SCUDDER PORTFOLIO TRUST/, 485APOS, 1998-03-02

SCUDDER PORTFOLIO TRUST/
485APOS, 1998-03-02

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Filed electronically with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
March 3, 1998.

File No. 2-13627
File No. 811-42

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549

FORM N-1A

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

Pre-Effective Amendment No.
-----

Post-Effective Amendment No. 70
-----

and

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940

Amendment No. 31
-----

Scudder Portfolio Trust
--------------------------------------------------
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110-4103
--------------------------------------- -----------
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code: (617) 295-2567
--------------
Thomas F. McDonough
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.
Two International Place, Boston, MA 02110
--------------------------------------------------
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)

It is proposed that this filing will become effective

immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
---

on _____________ pursuant to paragraph (b)
---

60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
---

X on May 1, 1998 pursuant to paragraph (a)(i)
---

75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii)
---

on __________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(ii) of Rule 485.
---
<PAGE>

SCUDDER PORTFOLIO TRUST
SCUDDER INCOME FUND
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET

Items Required By Form N-1A
PART A

Item No. Item Caption Prospectus Caption
-------- ------------ ------------------

1. Cover Page COVER PAGE

2. Synopsis EXPENSE INFORMATION

3. Condensed FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Financial DISTRIBUTION AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Information

4. General INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Description of WHY INVEST IN THE FUND?
Registrant ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT POLICIES AND
INVESTMENTS
FUND ORGANIZATION

5. Management of the FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Fund A MESSAGE FROM SCUDDER'S CHAIRMAN
FUND ORGANIZATION--Investment adviser,
Transfer agent
SHAREHOLDER BENEFITS--A team approach to
investing
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

5A. Management's NOT APPLICABLE
Discussion of Fund
Performance

6. Capital Stock and DISTRIBUTION AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION--
Other Securities Dividends and capital gains distributions
FUND ORGANIZATION
TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Tax information
SHAREHOLDER BENEFITS--SAIL(TM)--Scudder
Automated Information Line, Dividend
reinvestment plan, T.D.D. service for the
hearing impaired
HOW TO CONTACT SCUDDER

7. Purchase of PURCHASES
Securities Being FUND ORGANIZATION--Underwriter
Offered TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Purchasing shares,
Share price, Processing time, Minimum
balances, Third party transactions
SHAREHOLDER BENEFITS--Dividend reinvestment
plan
SCUDDER TAX-ADVANTAGED RETIREMENT PLANS
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

8. Redemption or EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
Repurchase TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Redeeming shares,
Tax identification number, Minimum
balances

9. Pending Legal NOT APPLICABLE
Proceedings

Cross Reference - Page 1
<PAGE>

SCUDDER INCOME FUND
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
(continued)

PART B

Caption in Statement of
Item No. Item Caption Additional Information

10. Cover Page COVER PAGE

11. Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS

12. General Information FUND ORGANIZATION
and History

13. Investment Objectives THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND
and Policies POLICIES
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS--Brokerage
Commissions, Portfolio Turnover

14. Management of the Fund INVESTMENT ADVISER
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
REMUNERATION

15. Control Persons and TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Principal Holders of
Securities

16. Investment Advisory INVESTMENT ADVISER
and Other Services DISTRIBUTOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION--Experts, Other
Information

17. Brokerage Allocation PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS--Brokerage
and Other Practices Commissions, Portfolio Turnover

18. Capital Stock and FUND ORGANIZATION
Other Securities DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS

19. Purchase, Redemption PURCHASES
and Pricing of EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
Securities Being FEATURES AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE
Offered FUND--Dividend and Capital Gain
Distribution Options
SPECIAL PLAN ACCOUNTS
NET ASSET VALUE

20. Tax Status DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS
TAXES

21. Underwriters DISTRIBUTOR

22. Calculation of PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Performance Data

23. Financial Statements FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Cross Reference - Page 2

<PAGE>

SCUDDER PORTFOLIO TRUST
SCUDDER BALANCED FUND
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET

Items Required By Form N-1A

PART A

Item No. Item Caption Prospectus Caption
- -------- ------------ ------------------

1. Cover Page COVER PAGE

2. Synopsis EXPENSE INFORMATION

3. Condensed FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Financial DISTRIBUTION AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Information

4. General INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND POLICIES
Description of WHY INVEST IN THE FUND?
Registrant ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT POLICIES AND
INVESTMENTS
FUND ORGANIZATION

5. Management of the FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Fund A MESSAGE FROM SCUDDER'S CHAIRMAN
FUND ORGANIZATION--Investment adviser, Transfer
agent SHAREHOLDER BENEFITS--A team approach to
investing TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

5A. Management's NOT APPLICABLE
Discussion of
Fund Performance

6. Capital Stock and DISTRIBUTION AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION--
Other Securities Dividends and capital gains distributions
FUND ORGANIZATION
TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Tax information
SHAREHOLDER BENEFITS--SAIL(TM)--Scudder Automated
Information Line, Dividend reinvestment plan,
T.D.D. service for the hearing impaired
HOW TO CONTACT SCUDDER

7. Purchase of PURCHASES
Securities Being FUND ORGANIZATION--Underwriter
Offered TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Purchasing shares, Share
price, Processing time, Minimum balances, Third
party transactions
SHAREHOLDER BENEFITS--Dividend reinvestment plan
SCUDDER TAX-ADVANTAGED RETIREMENT PLANS
INVESTMENT PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

8. Redemption or EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
Repurchase TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Redeeming shares, Tax
identification number, Minimum balances

9. Pending Legal NOT APPLICABLE
Proceedings

Cross Reference - Page 3
<PAGE>

SCUDDER BALANCED FUND
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
(continued)

PART B

Caption in Statement of
Item No. Item Caption Additional Information
-------- ------------ -----------------------

10. Cover Page COVER PAGE

11. Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS

12. General Information FUND ORGANIZATION
and History

13. Investment Objectives THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND
and Policies POLICIES
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS--Brokerage
Commissions, Portfolio Turnover

14. Management of the Fund INVESTMENT ADVISER
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
REMUNERATION

15. Control Persons and TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Principal Holders of
Securities

16. Investment Advisory INVESTMENT ADVISER
and Other Services DISTRIBUTOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION--Experts, Other
Information

17. Brokerage Allocation PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS--Brokerage
and Other Practices Commissions, Portfolio Turnover

18. Capital Stock and FUND ORGANIZATION
Other Securities DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS

20. Tax Status DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS
TAXES

21. Underwriters DISTRIBUTOR

22. Calculation of PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Performance Data

23. Financial Statements FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Cross Reference - Page 4
<PAGE>

SCUDDER PORTFOLIO TRUST
SCUDDER HIGH YIELD BOND FUND
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET

Items Required By Form N-1A
PART A

Item No. Item Caption Prospectus Caption
-------- ------------ ------------------

1. Cover Page COVER PAGE

2. Synopsis EXPENSE INFORMATION

3. Condensed FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Financial DISTRIBUTION AND PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Information

4. General INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
Description of WHY INVEST IN THE FUND?
Registrant ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT POLICIES AND
INVESTMENTS
FUND ORGANIZATION

5A. Management's NOT APPLICABLE
Discussion of Fund
Performance

8. Redemption or EXCHANGES AND REDEMPTIONS
Repurchase TRANSACTION INFORMATION--Redeeming shares,
Tax identification number, Minimum
balances

9. Pending Legal NOT APPLICABLE
Proceedings

Cross Reference - Page 5
<PAGE>

SCUDDER HIGH YIELD BOND FUND
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
(continued)

PART B

Caption in Statement of
Item No. Item Caption Additional Information
-------- ------------ ----------------------

10. Cover Page COVER PAGE

11. Table of Contents TABLE OF CONTENTS

12. General Information FUND ORGANIZATION
and History

13. Investment Objectives THE FUND'S INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND
and Policies POLICIES
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS--Brokerage
Commissions, Portfolio Turnover

14. Management of the Fund INVESTMENT ADVISER
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
REMUNERATION

15. Control Persons and TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
Principal Holders of
Securities

16. Investment Advisory INVESTMENT ADVISER
and Other Services DISTRIBUTOR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION--Experts, Other
Information

17. Brokerage Allocation PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS--Brokerage
and Other Practices Commissions, Portfolio Turnover

18. Capital Stock and FUND ORGANIZATION
Other Securities DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS

20. Tax Status DIVIDENDS AND CAPITAL GAINS DISTRIBUTIONS
TAXES

21. Underwriters DISTRIBUTOR

22. Calculation of PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
Performance Data

23. Financial Statements FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Cross Reference - Page 6
<PAGE>

This prospectus sets forth concisely the information about Scudder Income Fund,
a diversified series of Scudder Portfolio Trust, an open-end management
investment company, that a prospective investor should know before investing.
Please retain it for future reference.

If you require more detailed information, a Statement of Additional Information
dated May 1, 1998, as amended from time to time, may be obtained without charge
by writing Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Two International Place, Boston, MA
02110-4103 or calling 1-800-225-2470. The Statement, which is incorporated by
reference into this prospectus, has been filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission and is available along with other related materials on the SEC's
Internet Web Site (http://www.sec.gov).

THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

Contents--see page 4.

- ----------------------------
NOT FDIC- MAY LOSE VALUE
INSURED NO BANK GUARANTEE
- ----------------------------

[PRINTED WITH SOY INK LOGO] [RECYCLE LOGO] Printed on recycled paper

SCUDDER [LOGO]

Scudder
Income Fund

Prospectus
May 1, 1998

A pure no-load(TM) (no sales charges) mutual fund seeking a high level of income
consistent with the prudent investment of capital.

<PAGE>

- ----------------------------------------
Expense information
- ----------------------------------------

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

How to compare a Scudder pure no-load(TM) fund

This information is designed to help you understand the various costs and
expenses of investing in Scudder Income Fund (the "Fund"). By reviewing this
table and those in other mutual funds' prospectuses, you can compare the Fund's
fees and expenses with those of other funds. With Scudder's pure no-load(TM)
funds, you pay no commissions to purchase or redeem shares, or to exchange from
one fund to another. As a result, all of your investment goes to work for you.

1) Shareholder transaction expenses: Expenses charged directly to your
individual account in the Fund for various transactions.

Sales commissions to purchase shares (sales load) NONE
Commissions to reinvest dividends NONE
Redemption fees NONE*
Fees to exchange shares NONE

2) Annual Fund operating expenses: Expenses paid by the Fund before it
distributes its net investment income, expressed as a percentage of the
Fund's average daily net assets for the year ended December 31, 1997.

Investment management fee ____%
12b-1 fees NONE
Other expenses %
-----
Total Fund operating expenses %
=====

Example

Based on the level of total Fund operating expenses listed above, the total
expenses relating to a $1,000 investment, assuming a 5% annual return and
redemption at the end of each period, are listed below. Investors do not pay
these expenses directly; they are paid by the Fund before it distributes its net
investment income to shareholders. (As noted above, the Fund has no redemption
fees of any kind.)

1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
------ ------- ------- --------
$ $ $ $

See "Fund organization--Investment adviser" for further information about the
investment management fee. This example assumes reinvestment of all dividends
and distributions and that the percentage amounts listed under "Annual Fund
operating expenses" remain the same each year. This example should not be
considered a representation of past or future expenses or return. Actual Fund
expenses and return vary from year to year and may be higher or lower than those
shown.

* You may redeem by writing or calling the Fund. If you wish to receive
redemption proceeds via wire, there is a $5 wire service fee. For additional
information, please refer to "Transaction information--Redeeming shares."

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

- --
2
<PAGE>

- ----------------------------------------
Financial highlights
- ----------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following table includes selected data for a share outstanding throughout
each period and other performance information derived from the audited financial
statements. If you would like more detailed information concerning the Fund's
performance, a complete portfolio listing and audited financial statements are
available in the Fund's Annual Report dated December 31, 1997, which may be
obtained without charge by writing or calling Scudder Investor Services, Inc.

(a) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.
(b) Distribution made (as a result of foreign currency related gains on the
disposition of foreign bonds) in order to avoid the payment of a 4% federal
excise tax under International Revenue Code section 4982.

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

--
3
<PAGE>

- ----------------------------------------
A message from the President
- ----------------------------------------

[PHOTO]

Edmond D. Villani, President
and CEO, Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc.

Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., investment adviser to the Scudder Family of
Funds, is one of the largest and most experienced investment management
organizations worldwide, managing more than $200 billion in assets globally for
mutual fund investors, retirement and pension plans, institutional and corporate
clients, and private family and individual accounts. It is one of the ten
largest mutual fund companies in the U.S.

We offered America's first no-load mutual fund in 1928, and today the Scudder
Family of Funds includes over 45 no-load mutual fund portfolios. We also manage
the mutual funds in a special program for the American Association of Retired
Persons, as well as the fund options available through Scudder Horizon Plan, a
tax-advantaged variable annuity. We also advise The Japan Fund, and numerous
other open and closed-end funds that invest in this country and other countries
around the world.

The Scudder Family of Funds is designed to make investing easy and less costly.
It includes money market, tax free, income and growth funds as well as IRAs,
401(k)s, Keoghs and other retirement plans.

Services available to shareholders include toll-free access to the professional
service representatives of Scudder Investor Relations, easy exchange among
funds, shareholder reports, informative newsletters and the walk-in convenience
of Scudder Investor Centers.

The Scudder Family of Funds includes those Funds, or classes of Funds, advised
by Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., that are offered without commissions to
purchase or redeem shares or to exchange from one fund to another. There are no
12b-1 fees either, which many other funds now charge to support their marketing
efforts. All of your investment goes to work for you. We look forward to
welcoming you as a shareholder.

/s/ Edmond D. Villani

- ----------------------------------------
Scudder Income Fund
- ----------------------------------------

Investment objective

o a high level of income, consistent with the prudent investment of capital

Investment characteristics

o a professionally managed portfolio of primarily high-grade bonds and other
fixed-income securities

o share price fluctuates as interest rates rise and fall

o invests in longer-term securities for higher income

o quarterly dividends

o daily liquidity at current net asset value

- ----------------------------------------
Contents
- ----------------------------------------

Investment objective and policies ................ 5
Why invest in the Fund? .......................... 6
Additional information about policies
and investments ................................ 6
Distribution and performance information ......... 11
Fund organization ................................ 12
Transaction information .......................... 13
Shareholder benefits ............................. 17
Purchases ........................................ 19
Exchanges and redemptions ........................ 20
Trustees and Officers ............................ 22
Investment products and services ................. 23
How to contact Scudder ................... Back Cover

- --
4
<PAGE>

- ----------------------------------------
Investment objective and policies
- ----------------------------------------

Scudder Income Fund (the "Fund"), a diversified series of Scudder Portfolio
Trust, seeks a high level of income, consistent with the prudent investment of
capital, through a flexible investment program emphasizing high-grade bonds.

The Fund invests primarily in a broad range of high-grade, income-producing
securities such as corporate bonds and government securities. The Fund may
invest, from time to time, in municipal obligations. There is no limitation as
to the proportions of the portfolio which may be invested in each of these types
of securities.

Proportions among the types of securities vary, depending on the prospects for
income related to the outlook for the economy and the securities markets, the
quality of available investments, the level of interest rates and other factors.
However, it is a policy of the Fund to allocate investments among industries and
companies. The Fund changes its portfolio securities for investment
considerations, not for trading purposes.

Except as otherwise indicated, the Fund's investment objective and policies are
not fundamental and may be changed without a vote of shareholders. If there is a
change in investment objective, shareholders should consider whether the Fund
remains an appropriate investment in light of their then current financial
position and needs. There can be no assurance that the Fund's objective will be
met.

Investments

The majority of the Fund's assets are usually invested in intermediate- and
long-term fixed-income securities. Long-term bonds have remaining maturities of
longer than eight years and usually pay a higher rate of income than short-term
fixed-income securities and common stocks. The Fund, however, has the
flexibility to invest in securities within any maturity range and has
consistently held investments with short and intermediate maturities as well as
long maturities. The Fund may invest in bonds, notes, zero coupon securities,
adjustable rate bonds, convertible bonds, preferred and convertible preferred
securities, commercial paper, debt securities issued by real estate investment
trusts ("REITs"), mortgage and asset-backed securities and other money market
instruments and illiquid securities such as private placements.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of its assets
in securities rated within the three highest quality rating categories of
Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") (Aaa, Aa and A) or Standard & Poor's
("S&P") (AAA, AA and A), or if unrated, in bonds judged by the Fund's investment
adviser, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. (the "Adviser"), to be of comparable
quality at the time of purchase. The Fund may invest up to 20% of its assets in
debt securities rated lower than Baa or BBB or, if unrated, of equivalent
quality as determined by the Adviser, but will not purchase bonds rated below B
by Moody's or S&P or their equivalent. During the fiscal year ended December 31,
1996, the average monthly dollar-weighted market value of the bonds in the
Fund's portfolio was rated as follows: 56% AAA, 4% AA, 20% A and 20% BBB.

The Fund may also invest in U.S. Government securities which include:

o securities issued and backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
Government, such as U.S. Treasury bills, notes and bonds;

o securities, including mortgage-backed securities, issued by an agency or
instrumentality of the U.S. Government, including those backed by the full
faith and credit of the U.S. Government and those issued by agencies and
instrumentalities which, while neither direct obligations of, nor guaranteed
by the U.S. Government, are backed by the credit of the issuer itself and
may be supported as well by the issuer's right to borrow from the U.S.
Treasury; and

--
5
<PAGE>

o securities of the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities on a
when-issued or forward delivery basis.

The Fund may invest in foreign securities and certificates of deposit issued by
foreign and domestic branches of U.S. banks. It may also invest in when-issued
or forward delivery securities, indexed securities, repurchase agreements,
reverse repurchase agreements, illiquid securities, and may engage in
dollar-roll transactions and strategic transactions. More information about
these investment techniques is provided under "Additional information about
policies and investments."

The Fund's share price fluctuates with changes in interest rates and market
conditions. These fluctuations may cause the value of an investor's shares to be
higher or lower than when purchased.

- ----------------------------------------
Why invest in the Fund?
- ----------------------------------------

Scudder Income Fund seeks to provide investment income from a professionally
managed portfolio consisting primarily of intermediate- and long-term,
high-grade fixed-income securities.

Fixed-income securities purchased by the Fund will be primarily high-grade
bonds: those rated Aaa, Aa or A by Moody's, or AAA, AA or A by S&P, or those of
equivalent quality as determined by the Adviser. By focusing on intermediate-
and long-term securities, the Fund offers investors willing to accept greater
principal risk the possibility of earning a higher rate of income than is
generally available from funds investing in short-term or money market
securities.

The Fund may also invest up to 20% of its assets in lower quality domestic debt
securities, sometimes referred to as "high-yield" or "junk" bonds. These bonds
offer higher income, as well as the prospect for price appreciation, but involve
more risk, particularly a greater risk of default, than U.S. Government bonds or
other high quality, corporate fixed-income securities. The Fund's Adviser seeks
to reduce these risks through investment diversification and ongoing research
and analysis.

Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. has been researching and managing fixed-income
investments since 1929 and currently oversees more than $55 billion in U.S. and
foreign bonds. As America's oldest no-load mutual fund, Scudder Income Fund has
not missed a quarterly dividend payment in over 60 years.

- ----------------------------------------
Additional information about
policies and investments
- ----------------------------------------

Investment restrictions

The Fund has certain investment restrictions which are designed to reduce the
Fund's investment risk. Fundamental investment restrictions may not be changed
without a vote of shareholders; non-fundamental investment restrictions may be
changed by a vote of the Trust's Board of Trustees. A complete listing of
investment restrictions is contained under "Investment Restrictions" in the
Fund's Statement of Additional Information.

As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not borrow money, except as
permitted under Federal law. Further, as a matter of non-fundamental policy, the
Fund may not borrow money in an amount greater than 5% of total assets, except
for temporary or emergency purposes, although the Fund may engage up to 5% of
total assets in reverse repurchase agreements or dollar rolls.

As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not make loans except through
the lending of portfolio securities, the purchase of debt securities, interests
in indebtedness or through repurchase agreements. The Fund has adopted a
non-fundamental policy restricting the lending of portfolio securities to no
more than 5% of total assets.

- --
6
<PAGE>

A complete description of these and other policies and restrictions is contained
under "Investment Restrictions" in the Fund's Statement of Additional
Information.

Dollar roll transactions

The Fund may enter into dollar roll transactions with selected banks and
broker/dealers. Dollar roll transactions are treated as reverse repurchase
agreements for purposes of the Fund's borrowing restrictions and consist of the
sale by the Fund of mortgage-backed securities, together with a commitment to
purchase similar, but not identical, securities at a future date at the same
price. In addition, the Fund is paid a fee as consideration for entering into
the commitment to purchase. Dollar rolls may be renewed after cash settlement
and initially may involve only a firm commitment agreement by the Fund to buy
the securities.

Mortgage and other asset-backed securities

The Fund may invest in mortgage-backed securities, which are securities
representing interests in pools of mortgage loans. These securities provide
shareholders with payments consisting of both interest and principal as the
mortgages in the underlying mortgage pools are paid off.

The timely payment of principal and interest on mortgage-backed securities
issued or guaranteed by the Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA") is
backed by GNMA and the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government. These
guarantees, however, do not apply to the market value or yield of
mortgage-backed securities or to the value of Fund shares. Also, GNMA and other
mortgage-backed securities may be purchased at a premium over the maturity value
of the underlying mortgages. This premium is not guaranteed and will be lost if
prepayment occurs. In addition, the Fund may invest in mortgage-backed
securities issued by other issuers, such as the Federal National Mortgage
Association (FNMA), which are not guaranteed by the U.S. Government. Moreover,
the Fund may invest in debt securities which are secured with collateral
consisting of mortgage-backed securities and in other types of mortgage-related
securities.

The Fund may also invest in securities representing interests in pools of
certain other consumer loans, such as automobile loans or credit card
receivables. In some cases, principal and interest payments are partially
guaranteed by a letter of credit from a financial institution.

Illiquid securities

The Fund may invest in securities for which there is not an active trading
market, or which have resale restrictions. These types of securities generally
offer a higher return than more readily marketable securities, but carry the
risk that the Fund may not be able to dispose of them at an advantageous time or
price.

Indexed securities

The Fund may invest in indexed securities, the value of which is linked to
currencies, interest rates, commodities, indices or other financial indicators
("reference instruments"). The interest rate or (unlike most fixed-income
securities) the principal amount payable at maturity of an indexed security may
be increased or decreased, depending on changes in the value of the reference
instrument.

Zero coupon securities

The Fund may invest in zero coupon securities which pay no cash income and are
sold at substantial discounts from their maturity value. When held to maturity,
their entire income, which consists of accretion of discount, comes from the
difference between the issue price and their maturity value.

When-issued securities

The Fund may purchase securities on a when-issued or forward delivery basis, for
payment and delivery at a later date. The price and yield are generally fixed on
the date of commitment to purchase. During the period between purchase and
settlement, no interest accrues to the Fund. At the time of settlement,

--
7
<PAGE>

the market value of the security may be more or less than the purchase price.

Repurchase agreements

As a means of earning income for periods as short as overnight, the Fund may
enter into repurchase agreements with selected banks and broker/ dealers. Under
a repurchase agreement the Fund acquires securities, subject to the seller's
agreement to repurchase them at a specified time and price. The Fund may enter
into repurchase commitments with any party deemed creditworthy by the Adviser,
including foreign banks and broker/dealers, if the transaction is entered into
for investment purposes and the counterparty's creditworthiness is at least
equal to that of issuers of securities which the Fund may purchase.

Foreign securities

While the Fund generally emphasizes investments in companies domiciled in the
U.S., it may invest in listed and unlisted foreign securities that meet the same
criteria as the Fund's domestic holdings. The Fund may invest in foreign
securities when the anticipated performance of foreign securities is believed by
the Adviser to offer more potential than domestic alternatives in keeping with
the investment objective of the Fund. The Fund may invest in certificates of
deposit issued by foreign and of domestic branches of U.S. banks.

Trust preferred securities

The Fund may invest in special purpose trust securities ("trust preferred
securities"), which are hybrid instruments issued by a special purpose trust
(the "Special Trust"), the entire equity interest of which is owned by a single
issuer. The proceeds of the issuance to the Fund of trust preferred securities
are typically used to purchase a junior subordinated debenture, and
distributions from the Special Trust are funded by the payments of principal and
interest on the subordinated debenture. These securities tend to be affected by
interest rates in a manner similar to debt securities.

Strategic Transactions and derivatives

The Fund may, but is not required to, utilize various other investment
strategies as described below to hedge various market risks (such as interest
rates, currency exchange rates, and broad or specific equity or fixed-income
market movements), to manage the effective maturity or duration of fixed-income
securities in the Fund's portfolio or to enhance potential gain. These
strategies may be executed through the use of derivative contracts. Such
strategies are generally accepted as a part of modern portfolio management and
are regularly utilized by many mutual funds and other institutional investors.
Techniques and instruments may change over time as new instruments and
strategies are developed or regulatory changes occur.

In the course of pursuing these investment strategies, the Fund may purchase and
sell exchange-listed and over-the-counter put and call options on securities,
equity and fixed-income indices and other financial instruments, purchase and
sell financial futures contracts and options thereon, enter into various
interest rate transactions such as swaps, caps, floors or collars, and enter
into various currency transactions such as currency forward contracts, currency
futures contracts, currency swaps or options on currencies or currency futures
(collectively, all the above are called "Strategic Transactions").

- --
8
<PAGE>

enhance potential gain although no more than 5% of the Fund's assets will be
committed to Strategic Transactions entered into for non-hedging purposes. Any
or all of these investment techniques may be used at any time and in any
combination, and there is no particular strategy that dictates the use of one
technique rather than another, as use of any Strategic Transaction is a function
of numerous variables including market conditions. The ability of the Fund to
utilize these Strategic Transactions successfully will depend on the Adviser's
ability to predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. The Fund
will comply with applicable regulatory requirements when implementing these
strategies, techniques and instruments. Strategic Transactions involving
financial futures and options thereon will be purchased, sold or entered into
only for bona fide hedging, risk management or portfolio management purposes and
not to create leveraged exposure in the Fund. Please refer to "Risk
factors--Strategic Transactions and derivatives" for more information.

Risk factors

The Fund's risks are determined by the nature of the securities held and the
portfolio management strategies used by the Adviser. The following are
descriptions of certain risks related to the investments and techniques that the
Fund may use from time to time.

Debt securities. Securities rated BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's are neither
highly protected nor poorly secured. These securities normally pay higher yields
but involve potentially greater price variability than higher-quality
securities. These securities are regarded as having adequate capacity to repay
principal and pay interest, although adverse economic conditions or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to do so. Moody's
considers bonds it rates Baa to have speculative elements as well as
investment-grade characteristics.

Risks of debt securities rated below investment-grade: Securities rated below
investment-grade (those rated lower than Baa or BBB) are commonly referred to as
"junk bonds". These securities can entail greater price volatility and involve a
higher degree of speculation with respect to the payment of principal and
interest than higher quality fixed-income securities. The market prices of such
lower rated debt securities may decline significantly in periods of general
economic difficulty. In addition, the trading market for these securities is
generally less liquid than for higher rated securities, and the Fund may have
difficulty disposing of these securities at the time it wishes to do so. The
lack of a liquid secondary market for certain securities may also make it more
difficult for the Fund to obtain accurate market quotations for purposes of
valuing its portfolio and calculating its net asset value. Should the rating of
any security held by the Portfolio be downgraded after the time of purchase, the
Adviser will determine whether it is in the best interest of the Portfolio to
retain or dispose of the security.

Dollar roll transactions. If the broker/dealer to whom the Fund sells the
securities underlying a dollar roll transaction becomes insolvent, the Fund's
right to purchase or repurchase the securities may be restricted; the value of
the securities may change adversely over the term of the dollar roll; the
securities that the Fund is required to repurchase may be worth less than the
securities that the Fund originally held, and the return earned by the Fund with
the proceeds of a dollar roll may not exceed transaction costs.

--
9
<PAGE>

lower rate of return upon reinvestment. To the extent that such mortgage-backed
securities are held by the Fund, the prepayment right of mortgagors may limit
the increase in net asset value of the Fund because the value of the
mortgage-backed securities held by the Fund may not appreciate as rapidly as the
price of non-callable debt securities. Asset-backed securities are subject to
the risk of prepayment and the risk that the underlying loans will not be
repaid.

Illiquid securities. The absence of a trading market can make it difficult to
ascertain a market value for these investments. Disposing of illiquid
investments may involve time-consuming negotiation and legal expenses, and it
may be difficult or impossible for the Fund to sell them promptly at an
acceptable price.

In addition, the change in the interest rate or value at maturity of the
security may be some multiple of the change in the value of the reference
instrument. Thus, in addition to the credit risk of the security's issuer, the
Fund will bear the market risk of the reference instrument.

Zero coupon securities. Zero coupon securities are subject to greater market
value fluctuations from changing interest rates than debt obligations of
comparable maturities that make current cash distributions of interest.

Repurchase agreements. If the seller under a repurchase agreement becomes
insolvent, the Fund's right to dispose of the securities may be restricted, or
the value of the securities may decline before the Fund is able to dispose of
them. In the event of the commencement of bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings
with respect to the seller of the securities before repurchase of the securities
under a repurchase agreement, the Fund may encounter delay and incur costs,
including a decline in the value of the securities, before being able to sell
the securities. Repurchase commitment transactions may not provide the Fund with
collateral marked-to-market during the term of the commitment.

Foreign securities. Investments in foreign securities involve special
considerations due to limited information, higher brokerage costs, different
accounting standards, thinner trading markets as compared to domestic markets
and the likely impact of foreign taxes on the yield from debt securities. They
may also entail other risks, such as the possibility of one or more of the
following: imposition of dividend or interest withholding or confiscatory taxes;
currency blockages or transfer restrictions; expropriation, nationalization or
other adverse political or economic developments; less government supervision
and regulation of securities exchanges, brokers and listed companies; and the
difficulty of enforcing obligations in other countries. Purchases of foreign
securities are usually made in foreign currencies and, as a result, the Fund may
incur currency conversion costs and may be affected favorably or unfavorably by
changes in the value of foreign currencies against the U.S. dollar.

Further, it may be more difficult for the Fund's agents to keep currently
informed about corporate actions which may affect the prices of portfolio
securities. Communications between the U.S. and foreign countries may be less
reliable than within the U.S., increasing the risk of delayed settlements of
portfolio transactions or loss of certificates for portfolio securities. The
Fund's ability and decisions to purchase and sell portfolio securities may be
affected by laws or regulations relating to the convertibility and repatriation
of assets.

Trust preferred securities. If payments on the underlying junior subordinated
debentures held by the Special Trust are deferred by the debenture issuer, the
debentures would be treated as

- --
10
<PAGE>

original issue discount ("OID") obligations for the remainder of their term. As
a result, holders of trust preferred securities, such as the Fund, would be
required to accrue daily for Federal income tax purposes, their share of the
stated interest and the de minimis OID on the debentures (regardless of whether
the Fund receives any cash distributions from the Special Trust), and the value
of trust preferred securities would likely be negatively affected. Trust
preferred securities may be subject to mandatory prepayment under certain
circumstances. The market values of trust preferred securities may be more
volatile than those of conventional debt securities.

prices higher than (in the case of put options) or lower than (in the case of
call options) current market values, limit the amount of appreciation the Fund
can realize on its investments or cause the Fund to hold a security it might
otherwise sell. The use of currency transactions can result in the Fund
incurring losses as a result of a number of factors including the imposition of
exchange controls, suspension of settlements or the inability to deliver or
receive a specified currency. The use of options and futures transactions
entails certain other risks. In particular, the variable degree of correlation
between price movements of futures contracts and price movements in the related
portfolio position of the Fund creates the possibility that losses on the
hedging instrument may be greater than gains in the value of the Fund's
position. In addition, futures and options markets may not be liquid in all
circumstances and certain over-the-counter options may have no markets. As a
result, in certain markets, the Fund might not be able to close out a
transaction without incurring substantial losses, if at all. Although the use of
futures contracts and options transactions for hedging should tend to minimize
the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged position, at the
same time they tend to limit any potential gain which might result from an
increase in value of such position.

Finally, the daily variation margin requirements for futures contracts would
create a greater ongoing potential financial risk than would purchases of
options, where the exposure is limited to the cost of the initial premium.
Losses resulting from the use of Strategic Transactions would reduce net asset
value, and possibly income, and such losses can be greater than if the Strategic
Transactions had not been utilized. The Strategic Transactions that the Fund may
use and some of their risks are described more fully in the Fund's Statement of
Additional Information.

- ----------------------------------------
Distribution and performance
information
- ----------------------------------------

Dividends and capital gains distributions

The Fund intends to distribute dividends from its net investment income
quarterly in March, June, September and November. The Fund intends to distribute
net realized capital gains after utilization of capital loss carryforwards, if
any, in November or December to prevent application of a federal excise tax. An
additional distribution may be made, if necessary. Any dividends or capital
gains distributions declared in October, November or December with a record date
in such a month and paid the following January will be treated by shareholders
for federal income tax purposes as if received on December 31 of the calendar
year declared. According to preference, shareholders may receive distributions
in cash or have them reinvested in additional shares of the

--
11
<PAGE>

Fund. If an investment is in the form of a retirement plan, all dividends and
capital gains distributions must be reinvested into the shareholder's account.

Generally, dividends from net investment income are taxable to shareholders as
ordinary income. Long-term capital gains distributions, if any, are taxable to
individual shareholders at a maximum 20% or 28% capital gains rate (depending on
the Fund's holding period for the assets giving rise to the gain), regardless of
the length of time shareholders have owned shares. Short-term capital gains and
any other taxable income distributions are taxable as ordinary income.

The Fund sends detailed tax information about the amount and type of its
distributions to its shareholders by January 31 of the following year.

Performance information

From time to time, quotations of the Fund's performance may be included in
advertisements, sales literature or shareholder reports. All performance figures
are historical, show the performance of a hypothetical investment and are not
intended to indicate future performance. The "SEC yield" of the Fund is an
annualized expression of the net income generated by the Fund over a specified
30-day (one month) period, as a percentage of the Fund's share price on the last
day of that period. This yield is calculated according to methods required by
the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), and therefore may not equate
to the level of income paid to shareholders. "Total return" is the change in
value of an investment in the Fund for a specified period. The "average annual
total return" of the Fund is the average annual compound rate of return of an
investment in the Fund assuming the investment has been held for one year, five
years and ten years as of a stated ending date. "Cumulative total return"
represents the cumulative change in value of an investment in the Fund for
various periods. All types of total return calculations assume that all
dividends and capital gains distributions during the period were reinvested in
shares of the Fund. "Capital change" measures return from capital, including
reinvestment of any capital gains distributions but does not include the
reinvestment of dividends. Performance will vary based upon, among other things,
changes in market conditions and the level of the Fund's expenses.

- ----------------------------------------
Fund organization
- ----------------------------------------

Scudder Income Fund is a diversified series of Scudder Portfolio Trust (the
"Trust"), an open-end management investment company registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"). The Trust was organized as a
Massachusetts business trust in September 1984 and on December 31, 1984 assumed
the business of its predecessor, which was organized as a Massachusetts
corporation in 1928.

The Fund's activities are supervised by the Trust's Board of Trustees.
Shareholders have one vote for each share held on matters on which they are
entitled to vote. The Trust is not required to and has no current intention of
holding annual shareholder meetings, although special meetings may be called for
purposes such as electing or removing Trustees, changing fundamental investment
policies or approving an investment advisory contract. Shareholders will be
assisted in communicating with other shareholders in connection with removing a
Trustee as if Section 16(c) of the 1940 Act were applicable.

Investment adviser

The Fund retains the investment management firm of Scudder Kemper Investments,
Inc., a Delaware corporation formerly known as Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc.,
to manage the Fund's daily investment and business affairs subject to the
policies established by the Board of Trustees. The Trustees have overall

- --
12
<PAGE>

responsibility for the management of the Fund under Massachusetts law.

Scudder, Stevens & Clark, Inc. ("Scudder"), and Zurich Insurance Company
("Zurich"), an international insurance and financial services organization, have
formed a new global investment organization by combining Scudder's business with
that of Zurich's subsidiary, Zurich Kemper Investments, Inc. and Scudder has
changed its name to Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. As a result of the
transaction, Zurich owns approximately 70% of the Adviser, with the balance
owned by the Adviser's officers and employees.

The Adviser receives an investment management fee for these services. The fee is
graduated so that increases in the Fund's net assets may result in a lower fee
and decreases in the Fund's net assets may result in a higher fee. The fee is
payable monthly, provided that the Fund will make such interim payments as may
be requested by the Adviser not to exceed 75% of the amount of the fee then
accrued on the books of the Fund and unpaid.

For the year ended December 31, 1997, the Adviser received an investment
management fee of ____% of the Fund's average daily net assets on an annual
basis.

All of the Fund's expenses are paid out of gross investment income. Shareholders
pay no direct charges or fees for investment or administrative services.

Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. is located at Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts.

Transfer agent

Scudder Service Corporation, P.O. Box 2291, Boston, Massachusetts 02107-2291, a
subsidiary of the Adviser, is the transfer, shareholder servicing and
dividend-paying agent for the Fund.

Underwriter

Scudder Investor Services, Inc., a subsidiary of the Adviser, is the Fund's
principal underwriter. Scudder Investor Services, Inc. confirms, as agent, all
purchases of shares of the Fund. Scudder Investor Relations is a telephone
information service provided by Scudder Investor Services, Inc.

Fund accounting agent

Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation, a subsidiary of the Adviser, is responsible
for determining the daily net asset value per share and maintaining the general
accounting records of the Fund.

Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company is the Fund's custodian.

- ----------------------------------------
Transaction information
- ----------------------------------------

Purchasing shares

Purchases are executed at the next calculated net asset value per share after
the Fund's transfer agent receives the purchase request in good order. Purchases
are made in full and fractional shares. (See "Share price.")

By check. If you purchase shares with a check that does not clear, your purchase
will be canceled and you will be subject to any losses or fees incurred in the
transaction. Checks must be drawn on or payable through a U.S. bank. If you
purchase shares by check and redeem them within seven business days of purchase,
the Fund may hold redemption proceeds until the purchase check has cleared. If
you purchase shares by federal funds wire, you may avoid this delay. Redemption
requests by telephone prior to the expiration of the seven-day period will not
be accepted.

By wire. To open a new account by wire, first call Scudder at 1-800-225-5163 to
obtain an account number. A representative will instruct you to send a
completed, signed application to the transfer agent. Accounts cannot be opened
without a completed, signed application and a Scudder fund account number.
Contact your bank to arrange a wire transfer to:

--
13
<PAGE>

The Scudder Funds
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Boston, MA 02101
ABA Number 011000028
DDA Account 9903-5552

Your wire instructions must also include:
- -- the name of the fund in which the money is to be invested,
- -- the account number of the fund, and
- -- the name(s) of the account holder(s).

The account will be established once the application and money order are
received in good order.

You may also make additional investments of $100 or more to your existing
account by wire.

By telephone order. Existing shareholders may purchase shares at a certain day's
price by calling 1-800-225-5163 before the close of regular trading on the New
York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange"), normally 4 p.m. eastern time, on that day.
Orders must be for $10,000 or more and cannot be for an amount greater than four
times the value of your account at the time the order is placed. A confirmation
with complete purchase information is sent shortly after your order is received.
You must include with your payment the order number given at the time the order
is placed. If payment by check or wire is not received within three business
days, the order is subject to cancellation and the shareholder will be
responsible for any loss to the Fund resulting from this cancellation. Telephone
orders are not available for shares held in Scudder IRA accounts and most other
Scudder retirement plan accounts.

By "QuickBuy." If you elected "QuickBuy" for your account, you can call
toll-free to purchase shares. The money will be automatically transferred from
your predesignated bank checking account. Your bank must be a member of the
Automated Clearing House for you to use this service. If you did not elect
"QuickBuy," call 1-800-225-5163 for more information.

To purchase additional shares, call 1-800-225-5163. Purchases may not be for
more than $250,000. Proceeds in the amount of your purchase will be transferred
from your bank checking account in two or three business days following your
call. For requests received by the close of regular trading on the Exchange,
shares will be purchased at the net asset value per share calculated at the
close of trading on the day of your call. "QuickBuy" requests received after the
close of regular trading on the Exchange will begin their processing and be
purchased at the net asset value calculated the following business day.

If you purchase shares by "QuickBuy" and redeem them within seven days of the
purchase, the Fund may hold the redemption proceeds for a period of up to seven
business days. If you purchase shares and there are insufficient funds in your
bank account, the purchase will be canceled and you will be subject to any
losses or fees incurred in the transaction. "QuickBuy" transactions are not
available for most retirement plan accounts. However, "QuickBuy" transactions
are available for Scudder IRA accounts.

By exchange. The Fund may be exchanged for shares of other funds in the Scudder
Family of Funds unless otherwise determined by the Board of Trustees. Your new
account will have the same registration and address as your existing account.

The exchange requirements for corporations, other organizations, trusts,
fiduciaries, agents, institutional investors and retirement plans may be
different from those for regular accounts. Please call 1-800-225-5163 for more
information, including information about the transfer of special account
features.

You can also make exchanges among your Scudder fund accounts on SAIL, the
Scudder Automated Information Line, by calling 1-800-343-2890.

Redeeming shares

The Fund allows you to redeem shares (i.e., sell them back to the Fund) without
redemption fees.

- --
14
<PAGE>

By telephone. This is the quickest and easiest way to sell Fund shares. If you
provided your banking information on your application, you can call to request
that federal funds be sent to your authorized bank account. If you did not
include your banking information on your application, call 1-800-225-5163 for
more information.

Redemption proceeds will be wired to your bank unless otherwise requested. If
your bank cannot receive federal reserve wires, redemption proceeds will be
mailed to your bank. There will be a $5 charge for all wire redemptions.

You can also make redemptions from your Scudder fund account on SAIL by calling
1-800-343-2890.

If you open an account by wire, you cannot redeem shares by telephone until the
Fund's transfer agent has received your completed and signed application.
Telephone redemption is not available for shares held in Scudder IRA accounts
and most other Scudder retirement plan accounts.

In the event that you are unable to reach the Fund by telephone, you should
write to the Fund; see "How to contact Scudder" for the address.

By "QuickSell." If you elected "QuickSell" for your account, you can call
toll-free to redeem shares. The money will be automatically transferred to your
predesignated bank checking account. Your bank must be a member of the Automated
Clearing House for you to use this service. If you did not elect "QuickSell,"
call 1-800-225-5163 for more information.

To redeem shares, call 1-800-225-5163. Redemptions must be for at least $250.
Proceeds in the amount of your redemption will be transferred to your bank
checking account in two or three business days following your call. For requests
received by the close of regular trading on the Exchange, shares will be
redeemed at the net asset value per share calculated at the close of trading on
the day of your call. "QuickSell" requests received after the close of regular
trading on the Exchange will begin their processing and be redeemed at the net
asset value calculated the following business day.

"QuickSell" transactions are not available for Scudder IRA accounts and most
other retirement plan accounts.

Signature guarantees. For your protection and to prevent fraudulent redemptions,
on written redemption requests in excess of $100,000 we require an original
signature and an original signature guarantee for each person in whose name the
account is registered. (The Fund reserves the right, however, to require a
signature guarantee for all redemptions.) You can obtain a signature guarantee
from most banks, credit unions or savings associations, or from broker/dealers,
municipal securities broker/dealers, government securities broker/dealers,
national securities exchanges, registered securities associations or clearing
agencies deemed eligible by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Signature
guarantees by notaries public are not acceptable. Redemption requirements for
corporations, other organizations, trusts, fiduciaries, agents, institutional
investors and retirement plans may be different from those for regular accounts.
For more information, please call 1-800-225-5163.

Telephone transactions

Shareholders automatically receive the ability to exchange by telephone and the
right to redeem by telephone up to $100,000 to their address of record.
Shareholders also may, by telephone, request that redemption proceeds be sent to
a predesignated bank account. The Fund uses procedures designed to give
reasonable assurance that telephone instructions are genuine, including
recording telephone calls, testing a caller's identity and sending written
confirmation of telephone transactions. If the Fund does not follow such
procedures, it may be liable for losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent
telephone instructions. The Fund will not be liable for

--
15
<PAGE>

acting upon instructions communicated by telephone that it reasonably believes
to be genuine.

Share price

Purchases and redemptions, including exchanges, are made at net asset value.
Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation determines net asset value per share as of
the close of regular trading on the Exchange, normally 4 p.m. eastern time, on
each day the Exchange is open for trading. Net asset value per share is
calculated by dividing the value of total Fund assets, less all liabilities, by
the total number of shares outstanding.

Processing time

All purchase and redemption requests must be received in good order by the
Fund's transfer agent. Those requests received by the close of regular trading
on the Exchange are executed at the net asset value per share calculated at the
close of regular trading that day.

Purchase and redemption requests received after the close of regular trading on
the Exchange will be executed the following business day.

If you wish to make a purchase of $500,000 or more, you should notify Scudder
Investor Relations by calling 1-800-225-5163.

The Fund will normally send your redemption proceeds within one business day
following the redemption request, but may take up to seven business days (or
longer in the case of shares recently purchased by check).

Purchase restrictions

Purchases and sales should be made for long-term investment purposes only. The
Fund and Scudder Investor Services, Inc. each reserves the right to reject
purchases of Fund shares (including exchanges) for any reason including when a
pattern of frequent purchases and sales made in response to short-term
fluctuations in the Fund's share price appears evident.

Tax information

A redemption of shares, including an exchange into another Scudder fund, is a
sale of shares and may result in a gain or loss for income tax purposes.

Tax identification number

Be sure to complete the Tax Identification Number section of the Fund's
application when you open an account. Federal tax law requires the Fund to
withhold 31% of taxable dividends, capital gains distributions and redemption
and exchange proceeds from accounts (other than those of certain exempt payees)
without a correct certified Social Security or tax identification number and
certain other certified information or upon notification from the IRS or a
broker that withholding is required. The Fund reserves the right to reject new
account applications without a correct certified Social Security or tax
identification number. The Fund also reserves the right, following 30 days'
notice, to redeem all shares in accounts without a correct certified Social
Security or tax identification number. A shareholder may avoid involuntary
redemption by providing the Fund with a tax identification number during the
30-day notice period.

Minimum balances

Shareholders should maintain a share balance worth at least $2,500, which amount
may be changed by the Board of Trustees. Scudder retirement plans and certain
other accounts have similar or lower minimum share balance requirements. A
shareholder may open an account with at least $1,000, if an automatic investment
plan of $100/month is established.

Shareholders who maintain a non-fiduciary account balance of less than $2,500 in
the Fund, without establishing an automatic investment plan, will be assessed an
annual $10.00 per fund charge with the fee to be paid to the Fund. The $10.00
charge will not apply to shareholders with a combined household account balance
in any of the Scudder Funds of $25,000 or more. The Fund reserves the right,
following 60 days' written notice to shareholders, to redeem all shares in
accounts below $250, including accounts of new investors, where a reduction in
value has

- --
16
<PAGE>

occurred due to a redemption or exchange out of the account. The Fund will mail
the proceeds of the redeemed account to the shareholder. Reductions in value
that result solely from market activity will not trigger an involuntary
redemption. Retirement accounts and certain other accounts will not be assessed
the $10.00 charge or be subject to automatic liquidation. Please refer to
"Exchanges and Redemptions--Other Information" in the Fund's Statement of
Additional Information for more information.

Third party transactions

If purchases and redemptions of Fund shares are arranged and settlement is made
at an investor's election through a member of the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc., other than Scudder Investor Services, Inc., that
member may, at its discretion, charge a fee for that service.

Redemption-in-kind

The Fund reserves the right, if conditions exist which make cash payments
undesirable, to honor any request for redemption or repurchase order by making
payment in whole or in part in readily marketable securities chosen by the Fund
and valued as they are for purposes of computing the Fund's net asset value (a
redemption-in-kind). If payment is made in securities, a shareholder may incur
transaction expenses in converting these securities to cash. The Trust has
elected, however, to be governed by Rule 18f-1 under the 1940 Act, as a result
of which the Fund is obligated to redeem shares, with respect to any one
shareholder during any 90-day period, solely in cash up to the lesser of
$250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the Fund at the beginning of the
period.

- ----------------------------------------
Shareholder benefits
- ----------------------------------------

Experienced professional management

Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., one of the nation's most experienced
investment management firms, actively manages your fund investment. Professional
management is an important advantage for investors who do not have the time or
expertise to invest directly in individual securities.

A team approach to investing

Scudder Income Fund is managed by a team of investment professionals, who each
play an important role in the Fund's management process. Team members work
together to develop investment strategies and select securities for the Fund's
portfolio. They are supported by the Adviser's large staff of economists,
research analysts, traders and other investment specialists who work in offices
across the United States and abroad. The Adviser believes its team approach
benefits Fund investors by bringing together many disciplines and leveraging its
extensive resources.

Lead Portfolio Manager William M. Hutchinson has been responsible for the
Fund's day-to-day operations and overall investment strategy since he joined
Scudder in 1986. Mr. Hutchinson has over 20 years of investment experience.
Stephen A. Wohler, Portfolio Manager, joined the team in 1994 and is also
responsible for implementing the Fund's strategy. Mr. Wohler has over 17 years
experience managing fixed-income investments and has been with Scudder since
1979.

SAIL(TM)--Scudder Automated Information Line

For personalized account information including fund prices, yields and account
balances, to perform transactions in existing Scudder fund accounts, or to
obtain information on any Scudder fund, shareholders can call Scudder's
Automated Information Line (SAIL) at 1-800-343-2890, 24 hours a day. During
periods of extreme economic or market changes, or other conditions, it may be
difficult for you to effect telephone transactions in your account. In such an
event you should write to the Fund; please see "How to contact Scudder" for the
address.

Investment flexibility

Scudder offers toll-free telephone exchange between funds at current net asset
value. You can

--
17
<PAGE>

move your investments among money market, income, growth, tax-free and growth
and income funds with a simple toll-free call or, if you prefer, by sending your
instructions through the mail or by fax. (The exchange privilege may not be
available for certain Scudder funds or classes thereof. For more information,
please call 1-800-225-5163.) Telephone and fax redemptions and exchanges are
subject to termination and their terms are subject to change at any time by the
Fund or the transfer agent. In some cases, the transfer agent or Scudder
Investor Services, Inc. may impose additional conditions on telephone
transactions.

Personal Counsel(SM) -- A Managed Fund Portfolio Program

If you would like to receive direct guidance and management of your overall
mutual fund portfolio to help you pursue your investment goals, you may be
interested in Personal Counsel from Scudder. Personal Counsel, a program of
Scudder Investor Services, Inc., a registered investment adviser and a
subsidiary of Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., combines the benefits of a
customized portfolio of pure no-load Scudder Funds with ongoing portfolio
monitoring and individualized service, for an annual fee of generally 1% or less
of assets (with a $1,000 minimum). In addition, it draws upon the Adviser's more
than 75-year heritage of providing investment counsel to large corporate and
private clients. If you have $100,000 or more to invest initially and would like
more information about Personal Counsel, please call 1-800-700-0183.

Dividend reinvestment plan

You may have dividends and distributions automatically reinvested in additional
Fund shares. Please call 1-800-225-5163 to request this feature.

Shareholder statements

You will receive a detailed statement summarizing account activity, including
dividend and capital gain reinvestment, purchases and redemptions. All of your
statements should be retained to help you keep track of account activity and the
cost of shares for tax purposes.

Shareholder reports

In addition to account statements, you receive periodic shareholder reports
highlighting relevant information, including investment results and a review of
portfolio changes.

To reduce the volume of mail you receive, only one copy of most Fund reports,
such as the Fund's Annual Report, may be mailed to your household (same surname,
same address). Please call 1-800-225-5163 if you wish to receive additional
shareholder reports.

Newsletters

Four times a year, Scudder sends you Perspectives, an informative newsletter
covering economic and investment developments, service enhancements and other
topics of interest to Scudder fund investors.

Scudder Investor Centers

As a convenience to shareholders who like to conduct business in person,
Scudder Investor Services, Inc. maintains Investor Centers in Boca Raton,
Boston, Chicago, New York and San Francisco.

T.D.D. service for the hearing impaired

Scudder's full range of investor information and shareholder services is
available to hearing impaired investors through a toll-free T.D.D. (Telephone
Device for the Deaf) service. If you have access to a T.D.D., call
1-800-543-7916 for investment information or specific account questions and
transactions.

- --
18
<PAGE>

- ---------------------------------------
Purchases
- ---------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Opening Minimum initial investment: $2,500; IRAs $1,000
an account Group retirement plans (401(k), 403(b), etc.) have similar or lower minimums.
See appropriate plan literature.

<S> <C> <C>
Make checks o By Mail Send your completed and signed application and check
payable to "The
Scudder Funds." by regular mail to: or by express, registered,
or certified mail to:

The Scudder Funds The Scudder Funds
P.O. Box 2291 66 Brooks Drive
Boston, MA Braintree, MA 02184
02107-2291

o By Wire Please see Transaction information--Purchasing shares--
By wire for details, including the ABA wire transfer number.
Then call 1-800-225-5163 for instructions.

o In Person Visit one of our Investor Centers to complete your application with the
help of a Scudder representative. Investor Center locations are listed
under Shareholder benefits.

<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchasing Minimum additional investment: $100; IRAs $50
additional Group retirement plans (401(k), 403(b), etc.) have similar or lower minimums.
shares See appropriate plan literature.

<S> <C> <C>
Make checks o By Mail Send a check with a Scudder investment slip, or with a letter of
payable to "The instruction including your account number and the
Scudder Funds." complete Fund name, to the appropriate address listed above.

o By Wire Please see Transaction information--Purchasing shares--
By wire for details, including the ABA wire transfer number.

o In Person Visit one of our Investor Centers to make an additional
investment in your Scudder fund account. Investor Center
locations are listed under Shareholder benefits.

o By Telephone Please see Transaction information--Purchasing shares--
By QuickBuy or By telephone order for more details.

o By Automatic You may arrange to make investments on aregular basis regular basis
Investment Plan through automatic deductions from your bank checking
($50 minimum) account. Please call 1-800-225-5163 for more information and an
enrollment form.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

--
19
<PAGE>

- ---------------------------------------
Exchanges and redemptions
- ---------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exchanging Minimum investments: $2,500 to establish a new account;
shares $100 to exchange among existing accounts

<S> <C> <C>
o By Telephone To speak with a service representative, call 1-800-225-5163 from
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. eastern time or to access SAIL(TM), Scudder's Automated
Information Line, call 1-800-343-2890 (24 hours a day).

o By Mail Print or type your instructions and include:
or Fax the name of the Fund and the account number you are exchanging from;
your name(s) and address as they appear on your account;
the dollar amount or number of shares you wish to exchange;
the name of the Fund you are exchanging into;
your signature(s) as it appears on your account; and
a daytime telephone number.

Send your instructions
by regular mail to: or by express, registered, or by fax to:
or certified mail to:

The Scudder Funds The Scudder Funds 1-800-821-6234
P.O. Box 2291 66 Brooks Drive
Boston, MA Braintree, MA 02184
02107-2291
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Redeeming shares o By Telephone To speak with a service representative, call 1-800-225-5163 from
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. eastern time or to access SAIL(TM), Scudder's Automated
Information Line, call 1-800-343-2890 (24 hours a day). You may
have redemption proceeds sent to your predesignated bank account, or
redemption proceeds of up to $100,000 sent to your address of record.

o By Mail Send your instructions for redemption to the appropriate address or fax number
or Fax above and include:
the name of the Fund and account number you are redeeming from;
your name(s) and address as they appear on your account;
the dollar amount or number of shares you wish to redeem;
your signature(s) as it appears on your account; and
a daytime telephone number.

A signature guarantee is required for redemptions over $100,000.
See Transaction information--Redeeming shares.

o By Automatic You may arrange to receive automatic cash payments periodically.
Withdrawal Call 1-800-225-5163 for more information and an enrollment form.
Plan
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

- --
20
<PAGE>

- ----------------------------------------
Scudder tax-advantaged
retirement plans
- ----------------------------------------

Scudder offers a variety of tax-advantaged retirement plans for individuals,
businesses and non-profit organizations. These flexible plans are designed for
use with the Scudder Family of Funds (except Scudder tax-free funds, which are
inappropriate for such plans). Scudder Funds offer a broad range of investment
objectives and can be used to seek almost any investment goal. Using Scudder's
retirement plans can help shareholders save on current taxes while building
their retirement savings.

o Scudder No-Fee IRAs. These retirement plans allow a maximum annual
contribution of up to $2,000 per person for anyone with earned income (up to
$2,000 per individual for married couples filing jointly, even if only one
spouse has earned income). Many people can deduct all or part of their
contributions from their taxable income, and all investment earnings accrue
on a tax-deferred basis. The Scudder No-Fee IRA charges you no annual
custodial fee.

o Scudder Roth No-Fee IRAs. Similar to the traditional IRA in many respects,
these retirement plans provide a unique opportunity for qualifying
individuals to accumulate investment earnings tax free. Unlike a traditional
IRA, with a Roth IRA, if you meet the distribution requirements, you can
withdraw your money without paying any taxes on the earnings. No tax
deduction is allowed for contributions to a Roth IRA. The Scudder Roth IRA
charges you no annual custodial fee.

o 401(k) Plans. 401(k) plans allow employers and employees to make
tax-deductible retirement contributions. Scudder offers a full service
program that includes recordkeeping, prototype plan, employee communications
and trustee services, as well as investment options.

o Profit Sharing and Money Purchase Pension Plans. These plans allow
corporations, partnerships and people who are self-employed to make annual,
tax-deductible contributions of up to $30,000 for each person covered by the
plans. Plans may be adopted individually or paired to maximize
contributions. These are sometimes known as Keogh plans.

o 403(b) Plans. Retirement plans for tax-exempt organizations and school
systems to which employers and employees may both contribute.

o SEP-IRAs. Easily administered retirement plans for small businesses and
self-employed individuals. The maximum annual contribution to SEP-IRA
accounts is adjusted each year for inflation. The Scudder SEP-IRA charges
you no annual custodial fee.

o Scudder Horizon Plan. A no-load variable annuity that lets you build assets
by deferring taxes on your investment earnings. You can start with $2,500 or
more.

Scudder Trust Company (an affiliate of the Adviser) is Trustee or Custodian for
some of these plans and is paid an annual fee for some of the above retirement
plans. For information about establishing a Scudder No-Fee IRA, SEP-IRA, Profit
Sharing Plan, Money Purchase Pension Plan or a Scudder Horizon Plan, please call
1-800-225-2470. For information about 401(k)s or 403(b)s please call
1-800-323-6105. To effect transactions in existing IRA, SEP-IRA and most Profit
Sharing or Pension Plan accounts, call 1-800-225-5163.

The variable annuity contract is provided by Charter National Life Insurance
Company (in New York State, Intramerica Life Insurance Company [S 1802]). The
contract is offered by Scudder Insurance Agency, Inc. (in New York State,
Nevada and Montana, Scudder Insurance Agency of New York, Inc.). CNL, Inc. is
the Principal Underwriter. Scudder Horizon Plan is not available in all states.

Scudder Investor Relations is a service provided through Scudder Investor
Services, Inc., Distributor.

--
21
<PAGE>

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

Daniel Pierce*
President and Trustee

Henry P. Becton, Jr.
Trustee; President and General Manager, WGBH Educational Foundation

Dawn-Marie Driscoll
Trustee; President, Driscoll Associates

Peter B. Freeman
Trustee; Corporate Director and Trustee

George M. Lovejoy, Jr.
Trustee; President and Director, Fifty Associates

Wesley W. Marple, Jr.
Trustee; Professor of Business Administration, Northeastern University,
College of Business Administration

Kathryn L. Quirk*
Trustee, Vice President and Assistant Secretary

Jean C. Tempel
Trustee; Director, General Partner, TL Ventures

Kelly D. Babson*
Vice President

Jerard K. Hartman*
Vice President

William M. Hutchinson*
Vice President

Thomas W. Joseph*
Vice President

Valerie F. Malter*
Vice President

Thomas F. McDonough*
Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer

John R. Hebble*
Assistant Treasurer

Caroline Pearson*
Assistant Secretary

*Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc.

- --
22
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment products and services
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Scudder Family of Funds+++
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Money Market
Scudder U.S. Treasury Money Fund
Scudder Cash Investment Trust
Scudder Money Market Series--
Premium Shares*
Managed Shares*
Scudder Government Money Market Series--Managed Shares*

Tax Free Money Market+
Scudder Tax Free Money Fund
Scudder Tax Free Money Market Series--Managed Shares*
Scudder California Tax Free Money Fund**
Scudder New York Tax Free Money Fund**

Tax Free+
Scudder Limited Term Tax Free Fund
Scudder Medium Term Tax Free Fund
Scudder Managed Municipal Bonds
Scudder High Yield Tax Free Fund
Scudder California Tax Free Fund**
Scudder Massachusetts Limited
Term Tax Free Fund**
Scudder Massachusetts Tax Free Fund**
Scudder New York Tax Free Fund**
Scudder Ohio Tax Free Fund**
Scudder Pennsylvania Tax Free Fund**

U.S. Income
Scudder Short Term Bond Fund
Scudder Zero Coupon 2000 Fund
Scudder GNMA Fund
Scudder Income Fund
Scudder High Yield Bond Fund

Global Income
Scudder Global Bond Fund
Scudder International Bond Fund
Scudder Emerging Markets Income Fund

Asset Allocation
Scudder Pathway Conservative Portfolio
Scudder Pathway Balanced Portfolio
Scudder Pathway Growth Portfolio
Scudder Pathway International Portfolio

U.S. Growth and Income
Scudder Balanced Fund
Scudder Growth and Income Fund
Scudder S&P 500 Index Fund

U.S. Growth

Value
Scudder Large Company Value Fund
Scudder Value Fund
Scudder Small Company Value Fund
Scudder Micro Cap Fund

Growth
Scudder Classic Growth Fund
Scudder Large Company Growth Fund
Scudder Development Fund
Scudder 21st Century Growth Fund

Global Growth

Worldwide
Scudder Global Fund
Scudder International Growth and Income Fund
Scudder International Fund
Scudder Global Discovery Fund
Scudder Emerging Markets Growth Fund
Scudder Gold Fund

Regional
Scudder Greater Europe Growth Fund
Scudder Pacific Opportunities Fund
Scudder Latin America Fund
The Japan Fund, Inc.

Retirement Programs and Education Accounts
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Retirement Programs
Traditional IRA
Roth IRA
SEP-IRA
Keogh Plan
401(k), 403(b) Plans
Scudder Horizon Plan **+++ +++
(a variable annuity)

Education Accounts
Education IRA
UGMA/UTMA

Closed-End Funds#
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Argentina Fund, Inc.
The Brazil Fund, Inc.
The Korea Fund, Inc.
Montgomery Street Income Securities, Inc.
Scudder Global High Income Fund, Inc.
Scudder New Asia Fund, Inc.
Scudder New Europe Fund, Inc.
Scudder Spain and Portugal Fund, Inc.

For complete information on any of the above Scudder funds, including management
fees and expenses, call or write for a free prospectus. Read it carefully before
you invest or send money. +++Funds within categories are listed in order from
expected least risk to most risk. Certain Scudder funds may not be available for
purchase or exchange. +A portion of the income from the tax-free funds may be
subject to federal, state, and local taxes. *A class of shares of the Fund.
**Not available in all states. +++ +++A no-load variable annuity contract
provided by Charter National Life Insurance Company and its affiliate, offered
by Scudder's insurance agencies, 1-800-225-2470. #These funds, advised by
Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc., are traded on the New York Stock Exchange and,
in some cases, on various foreign stock exchanges.

--
23
<PAGE>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to contact Scudder
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Account Service and Information:

For existing account service and transactions

Scudder Investor Relations -- 1-800-225-5163

For 24 hour account information, fund information, exchanges, and an
overview of all the services available to you

Scudder Electronic Account Services -- http://funds.scudder.com

For personalized information about your Scudder accounts, exchanges and
redemptions

Scudder Automated Information Line (SAIL) -- 1-800-343-2890

Investment Information:

For information about the Scudder funds, including additional applications
and prospectuses, or for answers to investment questions

Scudder Investor Relations -- 1-800-225-2470
[email protected]
Scudder's World Wide Web Site -- http://funds.scudder.com

For establishing 401(k) and 403(b) plans

Scudder Defined Contribution Services -- 1-800-323-6105

Scudder Brokerage Services:

To receive information about this discount brokerage service and to obtain
an application

Scudder Brokerage Services* -- 1-800-700-0820

Personal Counsel(SM) -- A Managed Fund Portfolio Program:

To receive information about this mutual fund portfolio guidance and
management program

Personal Counsel from Scudder -- 1-800-700-0183

Please address all correspondence to:

The Scudder Funds
P.O. Box 2291
Boston, Massachusetts
02107-2291

Or Stop by a Scudder Investor Center:

Many shareholders enjoy the personal, one-on-one service of the Scudder
Investor Centers. Check for an Investor Center near you--they can be found
in the following cities:

Boca Raton Chicago San Francisco
Boston New York

Scudder Investor Relations and Scudder Investor Centers are services provided
through Scudder Investor Services, Inc., Distributor.

* Scudder Brokerage Services, Inc., 42 Longwater Drive, Norwell, MA 02061 --
Member NASD/SIPC.

<PAGE>

This prospectus sets forth concisely the information about Scudder Balanced
Fund, a diversified series of Scudder Portfolio Trust, an open-end management
investment company, that a prospective investor should know before investing.
Please retain it for future reference.

Contents--see page 4.

- ----------------------------
NOT FDIC- MAY LOSE VALUE
INSURED NO BANK GUARANTEE
- ----------------------------

[PRINTED WITH SOY INK LOGO] [RECYCLE LOGO] Printed on recycled paper

SCUDDER [LOGO]

Scudder
Balanced
Fund

Prospectus
May 1, 1998

A pure no-load(TM) (no sales charges) mutual fund which seeks a balance of
growth and income, as well as long-term preservation of capital, from a
diversified portfolio of equity and fixed-income securities.

<PAGE>

- ----------------------------------------
Expense information
- ----------------------------------------

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
How to compare a Scudder pure no-load(TM) fund

This information is designed to help you understand the various costs and
expenses of investing in Scudder Balanced Fund (the "Fund"). By reviewing this
table and those in other mutual funds' prospectuses, you can compare the Fund's
fees and expenses with those of other funds. With Scudder's pure no-load(TM)
funds, you pay no commissions to purchase or redeem shares, or to exchange from
one fund to another. As a result, all of your investment goes to work for you.

1) Shareholder transaction expenses: Expenses charged directly to your
individual account in the Fund for various transactions.

Sales commissions to purchase shares (sales load) NONE
Commissions to reinvest dividends NONE
Redemption fees NONE*
Fees to exchange shares NONE

Investment management fee (after waiver) %**
12b-1 fees NONE
Other expenses %
-----
Total Fund operating expenses %**
=====
Example

1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
------ ------- ------- --------
$ $ $ $

* You may redeem by writing or calling the Fund. If you wish to receive your
redemption proceeds via wire, there is a $5 wire service fee. For additional
information, please refer to "Transaction information--Redeeming shares."

** Until _______________, the Adviser has agreed to waive a portion of its fee
to the extent necessary so that the total annualized expenses of the Fund do
not exceed ____% of average daily net assets. If the Adviser had not agreed
to waive a portion of its fee, Fund expenses would have been: investment
management fee ____%, other expenses ____%, and total Fund operating
expenses ____% for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997.

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

- --
2
<PAGE>

- ----------------------------------------
Financial highlights
- ----------------------------------------

If you would like more detailed information concerning the Fund's performance, a
complete portfolio listing and audited financial statements are available in the
Fund's Annual Report dated December 31, 1997, which may be obtained without
charge by writing or calling Scudder Investor Services, Inc.

(a) Based on monthly average shares outstanding during the period.

(b) Average commission rate paid per share of common and preferred stocks is
calculated for fiscal years beginning on or after September 1, 1995.

* Not Annualized

--
3
<PAGE>

- ----------------------------------------
A message from the President
- ----------------------------------------

[PHOTO]

Edmond D. Villani, President
and CEO, Scudder Kemper
Investments, Inc.

/s/ Edmond D. Villani

- ----------------------------------------
Scudder Balanced Fund
- ----------------------------------------

Investment objectives

o a balance of growth and income from a diversified portfolio of equity and
fixed-income securities

o long-term preservation of capital through a quality-oriented investment
approach designed to reduce risk

Investment characteristics

o a broadly diversified program of seasoned stocks and investment-grade bonds

o balances growth potential of stocks with income and relative stability
provided by fixed-income securities

o appropriate for many IRA, 401(k), 403(b) and other retirement plans

o quarterly dividends

- ----------------------------------------
Contents
- ----------------------------------------

Investment objectives and policies ....... 5
Why invest in the Fund? .................. 7
Additional information about policies
and investments ........................ 7
Distribution and performance information .12
Fund organization ........................13
Transaction information ..................14
Shareholder benefits .....................18
Purchases ................................20
Exchanges and redemptions ................21
Trustees and Officers ....................23
Investment products and services .........24
How to contact Scudder ...................25

- --
4
<PAGE>

- ----------------------------------------
Investment objectives
and policies
- ----------------------------------------

Scudder Balanced Fund (the "Fund"), a diversified series of Scudder Portfolio
Trust, seeks a balance of growth and income from a diversified portfolio of
equity and fixed-income securities. The Fund also seeks long-term preservation
of capital through a quality-oriented investment approach that is designed to
reduce risk.

Except as otherwise indicated, the Fund's investment objectives and policies are
not fundamental and may be changed without a vote of shareholders. If there is a
change in investment objectives, shareholders should consider whether the Fund
remains an appropriate investment in light of their then current financial
position and needs. There can be no assurance that the Fund's objectives will be
met.

Investments

In seeking its objectives of a balance of growth and income, as well as
long-term preservation of capital, the Fund invests in a diversified portfolio
of equity and fixed-income securities. The Fund invests, under normal
circumstances, 50% to 75% of its net assets in common stocks and other equity
investments. The Fund's remaining assets are allocated to investment-grade bonds
and other fixed-income securities, including cash reserves.

For liquidity and temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest without
limit in cash and in other money market and short-term instruments. It is
impossible to accurately predict for how long such alternate strategies may be
utilized.

The Fund will, on occasion, adjust its mix of investments among equity
securities, bonds and cash reserves. In reallocating investments, the Fund's
investment adviser, Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. (the "Adviser"), weighs the
relative values of different asset classes and expectations for future returns.
In doing so, the Adviser analyzes, on a global basis, the level and direction of
interest rates, capital flows, inflation expectations, anticipated growth of
corporate profits, monetary and fiscal policies around the world and other
related factors.

The Fund does not take extreme investment positions as part of an effort to
"time the market." Shifts between stocks and fixed-income investments are
expected to occur in generally small increments within the guidelines adopted in
this prospectus. The Fund is designed as a conservative long-term investment
program.

While the Fund emphasizes U.S. equity and debt securities, it may invest a
portion of its assets in foreign securities, including depositary receipts. The
Fund's foreign holdings will meet the criteria applicable to its domestic
investments. The international component of the Fund's investment program is
intended to increase diversification, thus reducing risk, while providing the
opportunity for higher returns.

In addition, the Fund may invest in securities on a when-issued or forward
delivery basis and may engage in strategic transactions. See "Additional
information about policies and investments" for more information.

Equity investments

The Fund invests, under normal circumstances, 50% to 75% of its net assets in
common stocks and other equity investments. The Fund's equity investments
consist of common stocks, preferred stocks, warrants and securities convertible
into common stocks, of companies that, in the Adviser's judgment, are of
above-average financial quality and offer the prospect for above-average growth
in earnings, cash flow, or assets relative to the overall market as defined by

--
5
<PAGE>

the Standard and Poor's 500 Composite Price Index ("S&P 500").

The Fund will invest primarily in securities issued by medium- to large-sized
domestic companies with annual revenues or market capitalization of at least
$600 million and which, in the opinion of the Adviser, offer above-average
potential for price appreciation. The Fund seeks to invest in companies that
have relatively consistent and above-average rates of growth; companies that are
in a strong financial position with high credit standings and profitability;
firms with important business franchises, leading products or dominant marketing
and distribution systems; companies guided by experienced and motivated
managements; and companies selling at attractive market valuations. The Adviser
believes that companies with these characteristics will be rewarded by the
market with higher stock prices over time and provide investment returns, on
average, in excess of the S&P 500.

At least 65% of the value of the Fund's common stocks will be of issuers which
qualify, at the time of purchase, for one of the three highest equity earnings
and dividends ranking categories (A+, A, or A-) of Standard & Poor's ("S&P"), or
if not ranked by S&P, judged to be of comparable quality by the Adviser. S&P
assigns earnings and dividends rankings to corporations based on a number of
factors, including stability and growth of earnings and dividends. Rankings by
S&P are not an appraisal of a company's creditworthiness, as is true for S&P's
debt security ratings, nor are these rankings intended as a forecast of future
stock market performance. In addition to using S&P rankings of earnings and
dividends of common stocks, the Adviser conducts its own analysis of a company's
history, current financial position and earnings prospects.

Fixed-income investments

To enhance income and stability, the Fund will normally invest 25% to 50% of its
net assets in investment-grade fixed-income securities. However, at least 25% of
the Fund's net assets will always be invested in fixed-income securities. The
Fund can invest in a broad range of corporate bonds and notes, convertible bonds
and convertible preferred securities. It may also purchase U.S. Government
securities and obligations of federal agencies and instrumentalities that are
not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Government, such as
obligations of the Federal Home Loan Banks, Farm Credit Banks and the Federal
Home Loan Mortgage Corporation. The Fund may also invest in obligations of
international agencies, foreign debt securities (both U.S. and non-U.S. dollar
denominated), mortgage-backed and other asset-backed securities, municipal
obligations, debt securities issued by real estate investment trusts ("REITs"),
zero coupon securities, indexed securities, illiquid securities and reverse
repurchase agreements, and engage in dollar roll transactions.

For liquidity and temporary defensive purposes, the Fund may invest without
limit in cash and in other money market securities such as commercial paper,
bankers' acceptances and certificates of deposit issued by domestic and foreign
branches of U.S. banks and in other short-term investments. The Fund may also
enter into repurchase agreements with respect to U.S. Government securities.

At least 75% of the value of the Fund's debt securities will be high grade, that
is, rated within the three highest quality ratings categories of Moody's
Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's") (Aaa, Aa and A) or S&P (AAA, AA and A), or,
if unrated, judged to be of equivalent quality as determined by the Adviser at
the time of purchase. Securities must also meet credit standards applied by the
Adviser. Moreover, the Fund does not purchase debt securities rated below Baa by
Moody's or BBB by S&P. Should the rating of a portfolio security be downgraded
after being purchased by the Fund, the Adviser will determine whether it is in
the best interest of the

- --
6
<PAGE>

Fund to retain or dispose of the security. More information about investment
techniques is provided under "Additional information about policies and
investments."

- ----------------------------------------
Why invest in the Fund?
- ----------------------------------------

The Fund is designed for individuals and institutions desiring a single
investment that provides access to a balanced portfolio of both stocks and
bonds. Many investors do not have the time or inclination to create a balanced
portfolio on their own as well as to continuously change their investments in
reaction to changing market conditions. The Adviser's professional management
team selects stock and bond investments and determines the amount of the Fund's
assets that should be invested in each category.

The Fund represents a conservative investment program that is intended,
generally, to have less risk than a fund investing exclusively in common stocks.
Common stocks in the Fund offer growth potential to help investors keep pace
with inflation. The Fund's bond holdings and other fixed-income investments,
however, are intended to provide income and a measure of principal stability to
help cushion the Fund's returns during periods of stock market volatility or
weakness. The stock and bond components of the Fund are intended to be
complementary, and provide diversification with the potential for less risk than
a portfolio of equity securities, yet higher long-term return potential than is
available from fixed-income investments alone.

The Adviser uses fundamental and quantitative research techniques in pursuit of
quality investments for the Fund. The Fund's stock component consists
principally of the equity securities of seasoned, financially-sound U.S.
companies with records of solid growth. As for its bond holdings, the Fund
invests primarily in high-grade securities and will not acquire junk bonds.

While the Fund emphasizes quality investments and maintains a balance of stocks
and bonds, investors should be aware that its price will fluctuate with changing
stock and bond market conditions. A balanced fund, by its very nature, is
designed for investors with a long-term investment horizon. The Fund may be
especially appropriate for IRAs, Keoghs, 401(k) and 403(b) plans, and other
tax-advantaged retirement vehicles. For many years, large pension plans have
successfully used a balanced investment strategy to produce attractive long-term
returns with moderate risk. The Adviser currently manages more than $11 billion
in balanced portfolios for over 3,000 institutional and private accounts.

- ----------------------------------------
Additional information about
policies and investments
- ----------------------------------------

Investment restrictions

The Fund has certain investment restrictions which are designed to reduce the
Fund's investment risk. Fundamental investment restrictions may not be changed
without a vote of shareholders; non-fundamental investment restrictions may be
changed by a vote of the Fund's Board of Trustees. A complete listing of
investment restrictions is contained under "Investment Restrictions" in the
Fund's Statement of Additional Information.

As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund may not make loans except through
the lending of portfolio securities, the purchase of debt securities or
interests in indebtedness or through repurchase agreements. The Fund has adopted
a

--
7
<PAGE>

non-fundamental policy restricting the lending of portfolio securities to no
more than 5% of total assets.

A complete description of these and other policies and restrictions is contained
under "Investment Restrictions" in the Fund's Statement of Additional
Information.

Mortgage and other asset-backed securities

Dollar roll transactions

When-issued securities

Repurchase agreements

As a means of earning income for periods as short as overnight, the Fund may
enter into repurchase agreements with selected banks and broker/dealers. Under a
repurchase agreement, the Fund acquires securities, subject to the seller's
agreement to repurchase them at a specified time and price. The Fund may enter
into repurchase commitments with any party deemed creditworthy by the Adviser,
including foreign banks and broker/dealers, if the transaction is entered into
for investment purposes and the counterparty's creditworthiness is at least
equal to that of issuers of securities which the Fund may purchase.

Convertible securities

The Fund may invest in convertible securities which may offer higher income than
the

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8
<PAGE>

common stocks into which they are convertible. The convertible securities in
which the Fund may invest include fixed-income or zero coupon debt securities,
which may be converted or exchanged at a stated or determinable exchange ratio
into underlying shares of common stock. Prior to their conversion, convertible
securities may have characteristics similar to both nonconvertible debt
securities and equity securities.

Convertible securities purchased by the Fund must be rated investment-grade, or
if unrated, judged to be of equivalent quality by the Adviser. Investment-grade
convertible securities are rated Aaa, Aa, A or Baa by Moody's or AAA, AA, A or
BBB by S&P.

Foreign securities

While the Fund generally emphasizes investments in companies domiciled in the
U.S., it may invest in listed and unlisted foreign securities that meet the same
criteria as the Fund's domestic holdings. The Fund may invest in foreign
securities when the anticipated performance of the foreign securities is
believed by the Adviser to offer more potential than domestic alternatives in
keeping with the investment objectives of the Fund. The Fund may invest in
certificates of deposit issued by foreign and domestic branches of U.S. banks.

Indexed securities

Zero coupon securities

Illiquid securities

Common stocks

Common stock is issued by companies to raise cash for business purposes and
represents a proportionate interest in the issuing companies. Therefore, the
Fund participates in the success or failure of any company in which it holds
stock. The market values of common stock can fluctuate significantly, reflecting
the business performance of the issuing company, investor perception and general
economic or financial market movements. Smaller companies are especially
sensitive to these factors and may even become valueless. Despite the risk of
price volatility, however, common stocks also offer the greatest potential for
gain on investment, compared to other classes of financial assets such as bonds
or cash equivalents.

Strategic Transactions and derivatives

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9
<PAGE>

time as new instruments and strategies are developed or regulatory changes
occur.

Strategic Transactions may be used without limit to attempt to protect against
possible changes in the market value of securities held in or to be purchased
for the Fund's portfolio resulting from securities markets or currency exchange
rate fluctuations, to protect the Fund's unrealized gains in the value of its
portfolio securities, to facilitate the sale of such securities for investment
purposes, to manage the effective maturity or duration of fixed-income
securities in the Fund's portfolio, or to establish a position in the
derivatives markets as a temporary substitute for purchasing or selling
particular securities. Some Strategic Transactions may also be used to enhance
potential gain although no more than 5% of the Fund's assets will be committed
to Strategic Transactions entered into for non-hedging purposes. Any or all of
these investment techniques may be used at any time and in any combination, and
there is no particular strategy that dictates the use of one technique rather
than another, as use of any Strategic Transaction is a function of numerous
variables including market conditions. The ability of the Fund to utilize these
Strategic Transactions successfully will depend on the Adviser's ability to
predict pertinent market movements, which cannot be assured. The Fund will
comply with applicable regulatory requirements when implementing these
strategies, techniques and instruments. Strategic Transactions involving
financial futures and options thereon will be purchased, sold or entered into
only for bona fide hedging, risk management or portfolio management purposes and
not to create leveraged exposure in the Fund. Please refer to "Risk
factors--Strategic Transactions and derivatives" for more information.

Risk factors

Asset-backed securities are subject to the risk of prepayment and the risk that
the underlying loans will not be repaid.

Mortgage and other asset-backed securities. Unscheduled or early payments on the
underlying mortgages may shorten the securities' effective maturities and lessen
their growth potential. The Fund may agree to purchase or sell these securities
with payment and delivery taking place at a future date. A decline in interest
rates may lead to a faster rate of repayment of the underlying mortgages and
expose the Fund to a lower rate of return upon reinvestment. To the extent that
such mortgage-backed securities are held by the Fund, the prepayment right of
mortgagors may limit the increase in net asset

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10
<PAGE>

value of the Fund because the value of the mortgage-backed securities held by
the Fund may not appreciate as rapidly as the price of non-callable debt
securities.

Asset-backed securities are subject to the risk of prepayment and the risk that
the underlying loans will not be repaid.

Convertible securities. While convertible securities generally offer lower
yields than nonconvertible debt securities of similar quality, their prices may
reflect changes in the value of the underlying common stock. Convertible
securities entail less credit risk than the issuer's common stock.

Indexed securities. Indexed securities may be positively or negatively indexed,
so that appreciation of the reference instrument may produce an increase or a
decrease in the interest rate or value at maturity of the security. In addition,
the change in the interest rate or value at maturity of the security may be some
multiple of the change in the value of the reference instrument. Thus, in
addition to the credit risk of the security's issuer, the Fund will bear the
market risk of the reference instrument.

Zero coupon securities. Zero coupon securities are subject to greater market
value fluctuations

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11
<PAGE>

from changing interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities that
make current cash distributions of interest.

Strategic Transactions and derivatives. Strategic Transactions, including
derivative contracts, have risks associated with them including possible default
by the other party to the transaction, illiquidity and, to the extent the
Adviser's view as to certain market movements is incorrect, the risk that the
use of such Strategic Transactions could result in losses greater than if they
had not been used. Use of put and call options may result in losses to the Fund,
force the sale or purchase of portfolio securities at inopportune times or for
prices higher than (in the case of put options) or lower than (in the case of
call options) current market values, limit the amount of appreciation the Fund
can realize on its investments or cause the Fund to hold a security it might
otherwise sell. The use of currency transactions can result in the Fund
incurring losses as a result of a number of factors including the imposition of
exchange controls, suspension of settlements or the inability to deliver or
receive a specified currency. The use of options and futures transactions
entails certain other risks. In particular, the variable degree of correlation
between price movements of futures contracts and price movements in the related
portfolio position of the Fund creates the possibility that losses on the
hedging instrument may be greater than gains in the value of the Fund's
position. In addition, futures and options markets may not be liquid in all
circumstances and certain over-the-counter options may have no markets. As a
result, in certain markets, the Fund might not be able to close out a
transaction without incurring substantial losses, if at all. Although the use of
futures contracts and options transactions for hedging should tend to minimize
the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of the hedged position, at the
same time they tend to limit any potential gain which might result from an
increase in value of such position.

- ----------------------------------------
Distribution and performance information
- ----------------------------------------

Dividends and capital gains distributions

The Fund intends to distribute dividends from its net investment income
quarterly in March, June, September and December. The Fund intends to distribute
net realized capital gains after utilization of capital loss carryforwards, if
any, in November or December to prevent application of a federal excise tax. An
additional distribution may be made, if necessary. Any dividends or capital
gains distributions declared in October, November or December with a record date
in such a month and paid the following January will be treated by shareholders
for federal income tax purposes as if received on December 31 of the calendar
year declared. According to preference, shareholders may receive distributions
in cash or have them reinvested in additional shares of the Fund. If an
investment is in the form of a retirement plan, all dividends and capital gains
distributions must be reinvested into the shareholder's account.

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12
<PAGE>

Generally, dividends from net investment income are taxable to shareholders as
ordinary income. Long-term capital gains distributions, if any, are taxable to
individual shareholders at a maximum 20% or 28% capital gains rate (depending on
the Fund's holding period for the assets giving rise to the gain), regardless of
the length of time a shareholder has owned shares. Short-term capital gains and
any other taxable income distributions are taxable as ordinary income. A portion
of dividends from ordinary income may qualify for the dividends-received
deduction for corporations.

The Fund sends detailed tax information about the amount and type of its
distributions to its shareholders by January 31 of the following year.

Performance information

From time to time, quotations of the Fund's performance may be included in
advertisements, sales literature, or shareholder reports. All performance
figures are historical, show the performance of a hypothetical investment and
are not intended to indicate future performance. The "SEC yield" of the Fund is
an annualized expression of the net income generated by the Fund over a
specified 30-day (one month) period, as a percentage of the Fund's share price
on the last day of that period. This yield is calculated according to methods
required by the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), and therefore
may not equate to the level of income paid to shareholders. "Total return" is
the change in value of an investment in the Fund for a specified period. The
"average annual total return" of the Fund is the average annual compound rate of
return of an investment in the Fund assuming the investment has been held for
one year and the life of the Fund as of a stated ending date. "Cumulative total
return" represents the cumulative change in value of an investment in the Fund
for various periods. All types of total return calculations assume that all
dividends and capital gains distributions during the period were reinvested in
shares of the Fund. "Capital change" measures return from capital, including
reinvestment of any capital gains distributions, but does not include the
reinvestment of dividends. Performance will vary based upon, among other things,
changes in market conditions and the level of the Fund's expenses.

- ----------------------------------------
Fund organization
- ----------------------------------------

Scudder Balanced Fund is a diversified series of Scudder Portfolio Trust (the
"Trust"), an open-end management investment company registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"). The Trust was organized as a
Massachusetts business trust in September 1984 and on December 31, 1984 assumed
the business of its predecessor, which was organized as a Massachusetts
corporation in 1928.

Investment adviser

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13
<PAGE>

responsibility for the management of the Fund under Massachusetts law.

The Fund pays the Adviser an annual fee of 0.70% of the Fund's average daily net
assets. The fee is payable monthly, provided that the Fund will make such
interim payments as may be requested by the Adviser not to exceed 75% of the
amount of the fee then accrued on the books of the Fund and unpaid.

The Adviser has agreed to maintain the annualized expenses of the Fund at not
more than ____% of average daily net assets of the Fund until _____________,
1998.

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 1997, the Adviser received an investment
management fee of 0.__% of the Fund's average daily net assets on an annual
basis.

All the Fund's expenses are paid out of gross investment income. Shareholders
pay no direct

charges or fees for investment or administrative services.

Scudder Kemper Investments, Inc. is located at Two International Place, Boston,
Massachusetts.

Transfer agent

Scudder Service Corporation, P.O. Box 2291, Boston, Massachusetts 02107-2291, a
subsidiary of the Adviser, is the transfer, shareholder servicing and
dividend-paying agent for the Fund.

Underwriter

Fund accounting agent

Scudder Fund Accounting Corporation, a subsidiary of the Adviser, is responsible
for determining the daily net asset value per share and maintaining the general
accounting records of the Fund.

Custodian

State Street Bank and Trust Company is the Fund's custodian.

- ----------------------------------------
Transaction information
- ----------------------------------------

Purchasing shares

- --
14
<PAGE>

The Scudder Funds
State Street Bank and Trust Company
Boston, MA 02101
ABA Number 011000028
DDA Account 9903-5552

Your wire instructions must also include:
- -- the name of the fund in which the money is to be invested,
- -- the account number of the fund, and
- -- the name(s) of the account holder(s).

The account will be established once the application and money order are
received in good order.

You may also make additional investments of $100 or more to your existing
account by wire.

You can also make exchanges among your Scudder fund accounts on SAIL, the
Scudder Automated Information Line, by calling 1-800-343-2890.

Redeeming shares

The Fund allows you to redeem shares (i.e., sell them back to the Fund) without
redemption fees.

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15
<PAGE>

You can also make redemptions from your Scudder fund account on SAIL by calling
1-800-343-2890.

In the event that you are unable to reach the Fund by telephone, you should
write to the Fund; see "How to contact Scudder" for the address.

"QuickSell" transactions are not available for Scudder IRA accounts and most
other retirement plan accounts.

Telephone transactions

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16
<PAGE>

acting upon instructions communicated by telephone that it reasonably believes
to be genuine.

Share price

Processing time

Purchase and redemption requests received after the close of regular trading on
the Exchange will be executed the following business day.

If you wish to make a purchase of $500,000 or more, you should notify Scudder
Investor Relations by calling 1-800-225-5163.

Purchase restrictions

Tax information

A redemption of shares, including an exchange into another Scudder fund, is a
sale of shares and may result in a gain or loss for income tax purposes.

Tax identification number

Minimum balances

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17
<PAGE>

Third party transactions

Redemption-in-kind

- ----------------------------------------
Shareholder benefits
- ----------------------------------------

Experienced professional management

A team approach to investing

Scudder Balanced Fund is managed by a team of Scudder investment professionals,
who each play an important role in the Fund's management process. Team members
work together to develop investment strategies and select securities for the
Fund's portfolio. They are supported by the Adviser's large staff of economists,
research analysts, traders and other investment specialists who work in offices
across the United States and abroad. The Adviser believes its team approach
benefits Fund investors by bringing together many disciplines and leveraging its
extensive resources.

Lead Portfolio Manager Valerie F. Malter is responsible for the Fund's
investment strategy and daily operation. Ms. Malter joined Scudder in 1995 and
has over 10 years of experience as an analyst covering a wide range of
industries, and four years of portfolio management experience focusing on the
stocks of companies with medium- to large-sized market capitalizations.

Portfolio Manager William M. Hutchinson heads up the Fund's fixed-income
investment strategy and security selection. Mr. Hutchinson, who has been with
the Fund since its introduction and Scudder since 1986, has over 20 years of
investment experience.

SAIL(TM)--Scudder Automated Information Line

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18
<PAGE>

an event you should write to the Fund; please see "How to contact Scudder" for
the address.

Investment flexibility

Scudder offers toll-free telephone exchange between funds at current net asset
value. You can move your investments among money market, income, growth,
tax-free and growth and income funds with a simple toll-free call or, if you
prefer, by sending your instructions through the mail or by fax. (The exchange
privilege may not be available for certain Scudder funds or classes thereof. For
more information, please call 1-800-225-5163.) Telephone and fax redemptions and
exchanges are subject to termination and their terms are subject to change at
any time by the Fund or the transfer agent. In some cases, the transfer agent or
Scudder Investor Services, Inc. may impose additional conditions on telephone
transactions.