:
<S>                                                                             <C>               <C>           
  Net investment income......................................................   $    1,968,300    $    6,883,140
  Net realized loss on investments...........................................       (8,019,877)      (40,720,703)
  Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments.......................        6,614,147        13,232,526
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations............          562,570       (20,605,037)
 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
  Distributions from net investment income ($0.144 and $0.254 per share,
    respectively)............................................................       (2,141,427)       (7,287,333)
  Distributions from paid-in capital ($0.037 per share)......................         --              (1,050,656)
 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
  Net decrease in net assets derived from the net change in the number of
    outstanding shares (a)...................................................      (28,498,527)     (185,528,148)
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
      Total decrease in net assets...........................................      (30,077,384)     (214,471,174)
Net assets at the beginning of the period....................................       94,913,874       309,385,048
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
NET ASSETS at the end of period (including accumulated net investment deficit
  of $173,127 and $0, respectively)..........................................   $   64,836,490    $   94,913,874
                                                                               ================   ===============
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       SIX MONTHS ENDED                    YEAR ENDED
                                                  APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)            OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                 -----------------------------  --------------------------------
                                                    SHARES          VALUE           SHARES           VALUE
                                                 ------------  ---------------  --------------  ----------------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>              <C>             <C>
Shares sold....................................        50,656  $       282,006         168,878  $        965,700
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions
  to shareholders..............................       199,585        1,104,919         755,068         4,387,623
Shares repurchased.............................    (5,401,615)     (29,885,452)    (32,491,157)     (190,881,471)
                                                 ------------  ---------------  --------------  ----------------
  Net decrease.................................    (5,151,374) $   (28,498,527)    (31,567,211) $   (185,528,148)
                                                 ============  ===============  ==============  ================ 

</TABLE>
 
                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements

 ------
    4

<PAGE>

            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST I
            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
            FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
- ------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                                                                     FEBRUARY 21,
                               SIX MONTHS ENDED                        YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,                          1991* TO
                                APRIL 30, 1996         -----------------------------------------------------          OCTOBER 31,
                                  (UNAUDITED)             1995          1994           1993          1992                1991
                                  -----------             ----          ----           ----          ----                ----
<S>                               <C>                  <C>              <C>          <C>            <C>              <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING                                                
  PERFORMANCE                                                      
Net asset value, beginning                                         
  of period................        $   5.580           $   6.370        $   7.150     $   7.290     $   7.370         $    7.350
                                    --------           ---------        ---------     ---------     ---------       ------------
Income (loss) from                                                 
  investment operations--                                          
  Net investment income....            0.129               0.246 (c)        0.270         0.364         0.850              0.400
  Net realized and                                                 
    unrealized                                                     
    gain (loss) on                                                 
    investments............           (0.095)             (0.745)(c)       (0.715)       (0.055)        0.007              0.030
                                    --------           ---------        ---------     ---------     ---------       ------------
      Total from investment                                        
        operations.........            0.034              (0.499)          (0.445)        0.309         0.857              0.430
                                    --------            ---------       ---------     ---------     ---------       ------------
                                                      
Less distributions--                                  
  Distributions from net                              
    investment income......            0.144               0.254            0.321         0.418         0.850              0.400
  Distributions from                                  
    paid-in capital........           --                   0.037            0.014         0.031         0.087              0.010
                                    --------           ---------        ---------     ---------     ---------       ------------
      Total                                           
        distributions......            0.144               0.291            0.335         0.449         0.937              0.410
                                    --------           ---------        ---------     ---------     ---------       ------------
Net asset value, end of                               
  period...................        $   5.470           $   5.580        $   6.370     $   7.150     $   7.290         $    7.370
TOTAL RETURN (D)...........             0.61%              (8.28%)          (6.43%)        4.34%         6.55%              8.79%(a)

RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA                              
Net assets, end of period                             
  (in thousands)...........        $  64,836           $  94,914        $ 309,385      $ 675,810    $ 783,527         $  385,195
Ratio to average net                                  
  assets--                                            
  Expenses.................             1.88%(a)(b)         1.55%(b)         1.22%(b)      1.29%(b)      1.32%(b)           1.88%(a)
  Net investment income....             4.97%(a)            4.28%            3.92%          4.91%        6.57%              7.43%(a)
Portfolio turnover rate....                3%                  3%               3%             3%           8%               107%
</TABLE>                                            
 
- ------------------
 * Commencement of operations
 
(a) Annualized
 
(b) Ratio of expenses to average net assets excludes 0.88%(a), 0.86%, 0.62%,
    0.61% and 0.64%(a), respectively, of expenses of the Portfolio, which
    reduced dividends paid to Trust I.
 
(c) Based upon average shares outstanding throughout the period.
 
(d) Calculated without the deduction of sales charges



 
                    See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
 
- ------
    5

<PAGE>

            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST I-A
            STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
            APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
ASSETS:
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
  Investments in securities at value* (identified cost $58,712,917) (Notes 1, 2A and 3)............  $ 47,275,876
  Receivable for capital stock subscribed..........................................................         2,000
  Dividends receivable from Portfolio..............................................................       288,588
  Deferred organization expense (net of accumulated amortization of $77,096) (Note 2D).............        10,221
  Prepaid expenses.................................................................................        27,610
                                                                                                     ------------
      Total Assets.................................................................................    47,604,295
                                                                                                     ------------
LIABILITIES:
  Payable for capital stock redeemed...............................................................       140,477
  Accrued expenses.................................................................................       170,787
                                                                                                     ------------
      Total Liabilities............................................................................       311,264
                                                                                                     ------------
NET ASSETS.........................................................................................  $ 47,293,031
                                                                                                     ============
Net asset value per share ($47,293,301/8,610,205 shares) (Note 6)..................................  $       5.49
                                                                                                     ============
At April 30, 1996 the components of net assets were as follows:
  Paid-in capital..................................................................................  $ 96,426,438
  Accumulated net realized loss on investments.....................................................   (37,577,763)
  Accumulated net investment deficit...............................................................      (118,603)
  Net unrealized depreciation of investments.......................................................   (11,437,041)
                                                                                                     ------------
      Net Assets...................................................................................  $ 47,293,031
                                                                                                     ============
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
* Investments of Astra Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Trust I-A consist
  entirely of 613,647 shares of Astra Institutional Adjustable U.S. Government
  Securities Portfolio. Cost for Federal income tax purposes is $58,712,917.
  See Notes 1 and 2A.
 
            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
            SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
<S>                                                                                                  <C>
  INCOME:
    Dividends from Portfolio.......................................................................  $ 1,920,584
                                                                                                     -----------
  EXPENSES:
    Distribution expenses (Note 4A)................................................................      280,215
    Shareholder servicing costs....................................................................       99,459
    Insurance expense..............................................................................       32,361
    Administrative servicing costs (Note 5)........................................................       28,022
    Professional fees..............................................................................       24,003
    Trustees' fees.................................................................................        9,450
    Registration fees..............................................................................        8,897
    Reports to shareholders........................................................................        8,453
    Amortization of organization expense (Note 2D).................................................        7,121
    Miscellaneous expense..........................................................................        3,128
                                                                                                     -----------
      Total expenses...............................................................................      501,109
                                                                                                     -----------
         Net investment income.....................................................................    1,419,475
                                                                                                     -----------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:
    Net realized loss on investments...............................................................   (5,207,249)
    Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments...........................................    4,199,820
                                                                                                     -----------
      Net loss on investments......................................................................   (1,007,429)
                                                                                                     -----------
         Net increase in net assets resulting from operations......................................  $   412,046
                                                                                                     ============
</TABLE>
 
                    See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
 
- ------
    6

<PAGE>


            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST I-A
            STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
- --------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                APRIL 30, 1996      YEAR ENDED
                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)     OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
<S>                                                                             <C>               <C>
OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income......................................................   $    1,419,475    $    4,301,319
  Net realized loss on investments...........................................       (5,207,249)      (22,801,404)
  Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments.......................        4,199,820         6,044,252
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations............          412,046       (12,455,833)
 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
  Distributions from net investment income ($0.147 and $0.252 per share,
    respectively)............................................................       (1,538,078)       (4,521,595)
  Distributions from paid-in capital ($0.033 per share)......................         --                (590,146)
 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
  Net decrease in net assets derived from the net change in the number of
    outstanding shares (a)...................................................      (17,461,561)     (104,061,756)
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
      Total decrease in net assets...........................................      (18,587,593)     (121,629,330)
Net assets at the beginning of the period....................................       65,880,624       187,509,954
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
NET ASSETS at the end of the period (including accumulated net investment
  deficit of $118,603 and $0, respectively)..................................   $   47,293,031    $   65,880,624
                                                                               ===============    ===============
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       SIX MONTHS ENDED                    YEAR ENDED
                                                  APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)            OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                 -----------------------------  --------------------------------
                                                    SHARES          VALUE           SHARES           VALUE
                                                 ------------  ---------------  --------------  ----------------
<S>                                              <C>           <C>              <C>             <C>
Shares sold....................................        77,071  $       432,030         519,411  $      3,050,567
Shares issued in reinvestment of distributions
  to shareholders..............................       138,771          771,494         446,584         2,597,827
Shares repurchased.............................    (3,359,842)     (18,665,085)    (18,589,063)     (109,710,150)
                                                 ------------  ---------------  --------------  ----------------
  Net decrease.................................    (3,144,000) $   (17,461,561)    (17,623,068) $   (104,061,756)
                                                 ============  ===============  ==============  ================ 

</TABLE>
 

                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements

- ------
    7

<PAGE>

            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST I-A
            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
            FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
- ------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                         MAY 19, 1992
                                                                                                       (COMMENCEMENT OF
                               SIX MONTHS ENDED                  YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,                  OPERATIONS) TO
                                APRIL 30, 1996          ------------------------------------------         OCTOBER 31,
                                  (UNAUDITED)            1995            1994             1993                1992
                                  -----------            ----            ----             ----                ----
<S>                                  <C>                <C>            <C>              <C>                 <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
  PERFORMANCE
Net asset value, beginning of 
  period.....................           $ 5.600        $ 6.380         $  7.180          $  7.310           $   7.340
                                     ----------        -------         --------          --------           ---------   
Income (loss) from investment                                                                              
  operations--                                                                                             
  Net investment income . . .             0.133          0.246(e)         0.256             0.355               0.207
  Net realized and unrealized                                                                              
    loss on investments......            (0.096)        (0.741(e)        (0.726)           (0.041)             (0.004
                                     ----------        -------         --------          --------           ---------
      Total from investment                                                                                
         operations..........             0.037         (0.495)          (0.470)            0.314               0.203
                                     ----------        -------         --------          --------           ---------
Less distributions--                                                                                       
  Distributions from net                                                                                   
    investment income........             0.147          0.252            0.308             0.410               0.207
  Distributions from paid-in                                                                               
    capital..................            --              0.033            0.022             0.034               0.026
                                     ----------        -------         --------          --------           ---------
      Total distributions....             0.147          0.285            0.330             0.444               0.233
                                     ----------        -------         --------          --------           ---------
Net asset value, end of                                                                                    
  period.....................           $ 5.490        $ 5.600         $  6.380          $  7.180           $   7.310
                                     ==========        =======         ========          ========           =========
TOTAL RETURN (f).............              0.66%         (7.79%)          (6.77%)            4.53%               6.16%(a)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA                                                                                   
Net assets, end of period (in                                                                              
  thousands).................           $47,293        $65,881         $187,510          $378,912           $ 220,256
Ratio to average net assets--                                                                              
  Expenses...................              1.79%(a)(b)    1.58%(b)         1.42%(b)          1.21%(b)            1.36%(a)(b)(c)
                                                                                                           
  Net investment income......              5.07%(a)       4.27%            3.68%             4.81%               5.59%(a)(d)
Portfolio turnover rate......                 4%             3%               3%                1%                  0%
</TABLE>
- ------------------ 
(a) Annualized
 
(b) Ratio of expenses to average net assets excludes 0.88%(a), 0.86%, 0.62%,
    0.61% and 0.64%(a), respectively, of expenses of the Portfolio, which
    reduced dividends paid to Trust I-A.
 
(c) Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to expense waivers was
    1.39%(a).
 
(d) Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to expense
    waivers was 5.56% (a).
 
(e) Based upon average shares outstanding throughout the period.
 
(f) Calculated without the deduction of sales charges.
 
                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
 
- ------
    8

<PAGE>


            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST II
            STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
            APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
ASSETS:
<S>                                                                                                   <C>
  Investments in securities at value* (identified cost $4,465,343) (Notes 1, 2A and 3)..............  $  3,835,598
  Dividends receivable from Portfolio...............................................................        23,585
  Deferred organization expense (net of accumulated amortization of $81,470) (Note 2D)..............        10,965
  Prepaid expenses..................................................................................         3,943
                                                                                                      ------------
      Total Assets..................................................................................     3,874,091
                                                                                                      ------------
LIABILITIES:
  Payable for capital stock redeemed................................................................        11,594
  Accrued expenses..................................................................................        24,607
                                                                                                      ------------
      Total Liabilities.............................................................................        36,201
                                                                                                      ------------
NET ASSETS..........................................................................................  $  3,837,890
                                                                                                      ============
COMPUTATION OF OFFERING PRICE:
  Net asset value and redemption price per share ($3,837,890/691,590 shares)........................  $       5.55
                                                                                                      ============
  Offering price per share (100/97 of $5.55) (a)....................................................  $       5.72
                                                                                                      ============
(a) On investments of $100,000 or more the offering price is reduced.
At April 30, 1996 the components of net assets were as follows:
  Paid-in capital...................................................................................  $  8,726,662
  Accumulated net realized loss on investments......................................................    (4,244,440)
  Accumulated net investment deficit................................................................       (14,587)
  Net unrealized depreciation of investments........................................................      (629,745)
                                                                                                      ------------
      Net Assets....................................................................................  $  3,837,890
                                                                                                      ============
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
* Investments of Astra Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Trust II consist
  entirely of 49,787 shares of Astra Institutional Adjustable U.S. Government
  Securities Portfolio. Cost for Federal income tax purposes is $4,465,343. See
  Notes 1 and 2A.
 
            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
            SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>

INVESTMENT INCOME:
<S>                                                                                                   <C>
  INCOME:
    Dividends from Portfolio........................................................................  $    155,000
                                                                                                      ------------
  EXPENSES:
    Shareholder servicing costs.....................................................................        10,224
    Amortization of organization expense (Note 2D)..................................................         9,305
    Registration fees...............................................................................         6,782
    Distribution expenses (Note 4B).................................................................         5,670
    Insurance expense...............................................................................         2,646
    Professional fees...............................................................................         2,630
    Administrative servicing costs (Note 5).........................................................         2,269
    Miscellaneous expense...........................................................................           902
    Trustees' fees..................................................................................           657
    Reports to shareholders.........................................................................           621
                                                                                                      ------------
      Total expenses................................................................................        41,706
                                                                                                      ------------
         Net investment income......................................................................       113,294
                                                                                                      ------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:
    Net realized loss on investments................................................................      (313,448)
    Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments............................................       232,016
                                                                                                      ------------
      Net loss on investments.......................................................................       (81,432)
                                                                                                      ------------
         Net increase in net assets resulting from operations.......................................  $     31,862
                                                                                                      ============
</TABLE>
 
                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
 
- ------
    9

<PAGE>


            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST II
            STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
- --------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                APRIL 30, 1996      YEAR ENDED
                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)     OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
<S>                                                                            <C>               <C>
OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income......................................................   $      113,294    $      320,624
  Net realized loss on investments...........................................         (313,448)       (1,281,838)
  Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments.......................          232,016           139,950
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations............           31,862          (821,264)
 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
  Distributions from net investment income ($0.154 and $0.260 per share,
    respectively)............................................................         (127,881)         (339,005)
  Distributions from paid-in capital ($0.042 per share)......................         --                 (55,052)
 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
  Net decrease in net assets derived from the net change in the number of
    outstanding shares (a)...................................................       (1,199,664)       (6,009,841)
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
      Total decrease in net assets...........................................       (1,295,683)       (7,225,162)
Net assets at the beginning of the period....................................        5,133,573        12,358,735
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
NET ASSETS at the end of the period (including accumulated net investment
  deficit of $14,587 and $0, respectively)...................................   $    3,837,890    $    5,133,573
                                                                               ================  ================

</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              SIX MONTHS ENDED                YEAR ENDED
                                                         APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)        OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                         --------------------------  ----------------------------
                                                           SHARES        VALUE          SHARES         VALUE
                                                         ----------  --------------  ------------  --------------
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>             <C>           <C>
Shares sold............................................      18,565  $      103,547        68,732  $      404,493
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  distributions to shareholders........................      16,028          90,077        45,988         270,443
Shares repurchased.....................................    (248,301)     (1,393,288)   (1,119,210)     (6,684,777)
                                                         ----------  --------------  ------------  --------------
  Net decrease.........................................    (213,708) $   (1,199,664)   (1,004,490) $   (6,009,841)
                                                         ==========  ==============  ============  ============== 
</TABLE>
 
                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements

- ------
    10

<PAGE>

            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST II
            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
            FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
- ------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                          NOVEMBER 27, 1991 
                                                                                                          (COMMENCEMENT OF  
                                 SIX MONTHS ENDED              YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,                      OPERATIONS) TO  
                                   APRIL 30, 1996       --------------------------------------------        OCTOBER 31,   
                                    (UNAUDITED)           1995            1994            1993                1992       
                                    -----------           ----            ----            ----                ----       
                                                                                     
<S>                                   <C>               <C>             <C>               <C>              <C> 
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Net asset value, beginning of
  period........................      $   5.670         $   6.470        $   7.240        $   7.320         $    7.350   
                                        -------         ---------        ---------        ---------         ----------
Income (loss) from investment                                                                              
  operations--                                                                                             
  Net investment income.........          0.133             0.251(e)         0.293            0.410              0.505
  Net realized and unrealized                                                                              
    loss on investments.........         (0.099)           (0.749(e)        (0.730)          (0.044)            (0.033)
                                        -------         ---------        ---------        ---------         ----------
      Total from investment                                                                                
         operations.............          0.034            (0.498)          (0.437)           0.366              0.472
                                        -------         ---------        ---------        ---------         ----------
Less distributions--                                                                                       
  Distributions from net                                                                                   
    investment income...........          0.154             0.260            0.303            0.415              0.502
  Distributions from realized                                                                              
    gains on investments........           --                --               --              0.003              --
  Distributions from paid-in                                                                               
    capital.....................           --               0.042            0.030            0.028              --
                                        -------         ---------        ---------        ---------         ----------
      Total distributions.......          0.154             0.302            0.333            0.446              0.502
                                        -------         ---------        ---------        ---------         ----------
Net asset value, end of period..      $   5.550         $   5.670        $   6.470        $   7.240         $    7.320
                                        =======         =========        =========        =========         ==========
TOTAL RETURN (f)................           0.60%            (7.74%)          (6.25%)           5.12%              7.13%(a)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA                                                                                   
Net assets, end of period (in                                                                              
  thousands)....................      $   3,838         $   5,134        $  12,359        $  99,888         $   88,901
Ratio to average net assets--                                                                              
  Expenses......................           1.84%(a)(b)       1.57%(b)         0.76%(b)         0.51%(b)           0.57%(a)(b)(c)
                                                                                                           
  Net investment income.........           5.00%(a)          4.27%            4.27%            5.57%              7.09%(a)(d)
Portfolio turnover rate.........              6%                7%              12%              79%                97%
</TABLE>

- ------------------
(a) Annualized 
(b) Ratio of expenses to average net assets excludes 0.88%(a), 0.86%, 0.62%,
    0.61% and 0.64%(a), respectively, of expenses of the Portfolio, which
    reduced dividends paid to Trust II. 
(c) Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to expense waivers was
    0.59%(a). 
(d) Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to expense
    waivers was 7.07%(a). 
(e) Based upon average shares outstanding throughout the period. 
(f) Calculated without the deduction of sales charges.
 
                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
 
- ------
   11

<PAGE>
            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST IV
            STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
            APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
ASSETS:
<S>                                                                                                   <C>
  Investments in securities at value* (identified cost $2,586,738) (Notes 1, 2A and 3)..............  $  2,137,874
  Dividends receivable from Portfolio...............................................................        12,917
  Deferred organization expense (net of accumulated amortization of $31,535) (Note 2D)..............        21,210
  Prepaid expenses..................................................................................         7,468
                                                                                                      ------------
      Total Assets..................................................................................     2,179,469
                                                                                                      ------------
LIABILITIES:
  Accrued expenses..................................................................................        22,524
                                                                                                      ------------
NET ASSETS..........................................................................................  $  2,156,945
                                                                                                      ============
Net asset value per share ($2,156,945/390,891 shares) (Note 6)......................................  $       5.52
                                                                                                      ============
At April 30, 1996 the components of net assets were as follows:
  Paid-in capital...................................................................................  $  6,768,690
  Accumulated net realized loss on investments......................................................    (4,153,216)
  Accumulated net investment deficit................................................................        (9,665)
  Net unrealized depreciation of investments........................................................      (448,864)
                                                                                                      ------------
      Net Assets....................................................................................  $  2,156,945
                                                                                                      ============
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
* Investments of Astra Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Trust IV consist
  entirely of 27,750 shares of Astra Institutional Adjustable U.S. Government
  Securities Portfolio. Cost for Federal income tax purposes is $2,586,738. See
  Notes 1 and 2A.
 
            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
            SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
<S>                                                                                                   <C>
  INCOME:
    Dividends from Portfolio........................................................................  $     84,301
                                                                                                      ------------
  EXPENSES:
    Distribution expenses (Note 4B).................................................................         7,390
    Registration fees...............................................................................         6,997
    Amortization of organization expense (Note 2D)..................................................         5,249
    Shareholder servicing costs.....................................................................         3,815
    Professional fees...............................................................................         2,006
    Insurance expense...............................................................................         1,629
    Administrative servicing costs (Note 5).........................................................         1,233
    Reports to shareholders.........................................................................         1,131
    Miscellaneous expense...........................................................................           767
    Trustees' fees..................................................................................           314
                                                                                                      ------------
      Total expenses................................................................................        30,531
                                                                                                      ------------
         Net investment income......................................................................        53,770
                                                                                                      ------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:
    Net realized loss on investments................................................................      (214,371)
    Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments............................................       169,437
                                                                                                      ------------
      Net loss on investments.......................................................................       (44,934)
                                                                                                      ------------
         Net increase in net assets resulting from operations.......................................  $      8,836
                                                                                                      ============
</TABLE>
 
                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
 
- ------
    12

<PAGE>


            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST IV
            STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
- --------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                APRIL 30, 1996      YEAR ENDED
                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)     OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
<S>                                                                             <C>              <C>
OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income......................................................   $       53,770    $      197,855
  Net realized loss on investments...........................................         (214,371)       (1,626,315)
  Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments.......................          169,437           691,045
                                                                               ---------------   ---------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations............            8,836          (737,415)
 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
  Distributions from net investment income ($0.139 and $0.218 per share,
    respectively)............................................................          (63,435)         (208,389)
  Distributions from paid-in capital ($0.087 per share)......................         --                 (82,655)
 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
  Net decrease in net assets derived from the net change in the number of
    outstanding shares (a)...................................................         (659,100)       (8,666,396)
                                                                               ---------------   ---------------
      Total decrease in net assets...........................................         (713,699)       (9,694,855)
Net assets at the beginning of the period....................................        2,870,644        12,565,499
                                                                               ---------------   ---------------
NET ASSETS at the end of the period (including accumulated net investment
  deficit of $9,665 and $0, respectively)....................................   $    2,156,945    $    2,870,644
                                                                                ==============    ==============
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              SIX MONTHS ENDED                YEAR ENDED
                                                         APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)        OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                         --------------------------  ----------------------------
                                                           SHARES        VALUE          SHARES         VALUE
                                                         ----------  --------------  ------------  --------------
<S>                                                      <C>         <C>             <C>           <C>
Shares sold............................................      --      $     --              28,558  $      169,566
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  distributions to shareholders........................       5,918          33,107        30,623         181,378
Shares repurchased.....................................    (123,803)       (692,207)   (1,481,273)     (9,017,340)
                                                         ----------  --------------  ------------  --------------
  Net decrease.........................................    (117,885) $     (659,100)   (1,422,092) $   (8,666,396)
                                                         ==========  ==============  ============  ==============
</TABLE>
 
                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements

- ------
    13


<PAGE>

            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST IV
            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
            FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
- ------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                  MAY 7, 1993
                                                                                                COMMENCEMENT OF
                                                SIX MONTHS ENDED     YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,      OPERATIONS) TO
                                                  APRIL 30, 1996     ----------------------        OCTOBER 31,
                                                    (UNAUDITED)      1995           1994               1993
                                                    ----------     ----------    -----------      ------------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>             <C>             <C> 
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Net asset value, beginning of period.........      $   5.640        $   6.510     $     7.310      $    7.350
                                                     -------        ---------     -----------      ----------
Income (loss) from investment operations--
  Net investment income......................          0.114            0.211 (e)       0.300           0.171
  Net realized and unrealized loss on
    investments..............................         (0.095)          (0.776)(e)      (0.764)         (0.025)
                                                     -------        ---------      ----------      ----------
      Total from investment operations.......          0.019           (0.565)         (0.464)          0.146
                                                     -------        ---------      ----------      ----------
Less distributions--
  Distributions from net investment
    income...................................          0.139            0.218           0.302           0.172
  Distributions from paid-in capital.........         --                0.087           0.034           0.014
                                                     -------        ---------      ----------      ----------
      Total distributions....................          0.139            0.305           0.336           0.186
                                                     -------        ---------      ----------      ----------
Net asset value, end of period...............      $   5.520        $   5.640      $    6.510      $    7.310
                                                     -------        ---------      ----------      ----------
                                                     -------        ---------      ----------      ----------
TOTAL RETURN (f).............................           0.33%           (8.75%)         (6.57%)          4.11% (a)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA  
Net assets, end of period (in thousands).....      $   2,157        $   2,871      $   12,565      $   78,145
Ratio to average net assets--
  Expenses...................................           2.48% (a)(b)     2.19% (b)(c)    0.85% (b)(c)    0.45% (a)(b)(c)
  Net investment income......................           4.37% (a)        3.64% (d)       4.23% (d)       4.71% (a)(d)
Portfolio turnover rate......................              3%               6%             21%              3%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) Annualized
 
(b) Ratio of expenses to average net assets excludes 0.88%(a), 0.86%, 0.62% and
    0.61%, respectively, of expenses of the Portfolio, which reduced dividends
    paid to Trust IV.
 
(c) Ratio of expenses to average net assets prior to expense waivers were 2.22%,
    1.06% and 0.76%(a), respectively.
 
(d) Ratio of net investment income to average net assets prior to expense
    waivers were 3.61%, 4.02% and 4.40%(a), respectively.
 
(e) Based upon average shares outstanding throughout the period.
 
(f) Calculated without the deduction of sales charges.
 
                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
 
- ------
 
   14

<PAGE>
            ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUSTS
            NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
            APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
NOTE 1--ORGANIZATION
 
Astra Strategic Investment Series (the 'Company') is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment
company. On September 15, 1994 the Company's shareholders approved a change in
the Company's Declaration of Trust to permit the creation of additional classes
of shares of each of the Trust's series. Currently, the Company has authorized
an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest without par value and at
April 30, 1996 offered a single class of shares in eight series: Astra
Adjustable Rate Securities Trust I, I-A, II and IV (collectively, the 'Astra
Adjustable Rate Securities Trusts'), Astra Adjustable U.S. Government Securities
Trust I, I-A, II and IV (collectively, the 'Astra Adjustable U.S. Government
Securities Trusts' or the 'Trusts'), all of which are non-diversified series.
 
The value of the Trusts' investment in shares of Astra Institutional Adjustable
U.S. Government Securities Portfolio (the 'Portfolio'), a non-diversified series
of Astra Institutional Securities Trust ('AIST'), reflects their proportionate
interest in the net assets of the Portfolio. The financial statements of the
Portfolio, including the portfolio of investments, are included in this report
and should be read in conjunction with the financial statements of the Trusts.
 
NOTE 2--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  A. SECURITY VALUATION. The investment policy of the Trusts is to invest in
     shares of the Portfolio. Shares of the Portfolio held by the Trusts are
     valued at the net asset value then determined by the Portfolio. A valuation
     committee of the Board of Trustees of AIST is responsible for establishing
     security valuation policies, reviewing the valuation of portfolio
     securities, monitoring the level of illiquid securities and reviewing
     liquidity determinations for securities held by the Portfolio. AIST
     considers to be illiquid all securities which cannot be disposed of within
     seven days in the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount
     at which the Portfolio values the security. Additionally, interest rate
     swap contracts, interest-only and principal-only mortgage backed
     securities, and special hazard certificates are treated as illiquid
     securities in accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission policy.
     Liquid securities are valued primarily using prices provided by independent
     pricing services which use prices provided by market-makers or estimates of
     market values obtained from yield and other data relating to instruments or
     securities with similar characteristics, and secondarily based upon market
     quotations and/or other available information. Securities for which
     reliable market information or pricing service quotes are not readily
     available, including illiquid securities, are valued at fair value as
     determined in good faith by, or under procedures established by, the Board
     of Trustees of AIST, which procedures may include the delegation of certain
     responsibilities regarding valuation to Astra Management Corporation (the
     'Manager'). The Manager reports, as necessary, to the Trustees of AIST
     regarding portfolio valuation determinations.
 
     Short-term securities with less than sixty days remaining to maturity when
     acquired by the Portfolio are valued on an amortized cost basis by the
     Portfolio when the Trustees of AIST have determined that amortized cost is
     fair value.
 
- ------
 
   15
<PAGE>

  B. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES. The Trusts intend to comply with the requirements of
     the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and
     to distribute all of their taxable income to their shareholders. Therefore,
     no Federal income tax provision is required.
 
  C. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS, INCOME AND DISTRIBUTIONS. As is common in the
     industry, security transactions of the Portfolio and Trusts are accounted
     for on the trade date. Interest income on adjustable rate mortgage
     securities is recorded on the accrual basis at current interest rates.
     Dividends to shareholders of the Portfolio from net investment income are
     declared daily and paid or reinvested monthly. Dividends to Shareholders of
     the Trusts from net investment income are declared and paid or reinvested
     monthly. Prior to May 1, 1995 dividends to shareholders of the Trusts from
     net investment income were declared daily and paid or reinvested monthly.
     Discounts and premiums on Portfolio debt securities are amortized in
     accordance with the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.

  D. DEFERRED ORGANIZATION EXPENSES. All of the expenses incurred in connection
     with the organization of the Trusts are being borne ratably by the Trusts
     and are being amortized on a straight-line basis over periods of five years
     from the date of commencement of operations.
 
NOTE 3--INVESTMENTS
 
At April 30, 1996 the Portfolio held subordinated residential and derivative
mortgage securities which the Valuation Committee of the Board of Trustees of
AIST has determined to be illiquid. These securities are valued at $1,081,345
(representing 0.9% of the Portfolio's net assets). The fair value of these
securities is determined under procedures approved by the Board of Trustees of
AIST in the absence of readily ascertainable market values.
 
For the six months ended April 30, 1996 the cost of purchases and the proceeds
from sales of investments in the Portfolio were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                     <C>            <C>
                          PURCHASES        SALES
                        -------------  --------------
Trust I...............  $   2,736,282  $   31,595,986
Trust I-A.............      1,986,590      19,744,038
Trust II..............        252,680       1,479,582
Trust IV..............         84,437         846,003
</TABLE>
 
At October 31, 1995 the Trusts had capital loss carryforwards for federal income
tax purposes as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                       <C>               <C>
                           CAPITAL LOSS        EXPIRES
                           CARRYFORWARD      OCTOBER 31,
                          --------------    -------------
Trust I.................  $      534,000         1999
                                  14,000         2000
                               7,926,000         2002
                              48,702,000         2003
                          --------------
                          $   57,176,000
                          --------------
                          --------------
 
Trust I-A...............  $    4,253,000         2002
                              28,118,000         2003
                          --------------
                          $   32,371,000
                          --------------
                          --------------
 
Trust II................  $    2,284,000         2002
                               1,647,000         2003
                          --------------
                          $    3,931,000
                          --------------
                          --------------
 
Trust IV................  $    1,896,000         2002
                               2,043,000         2003
                          --------------
                          $    3,939,000
                          --------------
                          --------------
</TABLE>
 
NOTE 4--DISTRIBUTION PLANS
 
  A. TRUST I AND TRUST I-A DISTRIBUTION PLANS. Trust I and Trust I-A have
     adopted distribution plans pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the
     'Distribution Plans'), whereby they will provide daily compensation to
     Astra Fund Distributors Corp., the Trusts' principal underwriter (the
     'Principal Underwriter') in the form of sales commissions equal to 4% of
     the amount received by Trust I for each share sold and 5% of the amount
     received by Trust I-A for each share sold (excluding reinvestment of
     dividends and distributions) plus an interest
 
- ------
 
   16

<PAGE>

     fee calculated by applying the rate of 1% over prime rate to the
     outstanding balance of Uncovered Distribution Charges. Daily compensation
     payments will be made monthly and are limited to an annual rate of 0.75% of
     each Trust's daily net assets. During the six months ended April 30, 1996
     the Principal Underwriter earned daily compensation of $296,831 from Trust
     I and $210,161 from Trust I-A. At April 30, 1996 Uncovered Distribution
     Charges (cumulative sales commissions and interest fees reduced by
     cumulative daily compensation and contingent deferred sales charges paid to
     the Principal Underwriter) were $11,299,858 for Trust I and $9,507,693 for
     Trust I-A.
 
     On August 5, 1994 the shareholders of Trust I and Trust I-A approved
     changes to their respective distribution plans to provide a method by which
     a proportionate amount of Uncovered Distribution Charges will be
     transferred from the Trusts upon exchanges to other mutual funds for which
     Astra Fund Distributions Corp. serves as Principal Underwriter and which
     have substantially the same contingent deferred sales charge structure and
     distribution plan.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Commission the
     daily compensation (sales commission) payments to the Principal Underwriter
     pursuant to the Distribution Plan must be reflected as operating expenses
     of Trust I and Trust I-A. For periods through December 31, 1994 these
     payments were treated as capital transactions and were not deducted for
     Federal income tax purposes.
 
     The Distribution Plans also provide for monthly payments to the Principal
     Underwriter of a trail or maintenance fee in an amount equal to an annual
     rate of 0.25% of the daily net assets of Trust I and Trust I-A. During the
     six months ended April 30, 1996 the Principal Underwriter earned
     maintenance fees of $98,943 from Trust I and $70,054 from Trust I-A.
 
  B. TRUST II AND TRUST IV DISTRIBUTION PLANS. Trust II and Trust IV have
     adopted distribution plans pursuant to rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act (the
     'Distribution Plans'), whereby Trust II may pay up to a maximum annual rate
     of 0.25% of its average daily net assets and Trust IV may pay up to a
     maximum annual rate of 0.60% of its average daily net assets to the
     Principal Underwriter as reimbursement for expenses incurred in the
     distribution of the shares of Trust II and Trust IV. Pursuant to the
     Distribution Plans, the Principal Underwriter is entitled to reimbursement
     each month (up to a maximum of 0.25% of Trust II's daily net assets and
     0.60% of Trust IV's daily net assets) for its actual expenses incurred in
     the distribution and promotion of Trust II's and Trust IV's shares,
     including the printing of prospectuses used for sales purposes,
     advertisements, expenses of preparation and printing of sales literature,
     and other distribution related expenses, including any distribution or
     service fees paid to security dealers and others who have executed a
     distribution or service agreement with the Principal Underwriter. The
     Distribution Plans provide that the Principal Underwriter may include as
     distribution expenses a portion of its overhead expenses directly
     attributable to the Distribution of Trust II's and Trust IV's shares,
     including personnel and out-of-pocket costs. The Distribution Plans permit
     the Principal Underwriter to carryforward for a maximum of three years
     (without carrying charges) distribution expenses covered by the
     Distribution Plans for which it has not yet received reimbursement. At
     April 30, 1996, the Principal Underwriter had incurred $1,199,795 of
     distribution expenses in excess of amounts currently reimbursable by Trust
     II and $674,535 of distribution expenses in excess of amounts currently
     reimbursable by Trust IV. During the six months ended April 30, 1996, the
     Principal Underwriter received distribution expense reimbursements of
     $5,670 from Trust II and
 
- ------
 
   17

<PAGE>

     $7,390 from Trust IV. Distribution expenses incurred by the Principal
     Underwriter included $581 and $316 for the salaries and related costs of
     certain of its employees involved in the sales of Trust II's and Trust IV's
     shares, respectively.
 
NOTE 5-- INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEE AND OTHER
         TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
 
The Trusts invest substantially all of their assets in the Portfolio, which has
the same investment objective as each of the Trusts. The Trustees of AIST
establish the Portfolio's investment policies and supervise and review the
operations and management of the Portfolio. For furnishing the Portfolio with
investment advice and investment management and administrative services with
respect to the Portfolio's assets, including making specific recommendations as
to the purchase and sale of portfolio securities, furnishing requisite office
space and personnel, and in general supervising and managing the Portfolio's
investments subject to the ultimate supervision and direction of AIST's
Trustees, the Manager is paid monthly a fee equal to 0.55% per annum of the
first $500 million of average daily net assets of the Portfolio. The annual rate
is reduced to 0.50% on net assets from $500 million to $1 billion and to 0.45%
on net assets over $1 billion. The management fees paid by the Portfolio to the
Manager are expenses of the Portfolio and reduce the net investment income
available for distribution by the Portfolio to the Trusts. The Manager has
agreed to reimburse the Portfolio and Trusts to the extent required so that the
aggregate expenses do not exceed the expense limitations applicable under the
securities laws or regulations of those states or jurisdictions in which the
Trusts' shares are registered or qualified for sale. Currently, the most
restrictive of such expense limitations would require the Manager to reimburse
the Portfolio and Trusts to the extent required so that the Portfolio's and
Trust's expenses, as described above, for any fiscal year do not exceed 2.50% of
the first $30 million of average net assets, 2.00% of the next $70 million of
average net assets and 1.50% of the remaining average net assets. The amount of
any such required reimbursement, however, is limited to the management fees paid
by the Portfolio to the Manager. Expenses for purposes of these expenses
limitations include the management fee, but exclude distribution expenses,
brokerage commissions and fees, taxes, interest and extraordinary expenses such
as litigation paid or incurred by the Trusts or the Portfolio.
 
The Trusts have retained Atlas Holdings Group Inc. (the 'Administrator') to
provide administration for the Trusts pursuant to an administration agreement.
These administrative services include supervising the preparation and filing of
all documents required for compliance by the Trusts with applicable laws and
regulations, supervising the maintenance of books and records and other general
and administrative responsibilities. For providing these services the
Administrator receives a fee equal to 0.10% of each Trust's average daily net
assets.
 
Certain officers and trustees of the Company are also officers and/or
directors/trustees of AIST, the Administrator, the Manager, and the Principal
Underwriter.
 
NOTE 6--EARLY WITHDRAWAL CHARGES
 
Shares of Trust I, Trust I-A and Trust IV which are redeemed may be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge. The contingent deferred sales charge is not
imposed on shares acquired through the reinvestment of dividends and
distributions or on the appreciation of the value of shares acquired over their
purchase price. Redemption proceeds are applied first against shares not subject
to the contingent deferred sales charge for purposes of calculating such charge.
The contingent deferred sales charges are paid by the redeeming shareholder to
the Principal Underwriter at the time of redemption. The contingent deferred
sales charges for Trust I and Trust I-A are imposed at the rate of 4% for
redemptions in the first year after purchase, declining to 3%, 2%, and 1% in the
second, third and fourth years, respectively. The contingent deferred sales
charges for Trust IV are imposed at the rate of 0.25% of redemptions within 3
months of the date of purchase. During the six months ended April 30, 1996 the
Principal
 
- ------
 
   18

<PAGE>

Underwriter received contingent deferred sales charges of $75,927 from
redemptions of Trust I shares, $209,011 from redemptions of Trust I-A shares,
and $-0- from redemptions of Trust IV shares.
 
NOTE 7--LEGAL MATTERS
 
Between December 1994 and July 1995, various complaints have been filed by
certain shareholders of the Astra Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Trusts
and the Astra Adjustable Rate Securities Trusts (collectively, the 'Astra
Trusts') in the United States District Court for the Central District of
California and in the Superior Court for the State of California against the
Company and certain of its officers and trustees, AIST and certain of its
officers and trustees, Astra Management Corporation, Astra Fund Distributors
Corporation, and, Atlas Holdings Group Inc. and its principal stockholder and
certain of its employees. These complaints have been consolidated in the United
States District Court for the Central District of California in the matter
referred to as 'In re Pilgrim Securities Litigation.'
 
The complaints allege violations of the Securities Act of 1993 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940 relating principally to disclosure concerning
pricing and liquidity of portfolio securities held by the Portfolios of AIST.
The complaints seek relief measured by the consideration each shareholder paid
for shares of the Astra Trusts with interest thereon, less the amount of income
received thereon, or in the event the shareholder no longer owns such shares,
for damages, plus interest. Management of the Company believes the complaints
are without merit and intents, and has been advised that each of the other
defendants intends, to vigorously defend these actions. The ultimate outcome of
these matters, however, cannot presently be determined and accordingly the Astra
Trusts have made no provision for any losses which may result from settlement of
these complaints.
 
- ------
 
   19
<PAGE>
            ASTRA INSTITUTIONAL ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
            PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS AS OF APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                MARKET
 PRINCIPAL                                                             INTEREST                  VALUE
   AMOUNT                                                                RATE*    MATURITY     (NOTE 2A)
- ------------                                                           ---------  ---------  -------------
<S>           <C>                                                      <C>        <C>        <C>
              ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE SECURITIES: 87.5%
              U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY SECURITIES: 86.5%
$  4,841,162  Federal Home Loan Mtge. Corp., Pool 845249.............     8.031%   11/01/22  $   4,947,086
   8,125,020  Federal National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 124666.............     7.711%   01/01/23      8,312,911
   4,616,385  Federal National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 124862.............     7.353%   05/01/23      4,726,024
   6,489,384  Federal National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 124870.............     7.376%   05/01/23      6,619,172
   5,502,139  Federal National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 172905.............     6.650%   07/01/22      5,512,455
   5,558,302  Federal National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 264864.............     7.494%   01/01/24      5,693,785
   7,117,703  Government National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 8443............     6.500%   06/20/24      7,202,226
   4,677,097  Government National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 8730............     7.500%   10/20/25      4,785,255
   2,451,277  Government National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 8756............     7.500%   11/20/25      2,507,963
   9,826,863  Government National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 8770............     6.500%   12/20/25      9,906,755
   2,347,188  Government National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 8778............     7.500%   12/20/25      2,401,467
   6,760,334  Government National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 8790............     6.000%   01/20/26      6,730,758
  19,465,147  Government National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 8792............     6.500%   01/01/26     19,562,473
   7,812,201  Government National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 8793............     7.000%   01/20/26      7,948,915
   5,413,002  Government National Mtge. Assoc., Pool 8818............     7.000%   01/20/26      5,507,730
                                                                                             -------------
              Total U.S. Government Agencies.........................                          102,364,975
                                                                                             -------------
              SUBORDINATED RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SECURITIES: 1.0%
  11,603,158(R) (I) Coast Federal Savings Bank 1991-1................     1.551%   06/01/20      1,081,345
   5,190,086(R) Coast Federal Savings Bank 1991-2, Class B-1.........     1.022%   11/25/21          5,177
  15,975,236(R) Paine Webber Acceptance Corp 1991-1, Class B.........     0.854%   02/21/21         21,934
                                                                                             -------------
              Total Subordinated Residential Mortgage
                    Securities.......................................                            1,108,456
                                                                                             -------------
              Total Adjustable Rate Mortgage Securities (Cost
                    $133,771,929)....................................                          103,473,431
                                                                                             -------------
              FIXED RATE MORTGAGE SECURITIES: 7.9%
              SUBORDINATED RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE SECURITIES: 7.9%
   7,968,857(R) Citibank NA Multifamily 1992-1, Class B..............     8.625%  04/20/00       4,621,300
   7,771,780(R) USGI Capital Markets Group Inc, Multi Family 1992-1..     8.500%  09/30/07       4,694,115
                                                                                             -------------
              Total Fixed Rate Mortgage Securities (Cost
                    $12,944,005).....................................                            9,315,415
                                                                                             -------------
              SHORT-TERM SECURITIES: 4.7%
              U.S. GOVERNMENT AGENCY DISCOUNT NOTES: 4.7%
   5,575,000  Federal Home Loan Mtge. Corp. (Cost $5,575,000)........     5.300%  05/01/96       5,575,000
                                                                                             -------------
              Total Investments in Securities
                    (Cost $152,290,934)..............................                 100.1%   118,363,846
              Liabilities in Excess of Other Assets-Net..............                  (0.1%)      (79,278)
                                                                                  ---------  -------------
              Total Net Assets.......................................                 100.0% $ 118,284,568
                                                                                  ---------  -------------
                                                                                  ---------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(R) Restricted securities (See Note 3).
(l) Illiquid securities
  * Rates shown are as of April 30, 1996. Interest rates on adjustable rate
    mortgage securities reset periodically.
 ** Cost for Federal income tax purposes is $152,290,934 and net unrealized
    depreciation consists of:
 
<TABLE>
<S>              <C>                                                                    <C>
                 Gross Unrealized Appreciation........................................          $2,224
                 Gross Unrealized Depreciation........................................     (33,929,312)
                                                                                        --------------
                 Net Unrealized Depreciation..........................................    $(33,927,088)
                                                                                        --------------
                                                                                        --------------
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements
 
- ------
 
   20
<PAGE>

            ASTRA INSTITUTIONAL ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
            STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
            APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                 <C>
ASSETS:
  Investments in securities at value (identified cost $152,290,934) (Notes 2A and 3)..............  $  118,363,846
  Cash............................................................................................           3,158
  Receivables:
    Interest......................................................................................         854,960
    Principal repayments..........................................................................         313,599
    Securities sold...............................................................................       6,878,716
  Deferred organization expense (net of accumulated amortization of $74,752) (Note 2E)............           8,451
                                                                                                    --------------
      Total Assets................................................................................     126,422,730
                                                                                                    --------------
LIABILITIES:
  Payable for securities purchased................................................................       7,226,990
  Accrued expenses................................................................................         186,521
  Distribution payable to Trusts..................................................................         724,651
                                                                                                    --------------
      Total Liabilities...........................................................................       8,138,162
                                                                                                    --------------
NET ASSETS........................................................................................  $  118,284,568
                                                                                                    --------------
                                                                                                    --------------
Net asset value per share ($118,284,568/1,535,348 shares) (Note 6)................................  $        77.04
                                                                                                    --------------
                                                                                                    --------------
At April 30, 1996 the components of net assets were as follows:
  Paid-in capital.................................................................................  $  258,423,512
  Accumulated net realized loss on investments....................................................    (106,324,256)
  Undistributed net investment income.............................................................         112,400
  Net unrealized depreciation of investments......................................................     (33,927,088)
                                                                                                    --------------
      Net Assets..................................................................................  $  118,284,568
                                                                                                    --------------
                                                                                                    --------------
</TABLE>
 
            STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
            SIX MONTHS ENDED APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                                 <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME:
  INCOME:
    Interest......................................................................................  $    5,668,177
                                                                                                    --------------
  EXPENSES:
    Investment management fee (Note 4)............................................................         396,821
    Recordkeeping fees............................................................................         159,953
    Custody fees..................................................................................          35,800
    Professional fees.............................................................................          29,530
    Amortization of organization expense (Note 2E)................................................           7,645
    Miscellaneous.................................................................................           2,978
                                                                                                    --------------
      Total expenses..............................................................................         632,727
                                                                                                    --------------
         Net investment income....................................................................       5,035,450
                                                                                                    --------------
REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS) ON INVESTMENTS:
    Net realized loss on investments..............................................................     (11,293,267)
    Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments..........................................       8,629,322
                                                                                                    --------------
      Net loss on investments.....................................................................      (2,663,945)
                                                                                                    --------------
         Net increase in net assets resulting from operations.....................................  $    2,371,505
                                                                                                    --------------
                                                                                                    --------------
</TABLE>
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements
 
- ------
 
   21
<PAGE>

            ASTRA INSTITUTIONAL ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
            STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS --------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                APRIL 30, 1996      YEAR ENDED
                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)     OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
<S>                                                                             <C>              <C>
OPERATIONS:
  Net investment income......................................................   $    5,035,450    $   20,135,511
  Net realized loss on investments...........................................      (11,293,267)      (62,035,769)
  Net change in unrealized depreciation of investments.......................        8,629,322        10,936,142
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
  Net increase (decrease) in net assets resulting from operations............        2,371,505       (30,964,116)
 
DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS:
  Distributions from net investment income ($2.652 and $4.828
    per share, respectively).................................................       (4,937,938)      (16,286,136)
 
CAPITAL SHARE TRANSACTIONS:
  Net decrease in net assets derived from the net change in
    the number of outstanding shares (a).....................................      (51,741,460)     (315,510,221)
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
      Total decrease in net assets...........................................      (54,307,893)     (362,760,473)
Net assets at the beginning of the period....................................      172,592,461       535,352,934
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
NET ASSETS at the end of the period (including undistributed
  net investment income of $112,400 and $14,888, respectively)...............   $  118,284,568    $  172,592,461
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
                                                                               ----------------  ----------------
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) A summary of capital share transactions is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                         SIX MONTHS ENDED                  YEAR ENDED
                                                    APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)          OCTOBER 31, 1995
                                                    ---------------------------  ------------------------------
                                                      SHARES         VALUE          SHARES          VALUE
                                                    ----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------
<S>                                                <C>         <C>               <C>          <C>             
Shares sold.......................................       2,338  $       180,845        12,991  $      1,294,478
Shares issued in reinvestment of
  distributions to shareholders...................      63,343        4,950,982       105,611         8,569,781
Shares repurchased................................    (728,896)     (56,873,287)   (3,958,690)     (325,374,480)
                                                    ----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------
  Net decrease....................................    (663,215) $   (51,741,460)   (3,840,088) $   (315,510,221)
                                                    ----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------
                                                    ----------  ---------------  ------------  ----------------
</TABLE>
 

                   See Notes to Trusts' Financial Statements
 ------
  22

<PAGE>

            ASTRA INSTITUTIONAL ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
            FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
            FOR A SHARE OUTSTANDING THROUGHOUT EACH PERIOD
- ------------------------------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                           NOVEMBER 27, 1991
                                                                                           (COMMENCEMENT OF
                                     SIX MONTHS ENDED        YEAR ENDED OCTOBER 31,          OPERATIONS) TO
                                     APRIL 30, 1996  ------------------------------------     OCTOBER 31,
                                        (UNAUDITED)      1995         1994         1993            1992
                                       ----------     ----------  ------------  ----------     ------------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>         <C>         <C>             <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE
Net asset value, beginning of
  period..........................     $   78.500     $   88.650    $   98.410  $     99.600     $    100.000
                                       ----------      ---------    ----------  ------------     ------------
Income (loss) from investment
  operations--
  Net investment income...........          2.718          5.750(b)      5.890         6.040            7.539
  Net realized and unrealized loss
    on investments................         (1.526)       (11.072)(b)   (10.864)       (0.601)          (0.419)
                                       ----------      ---------    ----------  ------------     ------------
      Total from investment
         operations...............          1.192         (5.322)       (4.974)        5.439            7.120
                                       ----------      ---------    ----------  ------------     ------------
Less distributions--
  Distributions from net
    investment income.............          2.652          4.828         4.786         6.061            7.520
  Distributions from paid-in
    capital.......................         --             --            --             0.568
                                       ----------      ---------    ----------  ------------     ------------
      Total distributions.........          2.652          4.828         4.786         6.629            7.520
                                       ----------      ---------    ----------  ------------     ------------
Net asset value, end of period....     $   77.040     $   78.500    $   88.650  $     98.410     $     99.600
                                       ==========     ==========    ==========  ============     ============
TOTAL RETURN......................           1.51%         (6.00%)       (5.25%)        5.62%            7.80% (a)
RATIOS/SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
Net assets, end of period (in
  thousands)......................     $  118,285     $  172,592    $  535,353  $  1,294,248     $  1,111,565
Ratio to average net assets--
  Expenses........................           0.88%(a)       0.86%         0.62%         0.61%            0.64% (a)
  Net investment income...........           6.98%(a)       7.14%         6.17%         6.66%            7.90% (a)
Portfolio turnover rate...........            192%           108%           83%           87%             152%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------------
(a) Annualized
(b) Based upon average shares outstanding throughout the period.
 
                       See Notes to Financial Statements
 
- ------
    23

<PAGE>

            ASTRA INSTITUTIONAL ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES PORTFOLIO
            NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
            APRIL 30, 1996 (UNAUDITED)
- ------------------------------
 
NOTE 1--ORGANIZATION
 
Astra Institutional Securities Trust (the 'Company') is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, as an open-end management investment
company. The Company was organized as a Massachusetts Business Trust on
September 4, 1991 with an unlimited number of shares of beneficial interest
without par value. The Company offers shares in two non-diversified series,
Astra Institutional Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Portfolio (the
'Portfolio') and Astra Institutional Adjustable Rate Securities Portfolio. The
Portfolio is structured to serve as the investment vehicle for four affiliated
open-end management investment companies: Astra Adjustable U.S. Government
Securities Trust I, I-A, II and IV (collectively, the 'Trusts'). The Trusts
invest substantially all of their net assets in the Portfolio, which has the
same investment objective as that of the Trusts.
 
NOTE 2--SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  A. SECURITY VALUATION. A valuation committee of the Board of Trustees is
     responsible for establishing security valuation policies, reviewing the
     valuation of portfolio securities, monitoring the level of illiquid
     securities and reviewing liquidity determinations. The Company considers to
     be illiquid all securities which cannot be disposed of within seven days in
     the ordinary course of business at approximately the amount at which the
     Portfolio values the security. Additionally, interest rate swap contracts,
     interest-only and principal-only mortgage backed securities, and special
     hazard certificates are treated as illiquid securities in accordance with
     Securities and Exchange Commission policy. Liquid securities are valued
     primarily using prices provided by independent pricing services which use
     prices provided by market-makers or estimates of market values obtained
     from yield and other data relating to instruments or securities with
     similar characteristics, and secondarily based upon market quotations
     and/or other available information. Securities for which reliable market
     information or pricing service quotes are not readily available, including
     illiquid securities, are valued at fair value as determined in good faith
     by, or under procedures established by, the Board of Trustees, which
     procedures may include the delegation of certain responsibilities regarding
     valuation to Astra Management Corporation (the 'Manager'). The Manager
     reports, as necessary, to the Trustees of the Company regarding portfolio
     valuation determinations. Short-term securities with less than sixty days
     remaining to maturity when acquired by the Portfolio will be valued on an
     amortized cost basis by the Portfolio when the Board of Trustees has
     determined that amortized cost is fair value.
 
  B. FEDERAL INCOME TAXES. The Portfolio intends to comply with the requirements
     of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies
     and to distribute all of its taxable income to its shareholders. Therefore,
     no Federal income tax provision is required.
 
  C. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS, INCOME AND DISTRIBUTIONS. As is common in the
     industry, security transactions are accounted for on the trade date.
     Interest income on adjustable rate mortgage securities is recorded on the
     accrual basis at current interest rates. Dividends to shareholders from net
     investment income are declared daily and paid or reinvested monthly.
     Discounts and premiums on debt securities are amortized in accordance with
     the provisions of the Internal Revenue Code.
 
- ------
 
   24

<PAGE>

  D. INTEREST RATE SWAP CONTRACTS. The Portfolio may enter into interest rate
     swap contracts as a hedging technique. Interest rate swap contracts are
     marked-to-market daily using market quotations or independent pricing
     services. The change in market value is recorded by the Portfolio as an
     unrealized gain or loss. Interest income (expense) is accrued daily on the
     contract's notional amount and applicable interest rates. Interest rate
     swap contracts may expose the Portfolio to risks resulting from
     unanticipated movements in interest rates or the failure of the
     counterparty to the agreement to perform in accordance with the terms of
     the contract.
 
  E. DEFERRED ORGANIZATION EXPENSES. All of the Portfolio's expenses in
     connection with its organization are being borne by the Portfolio and will
     be amortized on a straight-line basis over a period of five years.
 
NOTE 3--INVESTMENTS
 
For the six months ended April 30, 1996, the cost of purchases and the proceeds
from sales of investments and principal repayments, excluding short-term
securities, aggregated $263,023,040 and $281,587,637, respectively.
 
On April 30, 1996, the Portfolio held restricted securities (i.e., securities
which may not be publicly sold without registration under the Federal Securities
Act of 1933 (the ' '33 Act') or without an exemption under the '33 Act). The
valuation committee of the Board has reviewed the trading markets for certain of
the Portfolio's restricted securities and has determined that they are liquid
and readily marketable. At April 30, 1996 other restricted securities having a
market value of $1,081,345, representing 0.9% of the Portfolio's net assets have
been determined to be illiquid. On April 30, 1996, and on the acquisition dates
of the restricted securities, there were no market quotations available for
unrestricted securities of the same class. Dates of acquisition and costs of
restricted securities are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  PRINCIPAL                                                                   DATE(S) OF
   AMOUNT                                                                     ACQUISITION            COST
- -------------                                                           -----------------------  -------------
<S>            <C>                                                      <C>                      <C>
$   7,968,857  Citibank NA Multifamily 1992-1, Class B................         03/25/92          $   6,870,768
   11,603,158  Coast Federal Savings Bank 1991-1......................   06/27/91 TO 08/02/91       10,422,480
    5,190,086  Coast Federal Savings Bank 1991-2, Class B-1...........         12/04/91              4,392,775
   15,975,236  PaineWebber Mortgage Acceptance Corp 1991-1, Class B...   10/24/91 TO 12/11/91       15,903,834
    7,771,780  USGI Capital Markets Group Inc, Multi Family
                 1992-1...............................................         09/28/92              6,073,237
                                                                                                 -------------
               Total restricted securities (Market Value of
                 $10,423,871 was 8.8% of net assets at
                 April 30, 1996)......................................                           $  43,663,094
                                                                                                 =============
</TABLE>
 
     As of April 30, 1996 U.S. Government Securities with a value of $32,296,642
were placed in a separate account at the Custodian Bank to cover certain
purchases of securities made on a delayed delivery basis.
 
     At October 31, 1995 the Portfolio had a capital loss carryforward for
Federal income tax purposes of $95,031,000 of which $6,618,000 expires in 2000,
$4,385,000 in 2001, $25,842,000 in 2002, and 58,186,000 in 2003.
 
- ------
 
   25
<PAGE>
NOTE 4-- INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT FEE AND OTHER
         TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
 
The Manager provides the Portfolio with investment management and administrative
services under an Investment Management Agreement. The Manager furnishes all
investment advice, office space and salaries of personnel needed by the
Portfolio, except those involved with record-keeping, daily net asset value
calculations, placing orders for the execution of portfolio transactions,
shareholder servicing, and maintaining registration of shares under state
securities laws. As compensation for its services, the Manager is paid monthly a
fee which is equal to the annual rate of 0.55% of the first $500 million of
average daily net assets, 0.50% on net assets from $500 million to $1 billion
and 0.45% on net assets over $1 billion. The Manager has agreed to reimburse the
Portfolio and Trusts to the extent required so that the aggregate expenses do
not exceed the expense limitations applicable to the Portfolio and Trusts under
the securities laws or regulations of those states or jurisdictions in which the
Trusts' shares are registered or qualified for sale. Currently, the most
restrictive of such expense limitations would require the Manager to reimburse
the Portfolio and Trusts to the extent required so that the Portfolio's and
Trusts' expenses, as described above, for any fiscal year do not exceed 2 1/2%
of the first $30 million of average daily net assets, 2% of the next $70 million
of average net assets and 1 1/2% of the remaining average net assets. The amount
of any such required reimbursement is limited to the management fees paid by the
Portfolio to the Manager. Expenses for purposes of this expense limitation
include the management fee, but exclude distribution expenses, brokerage
commissions and fees, taxes, interest and extraordinary expenses such as
litigation, paid or incurred by the Portfolio or Trusts.
 
Certain officers and trustees of the Company are also officers and/or directors
of the Trusts and the Manager.
 
NOTE 5--LEGAL MATTERS
 
Between December 1994 and July 1995, various complaints have been filed by
certain shareholders of Astra Adjustable U.S. Government Securities Trusts I,
I-A, II, III and IV and Astra Adjustable Rate Securities Trusts I, I-A, II, III
and IV (collectively, the 'Astra Trusts') in the United States District Court
for the Central District of California and in the Superior Court for the State
of California against the Company and certain of its officers and trustees, the
Astra Trusts and certain of their officers and trustees, Astra Management
Corporation, Astra Fund Distributors Corporation, and, Atlas Holdings Group Inc.
and its principal stockholder and certain of its employees. These complaints
have been consolidated in the United States District Court for the Central
District of California in the matter referred to as 'In re Pilgrim Securities
Litigation.'
 
The complaints allege violations of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940 relating principally to disclosure concerning
pricing and liquidity of portfolio securities held by the two Portfolios of the
Company. The complaints seek relief measured by the consideration each
shareholder paid for shares of the Astra Trusts with interest thereon, less the
amount of income received thereon, or in the event the shareholder no longer
owns such shares, for damages, plus interest. Management of the Company believes
the complaints are without merit and intents, and has been advised that each of
the other defendants intends, to vigorously defend these actions. The ultimate
outcome of these matters, however, cannot presently be determined and
accordingly the Portfolios have made no provision for any losses which may
result from settlement of these complaints.
 
- ------
 
   26
<PAGE>
            ASTRA GROUP
            FAMILY OF FUNDS
- ------------------------------
 
            ADJUSTABLE-INCOME FUNDS
- ------------------------------
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST I
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST I-A
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST II
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES TRUST IV
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST I
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST I-A
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST II
 
ASTRA ADJUSTABLE RATE SECURITIES TRUST IV
 
            FIXED-INCOME FUNDS
- ------------------------------
 
ASTRA ALL-AMERICAS GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST
 
ASTRA SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET INCOME FUND I
 
ASTRA SHORT-TERM MULTI-MARKET INCOME FUND II
 
- ------------------
Prospectuses containing more complete information about the Funds, including
charges and expenses, may be obtained from Astra Fund Distributors Corp. Read
the Prospectus carefully before you invest or send money.
 
- ------
 
    27

<PAGE>


- ------------------------------------------
750 B Street
Suite 2350
San Diego, CA 92101
- ------------------------------------------


ASTRA ADJUSTABLE U.S.
GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
I, I-A, II, IV


Investment Manager
Astra Management Corp.
750 B Street
Suite 2350
San Diego, CA 92101
1-619-238-7100

Principal Underwriter
Astra Fund Distributors Corp.
750 B Street
Suite 2350
San Diego, CA 92101
1-800-219-1080

Shareholder Servicing Agent
DST Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 419174
Kansas City, Missouri 64141
1-800-441-7267

Transfer Agent
Investors Fiduciary Trust Company
c/o DST Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 419174
Kansas City, Missouri 64141



This report is submitted for the general information of the shareholders of
the Trusts. It is not authorized for distribution to prospective investors in
the Trusts unless preceded or accompanied by an effective prospectus which
includes details regarding the Trusts' objectives, policies, sales commissions
and other information.


USG 696 10.5         AST 606112






ASTRA
ARM
FUNDS

Semi-Annual Report
April 30, 1996

ASTRA ADJUSTABLE
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
TRUSTS I, I-A, II, IV


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ASTRA




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