<PAGE>
As filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 30, 2000
File Nos. 33-45328
811-06554
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. 23 X
and/or
REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
Amendment No. 23 X
ALLIANCE NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105
(Address of Principal Executive Office) (Zip Code)
Registrant's Telephone Number, including Area Code:
(800) 221-5672
EDMUND P. BERGAN, JR.
Alliance Capital Management L.P.
1345 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10105
(Name and address of agent for service)
Copies of communications to:
Thomas G. MacDonald
Seward & Kissel LLP
One Battery Park Plaza
New York, New York 10004
It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check
appropriate box)
immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
X on November 1, 2000 pursuant to paragraph (b)
60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
<PAGE>
75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
on (date) pursuant to paragraph (a)(2) of Rule 485.
If appropriate, check the following box:
_____ This post-effective amendment designates a new effective
date for a previously filed post-effective amendment.
<PAGE>
The Alliance Bond Funds
The Alliance Bond Funds provide a broad selection of investment alternatives to
investors seeking high current income.
Prospectus and Application
November 1, 2000
Investment Grade Funds
> Alliance U.S. Government Portfolio
> Alliance Quality Bond Portfolio
Corporate Bond Funds
> Alliance Corporate Bond Portfolio
> Alliance High Yield Fund
Multi-Sector Fund
> Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust
Global Bond Funds
> Alliance North American Government Income Trust
> Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund
> Alliance Multi-Market Strategy Trust
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any representation to
the contrary is a criminal offense.
Alliance Capital [LOGO](R)
<PAGE>
Investment Products Offered
---------------------------
> Are Not FDIC Insured
> May Lose Value
> Are Not Bank Guaranteed
---------------------------
<PAGE>
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Page
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY ........................................................ 3
Investment Grade Funds ..................................................... 4
Corporate Bond Funds ....................................................... 6
Multi-Sector Fund .......................................................... 8
Global Bond Funds .......................................................... 9
Summary of Principal Risks ................................................. 12
Principal Risks by Fund .................................................... 14
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUNDS ............................................. 15
GLOSSARY ................................................................... 17
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS ................................................... 18
Investment Objectives and Principal Policies ............................... 18
Description of Additional Investment Practices ............................. 24
Additional Risk Considerations ............................................. 35
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS .................................................... 38
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES ................................................ 40
How The Funds Value Their Shares ........................................... 40
How To Buy Shares .......................................................... 40
How To Exchange Shares ..................................................... 40
How To Sell Shares ......................................................... 41
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES ......................................... 41
DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS .................................................. 42
GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................ 44
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS ....................................................... 45
APPENDIX A: BOND RATINGS ................................................... 52
APPENDIX B: GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT
CANADA, MEXICO AND ARGENTINA ............................................ 55
The Funds' investment adviser is Alliance Capital Management L.P., a global
investment manager providing diversified services to institutions and
individuals through a broad line of investments including more than 100 mutual
funds.
RISK/RETURN SUMMARY
The following is a summary of certain key information about the Alliance Bond
Funds. You will find additional information about each Fund, including a
detailed description of the risks of an investment in each Fund, after this
Summary.
The Risk/Return Summary describes the Funds' objectives, principal investment
strategies, principal risks and fees. Each Fund's Summary page includes a short
discussion of some of the principal risks of investing in that Fund. A further
discussion of these and other risks is on pages 12-14.
More detailed descriptions of the Funds, including the risks associated with
investing in the Funds, can be found further back in this Prospectus. Please be
sure to read this additional information BEFORE you invest. Each of the Funds
may at times use certain types of investment derivatives such as options,
futures, forwards, and swaps. The use of these techniques involves special risks
that are discussed in this Prospectus.
The Risk/Return Summary includes a table for each Fund showing its average
annual returns and a bar chart showing its annual returns. The table and the bar
chart provide an indication of the historical risk of an investment in each Fund
by showing:
o how the Fund's average annual returns for one, five, and 10 years (or over
the life of the Fund if the Fund is less than 10 years old) compare to
those of a broad based securities market index; and
o changes in the Fund's performance from year to year over 10 years (or over
the life of the Fund if the Fund is less than 10 years old).
A Fund's past performance, of course, does not necessarily indicate how it will
perform in the future. As with all investments, you may lose money by investing
in the Funds.
3
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT GRADE FUNDS
The Investment Grade Funds offer a selection of alternatives to investors
seeking high current income consistent with the preservation of capital through
investments primarily in investment grade (rated Baa or BBB or above)
securities.
Alliance U.S. Government Portfolio
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OBJECTIVE:
The Fund's investment objective is a high level of current income that is
consistent with Alliance's determination of prudent investment risk.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS:
The Fund invests primarily in U.S. Government securities, including
mortgage-related securities, repurchase agreements and forward contracts
relating to U.S. Government securities. The Fund also may invest in non-U.S.
Government mortgage-related and asset-backed securities and in high grade debt
securities secured by mortgages on commercial real estate or residential rental
properties. The average weighted maturity of the Fund's investments varies
between one year or less and 30 years.
Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are interest rate risk,
credit risk, and market risk. Because the Fund may invest in mortgage-related
and asset-backed securities, it is subject to the risk that mortgage loans or
other obligations will be prepaid when interest rates decline, forcing the Fund
to reinvest in securities with lower interest rates. For this and other reasons,
mortgage-related and asset-backed securities may have significantly greater
price and yield volatility than traditional debt securities.
The table and bar chart provide an indication of the historical risk of an
investment in the Fund.
PERFORMANCE TABLE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
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Class A -7.32% 5.03% 5.91%
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Class B -6.52% 5.15% 5.95%
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Class C -4.72% 5.18% 5.69%
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Lehman Brothers Government Bond Index -2.23% 7.44% 7.48%
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The average annual total returns in the performance table are for the periods
ended December 31, 1999 and reflect imposition of the maximum front-end or
contingent deferred sales charges and conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares after the applicable period.
Performance information for periods prior to the inception of Class B shares
(9/30/91) and Class C shares (5/3/93) is the performance of the Fund's Class A
shares adjusted to reflect the higher expense ratio of Class B and Class C
shares. The average annual total returns for Class B and Class C shares since
their actual inception dates were 4.97% and 3.73%, respectively. Index returns
for the comparable periods (which date from month-end following applicable Class
inception date) were 6.86% and 5.85%, respectively.
BAR CHART
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The annual returns in the bar chart are for the Fund's Class A shares and do not
reflect sales loads. If sales loads were reflected, returns would be less than
those shown. Through 9/30/00, the year-to-date unannualized return for the Class
A shares was 7.63%.
[The following table was depicted as a bar chart in the printed material.]
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
---- ----- ---- ---- ---- ----- ---- ---- ---- ----
7.86 15.74 6.03 9.72 -4.38 16.58 0.34 8.55 8.60 -3.21
Calendar Year End
You should consider an investment in the Fund as a long-term investment. The
Fund's returns will fluctuate over long and short periods. For example, during
the period shown in the bar chart, the Fund's:
Best quarter was up 6.12%, 3rd quarter, 1991; and Worst quarter was down -3.41%,
1st quarter, 1994.
4
<PAGE>
Alliance Quality Bond Portfolio
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OBJECTIVE:
The Fund's investment objective is high current income consistent with
preservation of capital by investing in investment grade fixed-income
securities.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES:
The Fund invests in readily marketable securities that do not involve undue risk
of capital. The Fund normally invests all of its assets in securities that are
rated at least BBB- by S&P or, if unrated, are of comparable quality. The Fund
has the flexibility to invest in long- and short-term fixed-income securities
depending on Alliance's assessment of prospective cyclical interest rate
changes.
The Fund also may:
o use derivatives strategies;
o invest in convertible debt securities, preferred stock and dividend-paying
stocks;
o invest in U.S. Government obligations; and
o invest in foreign fixed-income securities.
The principal risks of investing in the Fund are interest rate risk, credit
risk, derivatives risk and market risk. To the extent the Fund invests in
foreign securities, it has foreign risk and currency risk.
BAR CHART AND PERFORMANCE TABLE
There is no bar chart or performance table for the Fund because it has not
completed a full calendar year of operations.
5
<PAGE>
CORPORATE BOND FUNDS
The Corporate Bond Funds offer a selection of alternatives to investors seeking
to maximize current income through investments in corporate bonds.
Alliance Corporate Bond Portfolio
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OBJECTIVE:
The Fund's investment objective is primarily to maximize income over the long
term to the extent consistent with providing reasonable safety in the value of
each shareholder's investment, and secondarily to increase its capital through
appreciation of its investments in order to preserve and, if possible, increase
the purchasing power of each shareholder's investment.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS:
The Fund invests primarily in corporate bonds. The Fund may invest up to 50% of
its total assets in foreign debt securities, primarily corporate debt securities
and sovereign debt obligations. All of the Fund's investments, whether foreign
or domestic, will be U.S. Dollar denominated. The Fund also may invest in
income-producing equity securities. While the Fund invests primarily (currently
65%) in investment grade debt securities, it also may invest a significant
amount of its total assets in lower-rated debt securities. The average weighted
maturity of the Fund's investments varies between one year or less and 30 years.
The Fund pursues a more aggressive investment strategy than other corporate bond
funds. The Fund's investments tend to have a relatively long average weighted
maturity and duration. The Fund emphasizes both foreign corporate and sovereign
debt obligations, as well as corporate bonds that are expected to benefit from
improvements in their issuers' credit fundamentals.
Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are interest rate risk,
credit risk, and market risk. Because the Fund emphasizes investments with a
relatively long average maturity and duration, its returns may be more volatile
than other corporate bond funds. To the extent the Fund invests in lower-rated
securities, your investment is subject to more credit risk than an investment in
a fund that invests solely in higher-rated securities. The Fund's investments in
foreign debt obligations have foreign risk.
The table and bar chart provide an indication of the historical risk of an
investment in the Fund.
PERFORMANCE TABLE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 Year 5 Years 10 Years
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A -2.43% 8.96% 9.51%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B -1.56% 9.17% 9.45%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 0.24% 9.17% 9.23%
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Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index -0.82% 7.73% 7.70%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The average annual total returns in the performance table are for the periods
ended December 31, 1999 and reflect imposition of the maximum front-end or
contingent deferred sales charges and conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares after the applicable period.
Performance information for periods prior to the inception of Class B shares
(1/8/93) and Class C shares (5/3/93) is the performance of the Fund's Class A
shares adjusted to reflect the higher expense ratio of Class B and Class C
shares. The average annual total returns for Class B and Class C shares since
their actual inception dates were 8.34% and 6.91%, respectively. Index returns
for the comparable periods (which date from month-end following applicable class
inception date) were 6.21% and 6.05%, respectively.
BAR CHART
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The annual returns in the bar chart are for the Fund's Class A shares and do not
reflect sales loads. If sales loads were reflected, returns would be less than
those shown. Through 9/30/00, the year-to-date unannualized return for the Class
A shares was 4.52%.
[The following table was depicted as a bar chart in the printed material.]
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
---- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ---- ----
5.54 18.11 13.28 31.09 -12.75 27.98 10.02 11.81 -0.03 1.94
Calendar Year End
You should consider an investment in the Fund as a long-term investment. The
Fund's returns will fluctuate over long and short periods. For example, during
the period shown in the bar chart, the Fund's:
Best quarter was up 15.61%, 2nd quarter, 1995; and Worst quarter was down
-8.43%, 1st quarter, 1994.
6
<PAGE>
Alliance High Yield Fund
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OBJECTIVE:
The Fund's investment objective is to achieve a high total return by maximizing
current income and, to the extent consistent with that objective, capital
appreciation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES:
The Fund primarily invests in high yield, below investment grade debt
securities, commonly known as "junk bonds." The Fund seeks to maximize current
income by taking advantage of market developments, yield disparities, and
variations in the creditworthiness of issuers.
Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are interest rate risk,
credit risk, and market risk. Because the Fund invests in lower-rated
securities, it has significantly more risk than other types of bond funds and
its returns will be more volatile. The Fund's investments in foreign securities
have foreign risk and currency risk.
The table and bar chart provide an indication of the historical risk of an
investment in the Fund.
PERFORMANCE TABLE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since
1 Year Inception
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A -5.95% 5.30%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B -6.10% 5.66%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C -3.47% 6.26%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First Boston High Yield Index 3.28% 5.13%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The average annual total returns in the performance table are for the periods
ended December 31, 1999 and reflect imposition of the maximum front-end or
contingent deferred sales charges and conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares after the applicable period. Since Inception returns are from inception
of Class A, Class B and Class C shares (4/22/97). Since Inception index return
is from month-end of inception of Class A, Class B and Class C shares.
BAR CHART
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The annual return in the bar chart is for the Fund's Class A shares and does not
reflect sales loads. If sales loads were reflected, returns would be less than
those shown. Through 9/30/00, the year-to-date unannualized return for the Class
A shares was -4.65%.
[The following table was depicted as a bar chart in the printed material.]
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
---- ----- ---- ---- ---- ----- ---- ---- ----- -----
n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a -1.69 -1.79
Calendar Year End
You should consider an investment in the Fund as a long-term investment. The
Fund's returns will fluctuate over long and short periods. For example, during
the period shown in the bar chart, the Fund's:
Best quarter was up 6.29%, 1st quarter, 1998; and Worst quarter was down -9.63%,
3rd quarter, 1998.
7
<PAGE>
MULTI-SECTOR FUND
The Multi-Sector Fund offers investors seeking high current income the
alternative of investing in a variety of traditional and non-traditional fixed
income sectors based on Alliance's evaluation of changes in major economic and
credit cycles around the world.
Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OBJECTIVE:
The Fund's investment objective is primarily a high level of current income and,
secondarily, capital appreciation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS:
The Fund primarily invests in debt securities of U.S. and non-U.S. companies,
U.S. Government and foreign governments, and supranational entities. The Fund's
foreign investments are generally denominated in foreign currencies. The Fund,
however, generally seeks to hedge currency risk. The Fund normally invests at
least 65% of its total assets in debt securities of companies located in at
least three countries, one of which may be the United States. The Fund limits
its investments in any one foreign country to 25% of its total assets.
The Fund invests at least 65% of its total assets in investment grade
securities, but also may invest up to 35% of its total assets in lower-rated
securities. The average weighted maturity of the Fund's investments varies
between five and 30 years.
The Fund may use significant borrowings and reverse repurchase agreements and
dollar rolls for leverage. The Fund also may:
o use derivatives strategies;
o invest in structured securities;
o invest in Eurodollar instruments and foreign currencies;
o invest in asset-backed and mortgage-related securities;
o enter into repurchase agreements; and
o invest in floating, variable, and inverse floating rate securities.
Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are interest rate risk,
credit risk, market risk, and leveraging risk. The Fund's investments in foreign
issuers have foreign risk and currency risk. To the extent the Fund invests in
lower-rated securities, your investment is subject to more risk than an
investment in a fund that invests primarily in higher-rated securities. The
Fund's use of derivatives strategies has derivatives risk. In addition, the Fund
is "non-diversified," meaning that it invests more of its assets in a smaller
number of issuers than many other funds. Changes in the value of a single
security may have a more significant effect, either negative or positive, on the
Fund's net asset value.
The table and bar chart provide an indication of the historical risk of an
investment in the Fund.
PERFORMANCE TABLE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since
1 Year Inception
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A 3.05% 10.20%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 3.00% 10.47%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 5.93% 10.65%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index -0.82% 5.13%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The average annual total returns in the performance table are for the periods
ended December 31, 1999 and reflect imposition of the maximum front-end or
contingent deferred sales charges and conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares after the applicable period. Since Inception returns are from inception
of Class A shares (1/9/96). Since Inception index return is from month-end of
inception of Class A shares.
Performance information for periods prior to the inception of Class B shares and
Class C shares (3/21/96) is the performance of the Fund's Class A shares
adjusted to reflect the higher expense ratio of Class B and Class C shares. The
average annual total returns for Class B and Class C shares since their actual
inception dates were 10.57% and 10.76%, respectively. The index return for the
comparable period (which date from month-end following applicable Class
inception date) was 6.06%.
BAR CHART
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The annual returns in the bar chart are for the Fund's Class A shares and do not
reflect sales loads. If sales loads were reflected, returns would be less than
those shown. Through 9/30/00, the year-to-date unannualized return for the Class
A shares was 3.56%.
[The following table was depicted as a bar chart in the printed material.]
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
---- ----- ---- ---- ---- ----- ---- ----- ----- -----
n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 15.29 1.99 7.64
Calendar Year End
You should consider an investment in the Fund as a long-term investment. The
Fund's returns will fluctuate over long and short periods. For example, during
the period shown in the bar chart, the Fund's:
Best quarter was up 6.86%, 2nd quarter, 1997; and Worst quarter was down -5.68%,
3rd quarter, 1998.
8
<PAGE>
GLOBAL BOND FUNDS
The Global Bond Funds offer a selection of alternatives to investors seeking a
high level of current income through investments primarily in foreign government
securities.
Alliance North American Government Income Trust
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OBJECTIVE:
The Fund's investment objective is the highest level of current income,
consistent with what Alliance considers to be prudent investment risk, that is
available from a portfolio of debt securities issued or guaranteed by the
governments of the United States, Canada, or Mexico, their political
subdivisions (including Canadian Provinces but excluding states of the United
States), agencies, instrumentalities or authorities.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS:
The Fund primarily invests in debt securities issued or guaranteed by: (i) the
federal governments of the United States, Canada, and Mexico; (ii)
government-related entities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico; and (iii)
the provincial governments of Canada and Mexico. The Fund also invests
significantly in debt securities issued by Argentine government entities. The
Fund also may invest in debt securities of other Central and South American
countries. These investments are investment grade securities generally
denominated in each country's currency, but at least 25% of the Fund's assets
are in U.S. Dollar-denominated securities. The average weighted maturity of the
Fund's portfolio is expected to vary between one year or less and 30 years.
The Fund may use significant borrowings for leverage. The Fund also may:
o use derivative strategies; and
o invest in variable, floating, and inverse floating rate instruments.
Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are interest rate risk,
credit risk, market risk and leveraging risk. The Fund's investments in debt
securities of Canada, Mexico, and Argentina have foreign risk and currency risk.
Your investment also has the risk that market changes or other events affecting
these countries, including potential instability and unpredictable economic
conditions, may have a more significant effect on the Fund's net asset value. In
addition, the Fund is "non-diversified," meaning that it invests more of its
assets in a smaller number of issuers than many other funds. Changes in the
value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative
or positive, on the Fund's net asset value.
The table and bar chart provide an indication of the historical risk of an
investment in the Fund.
PERFORMANCE TABLE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since
1 Year 5 Years Inception
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A 3.23% 15.54% 7.89%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 4.10% 15.52% 7.80%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 6.15% 15.56% 7.62%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index -0.82% 7.73% 6.94%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The average annual total returns in the performance table are for the periods
ended December 31, 1999 and reflect imposition of the maximum front-end or
contingent deferred sales charges and conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares after the applicable period. Since Inception returns are from inception
of Class A and Class B shares (3/27/92). Since Inception index return is from
month-end of inception of Class A and Class B shares.
Performance information for periods prior to the inception of Class C shares
(5/3/93) is the performance of the Fund's Class A shares adjusted to reflect the
higher expense ratio of Class C shares. The average annual total return for
Class C shares since its inception date was 7.11%. The index return for the
comparable period (which dates from month-end following the Class C inception
date) was 6.05%.
BAR CHART
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The annual returns in the bar chart are for the Fund's Class A shares and do not
reflect sales loads. If sales loads were reflected, returns would be less than
those shown. Through 9/30/00, the year-to-date unannualized return for the Class
A shares was 13.44%.
[The following table was depicted as a bar chart in the printed material.]
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
---- ----- ---- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----
n/a n/a n/a 18.64 -30.24 31.01 24.20 14.98 6.53 7.87
Calendar Year End
You should consider an investment in the Fund as a long-term investment. The
Fund's returns will fluctuate over long and short periods. For example, during
the period shown in the bar chart, the Fund's:
Best quarter was up 17.23%, 2nd quarter, 1995; and Worst quarter was down
-23.19%, 4th quarter, 1994.
9
<PAGE>
Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OBJECTIVE:
The Fund's investment objective is a high level of current income and,
secondarily, capital appreciation.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS:
The Fund invests primarily in sovereign debt obligations, although it may invest
up to 35% of its total assets in U.S. and non-U.S. corporate debt securities.
The Fund invests substantially all of its assets in lower-rated securities or
unrated securities of equivalent quality. The Fund's investments in sovereign
debt obligations and corporate debt securities are U.S. Dollar-denominated.
The Fund's non-U.S. investments emphasize emerging markets and developing
countries. The Fund limits its investments in the sovereign debt obligations of
any one country to less than 25% of its total assets, although the Fund may
invest up to 30% of its total assets in the sovereign debt obligations of and
corporate fixed-income securities of issuers in each of Argentina, Brazil,
Mexico, Morocco, the Philippines, Russia and Venezuela. The Fund expects that it
will not invest more than 10% of its total assets in any other single foreign
country.
The average weighted maturity of the Fund's investments ranges from nine years
to longer than 25 years, depending upon the type of securities.
The Fund may use significant borrowings and reverse repurchase agreements and
dollar rolls for leverage. The Fund also may use derivatives strategies; invest
in structured securities; invest in fixed and floating rate loans to sovereign
debt issuers; enter into repurchase agreements; and invest in variable,
floating, and inverse floating rate securities.
Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are interest rate risk,
credit risk, market risk, derivatives risk and leveraging risk. Because the Fund
invests in lower-rated securities, it has significantly more risk than other
types of bond funds and its returns will be more volatile. The Fund's
investments in foreign securities have foreign risk and country or geographic
risk. Because the Fund invests in emerging markets and in developing countries,
the Fund's returns will be significantly more volatile and may differ
substantially from returns in the U.S. bond markets generally. Your investment
also has the risk that market changes or other factors affecting emerging
markets and developing countries, including political instability and
unpredictable economic conditions, may have a significant effect on the Fund's
net asset value. In addition, the Fund is "non-diversified," meaning that it
invests more of its assets in a smaller number of issuers than many other funds.
Changes in the value of a single security may have a more significant effect,
either negative or positive, on the Fund's net asset value.
The table and bar chart provide an indication of the historical risk of an
investment in the Fund.
PERFORMANCE TABLE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since
1 Year 5 Years Inception
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A 21.36% 12.52% 7.91%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 22.78% 12.59% 7.86%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 24.96% 12.68% 7.91%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J.P. Morgan Emerging Markets Bond Index 21.56% 16.54% 11.65%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The average annual total returns in the performance table are for the periods
ended December 31, 1999 and reflect imposition of the maximum front-end or
contingent deferred sales charges and conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares after the applicable period. Since Inception returns are from inception
of Class A, Class B and Class C shares (2/25/94). Since Inception index return
is from month-end of inception of Class A, Class B and Class C shares.
BAR CHART
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The annual returns in the bar chart are for the Fund's Class A shares and do not
reflect sales loads. If sales loads were reflected, returns would be less than
those shown. Through 9/30/00, the year-to-date unannualized return for the Class
A shares was 13.36%.
[The following table was depicted as a bar chart in the printed material.]
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
---- ----- ---- ---- ---- ----- ----- ---- ----- -----
n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 25.47 39.44 9.01 -22.05 26.72
Calendar Year End
You should consider an investment in the Fund as a long-term investment. The
Fund's returns will fluctuate over long and short periods. For example, during
the period shown in the bar chart, the Fund's:
Best quarter was up 26.16%, 2nd quarter, 1995; and Worst quarter was down
-28.68%, 3rd quarter, 1998.
10
<PAGE>
Alliance Multi-Market Strategy Trust
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OBJECTIVE:
The Fund's investment objective is the highest level of current income that is
available, consistent with what Alliance considers to be prudent investment
risk, from a portfolio of high-quality debt securities having remaining
maturities of not more than five years.
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES AND RISKS:
The Fund invests in high-quality debt securities having remaining maturities of
not more than five years, with a high proportion of investments in money market
instruments. The Fund seeks investment opportunities in foreign, as well as
domestic, securities markets. Normally, at least 70% of the Fund's debt
securities will be denominated in foreign currencies. The Fund limits its
investments in a single currency other than the U.S. Dollar to 25% of its net
assets, except for the Euro in which the Fund may invest up to 50% of its net
assets.
The Fund concentrates at least 25% of its total assets in debt instruments
issued by domestic and foreign banking companies. The Fund may use significant
borrowings for leverage. The Fund also may:
o use derivatives strategies;
o invest in prime commercial paper or unrated paper of equivalent quality;
o enter into repurchase agreements; and
o invest in variable, floating, and inverse floating rate securities.
Among the principal risks of investing in the Fund are interest rate risk,
credit risk, market risk, and leveraging risk. The Fund's investments in debt
securities denominated in foreign currencies have foreign risk and currency
risk. In addition, the Fund is "non-diversified" meaning that it invests more of
its assets in a smaller number of issuers than many other funds. Changes in the
value of a single security may have a more significant effect, either negative
or positive, on the Fund's net asset value.
The table and bar chart provide an indication of the historical risk of an
investment in the Fund.
PERFORMANCE TABLE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Since
1 Year 5 Years Inception
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A -1.74% 6.50% 3.36%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B -1.04% 6.54% 3.31%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class C 0.86% 6.55% 3.08%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Merrill Lynch 1-3 Year Government Bond Index 3.12% 6.52% 6.10%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The average annual total returns in the performance table are for the periods
ended December 31, 1999 and reflect imposition of the maximum front-end or
contingent deferred sales charges and conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares after the applicable period. Since Inception returns are from inception
of Class A and Class B shares (5/29/91). Since Inception index Since Inception
index return is from month-end of inception of Class A, Class B and Class C
shares.
Performance information for periods prior to the inception of Class C shares
(5/3/93) is the performance of the Fund's Class A shares adjusted to reflect the
higher expense ratio of Class C shares. The average annual total return for
Class C shares since its inception date was 3.62%. The index return for the
comparable period (which dates from month-end following the Class C inception
date) was 5.44%.
BAR CHART
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The annual returns in the bar chart are for the Fund's Class A shares and do not
reflect sales loads. If sales loads were reflected, returns would be less than
those shown. Through 9/30/00, the year-to-date unannualized return for the Class
A shares was 2.39%.
[The following table was depicted as a bar chart in the printed material.]
90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99
---- ----- ---- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----
n/a n/a -2.49 10.91 -12.77 6.00 16.19 6.71 7.17 2.58
Calendar Year End
You should consider an investment in the Fund as a long-term investment. The
Fund's returns will fluctuate over long and short periods. For example, during
the period shown in the bar chart, the Fund's:
Best quarter was up 5.46%, 2nd quarter, 1995; and Worst quarter was down
-8.18%, 4th quarter, 1994.
11
<PAGE>
SUMMARY OF PRINCIPAL RISKS
The value of your investment in a Fund will change with changes in the values of
that Fund's investments. Many factors can affect those values. In this Summary,
we describe the principal risks that may affect a Fund's portfolio as a whole.
These risks and the Funds subject to the risks appear in a chart at the end of
this section. All Funds could be subject to additional principal risks because
the types of investments made by each Fund can change over time. This Prospectus
has additional descriptions of the types of investments that appear in bold type
in the discussions under "Description of Additional Investment Practices" or
"Additional Risk Considerations." These sections also include more information
about the Funds, their investments, and related risks.
INTEREST RATE RISK
This is the risk that changes in interest rates will affect the value of a
Fund's investments in debt securities, such as bonds, notes and asset-backed
securities, or other income-producing securities. Debt securities are
obligations of the issuer to make payments of principal and/or interest on
future dates. All of the Funds have interest rate risk. Increases in interest
rates may cause the value of a Fund's investments to decline.
Even Funds such as the Alliance U.S. Government and Alliance Quality Bond that
invest a substantial portion of their assets in the highest quality debt
securities, including U.S. Government securities, are subject to interest rate
risk. Interest rate risk generally is greater for those Funds that invest a
significant portion of their assets in lower-rated securities or comparable
unrated securities such as Alliance Corporate Bond, Alliance High Yield,
Alliance Global Strategic Income and Alliance Global Dollar Government.
Interest rate risk is generally greater for Funds that invest in debt securities
with longer maturities, such as Alliance Corporate Bond, Alliance Global
Strategic Income, Alliance North American Government Income and Alliance Global
Dollar Government. This risk is compounded for the Funds that invest a
substantial portion of their assets in mortgage-related or other asset-backed
securities, such as Alliance U.S. Government and Alliance Quality Bond. The
value of these securities is affected more by changes in interest rates because
when interest rates rise, the maturities of these types of securities tend to
lengthen and the value of the securities decreases more significantly. In
addition, these types of securities are subject to prepayment when interest
rates fall, which generally results in lower returns because the Funds must
reinvest their assets in debt securities with lower interest rates. Increased
interest rate risk also is likely for Alliance Quality Bond, Alliance Corporate
Bond, Alliance Global Strategic Income and Alliance Global Dollar Government,
which invest in debt securities paying no current interest, such as zero coupon,
principal-only, and interest-only securities, or paying non-cash interest in the
form of other debt securities (payment-in-kind securities).
CREDIT RISK
This is the risk that the issuer or the guarantor of a debt security, or the
counterparty to a derivatives contract, will be unable or unwilling to make
timely payments of interest or principal or to otherwise honor its obligations.
The degree of risk for a particular security may be reflected in its credit
rating. Credit risk is greater for Funds such as Alliance Corporate Bond,
Alliance High Yield, Alliance Global Strategic Income and Alliance Global Dollar
Government that invest in lower-rated securities. These debt securities and
similar unrated securities (commonly known as "junk bonds") have speculative
elements or are predominantly speculative credit risks.
Funds such as Alliance High Yield and Alliance Global Dollar Government may be
subject to greater credit risk because they invest in debt securities issued in
connection with corporate restructurings by highly leveraged issuers and in debt
securities that are not current in the payment of interest or principal or are
in default. Funds such as Alliance Quality Bond, Alliance North American
Government Income, Alliance Global Dollar Government and Alliance Multi-Market
Strategy that invest in foreign securities also are subject to increased credit
risk because of the difficulties of requiring foreign entities, including
issuers of sovereign debt obligations, to honor their contractual commitments,
and because a number of foreign governments and other issuers are already in
default.
MARKET RISK
This is the risk that the value of a Fund's investments will fluctuate as the
bond markets fluctuate and that prices overall will decline over shorter or
longer-term periods. All of the Funds are subject to this risk.
FOREIGN RISK
This is the risk of investments in issuers located in foreign countries. All
Alliance Funds that invest in foreign securities are subject to this risk,
including Alliance Quality Bond, Alliance Corporate Bond, Alliance High Yield,
Alliance Global Strategic Income, Alliance North American Government Income,
Alliance Global Dollar Government and Alliance Multi-Market Strategy. These
Funds' investments in foreign securities may experience more rapid and extreme
changes in value than investments in securities of U.S. companies. The
securities markets of many foreign countries are relatively small, with a
limited number of companies representing a small number of securities. In
addition, foreign companies usually are not subject to the same degree of
regulation as U.S. companies. Reporting, accounting, and auditing standards of
foreign countries differ, in some cases significantly, from U.S.
12
<PAGE>
standards. Nationalization, expropriation or confiscatory taxation, currency
blockage, political changes, or diplomatic developments could adversely affect a
Fund's investments in a foreign country. In the event of a nationalization,
expropriation, or other confiscation, a Fund could lose its entire investment.
Political, social, and economic changes in a particular country could result in
increased risks for Alliance Global Strategic Income and Alliance Global Dollar
Government, which invest a substantial portion of their assets in sovereign debt
obligations, including Brady Bonds. The investments in emerging market countries
of Alliance North American Government Income and Alliance Global Dollar
Government are likely to involve significant risks. These countries, such as
Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Morocco, the Philippines, Russia, and Venezuela, have
a history of political and economic instability.
COUNTRY OR GEOGRAPHIC RISK
This is the risk of investments in issuers located in a particular country or
geographic region. Market changes or other factors affecting that country or
region, including political instability and unpredictable economic conditions,
may have a particularly significant effect on a Fund's net asset value. The
Funds particularly subject to this risk are Alliance North American Government
Income and Alliance Multi-Market Strategy.
CURRENCY RISK
This is the risk that fluctuations in the exchange rates between the U.S. Dollar
and foreign currencies may negatively affect the value of a Fund's investments.
Funds such as Alliance Quality Bond, Alliance Corporate Bond, Alliance High
Yield, Alliance Global Strategic Income, Alliance North American Government
Income and Alliance Multi-Market Strategy that invest in securities denominated
in, and/or companies receiving revenues in, foreign currencies are subject to
currency risk.
DIVERSIFICATION RISK
Most analysts believe that overall risk can be reduced through diversification,
while concentration of investments in a small number of securities increases
risk. Alliance Global Strategic Income, Alliance North American Government
Income, Alliance Global Dollar Government and Alliance Multi-Market Strategy are
not "diversified." This means that they can invest more of their assets in a
relatively small number of issuers with greater concentration of risk. Factors
affecting these issuers can have a more significant effect on the Fund's net
asset value. Similarly, a Fund that concentrates its investments in a particular
industry, such as Alliance Multi-Market Strategy, which invests at least 25% of
its assets in the banking industry, could have increased risks because factors
affecting that industry could have a more significant effect on the value of the
Fund's investments.
LEVERAGING RISK
When a Fund borrows money or otherwise leverages its portfolio, the value of an
investment in that Fund will be more volatile and all other risks will tend to
be compounded. Each Fund may create leverage by using reverse repurchase
agreements, inverse floating rate instruments or derivatives, or by borrowing
money.
DERIVATIVES RISK
All Funds may use derivatives, which are financial contracts whose value depends
on, or is derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate, or
index. Alliance will sometimes use derivatives as part of a strategy designed to
reduce other risks. Generally, however, the Funds use derivatives as direct
investments to earn income, enhance yield and broaden Fund diversification,
which entail greater risk than if used solely for hedging purposes. In addition
to other risks such as the credit risk of the counterparty, derivatives involve
the risk of difficulties in pricing and valuation and the risk that changes in
the value of the derivative may not correlate perfectly with relevant underlying
assets, rates, or indices. Funds that invest in structured securities, such as
Alliance Corporate Bond, Alliance Global Strategic Income and Alliance Global
Dollar Government, could have increased derivatives risk.
LIQUIDITY RISK
Liquidity risk exists when particular investments are difficult to purchase or
sell, possibly preventing a Fund from selling out of these illiquid securities
at an advantageous price. All of the Funds are subject to liquidity risk because
derivatives and securities involving substantial interest rate and credit risk
tend to involve greater liquidity risk. In addition, liquidity risk tends to
increase to the extent a Fund invests in debt securities whose sale may be
restricted by law or by contract.
MANAGEMENT RISK
Each Fund is subject to management risk because it is an actively managed
investment Fund. Alliance will apply its investment techniques and risk analyses
in making investment decisions for the Funds, but there can be no guarantee that
its decisions will produce the desired results. In some cases, derivative and
other investment techniques may be unavailable or Alliance may determine not to
use them, possibly even under market conditions where their use could benefit a
Fund.
13
<PAGE>
PRINCIPAL RISKS BY FUND
The following chart summarizes the Principal Risks of each Fund. Risks not
marked for a particular Fund may, however, still apply to some extent to that
Fund at various times.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Country or
Interest Credit Market Foreign Geographic Currency Diversifica- Leveraging Derivatives
Fund Rate Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk Risk tion Risk Risk Risk
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Alliance U.S. Government o o o o
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alliance Quality Bond o o o o o o o
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alliance Corporate Bond o o o o o o o
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alliance High Yield o o o o o o o
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alliance Global
Strategic Income o o o o o o o o
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alliance North American
Government Income o o o o o o o o o
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alliance Global
Dollar Government o o o o o o o o
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alliance Multi-Market
Strategy o o o o o o o o o
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
------------------------------------------------
Liquidity Manage-
Fund Risk ment Risk
------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Alliance U.S. Government o o
------------------------------------------------
Alliance Quality Bond o o
------------------------------------------------
Alliance Corporate Bond o o
------------------------------------------------
Alliance High Yield o o
------------------------------------------------
Alliance Global
Strategic Income o o
------------------------------------------------
Alliance North American
Government Income o o
------------------------------------------------
Alliance Global
Dollar Government o o
------------------------------------------------
Alliance Multi-Market
Strategy o o
------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
14
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEES AND EXPENSES OF THE FUNDS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and hold
shares of the Funds.
SHAREHOLDER FEES (fees paid directly from your investment)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Class A Shares Class B Shares(a) Class B Shares(b) Class C Shares
-------------- ----------------- ----------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Maximum Sales Charge (Load) Imposed on
Purchases (as a percentage of offering price) 4.25% None None None
Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (Load)
(as a percentage of original purchase price or
redemption proceeds, whichever is lower) None 3.0%* 4.0%** 1.0%***
Exchange Fee None None None None
</TABLE>
----------
(a) For all Funds except Alliance High Yield Fund and Alliance Global
Strategic Income Trust.
(b) For Alliance High Yield Fund and Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust.
* Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares after 6 years. The
CDSC decreases over time. For Class B shares the CDSC decreases 1.00%
annually to 0% after the 3rd year.
** Class B shares automatically convert to Class A shares after 8 years. The
CDSC decreases over time. For Class B shares the CDSC decreases 1.00%
annually to 0% after the 4th year.
*** For Class C shares the CDSC is 0% after the first year.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (expenses that are deducted from Fund assets) and
EXAMPLES
The Examples are to help you compare the cost of investing in a Fund with the
cost of investing in other funds. They assume that you invest $10,000 in a Fund
for the time periods indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of
those periods. They also assume that your investment has a 5% return each year,
that the Fund's operating expenses stay the same, and that all dividends and
distributions are reinvested. Your actual costs may be higher or lower.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Operating Expenses Examples
----------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------------------------------
Alliance U.S. Government
Portfolio Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees .55% .55% .55% After 1 Year $ 633 $ 583 $ 283 $ 385 $ 285
Distribution (12b-1) Fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 Years $ 1067 $ 968 $ 868 $ 874 $ 874
Interest Expense 1.02% .97% .99% After 5 Years $1,525 $1,479 $1,479 $1,489 $1,489
Other Expenses .27% .28% .28% After 10 Years $2,792 $2,827 $2,827 $3,147 $3,147
---- ---- ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses 2.14% 2.80% 2.82%
==== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
Alliance Quality Bond
Portfolio Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees .55% .55% .55% After 1 Year $ 521 $ 471 $ 171 $ 271 $ 171
Distribution (12b-1) Fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 Years@ $ 724 $ 630 $ 530 $ 530 $ 530
Other Expenses 12.25% 9.74% 10.20% After 5 Years@ $ 944 $ 913 $ 913 $ 913 $ 913
---- ---- ---- After 10 Years@ $1,575 $1,630 $1,630 $1,987 $1,987
Total Fund Operating Expenses 13.10% 11.29% 11.75%
==== ==== ====
Waiver and/or Expense
Reimbursement +++ (12.12)% (9.61)% (10.07)%
---- ---- ----
Net Expenses .98% 1.68% 1.68%
==== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
Alliance Corporate Bond
Portfolio Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees .55% .55% .55% After 1 Year $ 534 $ 486 $ 186 $ 286 $ 186
Distribution (12b-1) Fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 Years $ 766 $ 676 $ 576 $ 576 $ 576
Interest Expense .01% .00% .01% After 5 Years $1,016 $ 990 $ 990 $ 990 $ 990
Other Expenses .26% .28% .27% After 10 Years $1,730 $1,791 $1,791 $2,148 $2,148
---- ---- ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses 1.12% 1.83% 1.83%
==== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
Alliance High Yield Fund Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees .75% .75% .75% After 1 Year $ 555 $ 607 $ 207 $ 306 $ 206
Distribution (12b-1) Fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 Years $ 829 $ 840 $ 640 $ 637 $ 637
Other Expenses .28% .29% .28% After 5 Years $1,123 $1,098 $1,098 $1,093 $1,093
---- ---- ---- After 10 Years $1,958 $2,187 $2,187 $2,358 $2,358
Total Fund Operating Expenses 1.33% 2.04% 2.03%
==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Operating Expenses Examples
----------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------
Alliance Global Strategic
Income Trust Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees .75% .75% .75% After 1 Year $ 597 $ 650 $ 250 $ 349 $ 249
Distribution (12b-1) Fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 Years $ 959 $ 970 $ 770 $ 767 $ 767
Other Expenses .72% .72% .71% After 5 Years $1,344 $1,316 $1,316 $1,311 $1,311
---- ---- ---- After 10 Years $2,420 $2,634 $2,634 $2,796 $2,796
Total Fund Operating Expenses 1.77% 2.47% 2.46%
==== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
Alliance North American
Government Income Trust Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees@@ .73% .73% .73% After 1 Year $ 628 $ 581 $ 281 $ 381 $ 281
Distribution (12b-1) Fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 Years $1,052 $ 962 $ 862 $ 862 $ 862
Interest Expense .71% .70% .70% After 5 Years $1,501 $1,469 $1,469 $1,469 $1,469
Other Expenses .35% .35% .35% After 10 Years $2,743 $2,794 $2,794 $3,109 $3,109
---- ---- ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses 2.09% 2.78% 2.78%
==== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
Alliance Global Dollar
Government Fund Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees .75% .75% .75% After 1 Year $ 596 $ 548 $ 248 $ 348 $ 248
Distribution (12b-1) Fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 Years $ 956 $ 864 $ 764 $ 764 $ 764
Interest Expense .25% .24% .25% After 5 Years $1,339 $1,306 $1,306 $1,306 $1,306
Other Expenses .46% .46% .45% After 10 Years $2,410 $2,460 $2,460 $2,786 $2,786
---- ---- ----
Total Fund Operating Expenses 1.76% 2.45% 2.45%
==== ==== ====
<CAPTION>
Alliance Multi-Market
Strategy Trust Class A Class B Class C Class A Class B+ Class B++ Class C+ Class C++
------- ------- ------- ------- -------- --------- -------- ---------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Management Fees .60% .60% .60% After 1 Year $ 565 $ 518 $ 218 $ 318 $ 218
Distribution (12b-1) Fees .30% 1.00% 1.00% After 3 Years $ 861 $ 773 $ 673 $ 673 $ 673
Other Expenses .54% .55% .55% After 5 Years $1,178 $1,154 $1,154 $1,154 $1,154
---- ---- ---- After 10 Years $2,076 $2,137 $2,137 $2,483 $2,483
Total Fund Operating Expenses 1.44% 2.15% 2.15%
==== ==== ====
</TABLE>
----------
+ Assumes redemption at end of period.
++ Assumes no redemption at end of period and, with respect to shares held 10
years, conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares after 6 years, and
for Alliance High Yield Fund and Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust, 8
years.
+++ Reflects Alliance's contractual waiver of a portion of its advisory fee
and/or reimbursement of a portion of the Fund's operating expenses. This
waiver extends through the end of the Fund's current fiscal year and may
be extended by Alliance for additional one year terms.
@ These examples assume that Alliance's agreement to waive management fees
and/or bear Fund expenses is not extended beyond its initial term.
@@ Represents .65 of 1% of the Fund's average daily adjusted total net
assets.
16
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GLOSSARY
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This Prospectus uses the following terms.
TYPES OF SECURITIES
Bonds are fixed, floating, and variable rate debt obligations.
Convertible securities are bonds, debentures, corporate notes, and preferred
stocks that are convertible into common and preferred stock.
Debt securities are bonds, debentures, notes, and bills.
Equity securities are common and preferred stocks, securities convertible into
common and preferred stocks, and rights and warrants to subscribe for the
purchase of common and preferred stocks.
Fixed-income securities are debt securities, convertible securities, and
preferred stocks, including floating rate and variable rate instruments.
Fixed-income securities may be rated (or, if unrated, for purposes of the Funds'
investment policies as may be determined by Alliance to be of equivalent
quality) triple-A (Aaa or AAA), high quality (Aa or AA or above), high grade (A
or above) or investment grade (Baa or BBB or above) by, as the case may be,
Moody's, S&P, Duff & Phelps or Fitch, or may be lower-rated securities, as
defined below. In the case of "split-rated" fixed-income securities (i.e.,
securities assigned non-equivalent credit quality ratings, such as Baa by
Moody's but BB by S&P or Ba by Moody's and BB by S&P but B by Fitch), a Fund
will use the rating deemed by Alliance to be the most appropriate under the
circumstances.
Foreign fixed-income securities consist of Foreign government securities
and securities issued by Non-U.S. Companies.
Foreign government securities are securities issued or guaranteed, as to
payment of principal and interest, by a foreign government or any of its
political subdivisions, authorities, agencies or instrumentalities.
Interest-only or IO securities are debt securities that receive only the
interest payments on an underlying debt that has been structured to have two
classes, one of which is the IO class and the other of which is the
principal-only or PO class, that receives only the principal payments on the
underlying debt obligation. POs are similar to, and are sometimes referred to
as, zero coupon securities, which are debt securities issued without interest
coupons.
Mortgage-related securities are pools of mortgage loans that are assembled for
sale to investors (such as mutual funds) by various governmental,
government-related, and private organizations. These securities include:
o ARMS, which are adjustable-rate mortgage securities;
o SMRS, which are stripped mortgage-related securities;
o CMOs, which are collateralized mortgage obligations;
o GNMA certificates, which are securities issued by the Government
National Mortgage Association or GNMA;
o FNMA certificates, which are securities issued by the Federal
National Mortgage Association or FNMA; and
o FHLMC certificates, which are securities issued by the Federal Home
Loan Mortgage Corporation or FHLMC.
Non-U.S. Company is an entity that (i) is organized under the laws of a
foreign country, (ii) has its principal place of business in a foreign
country, and (iii) issues equity or debt securities that are traded
principally in a foreign country.
Qualifying bank deposits are certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, and
interest-bearing savings deposits of banks that have total assets of more than
$1 billion and are members of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
Rule 144A securities are securities that may be resold under Rule 144A under the
Securities Act.
Sovereign debt obligations are foreign government debt securities, loan
participations between foreign governments and financial institutions, and
interests in entities organized and operated for the purpose of restructuring
the investment characteristics of foreign government securities.
U.S. Government securities are securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S.
Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. These securities include
securities backed by the full faith and credit of the United States, those
supported by the right of the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Treasury, and those
backed only by the credit of the issuing agency itself. The first category
includes U.S. Treasury securities (which are U.S. Treasury bills, notes and
bonds) and certificates issued by GNMA. U.S. Government securities not backed by
the full faith and credit of the United States include certificates issued by
FNMA and FHLMC.
RATING AGENCIES AND RATED SECURITIES
Duff & Phelps is Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Company.
Fitch is Fitch IBCA, Inc.
Higher quality commercial paper is commercial paper rated at least Prime-2 by
Moody's, A-2 by S&P, Fitch-2 by Fitch, or Duff 2 by Duff & Phelps.
Lower-rated securities are fixed-income securities rated Ba or BB or below, or
determined by Alliance to be of equivalent quality, and are commonly referred to
as "junk bonds."
Moody's is Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
NRSRO is a nationally recognized statistical rating organization.
Prime commercial paper is commercial paper rated Prime-1 or higher by Moody's,
A-1 or higher by S&P, Fitch-1 by Fitch, or Duff 1 by Duff & Phelps.
S&P is Standard & Poor's Ratings Services.
17
<PAGE>
OTHER
1940 Act is the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Code is the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Commission is the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Duration is a measure that relates the price volatility of a security to changes
in interest rates. The duration of a debt security is the weighted average term
to maturity, expressed in years, of the present value of all future cash flows,
including coupon payments and principal repayments. Thus, by definition,
duration is always less than or equal to full maturity.
Exchange is the New York Stock Exchange.
LIBOR is the London Interbank Offered Rate.
Securities Act is the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
World Bank is the commonly used name for the International Bank for
Reconstruction and Development.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUNDS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This section of the Prospectus provides a more complete description of each
Fund's investment objectives and principal strategies and risks. Of course,
there can be no assurance that any Fund will achieve its investment objective.
Please note that:
o Additional discussion of the Funds' investments, including the risks of
the investments, can be found in the discussion under Description of
Additional Investment Practices following this section.
o The description of the principal risks for a Fund may include risks
described in the Summary of Principal Risks above. Additional information
about the risks of investing in a Fund can be found in the discussion
under Additional Risk Considerations.
o Additional descriptions of each Fund's strategies, investments, and risks
can be found in a Fund's Statement of Additional Information or SAI.
o Except as noted, (i) the Funds' investment objectives are "fundamental"
and cannot be changed without a shareholder vote, and (ii) the Funds'
investment policies are not fundamental and thus can be changed without a
shareholder vote. When an investment policy or restriction has a
percentage limitation, such limitation is applied at the time of
investment. Changes in the market value of securities in the Fund's
portfolio after they are purchased by the Fund will not cause the Fund to
be in violation of such limitations.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVES AND PRINCIPAL Policies
INVESTMENT GRADE FUNDS
The Investment Grade Funds offer investors high current income consistent with
preservation of capital by investing primarily in investment grade (rated Baa or
BBB or above) securities.
Alliance U.S. Government Portfolio
Alliance U.S. Government Portfolio seeks a high level of current income that is
consistent with Alliance's determination of prudent investment risk. As a matter
of fundamental policy, the Fund pursues its objective by investing at least 65%
of its total assets in U.S. Government securities, repurchase agreements and
forward contracts relating to U.S. Government securities. The Fund may invest
the remaining 35% of its total assets in non-U.S. Government mortgage-related
and asset-backed securities, including high-grade debt securities secured by
mortgages on commercial real estate or residential rental properties.
On September 7, 2000, the Board of Directors of Alliance Bond Fund, Inc.
approved several proposals that will be presented to shareholders at a special
meeting that is planned for December 12, 2000. These proposals include changes
in certain of the Fund's fundamental investment policies. These investment
policy changes would: 1) enable the Fund to engage in securities lending to the
extent permitted by the 1940 Act; 2) reclassify the Fund's fundamental policy
regarding the writing, purchasing or selling of puts, calls or any combination
thereof as a non-restricts the Fund's ability to invest in securities of
companies (including predecessors) with less than three years of continuous
operation; and 4) reclassify the Fund's fundamental policy regarding
investments in illiquid securities as a non-fundamental policy and revise
that policy to conform it to current SEC guidelines. If these proposals are
adopted, prospective investors will be notified by way of a supplement
to this prospectus.
The Fund will not invest in any security rated below BBB or Baa. The Fund may
invest in unrated securities of equivalent quality to the rated securities in
which it may invest, as determined by Alliance. The Fund expects, but is not
required, to dispose of securities that are downgraded below BBB and Baa or, if
unrated, that are determined by Alliance to have undergone similar credit
quality deterioration.
The Fund also may:
o enter into reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls;
o enter into various hedging transactions, such as interest rate swaps,
caps, and floors;
o enter into forward contracts;
o purchase and sell futures contracts for hedging purposes;
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o purchase call and put options on futures contracts or on securities for
hedging purposes; and
o enter into repurchase agreements.
Alliance Quality Bond Portfolio
Alliance Quality Bond Portfolio seeks high current income consistent with
preservation of capital by investing in investment grade fixed-income
securities. In seeking to achieve its investment objective, the Fund invests in
readily marketable securities with relatively attractive yields that do not
involve undue risk of loss of capital. The Fund normally invests all of its
assets in securities that are rated at least BBB- by S&P or Baa3 by Moody's or
that are of comparable quality. The Fund normally maintains an average aggregate
quality rating of its portfolio securities of at least A (S&P and Moody's). The
Fund has the flexibility to invest in long- and short-term fixed-income
securities (including debt securities, convertible debt securities and U.S.
Government obligations) and preferred stocks based on Alliance's assessment of
prospective cyclical interest rate changes.
In the event that the credit rating of a security held by the Fund falls below
investment grade (or, if in the case of unrated securities, Alliance determines
that the quality of a security has deteriorated below investment grade), the
Fund will not be obligated to dispose of that security and may
continue to hold the security if, in the opinion of Alliance, such investment is
appropriate in the circumstances.
The Fund also may:
o purchase and sell interest rate futures contracts and options;
o enter into interest rate swaps, caps and floors for hedging purposes;
o purchase put and call options and write covered put and call options on
securities it may purchase;
o write covered call options for cross-hedging purposes;
o invest in foreign fixed-income securities, but only up to 20% of its total
assets;
o enter into foreign currency futures contracts and related options;
o enter into forward foreign currency exchange contracts and options on
foreign currencies for hedging purposes;
o invest in CMOs;
o invest in zero coupon securities and "pay-in-kind" debentures; and
o make secured loans of portfolio securities of up to 50% of its total
assets.
CORPORATE BOND FUNDS
The Corporate Bond Funds offer a selection of alternatives to investors seeking
to maximize current income through investments in corporate bonds.
Alliance Corporate Bond Portfolio
Alliance Corporate Bond Portfolio seeks primarily to maximize income over the
long term to the extent consistent with providing reasonable safety in the value
of each shareholder's investment and secondarily to increase its capital through
appreciation of its investments in order to preserve and, if possible, increase
the purchasing power of each shareholder's investment. In pursuing these
objectives, the Fund's policy is to invest in readily marketable securities that
give promise of relatively attractive yields but do not involve substantial risk
of loss of capital. The Fund invests at least 65% of its net assets in debt
securities. Although the Fund invests at least 65% of its total assets in
corporate bonds, it also may invest in securities of non-corporate issuers. The
Fund expects that the average weighted maturity of its portfolio of fixed-income
securities will vary between one year or less and 30 years.
The Fund follows an investment strategy that in certain respects can be regarded
as more aggressive than the strategies of many other funds investing primarily
in corporate bonds. The Fund's investments normally tend to have a relatively
long average maturity and duration. The Fund places significant emphasis on both
foreign corporate and sovereign debt obligations and corporate bonds that are
expected to benefit from improvement in their issuers' credit fundamentals. In
recent years the Fund frequently has had greater net asset value volatility than
most other corporate bond funds. Prospective investors in the Fund should
therefore be prepared to accept the degree of volatility associated with its
investment strategy.
The Fund's investments in fixed-income securities have no minimum rating
requirement, except the Fund expects that it will not retain a security that is
downgraded below B, or if unrated, determined to have undergone similar credit
quality deterioration after purchase. Currently, the Fund believes its
objectives and policies may best be implemented by investing at least 65% of its
total assets in fixed-income securities considered investment grade or higher.
The Fund may invest the remainder of its assets in lower-rated fixed-income
securities. As of June 30, 2000, the Fund's investments were rated (or
equivalent quality):
o A or above 21.39%
o Baa or BBB 48.09%
o Ba or BB 19.52%
o B 10.68%
o C .32%
The Fund may invest up to 50% of its total assets in foreign fixed-income
securities. The Fund invests no more than 15% of its total assets in
sovereign debt obligations in the form of foreign government loan
participations and assignments, which may be lower rated and considered to be
predominantly speculative with respect to the issuer's capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. All of the Fund's investments, whether foreign or domestic,
are U.S. Dollar-denominated.
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Within these limitations, the Fund has complete flexibility as to the types and
relative proportions of securities in which it will invest. The Fund plans to
vary the proportions of its holdings of long- and short-term fixed-income
securities and of equity securities in order to reflect its assessment of
prospective cyclical changes even if such action may adversely affect current
income. Substantially all of the Fund's investments, however, will be income
producing.
The Fund also may:
o invest in structured securities;
o invest in fixed and floating rate loans that are arranged through private
negotiations between an issuer of sovereign debt obligations and one or
more financial institutions and in participations in and assignments of
these type of loans;
o for hedging purposes, purchase put and call options written by others and
write covered put and call options;
o for hedging purposes, enter into various hedging transactions, such as
interest rate swaps, caps, and floors;
o invest in variable, floating, and inverse floating rate instruments;
o invest in zero coupon and pay-in-kind securities; and
o invest in CMOs and multi-class pass-through mortgage-related securities.
Alliance High Yield Fund
Alliance High Yield Fund seeks primarily to achieve high total return by
maximizing current income and, to the extent consistent with that objective,
capital appreciation. The Fund pursues this objective by investing primarily in
a diversified mix of high yield, below investment grade debt securities, known
as "junk bonds." These securities involve greater volatility of price and risk
of principal and income than higher quality debt securities. The Fund is managed
to maximize current income by taking advantage of market developments, yield
disparities, and variations in the creditworthiness of issuers. The Fund uses
various strategies in attempting to achieve its objective.
The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in high yield debt
securities rated below investment grade by two or more NRSROs (i.e., rated lower
than Baa by Moody's or lower than BBB by S&P) or, if unrated, of equivalent
quality. The Fund may not invest more than 10% of its total assets in (i)
fixed-income securities which are rated lower than B3 or B- or their equivalents
by two or more NRSROs or, if unrated, of equivalent quality, and (ii) money
market instruments of any entity which has an outstanding issue of unsecured
debt that is rated lower than B3 or B- or their equivalents by two or more
NRSROs or, if unrated, of equivalent quality.
As of August 31, 2000, the Fund's investments were rated (or equivalent
quality):
o A and above 5.41%
o BBB 1.06%
o Ba or BB 18.43%
o B 59.84%
o CCC 8.79%
o CC .33%
o C .11%
o Unrated 6.03%
The Fund may invest a portion of its assets in foreign fixed income
securities. The Fund may buy and sell foreign currencies principally
for the purpose of preserving the value of foreign securities or in
anticipation of purchasing foreign securities.
The Fund also may invest in:
o U.S. Government securities;
o certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, bank notes, time deposits
and interest bearing savings deposits issued or guaranteed by certain
domestic and foreign banks;
o commercial paper (rated at least A-1 by S&P or Prime-1 by Moody's or, if
unrated, issued by domestic or foreign companies having high quality
outstanding debt securities) and participation interests in loans extended
by banks to these companies;
o corporate debt obligations with remaining maturities of less than one year
rated at least high quality as well as corporate debt obligations rated at
least high grade provided the corporation also has outstanding an issue of
commercial paper rated at least A-1 by S&P or Prime-1 by Moody's; and
o floating rate or master demand notes.
The Fund also may:
o invest in mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities;
o invest in loan participations and assignments of loans to corporate,
governmental, or other borrowers originally made by institutional lenders
or lending syndicates;
o enter into forward commitments;
o write covered put and call options on debt securities, securities indices
and foreign currencies and purchase put or call options on debt
securities, securities indices and foreign currencies;
o purchase and sell futures contracts and related options on debt securities
and on indices of debt securities;
o enter into contracts for the purchase or sale of a specific currency for
hedging purposes only;
o make secured loans of portfolio securities; and
o enter into repurchase agreements.
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MULTI-SECTOR FUND
The Multi-Sector Fund offers investors seeking high current income the
alternative of investing in a variety of traditional and non-traditional fixed
income sectors based on Alliance's evaluation of changes in major economic
and credit cycles around the world.
Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust
Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust seeks primarily a high level of current
income and secondarily capital appreciation. The Fund invests primarily in a
portfolio of fixed-income securities of U.S. and non-U.S. companies and U.S.
Government and foreign government securities and supranational entities,
including lower-rated securities. The Fund also may use derivative instruments
to attempt to enhance income. The Fund expects that the average weighted
maturity of its portfolio of fixed-income securities will vary between five
years and 30 years in accordance with Alliance's changing perceptions of the
relative attractiveness of various maturity ranges.
The Fund normally invests at least 65% of its total assets in fixed-income
securities of issuers located in at least three countries, one of which may be
the United States. The Fund limits its investments in the securities of any one
foreign government to 25% of its total assets. The Fund's investments in U.S.
Government securities may include mortgage-related securities and zero coupon
securities. The Fund's investments in fixed-income securities may include
preferred stock, mortgage-related and other asset-backed securities, and zero
coupon securities.
The Fund will maintain at least 65% of its total assets in investment grade
securities and may maintain not more than 35% of its total assets in lower-rated
securities. Unrated securities will be considered for investment by the Fund
when Alliance believes that the financial condition of the issuers of such
obligations and the protection afforded by the terms of the obligations limit
the risk to the Fund to a degree comparable to that of rated securities that are
consistent with the Fund's investment objectives and policies. Lower-rated
securities in which the Fund may invest include Brady Bonds and fixed-income
securities of issuers located in emerging markets.
The Fund also may:
o invest in rights and warrants;
o invest in loan participations and assignments;
o invest in foreign currencies;
o purchase and write put and call options on securities and foreign
currencies;
o purchase or sell forward foreign exchange contracts;
o invest in variable, floating, and inverse floating rate instruments;
o invest in indexed commercial paper;
o invest in structured securities;
o purchase and sell securities on a forward commitment basis;
o enter into standby commitments;
o enter into contracts for the purchase or sale for future delivery of
fixed-income securities or foreign currencies, or contracts based on
financial indices, including any index of U.S. Government securities,
foreign government securities or common stock, and purchase and write
options on futures contracts;
o invest in Eurodollar instruments;
o enter into interest rate swaps, caps, and floors; and
o make short sales of securities or maintain a short position;
o enter into reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls;
o make loans of portfolio securities; and
o enter into repurchase agreements.
The Fund may borrow in order to purchase securities or make other investments,
although it currently limits its borrowings to 25% of its total assets.
GLOBAL BOND FUNDS
The Global Bond Funds are non-diversified investment companies that offer
investors a high level of current income through investments primarily in
foreign government securities.
Alliance North American Government Income Trust
Alliance North American Government Income Trust seeks the highest level of
current income, consistent with what Alliance considers to be prudent investment
risk, that is available from a portfolio of debt securities issued or guaranteed
by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, their political subdivisions
(including Canadian provinces but excluding states of the United States),
agencies, instrumentalities or authorities ("Government securities"). The Fund
invests in investment grade securities denominated in the U.S. Dollar, the
Canadian Dollar, and the Mexican Peso and expects to maintain at least 25% of
its assets in securities denominated in the U.S. Dollar. In addition, the Fund
may invest up to 25% of its total assets in debt securities issued by
governmental entities of Argentina ("Argentine Government securities").
The Fund invests at least 65%, and normally substantially more, of its assets in
Government securities and income-producing securities. The average weighted
maturity of the Fund's portfolio of fixed-income securities is expected to vary
between one year or less and 30 years. The Fund maintains borrowings of
approximately one-third of its net assets.
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The Fund expects that it will not retain a debt security that is downgraded
below BBB or Baa, or, if unrated, determined by Alliance to have undergone
similar credit quality deterioration. The Fund may conclude, under certain
circumstances, such as the downgrading to below investment grade of all
of the securities of a governmental issuer in one of the countries in which
the Fund has substantial investments, that it is in the best interests of
the shareholders to retain its holdings in securities of that issuer.
Alliance believes that the increasingly integrated economic relationship among
the United States, Canada and Mexico, characterized by the reduction and
projected elimination of most barriers to free trade among the three nations and
the growing coordination of their fiscal and monetary policies, will, over the
long term, benefit the economic performance of all three countries and promote
greater correlation of currency fluctuation among the U.S. and Canadian Dollars
and the Mexican Peso.
Alliance will actively manage the Fund's assets in relation to market conditions
and general economic conditions and adjust the Fund's investments in an effort
to best enable the Fund to achieve its investment objective. Thus, the
percentage of the Fund's assets invested in a particular country or denominated
in a particular currency will vary in accordance with Alliance's assessment of
the relative yield and appreciation potential of such securities and the
relationship of the country's currency to the U.S. Dollar. To the extent that
its assets are not invested in Government securities, however, the Fund may
invest the balance of its total assets in investment grade debt securities
issued by, and denominated in the local currencies of, governments of countries
located in Central and South America or any of their political subdivisions,
agencies, instrumentalities or authorities, provided that such securities are
denominated in their local currencies. The Fund limits its investments in debt
securities issued by the governmental entities of any one country, except for
Argentine Government securities, to 10% of its total assets.
The Fund also may:
o enter into futures contracts and purchase and write options on futures
contracts for hedging purposes;
o purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies;
o purchase or sell forward foreign currency exchange contracts;
o write covered put and call options and purchase put and call options on
U.S. Government and foreign government securities traded on U.S. and
foreign securities exchanges, and write put and call options for
cross-hedging purposes;
o enter into interest rate swaps, caps, and floors;
o enter into forward commitments;
o invest in variable, floating, and inverse floating rate instruments;
o make secured loans of its portfolio securities; and
o enter into repurchase agreements.
Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund
Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund seeks primarily a high level of current
income and secondarily capital appreciation. In seeking to achieve these
objectives, the Fund invests at least 65% of its total assets in sovereign debt
obligations. The Fund's investments in sovereign debt obligations will emphasize
obligations referred to as "Brady Bonds," which are issued as part of debt
restructurings and collateralized in full as to principal due at maturity by
zero coupon U.S. Government securities.
The Fund also may invest up to 35% of its total assets in U.S. and non-U.S.
corporate fixed-income securities. The Fund will limit its investments in
sovereign debt obligations and U.S. and non-U.S. corporate fixed-income
securities to U.S. Dollar-denominated securities. Alliance expects the average
weighted maturity of the Fund's investments will be approximately:
o for U.S. fixed-income securities, nine to 15 years;
o for non-U.S. fixed-income securities, 15 to 25 years; and
o for sovereign debt obligations, longer than 25 years.
Substantially all of the Fund's assets will be invested in lower-rated
securities, which may include securities having the lowest rating for
non-subordinated debt instruments (i.e., rated C by Moody's or CCC or lower by
S&P, Duff & Phelps and Fitch) and unrated securities of equivalent investment
quality. These securities may have extremely poor prospects of ever attaining
any real investment standing and a current identifiable vulnerability to
default, be unlikely to have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal
when due in the event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions, and
be in default or not current in the payment of interest or principal.
The Fund also may invest in investment grade securities. Unrated securities will
be considered for investment by the Fund when Alliance believes that the
financial condition of the issuers of such obligations and the protection
afforded by the terms of the obligations themselves limit the risk to the Fund
to a degree comparable to that of rated securities which are consistent with the
Fund's investment objectives and policies.
As of August 31, 2000, securities ratings (or equivalent quality) of the Fund's
securities were:
o A and above .89%
o Baa or BBB 21.68%
o Ba or BB 37.33%
o B 35.61%
o CCC 2.20%
o Unrated 2.29%
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The Fund's investments in sovereign debt obligations and non-U.S. corporate
fixed-income securities emphasize countries that are considered at the time of
purchase to be emerging markets or developing countries by the World Bank. A
substantial part of the Fund's investment focus is in obligations of or
securities of issuers in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Morocco, the Philippines,
Russia and Venezuela because these countries are now, or are expected in the
future to be, the principal participants in debt restructuring programs
(including, in the case of Argentina, Mexico, the Philippines and Venezuela,
issuers of currently outstanding Brady Bonds) that, in Alliance's opinion,
will provide the most attractive investment opportunities for the Fund.
Alliance anticipates that other countries that will provide investment
opportunities for the Fund include, among others, Bolivia, Costa Rica, the
Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Jordan, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Poland, Thailand,
Turkey and Uruguay.
The Fund limits its investments in the sovereign debt obligations of any single
foreign country to less than 25% of its total assets, although the Fund may
invest up to 30% of its total assets in the sovereign debt obligations of and
corporate fixed-income securities of issuers in each of Argentina, Brazil,
Mexico, Morocco, the Philippines, Russia and Venezuela. The Fund expects that it
will limit its investments in any other single foreign country to not more than
10% of its total assets.
The Fund also may:
o invest in structured securities;
o invest in fixed and floating rate loans that are arranged through private
negotiations between an issuer of sovereign debt obligations and one or
more financial institutions and in participations in and assignments of
these types of loans;
o invest in other investment companies;
o invest in warrants;
o enter into interest rate swaps, caps, and floors;
o enter into forward commitments;
o enter into standby commitment agreements;
o make short sales of securities or maintain a short position;
o write put and call options on securities of the types in which it is
permitted to invest and write call options for cross-hedging purposes;
o purchase and sell exchange-traded options on any securities index of the
types of securities in which it may invest;
o invest in variable, floating, and inverse floating rate instruments;
o enter into reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls;
o make secured loans of its portfolio securities; and
o enter into repurchase agreements.
While it does not currently intend to do so, the Fund reserves the right to
borrow an amount not to exceed one-third of the Fund's net assets.
Alliance Multi-Market Strategy Trust
Alliance Multi-Market Strategy Trust is a non-diversified investment company
that offers investors a higher yield than a money market fund and less
fluctuation in net asset value than a longer-term bond fund. The Fund seeks the
highest level of current income, consistent with what Alliance considers to be
prudent investment risk, that is available from a portfolio of high-quality debt
securities having remaining maturities of not more than five years. The Fund
invests in a portfolio of debt securities denominated in the U.S. Dollar and
selected foreign currencies. The Fund seeks investment opportunities in foreign,
as well as domestic, securities markets. The Fund normally expects to maintain
at least 70% of its assets in debt securities denominated in foreign currencies.
The Fund limits its investments in a single currency other than the U.S. Dollar
to 25% of its net assets, except for the Euro in which the Fund may invest up to
50% of its net assets.
In pursuing its investment objective, the Fund seeks to minimize credit risk and
fluctuations in net asset value by investing only in short-term debt securities.
Normally, a high proportion of the Fund's portfolio consists of money market
instruments. Alliance actively manages the Fund's portfolio in accordance with a
multi-market investment strategy, allocating the Fund's investments among
securities denominated in the U.S. Dollar and the currencies of a number of
foreign countries and, within each such country, among different types of debt
securities. Alliance adjusts the Fund's exposure to each currency so that the
percentage of assets invested in securities of a particular country or
denominated in a particular currency varies in accordance with Alliance's
assessment of the relative yield and appreciation potential of such securities
and the relative strength of a country's currency. Fundamental economic
strength, credit quality, and interest rate trends are the principal factors
considered by Alliance in determining whether to increase or decrease the
emphasis placed upon a particular type of security or industry sector within a
Fund's investment portfolio.
The returns available from short-term foreign currency-denominated debt
instruments can be adversely affected by changes in exchange rates. Alliance
believes that the use of foreign currency hedging techniques, including
"cross-hedges", can help protect against declines in the U.S. Dollar value of
income available for distribution to shareholders and declines in the net asset
value of the Fund's shares resulting from adverse changes in currency
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exchange rates. The Fund invests in debt securities denominated in the
currencies of countries whose governments are considered stable by Alliance.
An issuer of debt securities purchased by the Fund may be domiciled in a country
other than the country in whose currency the instrument is denominated. In
addition, the Fund may purchase debt securities (sometimes referred to as
"linked" securities) that are denominated in one currency while the principal
amounts of, and value of interest payments on, such securities are determined
with reference to another currency.
The Fund seeks to minimize investment risk by limiting its investments to debt
securities of high quality and invests in:
o U.S. Government securities;
o high-quality foreign government securities;
o obligations issued by supranational entities and corporate debt securities
having a high-quality rating;
o certificates of deposit and bankers' acceptances issued or guaranteed by,
or time deposits maintained at, banks (including foreign branches of
foreign banks) having total assets of more than $500 million, and
determined by Alliance to be of high quality; and
o prime commercial paper or unrated commercial paper of equivalent quality
and issued by U.S. or foreign companies having outstanding high-quality
debt securities.
As a matter of fundamental policy, the Fund concentrates at least 25% of its
total assets in debt instruments issued by domestic and foreign companies
engaged in the banking industry, including bank holding companies. These
investments may include certificates of deposit, time deposits, bankers'
acceptances, and obligations issued by bank holding companies, as well as
repurchase agreements entered into with banks.
The Fund also may:
o invest in indexed commercial paper;
o enter into futures contracts and purchase and write options on futures
contracts;
o purchase and write put and call options on foreign currencies;
o purchase or sell forward foreign currency exchange contracts;
o enter into interest rate swaps, caps, and floors;
o invest in variable, floating, and inverse floating rate instruments;
o make secured loans of its portfolio securities; and
o enter into repurchase agreements.
DESCRIPTION OF ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT PRACTICES
This section describes certain investment practices and associated risks that
are common to a number of Funds. There can be no assurance that at any given
time a Fund will engage in any of these derivative or other practices.
Derivatives. The Funds may use derivatives to achieve their investment
objectives. Derivatives are financial contracts whose value depends on, or is
derived from, the value of an underlying asset, reference rate or index. These
assets, rates, and indices may include bonds, stocks, mortgages, commodities,
interest rates, currency exchange rates, bond indices, and stock indices.
Derivatives can be used to earn income or protect against risk, or both. For
example, one party with unwanted risk may agree to pass that risk to another
party who is willing to accept the risk, the second party being motivated, for
example, by the desire either to earn income in the form of a fee or premium
from the first party, or to reduce its own unwanted risk by attempting to pass
all or part of that risk to the first party.
Derivatives can be used by investors such as the Funds to earn income and
enhance returns, to hedge or adjust the risk profile of a portfolio, and either
to replace more traditional direct investments or to obtain exposure to
otherwise inaccessible markets. Each of the Funds is permitted to use
derivatives for one or more of these purposes, although most of the Funds
generally use derivatives primarily as direct investments in order to enhance
yields and broaden portfolio diversification. Each of these uses entails greater
risk than if derivatives were used solely for hedging purposes. Derivatives are
a valuable tool, which, when used properly, can provide significant benefits to
Fund shareholders. A Fund may take a significant position in those derivatives
that are within its investment policies if, in Alliance's judgment, this
represents the most effective response to current or anticipated market
conditions. Alliance High Yield, Alliance Global Strategic Income and Alliance
Multi-Market Strategy in particular, generally make extensive use of carefully
selected forwards and other derivatives to achieve the currency hedging that is
an integral part of their investment strategy. Alliance's use of derivatives is
subject to continuous risk assessment and control from the standpoint of each
Fund's investment objectives and policies.
Derivatives may be (i) standardized, exchange-traded contracts or (ii)
customized, privately-negotiated contracts. Exchange-traded derivatives tend to
be more liquid and subject to less credit risk than those that are privately
negotiated.
There are four principal types of derivative instruments -- options, futures,
forwards, and swaps -- from which virtually any type of derivative transaction
can be created.
o Options -- An option, which may be standardized and exchange-traded, or
customized and privately negotiated, is an agreement that, for a premium
payment or fee, gives the option holder (the buyer) the right but not the
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obligation to buy or sell the underlying asset (or settle for cash
an amount based on an underlying asset, rate or index) at a specified
price (the exercise price) during a period of time or on a specified date.
A call option entitles the holder to purchase, and a put option entitles
the holder to sell, the underlying asset (or settle for cash an amount
based on an underlying asset, rate or index). Likewise, when an option is
exercised the writer of the option is obligated to sell (in the case of a
call option) or to purchase (in the case of a put option) the underlying
asset (or settle for cash an amount based on an underlying asset, rate or
index).
o Futures -- A futures contract is an agreement that obligates the buyer to
buy and the seller to sell a specified quantity of an underlying asset (or
settle for cash the value of a contract based on an underlying asset, rate
or index) at a specific price on the contract maturity date. Futures
contracts are standardized, exchange-traded instruments and are fungible
(i.e., considered to be perfect substitutes for each other). This
fungibility allows futures contracts to be readily offset or cancelled
through the acquisition of equal but opposite positions, which is the
primary method in which futures contracts are liquidated. A cash-settled
futures contract does not require physical delivery of the underlying
asset but instead is settled for cash equal to the difference between the
values of the contract on the date it is entered into and its maturity
date.
o Forwards -- A forward contract is an obligation by one party to buy, and
the other party to sell, a specific quantity of an underlying commodity or
other tangible asset for an agreed upon price at a future date. Forward
contracts are customized, privately negotiated agreements designed to
satisfy the objectives of each party. A forward contract usually results
in the delivery of the underlying asset upon maturity of the contract in
return for the agreed upon payment.
o Swaps -- A swap is a customized, privately negotiated agreement that
obligates two parties to exchange a series of cash flows at specified
intervals (payment dates) based upon or calculated by reference to changes
in specified prices or rates (interest rates in the case of interest rate
swaps, currency exchange rates in the case of currency swaps) for a
specified amount of an underlying asset (the "notional" principal amount).
The payment flows are netted against each other, with the difference being
paid by one party to the other. Except for currency swaps, the notional
principal amount is used solely to calculate the payment streams but is
not exchanged. With respect to currency swaps, actual principal amounts of
currencies may be exchanged by the counterparties at the initiation, and
again upon the termination, of the transaction.
Debt instruments that incorporate one or more of these building blocks for the
purpose of determining the principal amount of and/or rate of interest payable
on the debt instruments are often referred to as "structured securities." An
example of this type of structured security is indexed commercial paper. The
term is also used to describe certain securities issued in connection with the
restructuring of certain foreign obligations. The term "derivative" also is
sometimes used to describe securities involving rights to a portion of the cash
flows from an underlying pool of mortgages or other assets from which payments
are passed through to the owner of, or that collateralize, the securities. These
securities are described below under Mortgage-Related Securities and Other
Asset-Backed Securities.
While the judicious use of derivatives by highly-experienced investment managers
such as Alliance can be quite beneficial, derivatives involve risks different
from, and, in certain cases, greater than, the risks presented by more
traditional investments. The following is a general discussion of important risk
factors and issues relating to the use of derivatives that investors should
understand before investing in a Fund.
o Market Risk -- This is the general risk of all investments that the value
of a particular investment will change in a way detrimental to the Fund's
interest based on changes in the bond market generally.
o Management Risk -- Derivative products are highly specialized instruments
that require investment techniques and risk analyses different from those
associated with stocks and bonds. The use of a derivative requires an
understanding not only of the underlying instrument but also of the
derivative itself, without the benefit of observing the performance of the
derivative under all possible market conditions. In particular, the use
and complexity of derivatives require the maintenance of adequate controls
to monitor the transactions entered into, the ability to assess the risk
that a derivative adds to a Fund's portfolio, and the ability to forecast
price, interest rate, or currency exchange rate movements correctly.
o Credit Risk -- This is the risk that a loss may be sustained by a Fund as
a result of the failure of a derivative counterparty to comply with the
terms of the derivative contract. The credit risk for exchange-traded
derivatives is generally less than for privately negotiated derivatives,
since the clearing house, which is the issuer or counterparty to each
exchange-traded derivative, provides a guarantee of performance. This
guarantee is supported by a daily payment system (i.e., margin
requirements) operated by the clearing house in order to reduce overall
credit risk. For privately negotiated derivatives, there is no similar
clearing agency guarantee. Therefore, the Funds consider the
creditworthiness of each counterparty to a privately negotiated derivative
in evaluating potential credit risk.
o Liquidity Risk -- Liquidity risk exists when a particular instrument is
difficult to purchase or sell. If a derivative
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transaction is particularly large or if the relevant market is
illiquid (as is the case with many privately negotiated
derivatives), it may not be possible to initiate a
transaction or liquidate a position at an advantageous price.
o Leverage Risk -- Since many derivatives have a leverage component, adverse
changes in the value or level of the
underlying asset, rate or index can result in a loss substantially
greater than the amount invested in the derivative itself. In the case
of swaps, the risk of loss generally is related to a notional principal
amount, even if the parties have not made any initial investment.
Certain derivatives have the potential for unlimited loss, regardless of
the size of the initial investment.
o Other Risks -- Other risks in using derivatives include the risk of
mispricing or improper valuation of derivatives and the inability of
derivatives to correlate perfectly with underlying assets, rates and
indices. Many derivatives, in particular privately negotiated derivatives,
are complex and often valued subjectively. Improper valuations can result
in increased cash payment requirements to counterparties or a loss of
value to a Fund. Derivatives do not always perfectly or even highly
correlate or track the value of the assets, rates or indices they are
designed to closely track. Consequently, a Fund's use of derivatives may
not always be an effective means of, and sometimes could be
counterproductive to, furthering the Fund's investment objective. In
addition, there is no guarantee that a specific derivative will be
available for a Fund to utilize at any given time.
Derivatives Used by the Funds. The following describes specific derivatives that
one or more of the Funds may use.
Eurodollar Instruments. Eurodollar instruments are essentially U.S.
Dollar-denominated futures contracts or options that are linked to LIBOR.
Eurodollar futures contracts enable purchasers to obtain a fixed rate for the
lending of funds and sellers to obtain a fixed rate for borrowings. Alliance
Global Strategic Income intends to use Eurodollar futures contracts and options
thereon to hedge against changes in LIBOR (to which many short-term borrowings
and floating rate securities in which the Fund invests are linked).
Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts. A Fund purchases or sells forward
foreign currency exchange contracts ("forward contracts") to minimize the risk
from adverse changes in the relationship between the U.S. Dollar and other
currencies. A Fund may enter into a forward contract, for example, when it
enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security denominated in a
foreign currency in order to "lock in" the U.S. Dollar price of the security (a
"transaction hedge"). When a Fund believes that a foreign currency may suffer a
substantial decline against the U.S. Dollar, it may enter into a forward sale
contract to sell an amount of that foreign currency approximating the value of
some or all of the Fund's portfolio securities denominated in such foreign
currency, or when the Fund believes that the U.S. Dollar may suffer a
substantial decline against a foreign currency, it may enter into a forward
purchase contract to buy that foreign currency for a fixed dollar amount (a
"position hedge"). Instead of entering into a position hedge, a Fund may, in the
alternative, enter into a forward contract to sell a different foreign currency
for a fixed U.S. Dollar amount where the Fund believes that the U.S. Dollar
value of the currency to be sold pursuant to the forward contract will fall
whenever there is a decline in the U.S. Dollar value of the currency in which
portfolio securities of the Fund are denominated (a "cross-hedge").
Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts. A Fund may buy and sell
futures contracts on fixed-income or other securities or foreign currencies, and
contracts based on interest rates or financial indices, including any index of
U.S. Government securities, foreign government securities or corporate debt
securities.
Options on futures contracts are options that call for the delivery of futures
contracts upon exercise. Options on futures contracts written or purchased by a
Fund will be traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges and, except for Alliance Global
Strategic Income, will be used only for hedging purposes.
Alliance U.S. Government, Alliance Global Strategic Income, Alliance North
American Government Income and Alliance Multi-Market Strategy will not enter
into a futures contract or write or purchase an option on a futures contract if
immediately thereafter the market values of the outstanding futures contracts of
the Fund and the currencies and futures contracts subject to outstanding options
written by the Fund would exceed 50% of its total assets. Alliance U.S.
Government, Alliance Global Strategic Income, Alliance North American Government
Income and Alliance Multi-Market Strategy will not enter into a futures contract
or, if otherwise permitted, write or purchase an option on a futures contract,
if immediately thereafter the aggregate of initial margin deposits on all the
outstanding futures contracts of the Fund and premiums paid on outstanding
options on futures contracts would exceed 5% of the market value of the total
assets of the Fund. In addition, Alliance Global Strategic Income will not enter
into any futures contract (i) other than one on fixed-income securities or based
on interest rates, or (ii) if immediately thereafter the sum of the then
aggregate futures market prices of financial instruments required to be
delivered under open futures contract sales and the aggregate futures market
prices of instruments required to be delivered under open futures contract
purchases would exceed 30% of the value of the Fund's total assets.
Interest Rate Transactions (Swaps, Caps, and Floors). Each Fund that may enter
into interest rate swap, cap, or floor transactions expects to do so primarily
for hedging purposes, which may include preserving a return or spread on a
particular investment or portion of its portfolio or protecting against an
increase in the price of securities the
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Fund anticipates purchasing at a later date. The Funds do not intend
to use these transactions in a speculative manner.
Interest rate swaps involve the exchange by a Fund with another party of their
respective commitments to pay or
receive interest (e.g., an exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate
payments) computed based on a contractually-based principal (or "notional")
amount. Interest rate swaps are entered into on a net basis (i.e., the two
payment streams are netted out, with the Fund receiving or paying, as the case
may be, only the net amount of the two payments).
Interest rate caps and floors are similar to options in that the purchase of an
interest rate cap or floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a
specified index exceeds (in the case of a cap) or falls below (in the case of a
floor) a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments of interest on a
notional amount from the party selling the interest rate cap or floor. A Fund
may enter into interest rate swaps, caps, and floors on either an asset-based or
liability-based basis, depending upon whether it is hedging its assets or
liabilities.
There is no limit on the amount of interest rate transactions that may be
entered into by a Fund that is permitted to enter into such transactions.
Alliance Global Strategic Income, Alliance North American Government Income and
Alliance Multi-Market Strategy, may enter into interest rate swaps involving
payments in the same currency or in different currencies. Alliance U.S.
Government, Alliance Quality Bond, Alliance Corporate Bond, Alliance Global
Strategic Income and Alliance Global Dollar Government will not enter into an
interest rate swap, cap, or floor transaction unless the unsecured senior long-
or short-term debt or the claims-paying ability of the other party is then rated
in the highest rating category of at least one NRSRO. Each of Alliance Global
Strategic Income, Alliance North American Government Income and Alliance
Multi-Market Strategy, will enter into interest rate swap, cap or floor
transactions with its respective custodian, and with other counterparties, but
only if: (i) for transactions with maturities under one year, such other
counterparty has outstanding prime commercial paper; or (ii) for transactions
with maturities greater than one year, the counterparty has high-quality debt
securities outstanding.
The swap market has grown substantially in recent years, with a large number of
banks and investment banking firms acting both as principals and as agents
utilizing standardized swap documentation. As a result, the swap market has
become well established and relatively liquid. Caps and floors are less liquid
than swaps. These transactions do not involve the delivery of securities or
other underlying assets or principal. Accordingly, unless there is a
counterparty default, the risk of loss to a Fund from interest rate transactions
is limited to the net amount of interest payments that the Fund is contractually
obligated to make.
Options on Foreign Currencies. A Fund invests in options on foreign currencies
that are privately negotiated or traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges for the
purpose of protecting against declines in the U.S. Dollar value of foreign
currency denominated securities held by a Fund and against increases in the U.S.
Dollar cost of securities to be acquired. The purchase of an option on a foreign
currency may constitute an effective hedge against fluctuations in exchange
rates, although if rates move adversely, a Fund may forfeit the entire amount of
the premium plus related transaction costs.
Options on Securities. In purchasing an option on securities, a Fund would be in
a position to realize a gain if, during the option period, the price of the
underlying securities increased (in the case of a call) or decreased (in the
case of a put) by an amount in excess of the premium paid; otherwise the Fund
would experience a loss not greater than the premium paid for the option. Thus,
a Fund would realize a loss if the price of the underlying security declined or
remained the same (in the case of a call) or increased or remained the same (in
the case of a put) or otherwise did not increase (in the case of a put) or
decrease (in the case of a call) by more than the amount of the premium. If a
put or call option purchased by a Fund were permitted to expire without being
sold or exercised, its premium would represent a loss to the Fund.
A Fund may write a put or call option in return for a premium, which is retained
by the Fund whether or not the option is exercised. Except with respect to
uncovered call options written for cross-hedging purposes, none of the Funds
will write uncovered call or put options on securities. A call option written by
a Fund is "covered" if the Fund owns the underlying security, has an absolute
and immediate right to acquire that security upon conversion or exchange of
another security it holds, or holds a call option on the underlying security
with an exercise price equal to or less than that of the call option it has
written. A put option written by a Fund is covered if the Fund holds a put
option on the underlying securities with an exercise price equal to or greater
than that of the put option it has written.
The risk involved in writing an uncovered call option is that there could be an
increase in the market value of the underlying security, and a Fund could be
obligated to acquire the underlying security at its current price and sell it at
a lower price. The risk of loss from writing an uncovered put option is limited
to the exercise price of the option.
A Fund may write a call option on a security that it does not own in order to
hedge against a decline in the value of a security that it owns or has the right
to acquire, a technique referred to as "cross-hedging." A Fund would write a
call option for cross-hedging purposes, instead of writing a covered call
option, when the premium to be received from the cross-hedge transaction exceeds
that to be received
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from writing a covered call option, while at the same time achieving the
desired hedge. The correlation risk involved in cross-hedging may
be greater than the correlation risk involved with other hedging strategies.
Alliance U.S. Government, Alliance Quality Bond, Alliance Corporate Bond,
Alliance High Yield, Alliance Global Strategic Income, Alliance North American
Government Income and Alliance Global Dollar Government, generally purchase or
write privately negotiated options on securities. A Fund that does so will
effect such transactions only with investment dealers and other financial
institutions (such as commercial banks or savings and loan institutions)
deemed creditworthy by Alliance. Privately negotiated options purchased or
written by a Fund may be illiquid and it may not be possible for the Fund
to effect a closing transaction at an advantageous time. Alliance U.S.
Government and Alliance Corporate Bond will not purchase an option on a
security if, immediately thereafter, the aggregate cost of all outstanding
options purchased by the Fund would exceed 2% of the Fund's total
assets. Nor will these Funds write an option if, immediately thereafter, the
aggregate value of the Fund's portfolio securities subject to outstanding
options would exceed 15% of the Fund's total assets.
Options on Securities Indices. An option on a securities index is similar to an
option on a security except that, rather than taking or making delivery of a
security at a specified price, an option on a securities index gives the holder
the right to receive, upon exercise of the option, an amount of cash if the
closing level of the chosen index is greater than (in the case of a call) or
less than (in the case of a put) the exercise price of the option.
Brady Bonds. Brady Bonds are created through the exchange of existing commercial
bank loans to foreign entities for new obligations in connection with debt
restructurings under a plan introduced by former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury,
Nicholas F. Brady (the "Brady Plan"). Brady Bonds have been issued only
recently, and, accordingly, do not have a long payment history. They may be
collateralized or uncollateralized and issued in various currencies (although
most are U.S. Dollar-denominated) and they are actively traded in the
over-the-counter secondary market.
U.S. Dollar-denominated, collateralized Brady Bonds, which may be fixed-rate par
bonds or floating rate discount bonds, are generally collateralized in full as
to principal due at maturity by U.S. Treasury zero coupon obligations that have
the same maturity as the Brady Bonds. Interest payments on these Brady Bonds
generally are collateralized by cash or securities in an amount that, in the
case of fixed rate bonds, is equal to at least one year of rolling interest
payments based on the applicable interest rate at that time and is adjusted at
regular intervals thereafter. Certain Brady Bonds are entitled to "value
recovery payments" in certain circumstances, which in effect constitute
supplemental interest payments but generally are not collateralized. Brady Bonds
are often viewed as having up to four valuation components: (i) collateralized
repayment of principal at final maturity, (ii) collateralized interest payments,
(iii) uncollateralized interest payments, and (iv) any uncollateralized
repayment of principal at maturity (these uncollateralized amounts constitute
the "residual risk"). In the event of a default with respect to collateralized
Brady Bonds as a result of which the payment obligations of the issuer are
accelerated, the U.S. Treasury zero coupon obligations held as collateral for
the payment of principal will not be distributed to investors, nor will such
obligations be sold and the proceeds distributed. The collateral will be held by
the collateral agent to the scheduled maturity of the defaulted Brady Bonds,
which will continue to be outstanding, at which time the face amount of the
collateral will equal the principal payments that would have then been due on
the Brady Bonds in the normal course. In light of the residual risk of Brady
Bonds and, among other factors, the history of defaults with respect to
commercial bank loans by public and private entities of countries issuing Brady
Bonds, investments in Brady Bonds are to be viewed as speculative.
Convertible Securities. Prior to conversion, convertible securities have the
same general characteristics as non-convertible debt securities, which provide a
stable stream of income with generally higher yields than those of equity
securities of the same or similar issuers. The price of a convertible security
will normally vary with changes in the price of the underlying equity security,
although the higher yield tends to make the convertible security less volatile
than the underlying equity security. As with debt securities, the market value
of convertible securities tends to decrease as interest rates rise and increase
as interest rates decline. While convertible securities generally offer lower
interest or dividend yields than non-convertible debt securities of similar
quality, they enable investors to benefit from increases in the market price of
the underlying common stock. Convertible debt securities that are rated Baa or
lower by Moody's or BBB or lower by S&P, Duff & Phelps or Fitch and comparable
unrated securities may share some or all of the risks of debt securities with
those ratings.
Forward Commitments. Forward commitments for the purchase or sale of securities
may include purchases on a when-issued basis or purchases or sales on a delayed
delivery basis. In some cases, a forward commitment may be conditioned upon the
occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval and consummation of a merger,
corporate reorganization or debt restructuring or approval of a proposed
financing by appropriate authorities (i.e., a "when, as and if issued" trade).
When forward commitments with respect to fixed-income securities are negotiated,
the price, which is generally expressed in yield terms, is fixed at the time the
commitment is made, but payment for and delivery of the securities take place at
a later date. Normally, the settlement date occurs within two months after the
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transaction, but settlements beyond two months may be negotiated. Securities
purchased or sold under a forward commitment are subject to market fluctuation
and no interest or dividends accrues to the purchaser prior to the settlement
date.
The use of forward commitments helps a Fund to protect against anticipated
changes in interest rates and prices. For instance, in periods of rising
interest rates and falling bond prices, a Fund might sell securities in its
portfolio on a forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling bond
prices. In periods of falling interest rates and rising bond prices, a Fund
might sell a security in its portfolio and purchase the same or a similar
security on a when-issued or forward commitment basis, thereby obtaining the
benefit of currently higher cash yields. No forward commitments will be made by
Alliance Global Strategic Income, Alliance North American Government Income or
Alliance Global Dollar Government if, as a result, the Fund's aggregate forward
commitments under such transactions would be more than 25% of the total assets
of Alliance Global Strategic Income and 30% of the total assets of each of the
other Funds.
A Fund's right to receive or deliver a security under a forward commitment may
be sold prior to the settlement date. The Funds enter into forward commitments,
however, only with the intention of actually receiving securities or delivering
them, as the case may be. If a Fund, however, chooses to dispose of the right to
acquire a when-issued security prior to its acquisition or dispose of its right
to deliver or receive against a forward commitment, it may realize a gain or
incur a loss.
Illiquid Securities. The Funds will limit their investments in illiquid
securities to 15% of their net assets, except that the limit is 10% for Alliance
North American Government Income and Alliance Multi-Market Strategy. As a matter
of fundamental policy, Alliance Corporate Bond cannot purchase illiquid
securities. Illiquid securities generally include (i) direct placements or other
securities that are subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale or
for which there is no readily available market (e.g., when trading in the
security is suspended or, in the case of unlisted securities, when market makers
do not exist or will not entertain bids or offers), including many currency
swaps and any assets used to cover currency swaps, (ii) over-the-counter options
and assets used to cover over-the-counter options, and (iii) repurchase
agreements not terminable within seven days.
A Fund that invests in illiquid securities may not be able to sell such
securities and may not be able to realize their full value upon sale. Alliance
will monitor each Fund's investments in illiquid securities. Rule 144A
securities will not be treated as "illiquid" for the purposes of the limit on
investments so long as the securities meet liquidity guidelines established by
the Board of Directors.
Indexed Commercial Paper. Indexed commercial paper may have its principal linked
to changes in foreign currency exchange rates whereby its principal amount is
adjusted upwards or downwards (but not below zero) at maturity to reflect
changes in the referenced exchange rate. Each Fund that invests in indexed
commercial paper may do so without limitation. A Fund will receive interest and
principal payments on such commercial paper in the currency in which such
commercial paper is denominated, but the amount of principal payable by the
issuer at maturity will change in proportion to the change (if any) in the
exchange rate between the two specified currencies between the date the
instrument is issued and the date the instrument matures. While such commercial
paper entails the risk of loss of principal, the potential for realizing gains
as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates enables a Fund to
hedge (or cross-hedge) against a decline in the U.S. Dollar value of investments
denominated in foreign currencies while providing an attractive money market
rate of return. A Fund will purchase such commercial paper for hedging purposes
only, not for speculation.
Investment in Other Investment Companies. Alliance Global Dollar Government may
invest in other investment companies whose investment objectives and policies
are consistent with those of the Fund. If the Fund acquires shares in investment
companies, shareholders would bear both their proportionate share of expenses in
the Fund (including management and advisory fees) and, indirectly, the expenses
of such investment companies (including management and advisory fees).
Loans of Portfolio Securities. A Fund may make secured loans of portfolio
securities to brokers, dealers and financial institutions, provided that cash,
liquid high grade debt securities or bank letters of credit equal to at least
100% of the market value of the securities loaned is deposited and maintained by
the borrower with the Fund. The risks in lending portfolio securities, as with
other secured extensions of credit, consist of possible loss of rights in the
collateral should the borrower fail financially. In determining whether to lend
securities to a particular borrower, Alliance will consider all relevant facts
and circumstances, including the creditworthiness of the borrower. While
securities are on loan, the borrower will pay the Fund any income earned from
the securities. The Fund may invest any cash collateral directly or indirectly
in short-term, high-quality debt instruments and earn additional income or
receive an agreed-upon amount of income from a borrower who has delivered
equivalent collateral. Lending of portfolio securities is limited to 50% of net
assets for Alliance High Yield, 25% of net assets for Alliance Global Strategic
Income, and 20% of net assets for Alliance North American Government Income,
Alliance Global Dollar Government and Alliance Multi-Market Strategy, and to 50%
of total assets for Alliance Quality Bond.
Loan Participations and Assignments. A Fund's investments in loans are expected
in most instances to be
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in the form of participations in loans and assignments of all or a portion
of loans from third parties. A Fund's investment in loan participations
typically will result in the Fund having a contractual relationship
only with the lender and not with the borrower. A Fund will acquire
participations only if the lender interpositioned between the Fund and the
borrower is a lender having total assets of more than $25 billion and
whose senior unsecured debt is rated investment grade or higher. When a Fund
purchases a loan assignment from a lender it will acquire direct rights against
the borrower on the loan. Because loan assignments are arranged through private
negotiations between potential assignees and potential assignors, however, the
rights and obligations acquired by a Fund as the purchaser of an assignment may
differ from, and be more limited than, those held by the assigning lender.
The assignability of certain sovereign debt obligations, with respect to
Alliance Global Strategic Income and Alliance Global Dollar Government, or
foreign government securities, with respect to Alliance Corporate Bond and
Alliance High Yield, is restricted by the governing documentation as to the
nature of the assignee such that the only way in which the Fund may acquire an
interest in a loan is through a participation and not an assignment. A Fund may
have difficulty disposing of assignments and participations because to do so it
will have to assign such securities to a third party. Because there may not be a
liquid market for such investments, they can probably be sold only to a limited
number of institutional investors. The lack of a liquid secondary market may
have an adverse effect on the value of such investments and a Fund's ability to
dispose of particular participations and assignments when necessary to meet its
liquidity needs in response to a specific economic event such as a deterioration
in the creditworthiness of the borrower. The lack of a liquid secondary market
for participations and assignments also may make it more difficult for the Fund
to assign a value to these investments for purposes of valuing the Fund's
portfolio and calculating its net asset value.
Alliance Global Strategic Income and Alliance Global Dollar Government may
invest up to 25%, and Alliance Corporate Bond may invest up to 15%, of their
total assets in loan participations and assignments.
Mortgage-Related Securities. The Funds' investments in mortgage-related
securities typically are securities representing interests in pools of mortgage
loans made to home owners. The mortgage loan pools may be assembled for sale to
investors (such as a Fund) by governmental or private organizations.
Mortgage-related securities bear interest at either a fixed rate or an
adjustable rate determined by reference to an index rate. Mortgage-related
securities frequently provide for monthly payments that consist of both interest
and principal, unlike more traditional debt securities, which normally do not
provide for periodic repayments of principal.
Securities representing interests in pools created by private issuers generally
offer a higher rate of interest than securities representing interests in pools
created by governmental issuers because there are no direct or indirect
governmental guarantees of the underlying mortgage payments. Private issuers
sometimes obtain committed loan facilities, lines of credit, letters of credit,
surety bonds or other forms of liquidity and credit enhancement to support the
timely payment of interest and principal with respect to their securities if the
borrowers on the underlying mortgages fail to make their mortgage payments. The
ratings of such non-governmental securities are generally dependent upon the
ratings of the providers of such liquidity and credit support and would be
adversely affected if the rating of such an enhancer were downgraded. A Fund may
buy mortgage-related securities without credit enhancement if the securities
meet the Fund's investment standards.
One type of mortgage-related security is of the "pass-through" variety. The
holder of a pass-through security is considered to own an undivided beneficial
interest in the underlying pool of mortgage loans and receives a pro rata share
of the monthly payments made by the borrowers on their mortgage loans, net of
any fees paid to the issuer or guarantor of the securities. Prepayments of
mortgages resulting from the sale, refinancing, or foreclosure of the underlying
properties are also paid to the holders of these securities, which, as discussed
below, frequently causes these securities to experience significantly greater
price and yield volatility than experienced by traditional fixed-income
securities. Some mortgage-related securities, such as securities issued by GNMA,
are referred to as "modified pass-through" securities. The holders of these
securities are entitled to the full and timely payment of principal and
interest, net of certain fees, regardless of whether payments are actually made
on the underlying mortgages.
Another form of mortgage-related security is a "pay-through" security, which is
a debt obligation of the issuer secured by a pool of mortgage loans pledged as
collateral that is legally required to be paid by the issuer, regardless of
whether payments are actually made on the underlying mortgages. CMOs are the
predominant type of "pay-through" mortgage-related security. In a CMO, a series
of bonds or certificates is issued in multiple classes. Each class of a CMO,
often referred to as a "tranche," is issued at a specific coupon rate and has a
stated maturity or final distribution date. Principal prepayments on collateral
underlying a CMO may cause one or more tranches of the CMO to be retired
substantially earlier than the stated maturities or final distribution dates of
the collateral. The principal and interest on the underlying mortgages may be
allocated among several classes of a series of a CMO in many ways. CMOs may be
issued by a U.S. Government instrumentality or agency or by a private issuer.
Although payment of the principal of, and interest on, the underlying collateral
securing privately issued CMOs may be guaranteed by GNMA, FNMA or FHLMC, these
CMOs represent obligations solely of the private issuer and are not insured or
guaranteed by
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GNMA, FNMA, FHLMC, any other governmental agency or any other person or entity.
Another type of mortgage-related security, known as ARMS, bears interest at a
rate determined by reference to a predetermined interest rate or index. There
are two main categories of rates or indices: (i) rates based on the yield on
U.S. Treasury securities; and (ii) indices derived from a calculated measure
such as a cost of funds index or a moving average of mortgage rates. Some
rates and indices closely mirror changes in market interest rate levels,
while others tend to lag changes in market rate levels and tend to be
somewhat less volatile.
ARMS may be secured by fixed-rate mortgages or adjustable-rate mortgages. ARMS
secured by fixed-rate mortgages generally have lifetime caps on the coupon rates
of the securities. To the extent that general interest rates increase faster
than the interest rates on the ARMS, these ARMS will decline in value. The
adjustable-rate mortgages that secure ARMS will frequently have caps that limit
the maximum amount by which the interest rate or the monthly principal and
interest payments on the mortgages may increase. These payment caps can result
in negative amortization (i.e., an increase in the balance of the mortgage
loan). Since many adjustable-rate mortgages only reset on an annual basis, the
values of ARMS tend to fluctuate to the extent that changes in prevailing
interest rates are not immediately reflected in the interest rates payable on
the underlying adjustable-rate mortgages.
SMRS are mortgage-related securities that are usually structured with two
classes of securities collateralized by a pool of mortgages or a pool of
mortgage-backed bonds or pass-through securities, with each class receiving
different proportions of the principal and interest payments from the
underlying assets. A common type of SMRS has one class of interest-only
securities or IOs receiving all of the interest payments from the underlying
assets; while the other class of securities, principal-only securities or POs,
receives all of the principal payments from the underlying assets. IOs and POs
are extremely sensitive to interest rate changes and are more volatile than
mortgage-related securities that are not stripped. IOs tend to decrease in
value as interest rates decrease, while POs generally increase in value as
interest rates decrease. If prepayments of the underlying mortgages are greater
than anticipated, the amount of interest earned on the overall pool will
decrease due to the decreasing principal balance of the assets. Changes in the
values of IOs and POs can be substantial and occur quickly, such as occurred in
the first half of 1994 when the value of many POs dropped precipitously due to
increases in interest rates. For this reason, none of the Funds relies on IOs
and POs as the principal means of furthering its investment objective.
The value of mortgage-related securities is affected by a number of factors.
Unlike traditional debt securities, which have fixed maturity dates,
mortgage-related securities may be paid earlier than expected as a result of
prepayments of underlying mortgages. Such prepayments generally occur during
periods of falling mortgage interest rates. If property owners make unscheduled
prepayments of their mortgage loans, these prepayments will result in the early
payment of the applicable mortgage-related securities. In that event, a Fund may
be unable to invest the proceeds from the early payment of the mortgage-related
securities in investments that provide as high a yield as the mortgage-related
securities. Early payments associated with mortgage-related securities cause
these securities to experience significantly greater price and yield volatility
than is experienced by traditional fixed-income securities. The occurrence of
mortgage prepayments is affected by the level of general interest rates, general
economic conditions, and other social and demographic factors. During periods of
falling interest rates, the rate of mortgage prepayments tends to increase,
thereby tending to decrease the life of mortgage-related securities. Conversely,
during periods of rising interest rates, a reduction in prepayments may increase
the effective life of mortgage-related securities, subjecting them to greater
risk of decline in market value in response to rising interest rates. If the
life of a mortgage-related security is inaccurately predicted, a Fund may not be
able to realize the rate of return it expected.
Although the market for mortgage-related securities is becoming increasingly
liquid, those issued by certain private organizations may not be readily
marketable. In particular, the secondary markets for CMOs, IOs, and POs may be
more volatile and less liquid than those for other mortgage-related securities,
thereby potentially limiting a Fund's ability to buy or sell those securities at
any particular time.
As with fixed-income securities generally, the value of mortgage-related
securities also can be adversely affected by increases in general interest rates
relative to the yield provided by such securities. Such an adverse effect is
especially possible with fixed-rate mortgage securities. If the yield available
on other investments rises above the yield of the fixed-rate mortgage securities
as a result of general increases in interest rate levels, the value of the
mortgage-related securities will decline. Although the negative effect could be
lessened if the mortgage-related securities were to be paid earlier (thus
permitting a Fund to reinvest the prepayment proceeds in investments yielding
the higher current interest rate), as described above the rates of mortgage
prepayments and early payments of mortgage-related securities generally tend to
decline during a period of rising interest rates.
Although the values of ARMS may not be affected as much as the values of
fixed-rate mortgage securities by rising interest rates, ARMS may still decline
in value as a result of rising interest rates. Although, as described above, the
yields on ARMS vary with changes in the applicable interest
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rate or index, there is often a lag between increases in general
interest rates and increases in the yield on ARMS as a result of
relatively infrequent interest rate reset dates. In addition,
adjustable-rate mortgages and ARMS often have interest rate or payment
caps that limit the ability of the adjustable-rate mortgages or ARMS to fully
reflect increases in the general level of interest rates.
Other Asset-Backed Securities. The securitization techniques used to develop
mortgage-related securities are being applied to a broad range of financial
assets. Through the use of trusts and special purpose corporations, various
types of assets, including automobile loans and leases, credit card receivables,
home equity loans, equipment leases and trade receivables, are being securitized
in structures similar to the structures used in mortgage securitizations. These
asset-backed securities are subject to risks associated with changes in interest
rates and prepayment of underlying obligations similar to the risks of
investment in mortgage-related securities discussed above.
Each type of asset-backed security also entails unique risks depending on the
type of assets involved and the legal structure used. For example, credit card
receivables are generally unsecured obligations of the credit card holder and
the debtors are entitled to the protection of a number of state and federal
consumer credit laws, many of which give such debtors the right to set off
certain amounts owed on the credit cards, thereby reducing the balance due. In
some transactions, the value of the asset-backed security is dependent on the
performance of a third party acting as credit enhancer or servicer. In some
transactions (such as those involving the securitization of vehicle loans or
leases) it may be administratively burdensome to perfect the interest of the
security issuer in the underlying collateral and the underlying collateral may
become damaged or stolen.
Repurchase Agreements. A repurchase agreement arises when a buyer purchases a
security and simultaneously agrees to resell it to the vendor at an agreed-upon
future date, normally a day or a few days later. The resale price is greater
than the purchase price, reflecting an agreed-upon interest rate for the period
the buyer's money is invested in the security. Such agreements permit a Fund to
keep all of its assets at work while retaining "overnight" flexibility in
pursuit of investments of a longer-term nature. A Fund requires continual
maintenance of collateral in an amount equal to, or in excess of, the resale
price. If a vendor defaults on its repurchase obligation, a Fund would suffer a
loss to the extent that the proceeds from the sale of the collateral were less
than the repurchase price. If a vendor goes bankrupt, a Fund might be delayed
in, or prevented from, selling the collateral for its benefit.
Reverse Repurchase Agreements and Dollar Rolls. Reverse repurchase agreements
involve sales by a Fund of portfolio assets concurrently with an agreement by
the Fund to repurchase the same assets at a later date at a fixed price. During
the reverse repurchase agreement period, the Fund continues to receive principal
and interest payments on these securities. Generally, the effect of such a
transaction is that a Fund can recover all or most of the cash invested in the
portfolio securities involved during the term of the reverse repurchase
agreement, while it will be able to keep the interest income associated with
those portfolio securities. Such transactions are advantageous only if the
interest cost to a Fund of the reverse repurchase transaction is less than the
cost of otherwise obtaining the cash.
Dollar rolls involve sales by a Fund of securities for delivery in the current
month and the Fund's simultaneously contracting to repurchase substantially
similar (same type and coupon) securities on a specified future date. During the
roll period, a Fund forgoes principal and interest paid on the securities. A
Fund is compensated by the difference between the current sales price and the
lower forward price for the future purchase (often referred to as the "drop") as
well as by the interest earned on the cash proceeds of the initial sale.
Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls involve the risk that the market
value of the securities a Fund is obligated to repurchase under the agreement
may decline below the repurchase price. In the event the buyer of securities
under a reverse repurchase agreement or dollar roll files for bankruptcy or
becomes insolvent, a Fund's use of the proceeds of the agreement may be
restricted pending a determination by the other party, or its trustee or
receiver, whether to enforce the Fund's obligation to repurchase the securities.
Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls are speculative techniques and
are considered borrowings by the Funds. Under normal circumstances, Alliance
U.S. Government and Alliance Corporate Bond do not expect to engage in reverse
repurchase agreements and dollar rolls with respect to greater than 50% of
their total assets. Reverse repurchase agreements and dollar rolls together
with any borrowings by Alliance Global Dollar Government will not exceed 33% of
its total assets less liabilities (other than amounts borrowed). Alliance
Global Strategic Income may enter into reverse repurchase agreements with
commercial banks and registered broker-dealers in order to increase income,
in an amount up to 25% of its total assets. Reverse repurchase agreements and
dollar rolls together with any borrowings by Alliance Global Strategic Income
will not exceed 25% of its total assets.
Rights and Warrants. Rights and warrants are option securities permitting their
holders to subscribe for other securities. Alliance Global Dollar Government may
invest in warrants, and Alliance Quality Bond and Alliance Global Strategic
Income may invest in rights and warrants, for debt securities or for equity
securities that are acquired in connection with debt instruments. Rights are
similar to
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warrants except that they have a substantially shorter duration. Rights and
warrants do not carry with them dividend or voting rights with respect to the
underlying securities, or any rights in the assets of the issuer. As a result,
an investment in rights and warrants may be considered more speculative than
certain other types of investments. In addition, the value of a right or a
warrant does not necessarily change with the value of the underlying
securities, and a right or a warrant ceases to have value if it is not
exercised prior to its expiration date. Alliance Global Strategic Income
may invest up to 20% of its total assets in rights and warrants.
Short Sales. A short sale is effected by selling a security that a Fund does
not own, or if the Fund owns the security, is not to be delivered upon
consummation of the sale. A short sale is "against the box" if a Fund owns or
has the right to obtain without payment securities identical to those sold
short. Alliance Global Dollar Government may make short sales only against the
box and only for the purpose of deferring realization of a gain or loss for
U.S. federal income tax purposes. In addition, the Fund may not make a short
sale if, as a result, more than 10% of its net assets (taken at market value)
would be held as collateral for short sales.
Alliance Global Strategic Income may make a short sale in anticipation that the
market price of that security will decline. When the Fund makes a short sale of
a security that it does not own, it must borrow from a broker-dealer the
security sold short and deliver the security to the broker-dealer upon
conclusion of the short sale. The Fund may be required to pay a fee to borrow
particular securities and is often obligated to pay over any payments received
on such borrowed securities. The Fund's obligation to replace the borrowed
security will be secured by collateral deposited with a broker-dealer qualified
as a custodian. Depending on the arrangements the Fund makes with the
broker-dealer from which it borrowed the security regarding remittance of any
payments received by the Fund on such security, the Fund may or may not receive
any payments (e.g., dividends or interest) on its collateral deposited with the
broker-dealer.
In order to defer realization of a gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax
purposes, Alliance Global Strategic Income may also make short sales "against
the box" of securities which are eligible for such deferral. The Fund may not
make a short sale, if as a result, more than 25% of its total assets would be
held as collateral for short sales.
If the price of the security sold short increases between the time of the short
sale and the time a Fund replaces the borrowed security, the Fund will incur a
loss; conversely, if the price declines, the Fund will realize a short-term
capital gain. Any gain will be decreased, and any loss increased, by the
transaction costs described above. Although a Fund's gain is limited to the
price at which it sold the security short, its potential loss is theoretically
unlimited.
Standby Commitment Agreements. Standby commitment agreements are similar to put
options that commit a Fund, for a stated period of time, to purchase a stated
amount of a security that may be issued and sold to the Fund at the option of
the issuer. The price and coupon of the security are fixed at the time of the
commitment. At the time of entering into the agreement, the Fund is paid a
commitment fee regardless of whether the security ultimately is issued. The
Funds will enter into such agreements only for the purpose of investing in the
security underlying the commitment at a yield and price considered advantageous
and unavailable on a firm commitment basis. No Fund will enter into a standby
commitment with a remaining term in excess of 45 days. The Funds will limit
their investments in standby commitments so that the aggregate purchase price of
the securities subject to the commitments does not exceed 20%, or 25% with
respect to Alliance Global Strategic Income, of their assets.
There is no guarantee that the security subject to a standby commitment will be
issued. In addition, the value of the security, if issued, on the delivery date
may be more or less than its purchase price. Since the issuance of the security
is at the option of the issuer, a Fund will bear the risk of capital loss in the
event the value of the security declines and may not benefit from an
appreciation in the value of the security during the commitment period if the
issuer decides not to issue and sell the security to the Fund.
Structured Securities. Structured securities in which Alliance Global Dollar
Government, Alliance Global Strategic Income and Alliance Corporate Bond may
invest represent interests in entities organized and operated solely for the
purpose of restructuring the investment characteristics of sovereign debt
obligations, with respect to Alliance Global Dollar Government and Alliance
Global Strategic Income, or foreign government securities, with respect to
Alliance Corporate Bond. This type of restructuring involves the deposit with or
purchase by an entity, such as a corporation or trust, of specified instruments
(such as commercial bank loans or Brady Bonds) and the issuance by that entity
of one or more classes of structured securities backed by, or representing
interests in, the underlying instruments. The cash flow on the underlying
instruments may be apportioned among the newly issued structured securities to
create securities with different investment characteristics such as varying
maturities, payment priorities and interest rate provisions, and the extent of
the payments made with respect to structured securities is dependent on the
extent of the cash flow on the underlying instruments. Because structured
securities typically involve no credit enhancement, their credit risk generally
will be equivalent to that of the underlying instruments. Structured securities
of a given class may be either subordinated or unsubordinated to the right of
payment of another class. Subordinated structured securities typically have
higher yields and present greater
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risks than unsubordinated structured securities. Alliance Global Dollar
Government may invest up to 25% of its total assets, and Alliance Global
Strategic Income and Alliance Corporate Bond may invest without limit, in these
types of structured securities.
Variable, Floating and Inverse Floating Rate Instruments. Fixed-income
securities may have fixed, variable or floating rates of interest. Variable and
floating rate securities pay interest at rates that are adjusted periodically,
according to a specified formula. A "variable" interest rate adjusts at
predetermined intervals (e.g., daily, weekly or monthly), while a "floating"
interest rate adjusts whenever a specified benchmark rate (such as the bank
prime lending rate) changes. A Fund may invest in fixed-income securities
that pay interest at a coupon rate equal to a base rate, plus
additional interest for a certain period of time if short-term
interest rates rise above a predetermined level or "cap." The amount
of such an additional interest payment typically is calculated under a formula
based on a short-term interest rate index multiplied by a designated factor.
Leveraged inverse floating rate debt instruments are sometimes known as inverse
floaters. The interest rate on an inverse floater resets in the opposite
direction from the market rate of interest to which the inverse floater is
indexed. An inverse floater may be considered to be leveraged to the extent that
its interest rate varies by a magnitude that exceeds the magnitude of the change
in the index rate of interest. The higher degree of leverage inherent in inverse
floaters is associated with greater volatility in market value, such that,
during periods of rising interest rates, the market values of inverse floaters
will tend to decrease more rapidly than those of fixed rate securities.
Zero Coupon and Principal-Only Securities. Zero coupon securities and
principal-only (PO) securities are debt securities that have been issued without
interest coupons or stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, and include
receipts or certificates representing interests in such stripped debt
obligations and coupons. Such a security pays no interest to its holder during
its life. Its value to an investor consists of the difference between its face
value at the time of maturity and the price for which it was acquired, which is
generally an amount significantly less than its face value. Such securities
usually trade at a deep discount from their face or par value and are subject
to greater fluctuations in market value in response to changing interest rates
than debt obligations of comparable maturities and credit quality that make
current distributions of interest. On the other hand, because there are no
periodic interest payments to be reinvested prior to maturity, these securities
eliminate reinvestment risk and "lock in" a rate of return to maturity.
Zero coupon Treasury securities are U.S. Treasury bills issued without interest
coupons. Principal-only Treasury securities are U.S. Treasury notes and bonds
that have been stripped of their unmatured interest coupons, and receipts or
certificates representing interests in such stripped debt obligations. Currently
the only U.S. Treasury security issued without coupons is the Treasury bill.
Although the U.S. Treasury does not itself issue Treasury notes and bonds
without coupons, under the U.S. Treasury STRIPS program interest and principal
payments on certain long-term Treasury securities may be maintained separately
in the Federal Reserve book entry system and may be separately traded and owned.
In addition, in the last few years a number of banks and brokerage firms have
separated ("stripped") the principal portions from the coupon portions of U.S.
Treasury bonds and notes and sold them separately in the form of receipts or
certificates representing undivided interests in these instruments (which are
generally held by a bank in a custodial or trust account).
Alliance Quality Bond, Alliance Corporate Bond and Alliance Global Strategic
Income also may invest in pay-in-kind debentures (i.e., debt obligations the
interest on which may be paid in the form of obligations of the same type rather
than cash), which have characteristics similar to zero coupon securities.
Future Developments. A Fund may, following written notice to its shareholders,
take advantage of other investment practices that are not currently contemplated
for use by the Fund, or are not available but may yet be developed, to the
extent such investment practices are consistent with the Fund's investment
objective and legally permissible for the Fund. Such investment practices, if
they arise, may involve risks that are different from or exceed those involved
in the practices described above.
Portfolio Turnover. The portfolio turnover rate for each Fund is included in the
Financial Highlights section. The Funds are actively managed and, in some cases
in response to market conditions, a Fund's portfolio turnover may exceed 100%. A
higher rate of portfolio turnover increases brokerage and other expenses, which
must be borne by the Fund and its shareholders. High portfolio turnover also may
result in the realization of substantial net short-term capital gains, which,
when distributed, are taxable to shareholders.
Temporary Defensive Position. For temporary defensive purposes, each Fund may
invest in certain types of short-term, liquid, high grade or high quality
(depending on the Fund) debt securities. These securities may include U.S.
Government securities, qualifying bank deposits, money market instruments, prime
commercial paper and other types of short-term debt securities, including notes
and bonds. For Funds that may invest in foreign countries, such securities may
also include short-term, foreign-currency denominated securities of the type
mentioned above issued by foreign governmental entities, companies and
supranational organizations. While the Funds are investing for temporary
defensive purposes, they may not meet their investment objectives.
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ADDITIONAL RISK CONSIDERATIONS
Investment in certain of the Funds involves the special risk considerations
described below. Certain of these risks may be heightened when investing in
emerging markets.
Currency Considerations. Those Funds that invest some portion of their assets in
securities denominated in, and receive revenues in, foreign currencies will be
adversely affected by reductions in the value of those currencies relative to
the U.S. Dollar. These changes will affect a Fund's net assets, distributions
and income. If the value of the foreign currencies in which a Fund receives
income falls relative to the U.S. Dollar between receipt of the income and the
making of Fund distributions, a Fund may be required to liquidate securities in
order to make distributions if the Fund has insufficient cash in U.S. Dollars to
meet the distribution requirements that the Fund must satisfy to qualify as a
regulated investment company for federal income tax purposes. Similarly, if an
exchange rate declines between the time a Fund incurs expenses in U.S. Dollars
and the time cash expenses are paid, the amount of the currency required to be
converted into U.S. Dollars in order to pay expenses in U.S. Dollars could be
greater than the equivalent amount of such expenses in the currency at the time
they were incurred. In light of these risks, a Fund may engage in certain
currency hedging transactions, as described above, which involve certain special
risks.
Effects of Borrowing. A Fund's loan agreements provide for additional borrowings
and for repayments and reborrowings from time to time, and each Fund that may
borrow expects to effect borrowings and repayments at such times and in such
amounts as will maintain investment leverage in an amount approximately equal to
its borrowing target. The loan agreements provide for a selection of interest
rates that are based on the bank's short-term funding costs in the U.S. and
London markets.
Borrowings by a Fund result in leveraging of the Fund's shares. Utilization of
leverage, which is usually considered speculative, involves certain risks to a
Fund's shareholders. These include a higher volatility of the net asset value of
a Fund's shares and the relatively greater effect on the net asset value of the
shares. So long as a Fund is able to realize a net return on its investment
portfolio that is higher than the interest expense paid on borrowings, the
effect of leverage will be to cause the Fund's shareholders to realize a higher
current net investment income than if the Fund were not leveraged. On the other
hand, interest rates on U.S. Dollar-denominated and foreign currency-denominated
obligations change from time to time as does their relationship to each other,
depending upon such factors as supply and demand forces, monetary and tax
policies within each country and investor expectations. Changes in such factors
could cause the relationship between such rates to change so that rates on U.S.
Dollar-denominated obligations may substantially increase relative to the
foreign currency-denominated obligations of a Fund's investments. If the
interest expense on borrowings approaches the net return on a Fund's investment
portfolio, the benefit of leverage to the Fund's shareholders will be reduced.
If the interest expense on borrowings were to exceed the net return to
shareholders, a Fund's use of leverage would result in a lower rate of return.
Similarly, the effect of leverage in a declining market could be a greater
decrease in net asset value per share. In an extreme case, if a Fund's current
investment income were not sufficient to meet the interest expense on
borrowings, it could be necessary for the Fund to liquidate certain of its
investments and reduce the net asset value of a Fund's shares.
In the event of an increase in rates on U.S. Government securities or other
changed market conditions, to the point where leverage by Alliance Quality Bond,
Alliance Global Strategic Income, Alliance North American Government Income or
Alliance Multi-Market Strategy could adversely affect the Funds' shareholders,
as noted above, or in anticipation of such changes, each Fund may increase the
percentage of its investment portfolio invested in U.S. Government securities,
which would tend to offset the negative impact of leverage on Fund shareholders.
Each Fund may also reduce the degree to which it is leveraged by repaying
amounts borrowed.
Fixed-Income Securities. The value of each Fund's shares will fluctuate with the
value of its investments. The value of each Fund's investments will change as
the general level of interest rates fluctuates. During periods of falling
interest rates, the values of a Fund's securities will generally rise, although
if falling interest rates are viewed as a precursor to a recession, the values
of a Fund's securities may fall along with interest rates. Conversely, during
periods of rising interest rates, the values of a Fund's securities will
generally decline. Changes in interest rates have a greater effect on
fixed-income securities with longer maturities and durations than those with
shorter maturities and durations.
In seeking to achieve a Fund's investment objective, there will be times, such
as during periods of rising interest rates, when depreciation and realization of
capital losses on securities in a Fund's portfolio will be unavoidable.
Moreover, medium- and lower-rated securities and non-rated securities of
comparable quality may be subject to wider fluctuations in yield and market
values than higher-rated securities under certain market conditions. Such
fluctuations after a security is acquired do not affect the cash income received
from that security but will be reflected in the net asset value of a Fund.
Foreign Securities. The securities markets of many foreign countries are
relatively small, with the majority of market capitalization and trading volume
concentrated in a limited number of companies representing a small number of
industries. Consequently, a Fund whose investment portfolio includes foreign
securities may experience greater price volatility and significantly lower
liquidity than a portfolio invested solely in securities of U.S. companies.
These markets may be subject to greater influence by adverse events generally
affecting the market, and by large investors
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trading significant blocks of securities, than is usual in the
United States.
Securities registration, custody and settlements may in some instances be
subject to delays and legal and administrative uncertainties. Furthermore,
foreign investment in the securities markets of certain foreign countries is
restricted or controlled to varying degrees. These restrictions or controls may
at times limit or preclude investment in certain securities and may increase
the cost and expenses of a Fund. In addition, the repatriation of investment
income, capital or the proceeds of sales of securities from certain of
the countries is controlled under regulations, including in some cases
the need for certain advance government notification or authority,
and if a deterioration occurs in a country's balance of payments,
the country could impose temporary restrictions on foreign capital remittances.
A Fund also could be adversely affected by delays in, or a refusal to grant, any
required governmental approval for repatriation, as well as by the application
to it of other restrictions on investment. Investing in local markets may
require a Fund to adopt special procedures or seek local governmental approvals
or other actions, any of which may involve additional costs to a Fund. These
factors may affect the liquidity of a Fund's investments in any country and
Alliance will monitor the effect of any such factor or factors on a Fund's
investments. Furthermore, transaction costs including brokerage commissions for
transactions both on and off the securities exchanges in many foreign countries
are generally higher than in the U.S.
Issuers of securities in foreign jurisdictions are generally not subject to the
same degree of regulation as are U.S. issuers with respect to such matters as
insider trading rules, restrictions on market manipulation, shareholder proxy
requirements, and timely disclosure of information. The reporting, accounting,
and auditing standards of foreign countries may differ, in some cases
significantly, from U.S. standards in important respects, and less information
may be available to investors in foreign securities than to investors in U.S.
securities. Substantially less information is publicly available about certain
non-U.S. issuers than is available about most U.S. issuers.
The economies of individual foreign countries may differ favorably or
unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross domestic
product or gross national product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment,
resource self-sufficiency, and balance of payments position. Nationalization,
expropriation or confiscatory taxation, currency blockage, political changes,
government regulation, political or social instability, or diplomatic
developments could affect adversely the economy of a foreign country. In the
event of nationalization, expropriation or other confiscation, a Fund could lose
its entire investment in securities in the country involved. In addition, laws
in foreign countries governing business organizations, bankruptcy and insolvency
may provide less protection to security holders such as the Fund than that
provided by U.S. laws.
Alliance believes that, except for currency fluctuations between the U.S. Dollar
and the Canadian Dollar, the matters described above are not likely to have a
material adverse effect on Alliance North American Government Income's
investments in the securities of Canadian issuers or investments denominated in
Canadian Dollars. The factors described above are more likely to have a material
adverse effect on the Fund's investments in the securities of Mexican and other
non-Canadian foreign issuers, including investments in securities denominated in
Mexican Pesos or other non-Canadian foreign currencies. If not hedged, however,
currency fluctuations could affect the unrealized appreciation and depreciation
of Canadian Government securities as expressed in U.S. Dollars.
Investment in the Banking Industry. Due to its investment policies with respect
to investments in the banking industry, Alliance Multi-Market Strategy will have
greater exposure to the risk factors which are characteristic of such
investments. In particular, the value of and investment return on the Fund's
shares will be affected by economic or regulatory developments in or related to
the banking industry. Sustained increases in interest rates can adversely affect
the availability and cost of funds for a bank's lending activities, and a
deterioration in general economic conditions could increase the exposure to
credit losses. The banking industry is also subject to the effects of the
concentration of loan portfolios in particular businesses such as real estate,
energy, agriculture or high technology-related companies; competition within
those industries as well as with other types of financial institutions; and
national and local governmental regulation. In addition, the Fund's investments
in commercial banks located in several foreign countries are subject to
additional risks due to the combination in such banks of commercial banking and
diversified securities activities. As discussed above, however, the Fund will
seek to minimize their exposure to such risks by investing only in debt
securities which are determined to be of high quality.
Investment in Fixed-Income Securities Rated Baa and BBB. Securities rated Baa or
BBB are considered to have speculative characteristics and share some of the
same characteristics as lower-rated securities, as described below. Sustained
periods of deteriorating economic conditions or of rising interest rates are
more likely to lead to a weakening in the issuer's capacity to pay interest and
repay principal than in the case of higher-rated securities.
Investment in Lower-Rated Fixed-Income Securities. Lower-rated securities are
subject to greater risk of loss of principal and interest than higher-rated
securities. They are also generally considered to be subject to greater market
risk than higher-rated securities, and the capacity of issuers of lower-rated
securities to pay interest and repay principal
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is more likely to weaken than is that of issuers of higher-rated
securities in times of deteriorating economic conditions or rising
interest rates. In addition, lower-rated securities may be more
susceptible to real or perceived adverse economic conditions than
investment grade securities. Securities rated Ba or BB are judged to have
speculative elements or to be predominantly speculative with respect to the
issuer's ability to pay interest and repay principal. Securities rated B are
judged to have highly speculative elements or to be predominantly speculative.
Such securities may have small assurance of interest and principal
payments. Securities rated Baa by Moody's are also judged to have
speculative characteristics.
The market for lower-rated securities may be thinner and less active
than that for higher-rated securities, which can adversely
affect the prices at which these securities can be sold. To the
extent that there is no established secondary market for lower-rated
securities, a Fund may experience difficulty in valuing such securities and,
in turn, the Fund's assets.
Alliance will try to reduce the risk inherent in investment in lower-rated
securities through credit analysis, diversification, and attention to current
developments and trends in interest rates and economic and political conditions.
There can be no assurance, however, that losses will not occur. Since the risk
of default is higher for lower-rated securities, Alliance's research and credit
analysis are a correspondingly more important aspect of its program for managing
a Fund's securities than would be the case if a Fund did not invest in
lower-rated securities. In considering investments for the Fund, Alliance will
attempt to identify those high-yielding securities whose financial condition is
adequate to meet future obligations, has improved, or is expected to improve in
the future. Alliance's analysis focuses on relative values based on such factors
as interest or dividend coverage, asset coverage, earnings prospects, and the
experience and managerial strength of the issuer.
Unrated Securities. Unrated securities will also be considered for investment by
Alliance Quality Bond, Alliance Corporate Bond, Alliance High Yield, Alliance
Global Strategic Income, Alliance North American Government Income and Alliance
Global Dollar Government when Alliance believes that the financial condition of
the issuers of such securities, or the protection afforded by the terms of the
securities themselves, limits the risk to the Fund to a degree comparable to
that of rated securities which are consistent with the Fund's objective and
policies.
Sovereign Debt Obligations. No established secondary markets may exist for many
of the sovereign debt obligations in which Alliance Global Strategic Income and
Alliance Global Dollar Government will invest. Reduced secondary market
liquidity may have an adverse effect on the market price and a Fund's ability to
dispose of particular instruments when necessary to meet its liquidity
requirements or in response to specific economic events such as a deterioration
in the creditworthiness of the issuer. Reduced secondary market liquidity for
certain sovereign debt obligations may also make it more difficult for a Fund to
obtain accurate market quotations for the purpose of valuing its portfolio.
Market quotations are generally available on many sovereign debt obligations
only from a limited number of dealers and may not necessarily represent firm
bids of those dealers or prices for actual sales.
By investing in sovereign debt obligations, the Funds will be exposed to the
direct or indirect consequences of political, social, and economic changes in
various countries. Political changes in a country may affect the willingness of
a foreign government to make or provide for timely payments of its obligations.
The country's economic status, as reflected in, among other things, its
inflation rate, the amount of its external debt and its gross domestic product,
will also affect the government's ability to honor its obligations.
The sovereign debt obligations in which the Funds will invest in many cases
pertain to countries that are among the world's largest debtors to commercial
banks, foreign governments, international financial organizations, and other
financial institutions. In recent years, the governments of some of these
countries have encountered difficulties in servicing their external debt
obligations, which led to defaults on certain obligations and the restructuring
of certain indebtedness. Restructuring arrangements have included, among other
things, reducing and rescheduling interest and principal payments by negotiating
new or amended credit agreements or converting outstanding principal and unpaid
interest to Brady Bonds, and obtaining new credit to finance interest payments.
Certain governments have not been able to make payments of interest on or
principal of sovereign debt obligations as those payments have come due.
Obligations arising from past restructuring agreements may affect the economic
performance and political and social stability of those issuers.
The Funds are permitted to invest in sovereign debt obligations that are not
current in the payment of interest or principal or are in default so long as
Alliance believes it to be consistent with the Funds' investment objectives. The
Funds may have limited legal recourse in the event of a default with respect to
certain sovereign debt obligations it holds. For example, remedies from defaults
on certain sovereign debt obligations, unlike those on private debt, must, in
some cases, be pursued in the courts of the defaulting party itself. Legal
recourse therefore may be significantly diminished. Bankruptcy, moratorium and
other similar laws applicable to issuers of sovereign debt obligations may be
substantially different from those applicable to issuers of private debt
obligations. The political context, expressed as the willingness of an issuer of
sovereign debt obligations to meet the terms of the debt obligation, for
example, is of considerable importance. In addition, no assurance can be given
that the holders of commercial bank debt will not contest payments to the
37
<PAGE>
holders of securities issued by foreign governments in the event of default
under commercial bank loan agreements.
U.S. Corporate Fixed-Income Securities. The U.S. corporate fixed-income
securities in which Alliance High Yield and Alliance Global Dollar Government
invest may include securities issued in connection with corporate restructurings
such as takeovers or leveraged buyouts, which may pose particular risks.
Securities issued to finance corporate restructurings may have special credit
risks due to the highly leveraged conditions of the issuer. In addition, such
issuers may lose experienced management as a result of the restructuring.
Furthermore, the market price of such securities may be more volatile to the
extent that expected benefits from the restructuring do not materialize. The
Funds may also invest in U.S. corporate fixed-income securities that are not
current in the payment of interest or principal or are in default, so long as
Alliance believes such investment is consistent with the Fund's investment
objectives. The Funds' rights with respect to defaults on such securities will
be subject to applicable U.S. bankruptcy, moratorium and other similar laws.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUNDS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT ADVISER
Each Fund's Adviser is Alliance Capital Management L.P., 1345 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10105. Alliance is a leading international
investment adviser managing client accounts with assets as of June 30, 2000,
totaling more than $388 billion (of which more than $185 billion represented
assets of investment companies). As of June 30, 2000, Alliance managed
retirement assets for many of the largest public and private employee benefit
plans (including 29 of the nation's FORTUNE 100 companies), for public employee
retirement funds in 33 states, for investment companies, and for foundations,
endowments, banks and insurance companies worldwide. The 52 registered
investment companies, managed by Alliance, comprising 122 separate investment
portfolios, currently have more than 6.1 million shareholder accounts.
Alliance provides investment advisory services and order placement facilities
for the Funds. For these advisory services, the Funds paid Alliance as a
percentage of average daily net assets:
Fee as a
percentage of
average daily Fiscal
Fund net assets Year Ending
---- ------------- -----------
Alliance U.S. Government .55 6/30/00
Alliance Quality Bond .55* 6/30/00
Alliance Corporate Bond .55 6/30/00
Alliance High Yield .75 8/31/00
Alliance Global Strategic
Income .75 10/31/99
Alliance North American
Government Income .73 11/30/99
Alliance Global Dollar
Government .75 8/31/00
Alliance Multi-Market Strategy .60 10/31/99
----------
* Prior to any waiver by Alliance. See the "Fee Table" at the beginning of
the Prospectus for more information about fee waivers.
PORTFOLIO MANAGER
The following table lists the person or persons who are primarily responsible
for the day-to-day management of each Fund's portfolio, the length of time that
each person has been primarily responsible for the Fund's portfolio, and each
person's principal occupation during the past five years.
Principal occupation
Employee; time period; during the past
Fund title with ACMC five years*
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
U.S. Government Wayne D. Lyski; Associated with
since 1983; Alliance
Executive Vice President
Jeffrey S. Phlegar; Associated with
since 1997; Alliance
Senior Vice President
Quality Bond Matthew Bloom; Associated with
since inception; Alliance
Senior Vice President
Corporate Bond Wayne D. Lyski; since (see above)
1987; (see above)
Paul J. DeNoon; Associated with
since January 1992; Alliance
Senior Vice President
High Yield Nelson Jantzen; Associated with
since 1997; Alliance
Senior Vice President
Global Strategic Wayne D. Lyski; since (see above)
Income inception; (see above)
Douglas J. Peebles; Associated with
since inception; Alliance
Senior Vice President
North American Wayne D. Lyski; since (see above)
Government Income inception; (see above)
Global Dollar Wayne D. Lyski; since (see above)
Government inception; (see above)
Multi-Market Strategy Douglas J. Peebles; (see above)
since inception;
(see above)
----------
* Unless indicated otherwise, persons associated with Alliance have been
employed in a portfolio management, research or investment capacity.
38
<PAGE>
PERFORMANCE OF SIMILARLY MANAGED PORTFOLIOS
Alliance is the investment adviser of a portfolio (the "Historical Portfolio")
of a registered investment company, sold only to separate accounts of insurance
companies in connection with variable life insurance contracts and variable
annuities certificates and contracts (the "Contracts"), that has substantially
the same investment objective and policies and has been managed in accordance
with essentially the same investment strategies and techniques as those of
Alliance High Yield. Alliance since July 22, 1993, and prior thereto, Equitable
Capital Management Corporation, whose advisory business Alliance acquired on
that date, have served as investment adviser to the Historical Portfolio since
its inception in 1987. Nelson Jantzen, the person primarily responsible for the
day-to-day management of Alliance High Yield, has supervised the management of
the Historical Portfolio since its inception.
The following tables set forth performance results for the Historical Portfolio
since its inception (January 2, 1987), together with those of Alliance High
Yield and the Lipper High Current Yield Mutual Funds Average as a comparative
benchmark. As of December 31, 1999, the assets in the Historical Portfolio
totalled approximately $567 million.
The performance data do not reflect account charges applicable to the Contracts
or imposed at the insurance company separate account level, which, if reflected,
would lower the performance of the Historical Portfolio. In addition, the
performance data do not reflect the Fund's higher expenses, which, if reflected,
would lower the performance of the Historical Portfolio. The performance data
have not been adjusted for corporate or individual taxes, if any, payable with
respect to the Historical Portfolio. The rates of return shown for the
Historical Portfolio are not an estimate or guarantee of future investment
performance of the Fund.
The Lipper High Current Yield Funds Average is a survey of the performance of a
large number of mutual funds the investment objective of each of which is
similar to that of the Fund. Nonetheless, the investment policies pursued by
funds in the survey may differ from those of Alliance High Yield and the
Historical Portfolio. This survey is published by Lipper, Inc. ("Lipper"),
a firm recognized for its reporting of performance of actively managed funds.
According to Lipper, performance data are presented net of investment
management fees, operating expenses and, for funds with Rule 12b-1 plans,
asset-based sales charges.
The performance results presented below are based on percent changes in net
asset values of the Historical Portfolio with dividends and capital gains
reinvested. Cumulative rates of return reflect performance over a stated period
of time. Annualized rates of return represent the rate of growth that would have
produced the corresponding cumulative return had performance been constant over
the entire period. Rates of return for Alliance High Yield Class A shares assume
the imposition of the maximum 4.25% sales charge. The inception date for the
Historical Portfolio and Lipper data is January 2, 1987 and for Alliance High
Yield is April 22, 1997.
Annualized Rates of Return
Periods Ended December 31, 1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio/Benchmark 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years Inception
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Historical Portfolio -3.35% 2.79% 9.86% 10.23% 9.36%
Lipper High Current
Yield Funds
Average 4.53 5.18 8.84 10.03 8.68
Alliance High Yield -5.95 n/a n/a n/a 5.30
Cumulative Rates of Return
Periods Ending December 31, 1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio/Benchmark 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years Inception
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Historical Portfolio -3.35% 8.62% 60.06% 164.96% 220.01%
Lipper High Current
Yield Funds
Average 4.53 16.54 53.09 161.34 197.11
Alliance High Yield -5.95 n/a n/a n/a 14.91
Alliance is the investment adviser of a portfolio (the "Historical Fund") of a
registered investment company, sold only to separate accounts of insurance
companies in connection with variable life insurance contracts and variable
annuities certificates and contracts (the "Contracts"), that has substantially
the same investment objective and policies and has been managed in accordance
with substantially the same investment strategies and techniques as those of
Alliance Quality Bond. Alliance has served as investment adviser to the
Historical Fund since its inception in 1993. Matthew Bloom, who is primarily
responsible for the day-to-day management of Alliance Quality Bond, has been the
person principally responsible for the day-to-day management of the Historical
Fund since 1995.
The following tables set forth performance results for the Historical Fund since
its inception on October 1, 1993, together with those of the Lipper Corporate
Debt Funds BBB Rated Average and the Lehman Aggregate Bond index as comparative
benchmarks. As of December 31, 1999, the assets in the Historical Fund totalled
approximately $567 million.
The performance data do not reflect account charges applicable to the Contracts
or imposed at the insurance company separate account level, which, if reflected,
would lower the performance of the Historical Fund. In addition, the performance
data do not reflect Alliance Quality Bond's higher expenses, which, if
reflected, would lower the performance of the Historical Fund. The performance
data have not been adjusted for corporate or individual taxes, if any, payable
with respect to the Historical Fund. The rates of return shown for the
Historical Fund are not an estimate or guarantee of future investment
performance of Alliance Quality Bond.
39
<PAGE>
The Lipper Corporate Debt Funds BBB Rated Average is a survey of the performance
of a large number of mutual funds the investment objective of each of which is
similar to that of Alliance Quality Bond. Nonetheless, the investment policies
pursued by Funds in the survey may differ from those of Alliance Quality Bond
and the Historical Fund. This survey is published by Lipper, Inc., a firm
recognized for its reporting of performance of actively managed funds. According
to Lipper, Inc., performance data are presented net of investment management
fees, operating expenses and, for funds with Rule 12b-1 plans, asset-based sales
charges. The Lehman Aggregate Bond Index is an Index comprised of investment
grade fixed-income securities, including U.S. Treasury, mortgage-backed,
corporate and "Yankee bonds" (U.S. dollar-denominated bonds issued outside the
United States).
The performance results presented below are based on percent changes in net
asset values of the Historical Fund with dividends and capital gains reinvested.
Cumulative rates of return reflect performance over a stated period of
time. Annualized rates of return represent the rate of growth that would have
produced the corresponding cumulative return had performance been constant over
the entire period. The inception date for the Historical Fund, the Lipper data
and the Lehman Index date is October 1, 1993.
Annualized Rates of Return
Periods Ended December 31, 1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio/Benchmark 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years Inception
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Historical Fund -2.00% 5.15% 7.47% 4.96%
Lehman Aggregate
Bond Index -0.82% 5.73% 7.73% 5.65%
Lipper Corporate Debt
Funds BBB Rated
Average -1.73% 4.69% 7.65% 5.39%
Cumulative Rates of Return
Periods Ended December 31, 1999
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio/Benchmark 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years Inception
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Historical Fund -2.00% 16.25% 43.34% 35.34%
Lehman Aggregate
Bond Index -0.82% 18.20% 45.12% 40.97%
Lipper Corporate Debt
Funds BBB Rated
Average -1.73% 14.80% 44.85% 39.12%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PURCHASE AND SALE OF SHARES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOW THE FUNDS VALUE THEIR SHARES
The Funds' net asset value or NAV is calculated at 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, each
day the Exchange is open for business. To calculate NAV, a Fund's assets are
valued and totaled, liabilities are subtracted, and the balance, called net
assets, is divided by the number of shares outstanding. The Funds' value their
securities at their current market value determined on the basis of market
quotations or, if such quotations are not readily available, such other methods
as the Funds' Directors or Trustees believe accurately reflect fair market
value.
Your order for purchase, sale, or exchange of shares is priced at the next NAV
calculated after your order is received in proper form by the Fund. Your
purchase of Fund shares may be subject to an initial sales charge. Sales of Fund
shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge or CDSC. See the
Distribution Arrangements section of this Prospectus for details.
HOW TO BUY SHARES
You may purchase a Fund's shares through broker-dealers, banks, or other
financial intermediaries. You also may purchase shares directly from the Funds'
principal underwriter, Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc., or AFD.
Minimum investment amounts are:
o Initial $250
o Subsequent $50
o Automatic Investment Program $25
If you are an existing Fund shareholder, you may purchase shares by electronic
funds transfer in amounts not exceeding $500,000 if you have completed the
appropriate section of the Subscription Application or the Shareholder Options
form obtained from AFS. Call 800-221-5672 to arrange a transfer from your bank
account.
A Fund is required to withhold 31% of taxable dividends, capital gains
distributions, and redemptions paid to shareholders who have not provided the
Fund with their certified taxpayer identification number. To avoid this, you
must provide your correct Tax Identification Number (Social Security Number for
most investors) on your account application.
The Funds may refuse any order to purchase shares. In this regard, the Funds
reserve the right to restrict purchases of Fund shares (including through
exchanges) when they appear to evidence a pattern of frequent purchases and
sales made in response to short-term considerations.
HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES
You may exchange your Fund shares for shares of the same class of other Alliance
Mutual Funds (including AFD Exchange Reserves, a money market fund managed by
Alliance). Exchanges of shares are made at next-determined NAV, without sales or
service charges. You may request an exchange by mail or telephone. You must call
by 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, to receive that day's NAV. The Funds may change,
suspend, or terminate the exchange service on 60 days' written notice.
40
<PAGE>
HOW TO SELL SHARES
You may "redeem" your shares (i.e., sell your shares to the Fund) on any day the
Exchange is open, either directly or through your financial intermediary. Your
sales price will be the next-determined NAV, less any applicable CDSC, after the
Fund receives your request in proper form. Normally, proceeds will be sent to
you within seven days. If you recently purchased your shares by check or
electronic funds transfer, your redemption payment may be delayed until the Fund
is reasonably satisfied that the check or electronic funds transfer has been
collected (which may take up to 15 days).
o Selling Shares Through Your Broker
Your broker must receive your request by 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, and submit it
to the Fund by 5:00 p.m., Eastern time, for you to receive that day's NAV, less
any applicable CDSC. Your broker is responsible for furnishing all necessary
documentation to a Fund and may charge you for this service.
o Selling Shares Directly to a Fund
By Mail
-- Send a signed letter of instruction or stock power form to AFS,
along with certificates, to:
Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 1520
Secaucus, NJ 07096-1520
800-221-5672
-- For your protection, a bank, a member firm of a national stock
exchange or other eligible guarantor institution must guarantee
signatures. Stock power forms are available from your financial
intermediary,
AFS, and many commercial banks. Additional documentation is
required for the sale of shares by corporations,
intermediaries, fiduciaries, and surviving joint owners.
By Telephone
-- You may redeem your shares for which no stock certificates have been
issued by telephone request. Call AFS at 800-221-5672 with
instructions on how you wish to receive your sale proceeds.
-- A telephone redemption request must be made by 4:00 p.m., Eastern
time, for you to receive that day's NAV, less any applicable CDSC
and, except for certain omnibus accounts, may be made only once per
day.
-- If you have selected electronic funds transfer in your Subscription
Application, the redemption proceeds may be sent directly to your
bank. Otherwise, the proceeds will be mailed to you.
-- Redemption requests by electronic funds transfer may not exceed
$100,000 per day and redemption requests by check cannot exceed
$50,000 per day.
-- Telephone redemption is not available for shares held in nominees or
"street name" accounts or retirement plan accounts or shares held by
a shareholder who has changed his or her address of record within
the previous 30 calendar days.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AND TAXES
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Funds declare dividends on their shares each Fund business day. For
Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays dividends will be as of the previous business
day. Each Fund pays dividends on its shares after the close of business on the
twentieth day of each month or on the first business day after that day if the
day is not a business day.
Each Fund's income dividends and capital gains distributions, if any, declared
by a Fund on its outstanding shares will, at the election of each shareholder,
be paid in cash or in additional shares of the same class of shares of that
Fund. If paid in additional shares, the shares will have an aggregate net asset
value as of the close of business on the day following the declaration date of
the dividend or distribution equal to the cash amount of the dividend or
distribution. You may make an election to receive dividends and distributions in
cash or in shares at the time you purchase shares. Your election can be changed
at any time prior to a record date for a dividend. There is no sales or other
charge in connection with the reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions. Cash dividends may be paid in check, or at your election,
electronically via the ACH network. There is no sales or other charge on the
reinvestment of Fund dividends and distributions.
If you receive an income dividend or capital gains distribution in cash you may,
within 120 days following the date of its payment, reinvest the dividend or
distribution in additional shares of that Fund without charge by returning to
Alliance, with appropriate instructions, the check representing the dividend or
distribution. Thereafter, unless you otherwise specify, you will be deemed to
have elected to reinvest all subsequent dividends and distributions in shares of
that Fund.
While it is the intention of each Fund to distribute to its shareholders
substantially all of each fiscal year's net income and net realized capital
gains, if any, the amount and timing of any such dividend or distribution must
necessarily depend upon the realization by such Fund of
41
<PAGE>
income and capital gains from investments. There is no fixed
dividend rate and there can be no assurance that a Fund will pay
any dividends or realize any capital gains.
For federal income tax purposes, the Fund's dividend distributions of net income
(or short-term taxable gains) will be taxable to you as ordinary income.
Distributions of long-term capital gains generally will be taxable to you as
long-term capital gains. A Fund's distributions also may be subject to certain
state and local taxes.
Investment income received by a Fund from sources within foreign countries may
be subject to foreign income taxes withheld at the source. To the extent that
any Fund is liable for foreign income taxes withheld at the source, each Fund
intends, if possible, to operate so as to meet the requirements of the Code to
"pass through" to the Fund's shareholders credits or deductions for foreign
income taxes paid, but there can be no assurance that any Fund will be able to
do so. Furthermore, a shareholder's ability to claim a foreign tax credit or
deduction for foreign taxes paid by a Fund may be subject to certain limitations
imposed by the Code, as a result of which a shareholder may not be permitted to
claim all or a portion of a credit or deduction for the amount of such taxes.
Under certain circumstances, if a Fund realizes losses (e.g., from fluctuations
in currency exchange rates) after paying a dividend, all or a portion of the
dividend may subsequently be characterized as a return of capital. Returns of
capital are generally nontaxable, but will reduce a shareholder's basis in
shares of a Fund. If that basis is reduced to zero (which could happen if the
shareholder does not reinvest distributions and returns of capital are
significant), any further returns of capital will be taxable as a capital gain.
If you buy shares just before a Fund deducts a distribution from its NAV, you
will pay the full price for the shares and then receive a portion of the price
back as a taxable distribution.
The sale or exchange of Fund shares is a taxable transaction for federal income
tax purposes.
Each year shortly after December 31, the Fund will send you tax information
stating the amount and type of all its
distributions for the year. Consult your tax adviser about the federal, state,
and local tax consequences in your particular circumstances.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTION ARRANGEMENTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Share Classes. The Funds offer three classes of shares.
Class A Shares -- Initial Sales Charge Alternative You can purchase Class A
shares at NAV plus an initial sales charge, as follows:
Initial Sales Charge
---------------------------------------------------
As % of Commission to
Net Amount As % of Dealer/Agent as %
Amount Purchased Invested Offering Priceof Offering Price
---------------- ----------- ---------------- ------------------
Up to $100,000 ...... 4.44% 4.25% 4.00%
$100,000 up to
$250,000........... 3.36 3.25 3.00
$250,000 up to
$500,000........... 2.30 2.25 2.00
$500,000 up to
$1,000,000......... 1.78 1.75 1.50
You pay no initial sales charge on purchases of Class A shares in the amount of
$1,000,000, but may pay a 1% CDSC if you redeem your shares within 1 year.
Alliance may pay the dealer or agent a fee of up to 1% of the dollar amount
purchased. Certain purchases of Class A shares may qualify for reduced or
eliminated sales charges under a Fund's Combined Purchase Privilege, Cumulative
Quantity Discount, Statement of Intention, Privilege for Certain Retirement
Plans, Reinstatement Privilege, and Sales at Net Asset Value Programs. Consult
the Subscription Application and a Fund's SAI for additional information about
these options.
Class B Shares -- Deferred Sales Charge Alternative You can purchase Class B
shares at NAV without an initial sales charge. A Fund will thus receive the full
amount of your purchase. Your investment, however, will be subject to a CDSC if
you redeem shares within three years (four years in the case of Alliance Global
Strategic Income and Alliance High Yield) after purchase. The CDSC varies
depending on the number of years you hold the shares. The CDSC amounts are:
Alliance Global Strategic Income and Alliance High Yield:
Years Since Purchase CDSC
--------------------- --------
First 4.0%
Second 3.0%
Third 2.0%
Fourth 1.0%
Fifth None
42
<PAGE>
All Other Funds:
Years Since Purchase CDSC
--------------------- --------
First 3.0%
Second 2.0%
Third 1.0%
Fourth None
If you exchange your shares for the Class B shares of another Alliance Mutual
Fund, the CDSC also will apply to those Class B shares. The CDSC period begins
with the date of your original purchase, not the date of exchange for the other
Class B shares.
The Fund's Class B shares purchased for cash automatically convert to Class A
shares six years after the end of the month of your purchase (except for Class B
shares of Alliance High Yield Fund and Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust,
which automatically convert to Class A shares eight years after the end of the
month of purchase). If you purchase shares by exchange for the Class B shares of
another Alliance Mutual Fund, the conversion period runs from the date of your
original purchase.
Class C Shares -- Asset-Based Sales Charge Alternative You can purchase Class C
shares at NAV without any initial sales charge. A Fund will thus receive the
full amount of your purchase. Your investment, however, will be subject to a 1%
CDSC if you redeem your shares within 1 year. If you exchange your shares for
the Class C shares of another Alliance Mutual Fund, the 1% CDSC also will apply
to those Class C shares. The 1-year period for the CDSC begins with the date of
your original purchase, not the date of the exchange for the other Class C
shares.
Class C shares do not convert to any other class of shares of the Fund.
Asset-based Sales Charge or Rule 12b-1 Fees. Each Fund has adopted a plan under
Commission Rule 12b-1 that allows the Fund to pay asset-based sales charges or
distribution and service fees for the distribution and sale of its shares. The
amount of these fees for each class of the Fund's shares is:
Rule 12b-1 Fee (as a percent of
aggregate average daily net assets)
-----------------------------------
Class A .30%
Class B 1.00%
Class C 1.00%
Because these fees are paid out of the Fund's assets on an on-going basis, over
time these fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you more
than paying other types of sales fees. Class B and Class C shares are subject to
higher distribution fees than Class A shares (Class B shares are subject to
these higher fees for a period of six years, after which they convert to Class A
shares except for Alliance High Yield Fund and Alliance Global Strategic Income
Trust's Class B shares which convert to Class A shares after eight years). The
higher fees mean a higher expense ratio, so Class B and Class C shares pay
correspondingly lower dividends and may have a lower net asset value than Class
A shares.
Choosing a Class of Shares. The decision as to which class of shares is more
beneficial to you depends on the amount and intended length of your investment.
If you are making a large investment, thus qualifying for a reduced sales
charge, you might consider purchasing Class A shares. If you are making a
smaller investment, you might consider purchasing Class B shares because
100% of your purchase is invested immediately. If you are unsure of the
length of your investment, you might consider Class C shares because
there is no initial sales charge and no CDSC as long as the shares are held for
one year or more. Dealers and agents may receive differing compensation for
selling Class A, Class B, or Class C shares. There is no size limit on purchases
of Class A shares. The maximum purchase of Class B shares is $250,000. The
maximum purchase of Class C shares is $1,000,000.
You should consult your financial agent to assist in choosing a class of Fund
shares.
Application of the CDSC. The CDSC is applied to the lesser of the original cost
of shares being redeemed or NAV at the time of redemption (or, as to Fund shares
acquired through an exchange, the cost of the Alliance Fund shares originally
purchased for cash). Shares obtained from dividend or distribution reinvestment
are not subject to the CDSC. The Fund may waive the CDSC on redemptions of
shares following the death or disability of a shareholder, to meet the
requirements of certain qualified retirement plans, or under a monthly,
bi-monthly, or quarterly systematic withdrawal plan. See the Fund's SAI for
further information about CDSC waivers.
43
<PAGE>
Other. A transaction, service, administrative, or other similar fee may be
charged by your broker-dealer, agent, financial intermediary, or other financial
representative with respect to the purchase, sale, or exchange of Class A, Class
B or Class C shares made through your financial representative. The financial
intermediaries also may impose requirements on the purchase, sale, or exchange
of shares that are different from, or in addition to, those imposed by a Fund,
including requirements as to the minimum initial and subsequent investment
amounts.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL INFORMATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under unusual circumstances, a Fund may suspend redemptions or postpone payment
for up to seven days or longer, as permitted by federal securities law. The
Funds reserve the right to close an account that through redemption has remained
below $200 for 90 days. Shareholders will receive 60 days' written notice to
increase the account value before the account is closed.
During drastic economic or market developments, you might have difficulty
reaching AFS by telephone, in which event you should issue written instructions
to AFS. AFS is not responsible for the authenticity of telephonic requests to
purchase, sell, or exchange shares. AFS will employ reasonable procedures to
verify that telephone requests are genuine, and could be liable for losses
resulting from unauthorized transactions if it fails to do so. Dealers and
agents may charge a commission for handling telephonic requests. The telephone
service may be suspended or terminated at any time without notice.
Shareholder Services. AFS offers a variety of shareholder services. For more
information about these services or your account, call AFS's toll-free number,
800-221-5672. Some services are described in the attached Subscription
Application. A shareholder manual explaining all available services will be
provided upon request. To request a shareholder manual, call 800-227-4618.
Employee Benefit Plans. Certain employee benefit plans, including
employer-sponsored tax-qualified 401(k) plans and other defined contribution
retirement plans ("Employee Benefit Plans"), may establish requirements as to
the purchase, sale or exchange of shares of the Funds, including maximum and
minimum initial investment requirements, that are different from those described
in this Prospectus. Employee Benefit Plans also may not offer all classes of
shares of the Funds. In order to enable participants investing through Employee
Benefit Plans to purchase shares of the Funds, the maximum and minimum
investment amounts may be different for shares purchased through Employee
Benefit Plans from those described in this Prospectus. In addition, the Class A,
Class B and Class C CDSC may be waived for investments made through Employee
Benefit Plans.
44
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand each Fund's
financial performance for the past 5 years (or, if shorter, the period of the
Fund's operations). Certain information reflects financial results for a single
share of each Fund. The total returns in the table represent the rate that an
investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment in the Fund (assuming
reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). Except as otherwise indicated,
this information has been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, the independent auditors
for the Funds, whose reports, along with each Fund's financial statements, are
included in each Fund's Annual Report, which is available upon request.
45
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Net Net
Asset Realized and Increase
Value Unrealized (Decrease) In Dividends From Distributions
Beginning Of Net Investment Gain (Loss) On Net Asset Value Net Investment From Net
Fiscal Year or Period Period Income (Loss) Investments From Operations Income Realized Gains
--------------------- ------------ -------------- -------------- --------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Government
Class A
Year Ended 6/30/00.............. $ 7.19 $ .50 (f) $ (.20) $ .30 $ (.49) $ 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/99.............. 7.57 .52 (f) (.37) .15 (.52) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/98.............. 7.41 .54 (f) .18 .72 (.54) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/97.............. 7.52 .57 (f) (.10) .47 (.57) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/96.............. 7.96 .58 (.44) .14 (.58) 0.00
Class B
Year Ended 6/30/00.............. $ 7.20 $ .44 (f) $ (.19) $ .25 $ (.44) $ 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/99.............. 7.57 .46 (f) (.36) .10 (.46) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/98.............. 7.41 .48 (f) .18 .66 (.48) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/97.............. 7.52 .52 (f) (.10) .42 (.52) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/96.............. 7.96 .52 (.44) .08 (.52) 0.00
Class C
Year Ended 6/30/00.............. $ 7.20 $ .45 (f) $ .20 $ .25 $ (.44) $ 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/99.............. 7.57 .46 (f) (.36) .10 (.46) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/98.............. 7.41 .48 (f) .18 .66 (.48) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/97.............. 7.52 .52 (f) (.10) .42 (.52) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/96.............. 7.96 .52 (.44) .08 (.52) 0.00
Corporate Bond
Class A
Year Ended 6/30/00.............. $ 12.49 $ 1.04 (f) $ (.55) $ .49 $ (1.04) $ 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/99.............. 14.19 1.06 (f) (1.64) (.58) (1.07) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/98.............. 14.19 1.08 (f) .12 1.20 (1.08) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/97.............. 13.29 1.15 (f) .97 2.12 (1.22) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/96.............. 12.92 1.26 .27 1.53 (1.16) 0.00
Class B
Year Ended 6/30/00.............. $ 12.49 $ .95 (f) $ (.54) $ .41 $ (.95) $ 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/99.............. 14.19 .97 (f) (1.64) (.67) (.98) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/98.............. 14.19 .98 (f) .13 1.11 (.98) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/97.............. 13.29 1.05 (f) .98 2.03 (1.13) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/96.............. 12.92 1.15 .29 1.44 (1.07) 0.00
Class C
Year Ended 6/30/00.............. $ 12.49 $ .94 (f) $ (.54) $ .40 $ (.95) $ 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/99.............. 14.19 .97 (f) (1.64) (.67) (.98) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/98.............. 14.19 .99 (f) .12 1.11 (.99) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/97.............. 13.29 1.04 (f) .99 2.03 (1.13) 0.00
Year Ended 6/30/96.............. 12.93 1.14 .29 1.43 (1.07) 0.00
High Yield
Class A
Year Ended 8/31/00.............. $ 9.47 $ .92 (f) $ (1.26) $ (.34) $ (.98) $ 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/99.............. 10.76 1.02 (f) (1.08) (.06) (1.02) (.15)
Year Ended 8/31/98.............. 11.17 1.03 (f) (.27) .76 (1.02) (.14)
4/22/97+ to 8/31/97............. 10.00 .37 (f) 1.15 1.52 (.35) 0.00
Class B
Year Ended 8/31/00.............. $ 9.46 $ .86 (f) $ (1.26) $ (.40) $ (.91) $ 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/99.............. 10.75 .95 (f) (1.08) (.13) (.95) (.15)
Year Ended 8/31/98.............. 11.17 .96 (f) (.28) .68 (.95) (.14)
4/22/97+ to 8/31/97............. 10.00 .31 (f) 1.19 1.50 (.33) 0.00
Class C
Year Ended 8/31/00.............. $ 9.47 $ .86 (f) $ (1.27) $ (.41) $ (.91) $ 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/99.............. 10.75 .95 (f) (1.07) (.12) (.95) (.15)
Year Ended 8/31/98.............. 11.17 .96 (f) (.28) .68 (.95) (.14)
4/22/97+ to 8/31/97............. 10.00 .32 (f) 1.18 1.50 (.33) 0.00
Global Strategic Income
Class A
11/1/99 to 4/30/00.............. $ 9.91 $ .43 (f) $ .22 $ .65 $ (.50) $ 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/99............. 10.18 .94 (f) (.22) .72 (.94) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/98............. 11.46 .78 (f)(g) (.64) .14 (.78) (.36)
Year Ended 10/31/97............. 10.83 .74 (f)(g) 1.02 1.76 (.75) (.10)
1/9/96+ to 10/31/96............. 10.00 .69 (f)(g) .95 1.64 (.81) 0.00
Class B
11/1/99 to 4/30/00.............. $ 9.90 $ .40 (f) $ .21 $ .61 $ (.46) $ 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/99............. 10.17 .87 (f) (.22) .65 (.87) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/98............. 11.46 .69 (f)(g) (.63) .06 (.69) (.36)
Year Ended 10/31/97............. 10.83 .66 (f)(g) 1.03 1.69 (.67) (.10)
3/21/96++ to 10/31/96........... 9.97 .41 (f)(g) 1.01 1.42 (.56) 0.00
Class C
11/1/99 to 4/30/00.............. $ 9.90 $ .40 (f) $ .22 $ .62 $ (.46) $ 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/99............. 10.17 .88 (f) (.23) .65 (.88) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/98............. 11.46 .68 (f)(g) (.62) .06 (.68) (.36)
Year Ended 10/31/97............. 10.83 .66 (f)(g) 1.03 1.69 (.67) (.10)
3/21/96++ to 10/31/96........... 9.97 .39 (f)(g) 1.03 1.42 (.56) 0.00
</TABLE>
----------
Please refer to the footnotes on page 50.
46
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Distributions Total Net Assets
in Excess Total Investment At End Of Ratio
of Net Return Dividends Net Asset Return Period of Expenses
Investment of and Value End Based on Net (000's To Average
Fiscal Year or Period Income Capital Distributions of Period Asset Value (a) omitted) Net Assets
--------------------- ------------- ------- ------------- --------- --------------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
U.S. Government
Class A
Year Ended 6/30/00.............. $ 0.00 $ (.01) $ (.50) $ 6.99 4.41% $ 430,895 2.14%(b)
Year Ended 6/30/99.............. (.01) 0.00 (.53) 7.19 1.83 426,167 1.17
Year Ended 6/30/98.............. 0.00 (.02) (.56) 7.57 10.02 352,749 1.06
Year Ended 6/30/97.............. 0.00 (.01) (.58) 7.41 6.49 354,782 1.02
Year Ended 6/30/96.............. 0.00 0.00 (.58) 7.52 1.74 397,894 1.01
Class B
Year Ended 6/30/00.............. $ 0.00 $ (.01) $ (.45) $ 7.00 3.64% $ 200,283 2.80%(b)
Year Ended 6/30/99.............. (.01) 0.00 (.47) 7.20 1.22 338,310 1.87
Year Ended 6/30/98.............. 0.00 (.02) (.50) 7.57 9.20 390,523 1.76
Year Ended 6/30/97.............. 0.00 (.01) (.53) 7.41 5.69 471,889 1.73
Year Ended 6/30/96.............. 0.00 0.00 (.52) 7.52 1.01 628,628 1.72
Class C
Year Ended 6/30/00.............. $ 0.00 $ (.01) $ (.45) $ 7.00 3.64% $ 112,808 2.82%(b)
Year Ended 6/30/99.............. (.01) 0.00 (.47) 7.20 1.22 144,145 1.87
Year Ended 6/30/98.............. 0.00 (.02) (.50) 7.57 9.21 114,392 1.76
Year Ended 6/30/97.............. 0.00 (.01) (.53) 7.41 5.69 115,607 1.72
Year Ended 6/30/96.............. 0.00 0.00 (.52) 7.52 1.01 166,075 1.71
Corporate Bond
Class A
Year Ended 6/30/00.............. $ 0.00 $ (.03) $ (1.07) $ 11.91 4.11% $ 473,578 1.12%(b)
Year Ended 6/30/99.............. (.01) (.04) (1.12) 12.49 (4.08) 476,141 1.11
Year Ended 6/30/98.............. (.12) 0.00 (1.20) 14.19 8.66 510,397 1.05
Year Ended 6/30/97.............. 0.00 0.00 (1.22) 14.19 16.59 370,845 1.12
Year Ended 6/30/96.............. 0.00 0.00 (1.16) 13.29 12.14 277,369 1.20
Class B
Year Ended 6/30/00.............. $ 0.00 $ (.03) $ (.98) $ 11.92 3.39% $ 477,259 1.83%(b)
Year Ended 6/30/99.............. (.01) (.04) (1.03) 12.49 (4.77) 630,631 1.82
Year Ended 6/30/98.............. (.13) 0.00 (1.11) 14.19 7.95 672,374 1.75
Year Ended 6/30/97.............. 0.00 0.00 (1.13) 14.19 15.80 480,326 1.82
Year Ended 6/30/96.............. 0.00 0.00 (1.07) 13.29 11.38 338,152 1.90
Class C
Year Ended 6/30/00.............. $ 0.00 $ (.03) $ (.98) $ 11.91 3.30% $ 176,814 1.83%(b)
Year Ended 6/30/99.............. (.01) (.04) (1.03) 12.49 (4.77) 204,271 1.81
Year Ended 6/30/98.............. (.12) 0.00 (1.11) 14.19 7.95 254,530 1.75
Year Ended 6/30/97.............. 0.00 0.00 (1.13) 14.19 15.80 174,762 1.82
Year Ended 6/30/96.............. 0.00 0.00 (1.07) 13.29 11.30 83,095 1.90
High Yield
Class A
Year Ended 8/31/00.............. $ 0.00 $ (.05) $ (1.03) $ 8.10 (3.79)% $ 83,645 1.33%
Year Ended 8/31/99.............. (.05) (.01) (1.23) 9.47 (.58) 102,400 1.31
Year Ended 8/31/98.............. (.01) 0.00 (1.17) 10.76 6.42 43,960 1.43(c)
4/22/97+ to 8/31/97............. 0.00 0.00 (.35) 11.17 15.33 5,889 1.70*(c)
Class B
Year Ended 8/31/00.............. $ 0.00 $ (.05) $ (.96) $ 8.10 (4.40)% $ 421,105 2.04%
Year Ended 8/31/99.............. (.05) (.01) (1.16) 9.46 (1.26) 527,337 2.03
Year Ended 8/31/98.............. (.01) 0.00 (1.10) 10.75 5.69 269,426 2.13(c)
4/22/97+ to 8/31/97............. 0.00 0.00 (.33) 11.17 15.07 43,297 2.40*(c)
Class C
Year Ended 8/31/00.............. $ 0.00 $ (.05) $ (.96) $ 8.10 (4.51)% $ 79,826 2.03%
Year Ended 8/31/99.............. (.05) (.01) (1.16) 9.47 (1.16) 99,927 2.02
Year Ended 8/31/98.............. (.01) 0.00 (1.10) 10.75 5.69 48,337 2.13(c)
4/22/97+ to 8/31/97............. 0.00 0.00 (.33) 11.17 15.07 7,575 2.40*(c)
Global Strategic Income
Class A
11/1/99 to 4/30/00.............. $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ (.50) $ 10.06 6.60% $ 38,028 1.67%*
Year Ended 10/31/99............. (.05) 0.00 (.99) 9.91 7.17 33,813 1.77
Year Ended 10/31/98............. (.28) 0.00 (1.42) 10.18 1.00 24,576 1.89(c)
Year Ended 10/31/97............. (.28) 0.00 (1.13) 11.46 16.83 12,954 1.90(c)
1/9/96+ to 10/31/96............. 0.00 0.00 (.81) 10.83 17.31 2,295 1.90*(c)
Class B
11/1/99 to 4/30/00.............. $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ (.46) $ 10.05 6.24% $ 94,885 2.39%*
Year Ended 10/31/99............. (.05) 0.00 (.92) 9.90 6.44 79,085 2.47
Year Ended 10/31/98............. (.30) 0.00 (1.35) 10.17 .27 58,058 2.58(c)
Year Ended 10/31/97............. (.29) 0.00 (1.06) 11.46 16.12 18,855 2.60(c)
3/25/96++ to 10/31/96........... 0.00 0.00 (.56) 10.83 14.47 800 2.60*(c)
Class C
11/1/99 to 4/30/00.............. $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ (.46) $ 10.06 6.34% $ 29,881 2.36%*
Year Ended 10/31/99............. (.04) 0.00 (.92) 9.90 6.44 22,598 2.46
Year Ended 10/31/98............. (.31) 0.00 (1.35) 10.17 .27 16,067 2.58(c)
Year Ended 10/31/97............. (.29) 0.00 (1.06) 11.46 16.12 4,388 2.60(c)
3/25/96++ to 10/31/96........... 0.00 0.00 (.56) 10.83 14.47 750 2.60*(c)
<CAPTION>
Ratio of Net
Investment
Income (Loss) Portfolio
To Average Turnover
Fiscal Year or Period Net Assets Rate
--------------------- ------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
U.S. Government
Class A
Year Ended 6/30/00.............. 7.13% 398%
Year Ended 6/30/99.............. 6.86 320
Year Ended 6/30/98.............. 7.08 153
Year Ended 6/30/97.............. 7.66 330
Year Ended 6/30/96.............. 7.38 334
Class B
Year Ended 6/30/00.............. 6.28% 398%
Year Ended 6/30/99.............. 6.13 320
Year Ended 6/30/98.............. 6.37 153
Year Ended 6/30/97.............. 6.95 330
Year Ended 6/30/96.............. 6.67 334
Class C
Year Ended 6/30/00.............. 6.35% 398%
Year Ended 6/30/99.............. 6.13 320
Year Ended 6/30/98.............. 6.38 153
Year Ended 6/30/97.............. 6.96 330
Year Ended 6/30/96.............. 6.68 334
Corporate Bond
Class A
Year Ended 6/30/00.............. 8.51% 302%
Year Ended 6/30/99.............. 8.13 281
Year Ended 6/30/98.............. 7.52 244
Year Ended 6/30/97.............. 8.34 307
Year Ended 6/30/96.............. 9.46 389
Class B
Year Ended 6/30/00.............. 7.77% 302%
Year Ended 6/30/99.............. 7.41 281
Year Ended 6/30/98.............. 6.80 244
Year Ended 6/30/97.............. 7.62 307
Year Ended 6/30/96.............. 8.75 389
Class C
Year Ended 6/30/00.............. 7.75% 302%
Year Ended 6/30/99.............. 7.37 281
Year Ended 6/30/98.............. 6.83 244
Year Ended 6/30/97.............. 7.61 307
Year Ended 6/30/96.............. 8.74 389
High Yield
Class A
Year Ended 8/31/00.............. 10.92% 102%
Year Ended 8/31/99.............. 10.21 182
Year Ended 8/31/98.............. 8.89 311
4/22/97+ to 8/31/97............. 8.04* 73
Class B
Year Ended 8/31/00.............. 10.21% 102%
Year Ended 8/31/99.............. 9.52 182
Year Ended 8/31/98.............. 8.18 311
4/22/97+ to 8/31/97............. 7.19* 73
Class C
Year Ended 8/31/00.............. 10.23% 102%
Year Ended 8/31/99.............. 9.54 182
Year Ended 8/31/98.............. 8.17 311
4/22/97+ to 8/31/97............. 7.24* 73
Global Strategic Income
Class A
11/1/99 to 4/30/00.............. 8.85%* 305%
Year Ended 10/31/99............. 9.34 254
Year Ended 10/31/98............. 7.08 183
Year Ended 10/31/97............. 6.56 417
1/9/96+ to 10/31/96............. 8.36* 282
Class B
11/1/99 to 4/30/00.............. 8.17%* 305%
Year Ended 10/31/99............. 8.54 254
Year Ended 10/31/98............. 6.41 183
Year Ended 10/31/97............. 5.86 417
3/25/96++ to 10/31/96........... 7.26* 282
Class C
11/1/99 to 4/30/00.............. 8.17%* 305%
Year Ended 10/31/99............. 8.52 254
Year Ended 10/31/98............. 6.43 183
Year Ended 10/31/97............. 5.86 417
3/25/96++ to 10/31/96........... 7.03* 282
</TABLE>
----------
Please refer to the footnotes on page 50.
47
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Net Net Net
Asset Realized and Increase
Value Unrealized (Decrease) In Dividends From Distributions
Beginning Of Net Investment Gain (Loss) On Net Asset Value Net Investment From Net
Fiscal Year or Period Period Income (Loss) Investments From Operations Income Realized Gains
--------------------- ------------ -------------- -------------- --------------- -------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
North American Government Income
Class A
12/1/99 to 5/31/00 .......... $ 7.28 $ .39 (f) $ .04 $ .43 $ (.42) $ 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/99 ......... 7.59 .87 (f) (.25) .62 (.64) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/98 ......... 8.02 .87 (f) (.33) .54 (.87) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/97 ......... 8.01 1.03 (f) (.05) .98 (.97) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/96 ......... 6.75 1.09 (f) 1.14 2.23 (.75) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/95 ......... 8.13 1.18 (f) (1.59) (.41) 0.00 0.00
Class B
12/1/99 to 5/31/00 .......... $ 7.31 $ .36 (f) $ .04 $ .40 $ (.40) $ 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/99 ......... 7.61 .81 (f) (.25) .56 (.59) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/98 ......... 8.02 .81 (f) (.32) .49 (.81) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/97 ......... 8.01 .98 (f) (.07) .91 (.90) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/96 ......... 6.75 1.04 (f) 1.12 2.16 (.69) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/95 ......... 8.13 1.13 (f) (1.61) (.48) 0.00 0.00
Class C
12/1/99 to 5/31/00 .......... $ 7.31 $ .36 (f) $ .04 $ .40 $ (.40) $ 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/99 ......... 7.61 .81 (f) (.25) .56 (.59) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/98 ......... 8.02 .82 (f) (.33) .49 (.82) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/97 ......... 8.01 .98 (f) (.07) .91 (.90) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/96 ......... 6.75 1.05 (f) 1.11 2.16 (.69) 0.00
Year Ended 11/30/95 ......... 8.13 1.13 (f) (1.61) (.48) 0.00 0.00
Global Dollar Government
Class A
Year Ended 8/31/00 .......... $ 5.69 $ .75 (f) $ 1.40 $ 2.15 $ (.75) $ 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/99 .......... 5.05 .71 (f) .74 1.45 (.74) 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/98 .......... 10.64 .73 (f) (4.03) (3.30) (.73) (1.37)
Year Ended 8/31/97 .......... 10.01 .88 (f) 1.85 2.73 (.95) (1.15)
Year Ended 8/31/96 .......... 8.02 .84 2.10 2.94 (.95) 0.00
Class B
Year Ended 8/31/00 .......... $ 5.74 $ .71 (f) $ 1.40 $ 2.11 $ (.68) $ 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/99 .......... 5.05 .67 (f) .76 1.43 (.68) 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/98 .......... 10.64 .67 (f) (4.05) (3.38) (.67) (1.36)
Year Ended 8/31/97 .......... 10.01 .81 (f) 1.84 2.65 (.87) (1.15)
Year Ended 8/31/96 .......... 8.02 .78 2.08 2.86 (.87) 0.00
Class C
Year Ended 8/31/00 .......... $ 5.74 $ .71 (f) $ 1.41 $ 2.12 $ (.68) $ 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/99 .......... 5.05 .67 (f) .76 1.43 (.68) 0.00
Year Ended 8/31/98 .......... 10.64 .67 (f) (4.05) (3.38) (.67) (1.36)
Year Ended 8/31/97 .......... 10.01 .82 (f) 1.84 2.66 (.88) (1.15)
Year Ended 8/31/96 .......... 8.02 .77 2.10 2.87 (.88) 0.00
Multi-Market Strategy
Class A
11/1/99 to 4/30/00 .......... $ 6.29 $ .19 (f) $ (.17) $ .02 $ (.21) $ 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/99 ......... 6.64 .42 (f) (.22) .20 (.42) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/98 ......... 7.11 .44 (f) .02 .46 (.44) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/97 ......... 7.23 .47 (f) .08 .55 (.47) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/96 ......... 6.83 .59 (f) .48 1.07 (.67) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/95 ......... 8.04 .77 (f) (1.31) (.54) 0.00 0.00
Class B
11/1/99 to 4/30/00 .......... $ 6.32 $ .17 (f) $ (.18) $ (.01) $ (.19) $ 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/99 ......... 6.66 .36 (f) (.22) .14 (.36) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/98 ......... 7.11 .36 (f) .05 .41 (.36) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/97 ......... 7.23 .42 (f) .06 .48 (.42) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/96 ......... 6.83 .53 (f) .47 1.00 (.60) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/95 ......... 8.04 .44 (f) (1.05) (.61) 0.00 0.00
Class C
11/1/99 to 4/30/00 .......... $ 6.31 $ .17 (f) $ (.17) $ 0.00 $ (.19) $ 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/99 ......... 6.65 .36 (f) (.22) .14 (.36) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/98 ......... 7.11 .25 (f) .16 .41 (.41) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/97 ......... 7.23 .42 (f) .07 .49 (.42) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/96 ......... 6.83 .54 (f) .47 1.01 (.61) 0.00
Year Ended 10/31/95 ......... 8.04 .44 (f) (1.04) (.60) 0.00 0.00
Quality Bond
Class A
Year Ended 6/30/00 .......... $10.00 $ .60 (f)(g) $ (.21) $ .39 $ (.54) $ 0.00
Class B
Year Ended 6/30/00 .......... $10.00 $ .50 (f)(g) $ (.18) $ .32 $ (.48) $ 0.00
Class C
Year Ended 6/30/00 .......... $10.00 $ .51 (f)(g) $ (.20) $ .31 $ (.48) $ 0.00
</TABLE>
----------
Please refer to the footnotes on page 50.
48
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Distributions Total Net Assets
in Excess Total Investment At End Of Ratio
of Net Return Dividends Net Asset Return Period of Expenses
Investment of and Value End Based on Net (000's To Average
Fiscal Year or Period Income Capital Distributions of Period Asset Value (a) omitted) Net Assets
--------------------- ------------- ------- ------------- --------- --------------- ---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
North American Government Income
Class A
12/1/99 to 5/31/00 .......... $0.00 $0.00 $ (.42) $ 7.29 6.01% $ 853,147 2.17%*(d)
Year Ended 11/30/99 ......... (.11) (.18) (.93) 7.28 8.56 730,468 2.09(d)
Year Ended 11/30/98 ......... (.07) (.03) (.97) 7.59 7.14 740,066 2.04(d)
Year Ended 11/30/97 ......... 0.00 0.00 (.97) 8.02 12.85 511,749 2.15(d)
Year Ended 11/30/96 ......... 0.00 (.22) (.97) 8.01 35.22 385,784 2.34(d)
Year Ended 11/30/95 ......... 0.00 (.97) (.97) 6.75 (3.59) 252,608 2.62(d)
Class B
12/1/99 to 5/31/00 .......... $0.00 $0.00 $ (.40) $ 7.31 5.50% $ 834,098 2.84%*(d)
Year Ended 11/30/99 ......... (.10) (.17) (.86) 7.31 7.79 1,011,395 2.78(d)
Year Ended 11/30/98 ......... (.06) (.03) (.90) 7.61 6.46 1,300,519 2.75(d)
Year Ended 11/30/97 ......... 0.00 0.00 (.90) 8.02 11.88 1,378,407 2.86(d)
Year Ended 11/30/96 ......... 0.00 (.21) (.90) 8.01 33.96 1,329,719 3.05(d)
Year Ended 11/30/95 ......... 0.00 (.90) (.90) 6.75 (4.63) 1,123,074 3.33(d)
Class C
12/1/99 to 5/31/00 .......... $0.00 $0.00 $ (.40) $ 7.31 5.50% $ 248,849 2.85%*(d)
Year Ended 11/30/99 ......... (.10) (.17) (.86) 7.31 7.79 258,696 2.78(d)
Year Ended 11/30/98 ......... (.05) (.03) (.90) 7.61 6.46 276,073 2.74(d)
Year Ended 11/30/97 ......... 0.00 0.00 (.90) 8.02 11.88 283,483 2.85(d)
Year Ended 11/30/96 ......... 0.00 (.21) (.90) 8.01 33.96 250,676 3.04(d)
Year Ended 11/30/95 ......... 0.00 (.90) (.90) 6.75 (4.63) 219,009 3.33(d)
Global Dollar Government
Class A
Year Ended 8/31/00 .......... $0.00 $(.03) $ (.78) $ 7.06 39.76% $ 66,075 1.76%(d)
Year Ended 8/31/99 .......... (.04) (.03) (.81) 5.69 29.40 50,540 1.59
Year Ended 8/31/98 .......... (.04) (.15) (2.29) 5.05 (38.56) 32,365 1.48
Year Ended 8/31/97 .......... 0.00 0.00 (2.10) 10.64 30.04 37,416 1.55
Year Ended 8/31/96 .......... 0.00 0.00 (.95) 10.01 38.47 23,253 1.65
Class B
Year Ended 8/31/00 .......... $0.00 $(.03) $ (.71) $ 7.14 38.41% $ 108,075 2.45%(d)
Year Ended 8/31/99 .......... (.03) (.03) (.74) 5.74 28.85 110,003 2.31
Year Ended 8/31/98 .......... (.04) (.14) (2.21) 5.05 (39.11) 79,660 2.22
Year Ended 8/31/97 .......... 0.00 0.00 (2.02) 10.64 29.14 93,377 2.26
Year Ended 8/31/96 .......... 0.00 0.00 (.87) 10.01 37.36 84,295 2.37
Class C
Year Ended 8/31/00 .......... $0.00 $(.03) $ (.71) $ 7.15 38.58% $ 48,960 2.45%(d)
Year Ended 8/31/99 .......... (.03) (.03) (.74) 5.74 28.85 39,024 2.30
Year Ended 8/31/98 .......... (.04) (.14) (2.21) 5.05 (39.09) 23,711 2.19
Year Ended 8/31/97 .......... 0.00 0.00 (2.03) 10.64 29.17 25,130 2.25
Year Ended 8/31/96 .......... 0.00 0.00 (.88) 10.01 37.40 14,511 2.35
Multi-Market Strategy
Class A
11/1/99 to 4/30/00 .......... $0.00 $0.00 $ (.21) $ 6.10 .31% $ 337,034 1.54%*(e)
Year Ended 10/31/99 ......... (.02) (.11) (.55) 6.29 2.95 396,867 1.44(e)
Year Ended 10/31/98 ......... (.42) (.07) (.93) 6.64 6.90 95,568 1.74(e)
Year Ended 10/31/97 ......... (.20) 0.00 (.67) 7.11 7.82 96,133 1.58(e)
Year Ended 10/31/96 ......... 0.00 0.00 (.67) 7.23 16.37 68,776 1.64(d)
Year Ended 10/31/95 ......... 0.00 (.67) (.67) 6.83 (6.47) 76,837 1.60(d)
Class B
11/1/99 to 4/30/00 .......... $0.00 $0.00 $ (.19) $ 6.12 (.19)% $ 14,431 2.31%*(e)
Year Ended 10/31/99 ......... (.02) (.10) (.48) 6.32 2.13 18,129 2.15(e)
Year Ended 10/31/98 ......... (.43) (.07) (.86) 6.66 6.24 7,217 2.41(e)
Year Ended 10/31/97 ......... (.18) 0.00 (.60) 7.11 6.90 29,949 2.29(e)
Year Ended 10/31/96 ......... 0.00 0.00 (.60) 7.23 15.35 88,427 2.35(d)
Year Ended 10/31/95 ......... 0.00 (.60) (.60) 6.83 (7.31) 116,551 2.29(d)
Class C
11/1/99 to 4/30/00 .......... $0.00 $0.00 $ (.19) $ 6.12 (.03)% $ 17,307 2.25%*(e)
Year Ended 10/31/99 ......... (.02) (.10) (.48) 6.31 2.13 19,076 2.15(e)
Year Ended 10/31/98 ......... (.42) (.04) (.87) 6.65 6.10 16,518 2.61(e)
Year Ended 10/31/97 ......... (.19) 0.00 (.61) 7.11 6.92 1,203 2.28(e)
Year Ended 10/31/96 ......... 0.00 0.00 (.61) 7.23 15.36 1,076 2.34(d)
Year Ended 10/31/95 ......... 0.00 (.61) (.61) 6.83 (7.29) 786 2.29(d)
Quality Bond
Class A
Year Ended 6/30/00 .......... $0.00 $0.00 $ (.54) $ 9.85 4.40% $ 5,071 .98%(c)
Class B
Year Ended 6/30/00 .......... $0.00 $0.00 $ (.48) $ 9.84 3.56% $ 1,007 1.68%(c)
Class C
Year Ended 6/30/00 .......... $0.00 $0.00 $ (.48) $ 9.83 3.47% $ 514 1.68%(c)
<CAPTION>
Ratio of Net
Investment
Income (Loss) Portfolio
To Average Turnover
Fiscal Year or Period Net Assets Rate
--------------------- ------------- ---------
<S> <C> <C>
North American Government Income
Class A
12/1/99 to 5/31/00 .......... 10.48%* 273%
Year Ended 11/30/99 ......... 11.72 158
Year Ended 11/30/98 ......... 11.17 175
Year Ended 11/30/97 ......... 12.78 118
Year Ended 11/30/96 ......... 14.82 166
Year Ended 11/30/95 ......... 18.09 180
Class B
12/1/99 to 5/31/00 .......... 9.81%* 273%
Year Ended 11/30/99 ......... 10.97 158
Year Ended 11/30/98 ......... 10.44 175
Year Ended 11/30/97 ......... 12.15 118
Year Ended 11/30/96 ......... 14.20 166
Year Ended 11/30/95 ......... 17.31 180
Class C
12/1/99 to 5/31/00 .......... 9.77%* 273%
Year Ended 11/30/99 ......... 10.98 158
Year Ended 11/30/98 ......... 10.45 175
Year Ended 11/30/97 ......... 12.14 118
Year Ended 11/30/96 ......... 14.22 166
Year Ended 11/30/95 ......... 17.32 180
Global Dollar Government
Class A
Year Ended 8/31/00 .......... 11.59% 173%
Year Ended 8/31/99 .......... 12.34 179
Year Ended 8/31/98 .......... 8.51 188
Year Ended 8/31/97 .......... 8.49 314
Year Ended 8/31/96 .......... 9.23 315
Class B
Year Ended 8/31/00 .......... 10.85% 173%
Year Ended 8/31/99 .......... 11.59 179
Year Ended 8/31/98 .......... 7.78 188
Year Ended 8/31/97 .......... 7.81 314
Year Ended 8/31/96 .......... 8.57 315
Class C
Year Ended 8/31/00 .......... 10.78% 173%
Year Ended 8/31/99 .......... 11.56 179
Year Ended 8/31/98 .......... 7.75 188
Year Ended 8/31/97 .......... 7.82 314
Year Ended 8/31/96 .......... 8.52 315
Multi-Market Strategy
Class A
11/1/99 to 4/30/00 .......... 6.25%* 91%
Year Ended 10/31/99 ......... 6.23 124
Year Ended 10/31/98 ......... 6.46 240
Year Ended 10/31/97 ......... 6.50 173
Year Ended 10/31/96 ......... 8.40 215
Year Ended 10/31/95 ......... 8.56 400
Class B
11/1/99 to 4/30/00 .......... 5.43%* 91%
Year Ended 10/31/99 ......... 5.46 124
Year Ended 10/31/98 ......... 5.64 240
Year Ended 10/31/97 ......... 5.79 173
Year Ended 10/31/96 ......... 7.69 215
Year Ended 10/31/95 ......... 7.53 400
Class C
11/1/99 to 4/30/00 .......... 5.51%* 91%
Year Ended 10/31/99 ......... 5.50 124
Year Ended 10/31/98 ......... 5.28 240
Year Ended 10/31/97 ......... 5.80 173
Year Ended 10/31/96 ......... 7.62 215
Year Ended 10/31/95 ......... 7.55 400
Quality Bond
Class A
Year Ended 6/30/00 .......... 5.96% 215%
Class B
Year Ended 6/30/00 .......... 5.32% 215%
Class C
Year Ended 6/30/00 .......... 5.35% 215%
</TABLE>
----------
Please refer to the footnotes on page 50.
49
<PAGE>
----------
+ Commencement of operations.
++ Commencement of distribution.
* Annualized.
(a) Total investment return is calculated assuming an initial investment made
at the net asset value at the beginning of the period, reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions at the net asset value during the period, and
a redemption on the last day of the period. Initial sales charge or
contingent deferred sales charge is not reflected in the calculation of
total investment return. Total investment returns calculated for periods
of less than one year are not annualized.
(b) If Alliance U.S. Government Fund had not borne interest expense, the ratio
of expenses to average net assets would have been 1.12% with respect to
Class A shares, 1.83% with respect to Class B shares, 1.83% with respect
to Class C shares. If Alliance Bond Fund Corporate Bond Portfolio had not
borne interest expense, the ratio of expenses (net of interest expense) to
average net assets would have been with respect to Class A shares, 1.11%
for 2000; with respect to Class C shares, 1.82% for 2000.
(c) Net of expenses assumed and/or waived/reimbursed. If Alliance High Yield
had borne all expenses for the respective periods April 22, 1997 to August
31, 1997 and the fiscal year ended August 31, 1998, the expense ratios
would have been with respect to Class A shares, 3.11% (annualized) and
1.46%, respectively; with respect to Class B shares, 3.85% (annualized)
and 2.16%, respectively; and with respect to Class C shares, 3.84%
(annualized) and 2.16%, respectively. If Alliance Global Strategic Income
had borne all expenses for the respective periods January 9, 1996 to
October 31, 1996, its fiscal year ended 1997, its fiscal year ended in
1998, the expense ratio would have been with respect to Class A shares,
19.20% (annualized), 4.06%, and 2.08%, respectively; with respect to Class
B shares, 19.57% (annualized), 4.76%, and 2.76% respectively; and with
respect to Class C shares, 19.49% (annualized), 4.77%, and 2.77%
respectively. If Quality Bond had borne all expenses for the fiscal
year ended June 30, 2000, the expense ratios would have been with
respect to Class A shares, 13.10%, with respect to Class B shares,
11.29%, and with respect to Class C shares, 11.75%.
(d) Includes interest expenses.If Alliance North American Government Income
had not borne interest expenses, the ratio of expenses (net of interest
expenses) to average net assets would have been with respect to Class A
shares, 1.51% for 1995, 1.41% for 1996, 1.38% for 1997, 1.36% for 1998,
1.38% for 1999 and 2.31% (annualized) for 2000; with respect to Class B
shares, 2.22% for 1995, 2.12% for 1996, 2.09% for 1997, 2.07% for 1998,
2.08% for 1999 and 1.99% (annualized) for 2000; and with respect to Class
C shares, 2.21% for 1995, 2.12% for 1996, 2.08% for 1997, 2.06% for 1998,
2.08% for 1999 and 2.00% (annualized) for 2000. If Alliance Global Dollar
Government had not borne interest expense, the ratio of expenses (net of
interest expenses) to average net assets would have been with respect to
Class A shares, 1.51% for 2000; with respect to Class B shares, 2.21% for
2000; and with respect to Class C shares, 2.20% for 2000. If Alliance
Multi-Market Strategy had not borne interest expenses or loan fees, the
ratio of expenses to average net assets would have been with respect to
Class A shares, 1.55% for 1995, and 1.60% for 1996; with respect to Class
B shares, 2.22% for 1995, and 2.31% for 1996; with respect to Class C
shares, 2.24% for 1995, and 2.30% for 1996.
(e) Amounts do not reflect the impact of expense offset arrangement with the
transfer agent. Taking into account such expense offset arrangements, the
ratio of expenses to average net assets, for Alliance Multi-Market
Strategy would have been with respect to Class A shares 1.57% for 1997,
1.73% for 1998, 1.42% for 1999 and 1.53% (annualized) for 2000, with
respect to Class B shares 2.28% for 1997, 2.40% for 1998, 2.14% for 1999
and 2.29% (annualized) for 2000 and with respect to Class C shares 2.27%
for 1997, 2.60% for 1998, 2.14% for 1999 and 2.24% (annualized) for 2000.
(f) Based on average shares outstanding.
(g) Net of expenses waived/reimbursed by the Adviser.
50
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<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPENDIX A
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BOND RATINGS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MOODY'S INVESTORS SERVICE, INC.
Aaa -- Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally
stable margin and principal is secure. While the various protective elements
are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to
impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.
Aa -- Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known
as high grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins
of protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of
protective elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements
present which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than the Aaa
securities.
A -- Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes and
are to be considered as upper-medium-grade obligations. Factors giving
security to principal and interest are considered adequate but elements may be
present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment some time in the future.
Baa -- Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium-grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment characteristics and in
fact have speculative characteristics as well.
Ba -- Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements; their
future cannot be considered as well-assured. Often the protection of interest
and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well safeguarded
during both good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of position
characterizes bonds in this class.
B -- Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.
Caa -- Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing. Such issues may be in
default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to principal
or interest.
Ca -- Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are speculative in a
high degree. Such issues are often in default or have other marked
shortcomings.
C -- Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds and issues so
rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining any
real investment standing.
Absence of Rating -- When no rating has been assigned or where a rating has been
suspended or withdrawn, it may be for reasons unrelated to the quality of the
issue.
Should no rating be assigned, the reason may be one of the following:
1. An application for rating was not received or accepted.
2. The issue or issuer belongs to a group of securities or companies that are
unrated as a matter of policy.
3. There is a lack of essential data pertaining to the issue or issuer.
4. The issue was privately placed, in which case the rating is not published
in Moody's publications.
Suspension or withdrawal may occur if new and material circumstances arise, the
effects of which preclude satisfactory analysis; if there is no longer available
reasonable up-to-date data to permit a judgment to be formed; if a bond is
called for redemption; or for other reasons.
Note -- Moody's applies numerical modifiers, 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating
classification from Aa through B in its corporate bond rating system. The
modifier 1 indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its generic
rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range ranking; and the modifier
3 indicates that the issue ranks in the lower end of its generic rating
category.
STANDARD & Poor's RATINGS SERVICES
AAA -- Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay
interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
AA -- Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.
A -- Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.
BBB -- Debt rated BBB normally exhibits adequate protection parameters. However,
adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely to lead
to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for debt in this
category than in higher rated categories.
BB,B, CCC, CC, C -- Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC or C is regarded as having
significant speculative characteristics. BB indicates the lowest degree of
speculation and C the highest. While such debt will likely have some quality
and
52
<PAGE>
protective characteristics, these are outweighed by large uncertainties or
major exposures to adverse conditions.
BB -- Debt rated BB is less vulnerable to nonpayment than other speculative
debt. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse
business, financial or economic conditions which could lead to an inadequate
capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
B -- Debt rated B is more vulnerable to nonpayment than debt rated BB, but there
is capacity to pay interest and repay principal. Adverse business, financial
or economic conditions will likely impair the capacity or willingness to pay
principal or repay interest.
CCC -- Debt rated CCC is currently vulnerable to nonpayment, and is dependent
upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions to pay interest and
repay principal. In the event of adverse business, financial or economic
conditions, there is not likely to be capacity to pay interest or repay
principal.
CC -- Debt rated CC is currently highly vulnerable to nonpayment.
C -- The C rating may be used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition
has been filed or similar action has been taken, but payments are being
continued.
D -- The D rating, unlike other ratings, is not prospective; rather, it is used
only where a default has actually occurred.
Plus (+) or Minus (-) -- The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.
NR -- Not rated.
DUFF & PHELPS CREDIT RATING CO.
AAA -- Highest credit quality. The risk factors are negligible, being only
slightly more than for risk-free U.S. Treasury debt.
AA+, AA, AA- -- High credit quality. Protection factors are strong. Risk is
modest but may vary slightly from time to time because of economic conditions.
A+, A, A- -- Protection factors are average but adequate. However, risk factors
are more variable and greater in periods of economic stress.
BBB+, BBB, BBB- -- Below average protection factors but still considered
sufficient for prudent investment. Considerable variability in risk during
economic cycles.
BB+, BB, BB- -- Below investment grade but deemed likely to meet obligations
when due. Present or prospective financial protection factors fluctuate
according to industry conditions or company fortunes. Overall quality may move
up or down frequently within this category.
B+, B, B- -- Below investment grade and possessing risk that obligations will
not be met when due. Financial protection factors will fluctuate widely
according to economic cycles, industry conditions and/or company fortunes.
Potential exists for frequent changes in the rating within this category or
into a higher or lower rating grade.
CCC -- Well below investment grade securities. Considerable uncertainty exists
as to timely payment of principal, interest or preferred dividends. Protection
factors are narrow and risk can be substantial with unfavorable
economic/industry conditions, and/or with unfavorable company developments.
DD -- Defaulted debt obligations. Issuer failed to meet scheduled principal
and/or interest payments.
DP -- Preferred stock with dividend arrearages.
FITCH IBCA, INC.
AAA -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of the highest credit
quality. The obligor has an exceptionally strong ability to pay interest and
repay principal, which is unlikely to be affected by reasonably foreseeable
events.
AA -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of very high credit quality.
The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is very strong,
although not quite as strong as bonds rated AAA. Because bonds rated in the
AAA and AA categories are not significantly vulnerable to foreseeable future
developments, short-term debt of these issuers is generally rated F- 1+.
A -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of high credit quality. The
obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is considered to be
strong, but may be more vulnerable to adverse changes in economic conditions
and circumstances than bonds with higher ratings.
BBB -- Bonds considered to be investment grade and of satisfactory credit
quality. The obligor's ability to pay interest and repay principal is
considered to be adequate. Adverse changes in economic conditions and
circumstances, however, are more likely to have adverse impact on these bonds,
and therefore impair timely payment. The likelihood that the ratings of these
bonds will fall below investment grade is higher than for bonds with higher
ratings.
BB -- Bonds are considered speculative. The obligor's ability to pay interest
and repay principal may be affected over time by adverse economic changes.
However, business and financial alternatives can be identified which could
assist the obligor in satisfying its debt service requirements.
B -- Bonds are considered highly speculative. While bonds in this class are
currently meeting debt service requirements, the probability of continued
timely payment of principal and interest reflects the obligor's limited margin
of safety and the need for reasonable business and economic activity
throughout the life of the issue.
53
<PAGE>
CCC -- Bonds have certain identifiable characteristics which, if not remedied,
may lead to default. The ability to meet obligations requires an advantageous
business and economic environment.
CC -- Bonds are minimally protected. Default in payment of interest and/or
principal seems probable over time.
C -- Bonds are in imminent default in payment of interest or principal.
DDD, DD, D -- Bonds are in default on interest and/or principal payments. Such
bonds are extremely speculative and should be valued on the basis of their
ultimate recovery value in liquidation or reorganization of the obligor. DDD
represents the highest potential for recovery on these bonds, and D represents
the lowest potential for recovery.
Plus (+) Minus (-) -- Plus and minus signs are used with a rating symbol to
indicate the relative position of a credit within the rating category. Plus and
minus signs, however, are not used in the AAA, DDD, DD or D categories.
NR -- Indicates that Fitch does not rate the specific issue.
54
<PAGE>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
APPENDIX B
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL INFORMATION
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT CANADA, MEXICO
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AND ARGENTINA
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT CANADA
Canada consists of a federation of ten Provinces and three federal territories
(which generally fall under federal authority) with a constitutional division of
powers between the federal and Provincial governments. The Parliament of Canada
has jurisdiction over all areas not assigned exclusively to the Provincial
legislatures, and has jurisdiction over such matters as the federal public debt
and property, the regulation of trade and commerce, currency and coinage, banks
and banking, national defense, the postal services, navigation and shipping and
unemployment insurance.
The Canadian economy is based on the free enterprise system, with business
organizations ranging from small owner-operated businesses to large
multinational corporations. Manufacturing and resource industries are large
contributors to the country's economic output, but as in many other highly
developed countries, there has been a gradual shift from a largely
goods-producing economy to a predominantly service-based one. Agriculture and
other primary production play a small but key role in the economy. Canada is
also an exporter of energy to the United States in the form of natural gas (of
which Canada has substantial reserves) and hydroelectric power, and has
significant mineral resources.
Canadian Dollars are fully exchangeable into U.S. Dollars without foreign
exchange controls or other legal restriction. Since the major developed-country
currencies were permitted to float freely against one another, the range of
fluctuation in the Canadian Dollar-U.S. Dollar exchange rate generally has been
narrower than the range of fluctuation between the U.S. Dollar and most other
major currencies. Since 1991, Canada generally has experienced a weakening of
its currency. The Canadian Dollar reached an all-time low of 1.5770 Canadian
Dollars per U.S. Dollar on August 27, 1998. On October 16, 2000, the Canadian
Dollar-U.S. Dollar exchange rate was 1.5189. The range of fluctuation that has
occurred in the past is not necessarily indicative of the range of fluctuation
that will occur in the future. Future rates of exchange cannot be accurately
predicted.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE UNITED MEXICAN STATES
The United Mexican States ("Mexico") is a nation formed by 31 states and a
Federal District (Mexico City). The Political Constitution of Mexico, which took
effect on May 1, 1917, established Mexico as a Federal Republic and provides for
the separation of executive, legislative and judicial branches. The President
and the members of the General Congress are elected by popular vote.
Prior to 1994, when Mexico experienced an economic crisis that led to the
devaluation of the Peso in December 1994, the Mexican economy experienced
improvement in a number of areas, including growth in gross domestic product and
a substantial reduction in the rate of inflation and in the public sector
financial deficit. Much of the past improvement in the Mexican economy was due
to a series of economic policy initiatives intended to modernize and reform the
Mexican economy, control inflation, reduce the financial deficit, increase
public revenues through the reform of the tax system, establish a competitive
and stable currency exchange rate, liberalize trade restrictions and increase
investment and productivity, while reducing the government's role in the
economy. In this regard, the Mexican government launched a program for
privatizing certain state owned enterprises, developing and modernizing the
securities markets, increasing investment in the private sector and permitting
increased levels of foreign investment.
In 1994, Mexico faced internal and external conditions that resulted in an
economic crisis that continues to affect the Mexican economy adversely. Growing
trade and current account deficits, which could no longer be financed by inflows
of foreign capital, were factors contributing to the crisis. A weakening economy
and unsettling political and social developments caused investors to lose
confidence in the Mexican economy. This resulted in a large decline in foreign
reserves followed by a sharp and rapid devaluation of the Mexican Peso. The
ensuing economic and financial crisis resulted in higher inflation and domestic
interest rates, a contraction in real gross domestic product and a liquidity
crisis.
In response to the adverse economic conditions that developed at the end of
1994, the Mexican government instituted a new economic program; and the
government and the business and labor sectors of the economy entered into a new
accord in an effort to stabilize the economy and the financial markets. To help
relieve Mexico's liquidity crisis and restore financial stability to Mexico's
economy, the Mexican government also obtained financial assistance from the
United States, other countries and certain international agencies conditioned
upon the implementation and continuation of the economic reform program.
In October 1995, and again in October 1996, the Mexican government announced new
accords designed to encourage economic growth and reduce inflation. While it
cannot be accurately predicted whether these accords will continue to achieve
their objectives, the Mexican economy has stabilized since the economic crisis
of 1994, and the high inflation and high interest rates that continued to be a
factor after 1994 have subsided as well. After declining for five consecutive
quarters beginning with the first quarter of 1995, Mexico's gross domestic
product began to grow in the second quarter of 1996. That growth has been
55
<PAGE>
sustained, resulting in increases of 5.2%, 6.8%, 4.8% and 3.7% in 1996, 1997,
1998 and 1999, respectively. During the first and second quarters of 2000,
the gross domestic product grew by an estimated 7.9% and 7.6%, respectively.
In addition, inflation dropped from a 52% annual rate in 1995 to a 12.3% annual
rate in 1999. Inflation has continued to decline in 2000, reaching a 9.1% annual
rate in August 2000. Mexico's economy is influenced by international economic
conditions, particularly those in the United States, and by world prices for
oil and other commodities. The recovery of the economy will require continued
economic and fiscal discipline as well as stable political and social
conditions. In addition, there is no assurance that Mexico's economic policy
initiatives will be successful or that the new President, who is scheduled to
take office on December 1, 2000, and succeeding administrations will continue
these initiatives.
Under economic policy initiatives implemented on and after December 1987, the
Mexican government introduced a series of schedules allowing for the gradual
devaluation of the Mexican Peso against the U.S. Dollar. These gradual
devaluations continued until December 1994. On December 22, 1994, the Mexican
government announced that it would permit the Peso to float freely against other
currencies, resulting in a precipitous decline against the U.S. Dollar. By
December 31, 1996, the Peso-Dollar exchange rate had decreased approximately 40%
from that on December 22, 1994. After dropping approximately 55% from 1994
through 1996, from 1997 through 1999 the Peso-Dollar exchange rate decreased
approximately 20%. During the first nine months of 2000 there has been
relatively little change in the Peso-Dollar exchange rate.
Mexico has in the past imposed strict foreign exchange controls. There is no
assurance that future regulatory actions in Mexico would not affect the Fund's
ability to obtain U.S. Dollars in exchange for Mexican Pesos.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE REPUBLIC OF ARGENTINA
The Republic of Argentina ("Argentina") consists of 23 provinces and the federal
capital of Buenos Aires. Its federal constitution provides for an executive
branch headed by a President, a legislative branch and a judicial branch. Each
province has its own constitution, and elects its own governor, legislators and
judges, without the intervention of the federal government.
Shortly after taking office in 1989, the country's then President adopted
market-oriented and reformist policies, including an aggressive privatization
program, a reduction in the size of the public sector and an opening of the
economy to international competition.
In the decade prior to the announcement of a new economic plan in March 1991,
the Argentine economy was characterized by low and erratic growth, declining
investment rates and rapidly worsening inflation. Despite its strengths, which
include a well-balanced natural resource base and a high literacy rate, the
Argentine economy failed to respond to a series of economic plans in the 1980's.
The 1991 economic plan represented a pronounced departure from its predecessors
in calling for raising revenues, cutting expenditures and reducing the public
deficit. The extensive privatization program commenced in 1989 was accelerated,
the domestic economy deregulated and opened up to foreign trade and the
framework for foreign investment reformed. As a result of the economic
stabilization reforms, inflation was brought under control and gross domestic
product increased each year between 1991 and 1998, with the exception of
1995. During 1999, however, gross domestic product contracted by 3.1%. The
recent slowdown of economic activity, which has been attributed to external
economic conditions as well as internal political uncertainties and is not
expected to persist, has fostered a deflationary process, evidenced by the 1.2%
decrease in the consumer price index during 1999. Significant progress
was also made between 1991 and 1994 in rescheduling Argentina's debt with both
external and domestic creditors, which improved fiscal cash flows in the medium
term and allowed a return to voluntary credit markets. There is no assurance
that Argentina's economic policy initiatives will be successful or that the
current President, who took office on December 10, 1999, and succeeding
administrations will continue these initiatives.
In 1995 economic policy was directed toward the effects of the Mexican currency
crisis. The Mexican currency crisis led to a run on Argentine bank deposits,
which was brought under control by a series of measures designed to strengthen
the financial system. The measures included the "dollarization" of banking
reserves, the establishment of two trust funds and strengthening bank reserve
requirements.
In 1991 the Argentine government enacted currency reforms, which required the
domestic currency to be fully backed by international reserves, in an effort to
make the Argentine Peso fully convertible into the U.S. Dollar at a rate of one
to one.
The Argentine Peso has been the Argentine currency since January 1, 1992. Since
that date, the rate of exchange from the Argentine Peso to the U.S. Dollar has
remained approximately one to one. The fixed exchange rate has been instrumental
in stabilizing the economy, but has not reduced pressures from high rates of
unemployment. It is not clear that the government will be able to resist
pressure to devalue the currency. However, the historic range is not necessarily
indicative of fluctuations that may occur in the exchange rate over time and
future rates of exchange cannot be accurately predicted. The Argentine foreign
exchange market was highly controlled until December 1989, when a free exchange
rate was established for all foreign currency transactions. Argentina has
eliminated restrictions on foreign direct investment and capital repatriation.
In 1993, legislation was adopted abolishing previous requirements of a
three-year waiting period for capital repatriation. Under the legislation,
foreign investors are permitted to remit profits at any time.
56
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<PAGE>
For more information about the Funds, the following documents are available upon
request:
Annual/Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders
The Funds' annual and semi-annual reports to shareholders contain additional
information on the Funds' investments. In the annual report, you will find a
discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies that significantly
affected a Fund's performance during its last fiscal year.
Statement of Additional Information (SAI)
Each Fund has an SAI, which contains more detailed information about the Fund,
including its operations and investment policies. The Funds' SAIs are
incorporated by reference into (and is legally part of) this Prospectus.
You may request a free copy of the current annual/semi-annual report or the SAI,
or make inquiries concerning the Funds, by contacting your broker or other
financial intermediary, or by contacting Alliance:
By mail: c/o Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 1520
Secaucus, NJ 07096-1520
By phone: For Information: (800) 221-5672
For Literature: (800) 227-4618
Or you may view or obtain these documents from the Commission:
o Call the Commision at 1-202-942-8090 for information on the operation of
the Public Reference Room.
o Reports and other information about the Fund are available on the EDGAR
Database on the Commission's Internet site at http://www.sec.gov
o Copies of the information may be obtained, after paying a duplicating fee,
by electronic request at [email protected], or by writing the
Commission's Public Reference Section, Wash. DC 20549-0102
On the Internet: www.sec.gov
You also may find more information about Alliance and the Funds on the Internet
at: www.Alliancecapital.com.
Fund SEC File No.
U.S. Government 811-02383
Quality Bond 811-02383
Corporate Bond 811-02383
High Yield 811-9160
Global Strategic Income 811-07391
North American Government Income 811-06554
Global Dollar Government 811-08188
Multi-Market Strategy 811-06251
58
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<PAGE>
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<PAGE>
<PAGE>
The Registrant's Advisor Class Prospectus is incorporated herein
by reference to Part A of the Amendment to the Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form N1-A filed with the Commission on
February 28, 1997.
<PAGE>
[LOGO] ALLIANCE NORTH AMERICAN
GOVERNMENT INCOME TRUST, INC.
_________________________________________________________________
c/o Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
Box 1520, Secaucus, New Jersey 07096-1520
Toll Free (800) 221-5672
For Literature: Toll Free (800) 227-4618
_________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
March 1, 2000
(as amended November 1, 2000)
_________________________________________________________________
This Statement of Additional Information is not a prospectus
but supplements and should be read in conjunction with the
Prospectus, dated November 1, 2000, for Alliance North American
Government Income Trust, Inc. (the "Fund") that offers Class A,
Class B and Class C shares of the Fund, and if the Fund begins to
offer Advisor Class shares, the Prospectus that offers the
Advisor Class shares of the Fund (the "Advisor Class Prospectus"
and, together with any Prospectus that offers the Class A,
Class B and Class C shares, the "Prospectus(es)"). The Fund
currently does not offer Advisor Class Shares. Copies of the
Prospectus(es) of the Fund may be obtained by contacting Alliance
Fund Services, Inc. at the address or the "For Literature"
telephone number shown above.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
Description of the Fund...............................
Additional Information About Canada, the United
Mexican States and the Republic of Argentina........
Management of the Fund................................
Expenses of the Fund..................................
Purchase of Shares....................................
Redemption and Repurchase of Shares...................
Shareholder Services..................................
Net Asset Value.......................................
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes....................
Portfolio Transactions................................
General Information...................................
Report of Independent Auditors and Financial
Statements..........................................
Appendix A (Bond Ratings)............................. A-1
Appendix B (Obligations of U.S. Government
Agencies or Instrumentalities)...................... B-1
<PAGE>
Appendix C (Futures Contracts and Options on
Futures Contracts and Foreign Currencies)........... C-1
Appendix D (Certain Employee Benefit Plans)........... D-1
__________
(R): This registered service mark used under license from the
owner, Alliance Capital Management L.P.
<PAGE>
_________________________________________________________________
DESCRIPTION OF THE FUND
_________________________________________________________________
Alliance North American Government Income Trust, Inc.
(the "Fund") is a non-diversified, open-end investment company.
Except as otherwise indicated, the investment policies of the
Fund are not designated "fundamental policies" and may,
therefore, be changed by the Fund's Board of Directors without a
shareholder vote. However, the Fund will not change its
investment policies without contemporaneous written notice to its
shareholders. The Fund's investment objective may not be changed
without shareholder approval. There can be, of course, no
assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective.
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund seeks the highest level of current income,
consistent with what Alliance Capital Management L.P., the Fund's
investment adviser (the "Adviser"), considers to be prudent
investment risk, that is available from a portfolio of debt
securities issued or guaranteed by the governments of the United
States, Canada and Mexico, their political subdivisions
(including Canadian Provinces but excluding States of the United
States), agencies, instrumentalities or authorities ("Government
Securities"). The Fund seeks high current yields by investing in
Government Securities denominated in the U.S. Dollar, the
Canadian Dollar and the Mexican Peso (including the Mexican New
Peso). Normally, the Fund expects to maintain at least 25% of
its assets in securities denominated in the U.S. Dollar. The
Fund is permitted to utilize certain other investment techniques,
including options and futures.
The Adviser believes that the increasingly integrated
economic relationship among the United States, Canada and Mexico,
characterized by the reduction and projected elimination of most
barriers to free trade among the three nations and the growing
coordination of their fiscal and monetary policies, will over the
long term benefit the economic performance of all three countries
and promote greater correlation of currency fluctuation among the
U.S. and Canadian Dollars and the Mexican Peso notwithstanding
the recent economic crisis and Peso devaluation in Mexico. See
"Additional Information About Canada, the United Mexican States
and the Republic of Argentina--Additional Information about the
United Mexican States."
2
<PAGE>
HOW THE FUND PURSUES ITS OBJECTIVE
The Fund may invest its assets in Government Securities
considered investment grade or higher (i.e., securities rated at
least BBB by Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P"), Duff &
Phelps Credit Rating Co. ("Duff & Phelps") or Fitch IBCA, Inc.
("Fitch") or at least Baa by Moody's Investors Service, Inc.
("Moody's") or, if not so rated, of equivalent investment quality
as determined by the Adviser.
See "Additional Investment Considerations--Securities
Ratings," below. For a description of bond ratings, see
Appendix A.
The Adviser will actively manage the Fund's assets in
relation to market conditions and general economic conditions in
the United States, Canada and Mexico and elsewhere, and will
adjust the Fund's investments in Government Securities based on
its perception of which Government Securities will best enable
the Fund to achieve its investment objective of seeking the
highest level of current income, consistent with what the Adviser
considers to be a prudent investment risk. In this regard,
subject to the limitations described above, the percentage of
assets invested in a particular country or denominated in a
particular currency will vary in accordance with the Adviser's
assessment of the relative yield and appreciation potential of
such securities and the relationship of the country's currency to
the U.S. Dollar.
The Fund will invest at least, and normally
substantially more than, 65% of its total assets in Government
Securities. To the extent that its assets are not invested in
Government Securities, however, the Fund may invest the balance
of its total assets in debt securities issued by the governments
of countries located in Central and South America or any of their
political subdivisions, agencies, instrumentalities or
authorities, provided that such securities are denominated in
their local currencies and are rated investment grade or, if not
so rated, are of equivalent investment quality as determined by
the Adviser. The Fund will not invest more than 10% of its total
assets in debt securities issued by the governmental entities of
any one such country, except that the Fund may invest up to 25%
of its total assets in debt securities issued by governmental
entities of Argentina ("Argentine Government Securities"). Under
normal market conditions, the Fund will invest at least 65% of
its total assets in income-producing securities (including zero
coupon securities and other discount obligations).
The following investment policies and restrictions
supplement, and should be read in conjunction with, the
information set forth in the Fund's Prospectus under the heading
3
<PAGE>
"Description of the Fund." The Fund's investment policies are
not designated "fundamental policies" within the meaning of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act") and may be
changed by the Fund's Board of Directors without shareholder
approval. However, the Fund will not change its investment
policies without contemporaneous written notice to shareholders.
U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Securities issued or
guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or
instrumentalities include: (i) U.S. Treasury obligations, which
differ only in their interest rates, maturities and times of
issuance: U.S. Treasury bills (maturity of one year or less),
U.S. Treasury notes (maturities of one to 10 years), and U.S.
Treasury bonds (generally maturities of greater than 10 years),
all of which are backed by the full faith and credit of the
United States, and (ii) obligations issued or guaranteed by U.S.
Government agencies or instrumentalities, including government
guaranteed mortgage-related securities. Some such obligations
are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury,
e.g., direct pass-through certificates of the Government National
Mortgage Association ("GNMA"); some are supported by the right of
the issuer to borrow from the U.S. Government, e.g., obligations
of Federal Home Loan Banks; and some are backed only by the
credit of the issuer itself, e.g., obligations of the Student
Loan Marketing Association.
U.S. Government Securities do not generally involve the
credit risks associated with other types of interest bearing
securities, although, as a result, the yields available from U.S.
Government Securities are generally lower than the yields
available from other interest bearing securities. Like other
fixed-income securities, however, the values of U.S. Government
Securities change as interest rates fluctuate.
Guarantees of securities by the U.S. Government or its
agencies or instrumentalities guarantee only the payment of
principal and interest on the securities, and do not guarantee
the securities' yield or value or the yield or value of the
shares of the Fund that holds the securities.
U.S. Government securities are considered among the
safest of fixed-income investments. As a result, however, their
yields are generally lower than the yields available from other
fixed-income securities.
See Appendix B for a general description of obligations
issued or guaranteed by U.S. Government agencies or
instrumentalities.
U.S. GOVERNMENT GUARANTEED MORTGAGE-RELATED SECURITIES--
GENERAL. Mortgages backing the U.S. Government guaranteed
4
<PAGE>
mortgage-related securities purchased by the Fund include, among
others, conventional thirty-year fixed-rate mortgages, graduated
payment mortgages, fifteen year mortgages and adjustable rate
mortgages. All of these mortgages can be used to create pass-
through securities. A pass-through security is formed when
mortgages are pooled together and undivided interests in the pool
or pools are sold. The cash flow from the mortgages is passed
through to the holders of the securities in the form of periodic
payments of interest, principal and prepayments (net of a service
fee). Prepayments occur when the holder of an individual
mortgage prepays the remaining principal before the mortgage's
scheduled maturity date. As a result of the pass-through of
prepayments of principal on the underlying securities, mortgage-
backed securities are often subject to more rapid prepayment of
principal than their stated maturity would indicate. Because the
prepayment characteristics of the underlying mortgages vary, it
is not possible to predict accurately the realized yield or
average life of a particular issue of pass-through certificates.
Prepayment rates are important because of their effect on the
yield and price of the securities. Accelerated prepayments
adversely impact yields for pass-throughs purchased at a premium
(i.e., a price in excess of principal amount) and may involve
additional risk of loss of principal because the premium may not
have been fully amortized at the time the obligation is repaid.
The opposite is true for pass-throughs purchased at a discount.
The Fund may purchase mortgage-related securities at a premium or
at a discount. Principal and interest payments on the mortgage-
related securities are government guaranteed to the extent
described below. Such guarantees do not extend to the value or
yield of the mortgage-related securities themselves or of the
Fund's shares of common stock.
GNMA CERTIFICATES. Certificates of the Government
National Mortgage Association ("GNMA Certificates") are mortgage-
backed securities, which evidence an undivided interest in a pool
or pools of mortgages. GNMA certificates that the Fund purchases
are the "modified pass-through" type, which entitle the holder to
receive timely payment of all interest and principal payments due
on the mortgage pool, net of fees paid to the "issuer" and GNMA,
regardless of whether or not the mortgagor actually makes the
payment.
The National Housing Act authorizes GNMA to guarantee
the timely payment of principal and interest on securities backed
by a pool of mortgages insured by the Federal Housing
Administration ("FHA") or guaranteed by the Veterans
Administration ("VA"). The GNMA guarantee is backed by the full
faith and credit of the United States. The GNMA is also
empowered to borrow without limitation from the U.S. Treasury if
necessary to make any payments required under its guarantee.
5
<PAGE>
The average life of a GNMA Certificate is likely to be
substantially shorter than the original maturity of the mortgages
underlying the securities. Prepayments of principal by
mortgagors and mortgage foreclosures will usually result in the
return of the greater part of principal investment long before
the maturity of the mortgages in the pool. Foreclosures impose
no risk to principal investment because of the GNMA guarantee,
except to the extent that the Fund has purchased the certificates
above par in the secondary market.
FHLMC SECURITIES. The Federal Home Loan Mortgage
Corporation ("FHLMC") was created in 1970 through enactment of
Title III of the Emergency Home Finance Act of 1970. Its purpose
is to promote development of a nationwide secondary market in
conventional residential mortgages.
FHLMC issues two types of mortgage pass-through
securities ("FHLMC Certificates"), mortgage participation
certificates ("PCs") and guaranteed mortgage certificates
("GMCs"). PCs resemble GNMA Certificates in that each PC
represents a pro-rata share of all interest and principal
payments made and owed on the underlying pool. FHLMC guarantees
timely monthly payment of interest on PCs and the ultimate
payment of principal.
GMCs also represent a pro-rata interest in a pool of
mortgages. However, these instruments pay interest semi-annually
and return principal once a year in guaranteed minimum payments.
The expected average life of these securities is approximately
ten years. The FHLMC guarantee is not backed by the full faith
and credit of the United States.
FNMA SECURITIES. The Federal National Mortgage
Association ("FNMA") was established in 1938 to create a
secondary market in mortgages insured by the FHA.
FNMA issues guaranteed mortgage pass-through
certificates ("FNMA Certificates"). FNMA Certificates resemble
GNMA Certificates in that each FNMA Certificate represents a
pro-rata share of all interest and principal payments made and
owed on the underlying pool. FNMA guarantees timely payment of
interest and principal on FNMA Certificates. The FNMA guarantee
is not backed by the full faith and credit of the United States.
ZERO COUPON TREASURY SECURITIES. U.S. Government
Securities in which the Fund may invest also include "zero
coupon" Treasury securities, which are U.S. Treasury bills which
are issued without interest coupons, U.S. Treasury notes and
bonds which have been stripped of their unmatured interest
coupons, and receipts or certificates representing interests in
such stripped debt obligations and coupons. A zero coupon
6
<PAGE>
security pays no interest to its holder during its life. Its
value to an investor consists of the difference between its face
value at the time of maturity and the price for which it was
acquired, which is generally an amount significantly less than
its face value. Accordingly, such securities usually trade at a
deep discount from their face or par value and will be subject to
greater fluctuations of market value in response to changing
interest rates than debt obligations of comparable maturities
which make current distributions of interest. On the other hand,
because there are no periodic interest payments to be reinvested
prior to maturity, zero coupon securities eliminate reinvestment
risk and lock in a rate of return to maturity.
Current federal tax law requires that a holder (such as
the Fund) of a zero coupon security accrue a portion of the
discount at which the security was purchased as income each year
even though the Fund receives no interest payment in cash on the
security during the year. For a discussion of the tax treatment
of "zero coupon" Treasury securities see "Taxation--Zero Coupon
Securities." Currently the only U.S. Treasury security issued
without coupons is the Treasury bill. Although the U.S. Treasury
does not itself issue Treasury notes and bonds without coupons,
under the U.S. Treasury STRIPS program interest and principal
payments on certain long-term treasury securities may be
maintained separately in the Federal Reserve book entry system
and may be separately traded and owned. In addition, in the last
few years a number of banks and brokerage firms have separated
("stripped") the principal portions ("corpus") from the coupon
portions of the U.S. Treasury bonds and notes and sold them
separately in the form of receipts or certificates representing
undivided interests in these instruments (which instruments are
generally held by a bank in a custodial or trust account).
Established trading markets have not yet developed for these
securities and, accordingly, these securities may be illiquid.
The staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") has indicated that, in its view, these receipts or
certificates should be considered as securities issued by the
bank or brokerage firm involved and, therefore, should not be
included in the Fund's categorization of U.S. Government
Securities. The Fund disagrees with the staff's interpretation
but has undertaken that it will not invest in such securities
until final resolution of the issue. If such securities are
deemed to be U.S. Government Securities the Fund will not be
subject to any limitations on their purchase.
CANADIAN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Canadian Government
Securities include the sovereign debt of Canada or any of its
Provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick,
Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec
and Saskatchewan). Canadian Government Securities in which the
Fund may invest include government of Canada bonds and government
7
<PAGE>
of Canada Treasury bills. The Bank of Canada, acting on behalf
of the federal government, is responsible for the distribution of
these bonds and Treasury bills. The Bank of Canada offers new
issues, as approved by the Government, to specific investment
dealers and banks. Government of Canada Treasury bills are debt
obligations with maturities of less than one year. A new issue
of Government of Canada bonds frequently consists of several
different bonds with various maturity dates representing
different segments of the yield curve with maturities ranging
from one to 25 years. The Bank of Canada usually purchases a
pre-determined amount of each issue.
All Canadian Provinces have outstanding bond issues and
several Provinces also guarantee bond issues of Provincial
authorities, agents and Crown corporations. Each new issue yield
is based upon a spread from an outstanding Government of Canada
issue of comparable term and coupon. Spreads in the marketplace
are determined by various factors, including the relative supply
and the rating assigned by the rating agencies.
Many Canadian municipalities, municipal financial
authorities and Crown corporations raise funds through the bond
market in order to finance capital expenditures. Unlike U.S.
municipal securities, which have special tax status, Canadian
municipal securities have the same tax status as other Canadian
Government Securities and trade similarly to such securities.
The Canadian municipal market may be less liquid than the
Provincial bond market.
Canadian Government Securities in which the Fund may
invest include a modified pass-through vehicle issued pursuant to
the program (the "NHA MBS Program") established under the
National Housing Act of Canada ("NHA"). Certificates issued
pursuant to the NHA MBS Program ("NHA Mortgage-Related
Securities") benefit from the guarantee of the Canada Mortgage
and Housing Corporation ("CMHC"), a federal Crown corporation
that is (except for certain limited purposes) an agency of the
Government of Canada whose guarantee (similar to that of GNMA in
the United States) is an unconditional obligation of the
Government of Canada except as described below. The NHA
currently provides that the aggregate principal amount of all
issues of NHA Mortgage Related Securities in respect of which
CMHC may give a guarantee must not exceed C$60 billion.
NHA Mortgage-Related Securities are backed by a pool of
insured mortgages that satisfy the requirements established by
the NHA. Issuers that wish to issue NHA Mortgage-Related
Securities must meet the status and other requirements of CMHC
and submit the necessary documentation to become an "approved
issuer". When an approved issuer wishes to issue NHA Mortgage
Related Securities in respect of a particular pool of mortgages,
8
<PAGE>
it must seek the approval of CMHC. Such mortgages must, among
other things, be first mortgages that are insured under the NHA,
not be in default and provide for equal monthly payments
throughout their respective terms.
The mortgages in each NHA Mortgage-Related Securities
pool are assigned to CMHC which, in turn, issues a guarantee of
timely payment of principal and interest that is shown on the
face of the certificates representing the NHA Mortgage-Related
Securities (the "NHA MBS Certificates"). NHA Mortgage-Related
Securities do not constitute any liability of, nor evidence any
recourse against, the issuer of the NHA Mortgage-Related
Securities, but in the event of any failure, delay or default
under the terms of NHA MBS Certificates, the holder has recourse
to CMHC in respect of its guarantee set out on the NHA MBS
Certificates.
In any legal action or proceeding or otherwise, CMHC has
agreed not to contest or defend against a demand for the timely
payment of the amount set forth and provided for in, and unpaid
on, any duly and validly issued NHA MBS Certificate, provided
that such payment is sought and claimed by or on behalf of a bona
fide purchaser of and investor in such security, without actual
notice at the time of the purchase of the basis or grounds for
contesting or defending against that demand for timely payment.
While most Canadian Mortgage-Related Securities are
subject to voluntary prepayments, some pools are not and function
more like a traditional bond. The typical maturity of Canadian
Mortgage-Related Securities is five years as most Canadian
residential mortgages provide for a five-year maturity with equal
monthly blended payments of interest and principal based on a
twenty-five year amortization schedule. Pursuant to recent
changes adopted by CMHC, maturities of NHA Mortgaged-Related
Securities may be as short as six months or as long as eighteen
years.
MEXICAN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. The Fund may invest in
Mexican Government Securities of investment grade quality. As of
the date of this Statement of Additional Information, there are
five Mexican Government Securities denominated in the Mexican
Peso that have been rated investment grade by either S&P or
Moody's. These five Mexican Government Securities are Cetes and
Tesobonos, each rated A-2 by S&P, and Ajustabonos, Bondes and
Udibonos, each rated BBB+/stable by S&P. The Adviser, however,
believes that there are other Peso-denominated Mexican Government
Securities that are of investment grade quality. Currently,
Floating Rate Notes, rated BB/stable by S&P, is the only Mexican
Government Security denominated in U.S. Dollars that is rated
investment grade by S&P. If qualified investments of this nature
appear in the future, the Fund will consider them for investment.
9
<PAGE>
Mexican Government Securities denominated and payable in
the Mexican Peso include: (i) Cetes, which are book-entry
securities sold directly by the Mexican government on a discount
basis and with maturities that range from seven to 364 days;
(ii) Bondes, which are long-term development bonds issued
directly by the Mexican government with a minimum term of 364
days; and (iii) Ajustabonos, which are adjustable bonds with a
minimum three-year term issued directly by the Mexican government
with the face amount adjusted each quarter by the quarterly
inflation rate as of the end of the preceding month.
ARGENTINE GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. The Fund may invest up
to 25% of its total assets in Argentine Government Securities
that are denominated and payable in the Argentine Peso.
Argentine Government Securities include: (i) Bono de Inversion y
Crecimiento, which are investment and growth bonds issued
directly by the Argentine government with maturities of ten
years; (ii) Bono de Consolidacion Economica, which are economic
consolidation bonds issued directly by the Argentine government
with maturities of ten years and (iii) Bono de Credito a la
Exportacion, which are export credit bonds issued directly by the
Argentine government with maturities of four years. Although not
all Argentine Government securities are rated investment grade
quality by S&P, Moodys, Duff & Phelps or Fitch, the Adviser
believes that there are unrated Argentine Government securities
that are of investment grade quality.
GOVERNMENTAL OBLIGATIONS. The ability of governments to
make timely payments on their obligations is likely to be
influenced strongly by the issuer's balance of payments,
including export performance, and its access to international
credits and investments. To the extent that a country receives
payment for its exports in currencies other than U.S. dollars,
its ability to make debt payments denominated in U.S. dollars
could be adversely affected. To the extent that a country
develops a trade deficit, it will need to depend on continuing
loans from foreign governments, multi-lateral organizations or
private commercial banks, aid payments from foreign governments
and on inflows of foreign investment. The access of a country to
these forms of external funding may not be certain, and a
withdrawal of external funding could adversely affect the
capacity of a government to make payments on its obligations. In
addition, the cost of servicing debt obligations can be affected
by a change in international interest rates since the majority of
these obligations carry interest rates that are adjusted
periodically based upon international rates.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT CANADA. Canada consists of a
federation of ten Provinces and three federal territories (which
generally fall under federal authority) with a constitutional
division of powers between the federal and Provincial
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governments. The Parliament of Canada has jurisdiction over all
areas not assigned exclusively to the Provincial legislatures,
and has jurisdiction over such matters as the federal public debt
and property, the regulation of trade and commerce, currency and
coinage, banks and banking, national defense, the postal
services, navigation and shipping and unemployment insurance.
The Canadian economy is based on the free enterprise
system, with business organizations ranging from small owner-
operated businesses to large multinational corporations.
Manufacturing and resource industries are large contributors to
the country's economic output, but as in many other highly
developed countries, there has been a gradual shift from a
largely goods-producing economy to a predominantly service-based
one. Agriculture and other primary production play a small but
key role in the economy. Canada is also an exporter of energy to
the United States in the form of natural gas (of which Canada has
substantial reserves) and hydroelectric power, and has
significant mineral resources.
Canadian Dollars are fully exchangeable into U.S.
Dollars without foreign exchange controls or other legal
restriction. Since the major developed-country currencies were
permitted to float freely against one another, the range of
fluctuation in the Canadian Dollar-U.S. Dollar exchange rate
generally has been narrower than the range of fluctuation between
the U.S. Dollar and most other major currencies. Since 1991,
Canada generally has experienced a weakening of its currency.
The Canadian Dollar reached an all-time low of 1.5770 Canadian
Dollars per U.S. Dollar on August 27, 1998. On February 15,
2000, the Canadian Dollar-U.S. Dollar exchange rate was 1.4553:1.
The range of fluctuation that occurred in the past is not
necessarily indicative of the range of fluctuation that will
occur in the future. Future rates of exchange cannot be
accurately predicted.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE UNITED MEXICAN STATES.
The United Mexican States ("Mexico") is a nation formed by 31
states and a Federal District (Mexico City). The Political
Constitution of Mexico, which took effect on May 1, 1917,
established Mexico as a Federal Republic and provides for the
separation of executive, legislative and judicial branches. The
President and the members of the General Congress are elected by
popular vote.
Prior to 1994, when Mexico experienced an economic
crisis that led to the devaluation of the Peso in December 1994,
the Mexican economy experienced improvement in a number of areas,
including growth in gross domestic product and a substantial
reduction in the rate of inflation and in the public sector
financial deficit. Much of the past improvement in the Mexican
11
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economy was due to a series of economic policy initiatives
intended to modernize and reform the Mexican economy, control
inflation, reduce the financial deficit, increase public revenues
through the reform of the tax system, establish a competitive and
stable currency exchange rate, liberalize trade restrictions and
increase investment and productivity, while reducing the
government's role in the economy. In this regard, the Mexican
government launched a program for privatizing certain state owned
enterprises, developing and modernizing the securities markets,
increasing investment in the private sector and permitting
increased levels of foreign investment.
In 1994, Mexico faced internal and external conditions
that resulted in an economic crisis that continues to affect the
Mexican economy adversely. Growing trade and current account
deficits, which could no longer be financed by inflows of foreign
capital, were factors contributing to the crisis. A weakening
economy and unsettling political and social developments caused
investors to lose confidence in the Mexican economy. This
resulted in a large decline in foreign reserves followed by a
sharp and rapid devaluation of the Mexican Peso. The ensuing
economic and financial crisis resulted in higher inflation and
domestic interest rates, a contraction in real gross domestic
product and a liquidity crisis.
In response to the adverse economic conditions that
developed at the end of 1994, the Mexican government instituted a
new economic program; and the government and the business and
labor sectors of the economy entered into a new accord in an
effort to stabilize the economy and the financial markets. To
help relieve Mexico's liquidity crisis and restore financial
stability to Mexico's economy, the Mexican government also
obtained financial assistance from the United States, other
countries and certain international agencies conditioned upon the
implementation and continuation of the economic reform program.
In October 1995, and again in October 1996, the Mexican
government announced new accords designed to encourage economic
growth and reduce inflation. While it cannot be accurately
predicted whether these accords will continue to achieve their
objectives, the Mexican economy has stabilized since the economic
crisis of 1994, and the high inflation and high interest rates
that continued to be a factor after 1994 have subsided as well.
After declining for five consecutive quarters beginning with the
first quarter of 1995, Mexico's gross domestic product began to
grow in the second quarter of 1996. That growth has been
sustained, resulting in increases of 5.2%, 6.8%, 4.8% and 3.7% in
1996, 1997, 1998 and 1999, respectively. In addition, inflation
dropped from a 52% annual rate in 1995 to a 12.3% annual rate in
1999. In 1998, the inflation rate was 18.6%. Mexico's economy
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is influenced by international economic conditions, particularly
those in the United States, and by world prices for oil and other
commodities. The recovery of the economy will require continued
economic and fiscal discipline as well as stable political and
social conditions. In addition, there is no assurance that
Mexico's economic policy initiatives will be successful or that
succeeding administrations will continue these initiatives.
Under economic policy initiatives implemented on and
after December 1987, the Mexican government introduced a series
of schedules allowing for the gradual devaluation of the Mexican
Peso against the U.S. Dollar. These gradual devaluations
continued until December 1994. On December 22, 1994, the Mexican
government announced that it would permit the Peso to float
freely against other currencies, resulting in a precipitous
decline against the U.S. Dollar. By December 31, 1996, the Peso-
Dollar exchange rate had decreased approximately 40% from that on
December 22, 1994. After dropping approximately 55% from 1994
through 1996, from 1997 through 1999 the Peso-Dollar exchange
rate decreased approximately 20%.
Mexico has in the past imposed strict foreign exchange
controls. There is no assurance that future regulatory actions
in Mexico would not affect the Fund's ability to obtain U.S.
Dollars in exchange for Mexican Pesos.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE REPUBLIC OF ARGENTINA.
The Republic of Argentina ("Argentina") consists of 23 provinces
and the federal capital of Buenos Aires. Its federal
constitution provides for an executive branch headed by a
President, a legislative branch and a judicial branch. Each
province has its own constitution, and elects its own governor,
legislators and judges, without the intervention of the federal
government.
Shortly after taking office in 1989, the country's then
President adopted market-oriented and reformist policies,
including an aggressive privatization program, a reduction in the
size of the public sector and an opening of the economy to
international competition.
In the decade prior to the announcement of a new
economic plan in March 1991, the Argentine economy was
characterized by low and erratic growth, declining investment
rates and rapidly worsening inflation. Despite its strengths,
which include a well-balanced natural resource base and a high
literacy rate, the Argentine economy failed to respond to a
series of economic plans in the 1980's. The 1991 economic plan
represented a pronounced departure from its predecessors in
calling for raised revenues, cutting expenditures and reducing
the public deficit. The extensive privatization program
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commenced in 1989 was accelerated, the domestic economy
deregulated and opened up to foreign trade and the framework for
foreign investment reformed. As a result of the economic
stabilization reforms, gross domestic product has increased each
year between 1991 and 1998, with the exception of 1995. During
the first two quarters of 1999, however, gross domestic product
contracted by an estimated 3.0% and 4.9%, respectively. The
recent slowdown of economic activity, which has been attributed
to external economic conditions as well as internal political
uncertainties and is not expected to persist, has fostered a
deflationary process, evidenced by the 1.8% decrease in the
consumer price index during the 12 months ended November 30,
1999. Significant progress was also made between 1991 and 1994
in rescheduling Argentina's debt with both external and domestic
creditors, which improved fiscal cash flows in the medium term
and allowed a return to voluntary credit markets. There is no
assurance that Argentina's economic policy initiatives will be
successful or that the current President, who took office on
December 10, 1999, and succeeding administrations will continue
these initiatives.
In 1995, economic policy was directed toward the effects
of the Mexican currency crisis. The Mexican currency crisis led
to a run on Argentine bank deposits, which was brought under
control by a series of measures designed to strengthen the
financial system. The measures included the "dollarization" of
banking reserves, the establishment of two trust funds and
strengthening bank reserve requirements.
In 1991, the Argentine government enacted currency
reforms, which required the domestic currency to be fully backed
by international reserves, in an effort to make the Argentine
Peso fully convertible into the U.S. Dollar at a rate of one to
one.
The Argentine Peso has been the Argentine currency since
January 1, 1992. Since that date, the rate of exchange from the
Argentine Peso to the U.S. Dollar has remained approximately one
to one. The fixed exchange rate has been instrumental in
stabilizing the economy, but has not reduced pressures from high
rates of unemployment. It is not clear that the government will
be able to resist pressure to devalue the currency. However, the
historic range is not necessarily indicative of fluctuations that
may occur in the exchange rate over time and future rates of
exchange cannot be accurately predicted. The Argentine foreign
exchange market was highly controlled until December 1989, when a
free exchange rate was established for all foreign currency
transactions. Argentina has eliminated restrictions on foreign
direct investment and capital repatriation. In 1993, legislation
was adopted abolishing previous requirements of a three-year
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waiting period for capital repatriation. Under the legislation,
foreign investors are permitted to remit profits at any time.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT POLICIES AND PRACTICES
The following additional investment policies supplement
those set forth in the Prospectus.
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS. The
Fund may enter into contracts for the purchase or sale for future
delivery of fixed-income securities or foreign currencies, or
contracts based on financial indices including any index of U.S.
Government Securities or foreign government securities ("futures
contracts") and may purchase and write put and call options to
buy or sell futures contracts ("options on futures contracts"). A
"sale" of a futures contract means the acquisition of a
contractual obligation to deliver the securities or foreign
currencies called for by the contract at a specified price on a
specified date. A "purchase" of a futures contract means the
incurring of a contractual obligation to acquire the securities
or foreign currencies called for by the contract at a specified
price on a specified date. The purchaser of a futures contract
on an index agrees to take or make delivery of an amount of cash
equal to the difference between a specified dollar multiple of
the value of the index on the expiration date of the contract and
the price at which the contract was originally struck. Options
on futures contracts to be written or purchased by the Fund will
be traded on U.S. or foreign exchanges or over-the-counter.
The Board of Directors has adopted the requirement that
futures contracts and options on futures contracts only be used
as a hedge and not for speculation. In addition to this
requirement, the Board of Directors has also adopted two
percentage restrictions on the use of futures contracts.
The Fund will not (i) enter into any futures contracts
or options on futures contracts if immediately thereafter the
aggregate of margin deposits on all the outstanding futures
contracts of the Fund and premiums paid on outstanding options on
futures contracts would exceed 5% of the market value of the
total assets of the Fund, or (ii) enter into any futures
contracts or options on futures contracts if the aggregate of the
market value of the outstanding futures contracts of the Fund and
the market value of the currencies and futures contracts subject
to outstanding options written by the Fund would exceed 50% of
the market value of the total assets of the Fund. Neither of
these restrictions will be changed by the Fund's Board of
Directors without considering the policies and concerns of the
various applicable federal and state regulatory agencies.
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<PAGE>
See Appendix C for further discussion of the use, risks
and costs of futures contracts and options on futures contracts.
OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES. The Fund may purchase
and write put and call options on foreign currencies for the
purpose of protecting against declines in the U.S. Dollar value
of foreign currency-denominated portfolio securities and against
increases in the U.S. Dollar cost of such securities to be
acquired. As in the case of other kinds of options, however, the
writing of an option on a foreign currency will constitute only a
partial hedge, up to the amount of the premium received, and the
Fund could be required to purchase or sell foreign currencies at
disadvantageous exchange rates, thereby incurring losses. The
purchase of an option on a foreign currency may constitute an
effective hedge against fluctuations in exchange rates although,
in the event of rate movements adverse to the Fund's position, it
may forfeit the entire amount of the premium plus related
transaction costs. Options on foreign currencies to be written
or purchased by the Fund will be traded on U.S. and foreign
exchanges or over-the-counter. There is no specific percentage
limitation on the Fund's investments in options on foreign
currencies.
See Appendix C for further discussion of the use, risks
and costs of options on foreign currencies.
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS. The Fund
may purchase or sell forward foreign currency exchange contracts
("forward contracts") to attempt to minimize the risk to the Fund
of adverse changes in the relationship between the U.S. Dollar
and other currencies. A forward contract is an obligation to
purchase or sell a specific currency for an agreed price at a
future date which is individually negotiated and privately traded
by currency traders and their customers.
The Fund may enter into a forward contract, for example,
when it enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a
security denominated in a foreign currency in order to "lock in"
the U.S. Dollar price of the security ("transaction hedge").
Additionally, for example, when the Fund believes that a foreign
currency may suffer a substantial decline against the U.S.
Dollar, it may enter into a forward sale contract to sell an
amount of that foreign currency approximating the value of some
or all of the Fund's portfolio securities denominated in such
foreign currency, or, when the Fund believes that the U.S. Dollar
may suffer a substantial decline against a foreign currency, it
may enter into a forward purchase contract to buy that foreign
currency for a fixed U.S. Dollar amount ("position hedge"). In
this situation the Fund may, in the alternative, enter into a
forward contract to sell a different foreign currency for a fixed
U.S. Dollar amount where the Fund believes that the U.S. Dollar
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<PAGE>
value of the currency to be sold pursuant to the forward contract
will fall whenever there is a decline in the U.S. Dollar value of
the currency in which portfolio securities of the Fund are
denominated ("cross-hedge"). To the extent required by
applicable law, the Fund's Custodian will place liquid assets in
a segregated account of the Fund having a value equal to the
aggregate amount of the Fund's commitments under forward
contracts entered into with respect to position hedges and cross-
hedges. If the value of the assets placed in the segregated
account declines, additional liquid assets or securities will be
placed in the account on a daily basis so that the value of the
account will equal the amount of the Fund's commitments with
respect to such contracts. As an alternative to maintaining all
or part of the segregated account, the Fund may purchase a call
option permitting the Fund to purchase the amount of foreign
currency being hedged by a forward sale contract at a price no
higher than the forward contract price or the Fund may purchase a
put option permitting the Fund to sell the amount of foreign
currency subject to a forward purchase contract at a price as
high or higher than the forward contract price. In addition, the
Fund may use such other methods of "cover" as are permitted by
applicable law.
While these contracts are not presently regulated by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"), the CFTC may in
the future assert authority to regulate forward contracts. In
such event the Fund's ability to utilize forward contracts in the
manner set forth in the Prospectus may be restricted. Forward
contracts will reduce the potential gain from a positive change
in the relationship between the U.S. Dollar and foreign
currencies. Unanticipated changes in currency prices may result
in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not
entered into such contracts. The use of foreign currency forward
contracts will not eliminate fluctuations in the underlying U.S.
Dollar equivalent value of the proceeds of or rates of return on
the Fund's foreign currency denominated portfolio securities and
the use of such techniques will subject the Fund to certain
risks.
The matching of the increase in value of a forward
contract and the decline in the U.S. Dollar equivalent value of
the foreign currency denominated asset that is the subject of the
hedge generally will not be precise. In addition, the Fund may
not always be able to enter into foreign currency forward
contracts at attractive prices and this will limit the Fund's
ability to use such contracts to hedge its assets.
OPTIONS ON U.S. AND FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. In
an effort to increase current income and to reduce fluctuations
in net asset value, the Fund intends to write covered put and
call options and purchase put and call options on U.S. Government
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Securities and foreign government securities that are traded on
United States and foreign securities exchanges. The Fund also
intends to write call options for cross-hedging purposes. There
are no specific limitations on the Fund's writing and purchasing
of options.
The purchaser of an option, upon payment of a premium,
obtains, in the case of a put option, the right to deliver to the
writer of the option, and, in the case of a call option, the
right to call upon the writer to deliver a specified amount of a
security on or before a fixed date at a predetermined price. A
call option written by the Fund is "covered" if the Fund (i) owns
the underlying security covered by the call, (ii) has an absolute
and immediate right to acquire that security without additional
cash consideration (or for additional cash consideration held in
a segregated account by its Custodian) upon conversion or
exchange of other portfolio securities, or (iii) holds a call on
the same security and in the same principal amount as the call
written where the exercise price of the call held (a) is equal to
or less than the exercise price of the call written or (b) is
greater than the exercise price of the call written if the
difference is maintained by the Fund in liquid assets in a
segregated account with its Custodian. A put option written by
the Fund is "covered" if the Fund maintains cash not available
for investment or liquid high-grade Government Securities with a
value equal to the exercise price in a segregated account with
its Custodian, or else holds a put on the same security in the
same principal amount as the put written where the exercise price
of the put held is equal to or greater than the exercise price of
the put written.
A call option is written for cross-hedging purposes if
the Fund does not own the underlying security but seeks to
provide a hedge against a decline in value in another security
which the Fund owns or has the right to acquire. In such
circumstances, the Fund collateralizes its obligation under the
option (which is not covered) by maintaining in a segregated
account with its Custodian cash or liquid high-grade Government
Securities in an amount not less than the market value of the
underlying security, marked to market daily.
In purchasing a call option, the Fund would be in a
position to realize a gain if, during the option period, the
price of the underlying security increased by an amount in excess
of the premium paid. It would realize a loss if the price of the
underlying security declined or remained the same or did not
increase during the period by more than the amount of the
premium. In purchasing a put option, the Fund would be in a
position to realize a gain if, during the option period, the
price of the underlying security declined by an amount in excess
of the premium paid. It would realize a loss if the price of the
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<PAGE>
underlying security increased or remained the same or did not
decrease during that period by more than the amount of the
premium. If a put or call option purchased by the Fund were
permitted to expire without being sold or exercised, its premium
would be lost by the Fund.
The risk involved in writing a put option is that there
could be a decrease in the market value of the underlying
security. If this occurred, the option could be exercised and
the underlying security would then be sold by the option holder
to the Fund at a higher price than its current market value. The
risk involved in writing a call option is that there could be an
increase in the market value of the underlying security. If this
occurred, the option could be exercised and the underlying
security would then be sold by the Fund at a lower price than its
current market value. These risks could be reduced by entering
into a closing transaction as discussed in Appendix C. The Fund
retains the premium received from writing a put or call option
whether or not the option is exercised.
The Fund may purchase or write options on securities of
the types in which it is permitted to invest in privately
negotiated transactions. The Fund will effect such transactions
only with investment dealers and other financial institutions
(such as commercial banks or savings and loan institutions)
deemed creditworthy by the Adviser, and the Adviser has adopted
procedures for monitoring the creditworthiness of such entities.
Options purchased or written by the Fund in negotiated
transactions are illiquid and it may not be possible for the Fund
to effect a closing transaction at a time when the Adviser
believes it would be advantageous to do so. See "Illiquid
Securities," below.
See Appendix C for a further discussion of the use,
risks and costs of options in U.S. Government and foreign
government securities.
INTEREST RATE TRANSACTIONS. The Fund may, without
limit, enter into interest rate swaps and may purchase or sell
interest rate caps and floors. The Fund expects to enter into
these transactions primarily to preserve a return or spread on a
particular investment or portion of its portfolio. The Fund may
also enter into these transactions to protect against any
increase in the price of securities the Fund anticipates
purchasing at a later date. The Fund does not intend to use
these transactions in a speculative manner. Interest rate swaps
involve the exchange by the Fund with another party of their
respective commitments to pay or receive interest, e.g., an
exchange of floating rate payments for fixed rate payments. The
exchange commitments can involve payments to be made in the same
currency or in different currencies. The purchase of an interest
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<PAGE>
rate cap entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a specified
index exceeds a predetermined interest rate, to receive payments
of interest on a contractually-based principal amount from the
party selling such interest rate cap. The purchase of an
interest rate floor entitles the purchaser, to the extent that a
specified index falls below a predetermined interest rate, to
receive payments on a contractually-based principal amount from
the party selling such interest rate floor.
The Fund may enter into interest rate swaps, caps and
floors on either an asset-based or liability-based basis
depending on whether it is hedging its assets or its liabilities,
and will usually enter into interest rate swaps on a net basis,
i.e., the two payment streams are netted out, with the Fund
receiving or paying, as the case may be, only the net amount of
the two payments. Inasmuch as these hedging transactions are
entered into for good faith hedging purposes, the Adviser and the
Fund believe such obligations do not constitute senior securities
and, accordingly, will not treat them as being subject to its
borrowing restrictions. The net amount of the excess, if any, of
the Fund's obligations over its entitlements with respect to each
interest rate swap will be accrued daily and an amount of cash or
liquid securities having an aggregate net asset value at least
equal to the accrued excess will be maintained in a segregated
account by the Fund's Custodian. If the Fund enters into an
interest rate swap on other than a net basis, the Fund will
maintain in a segregated account with its Custodian the full
amount, accrued daily, of the Fund's obligations with respect to
the swap. The Fund will enter into interest rate swap, cap or
floor transactions with its Custodian, and with other
counterparties, but only if: (i) for transactions with maturities
under one year, such other counterparty has outstanding short-
term paper rated at least A-1 by S&P or Prime-1 by Moody's or
(ii) for transactions with maturities greater than one year, the
counterparty has outstanding debt securities rated at least AA by
S&P or Aa by Moody's. If there is a default by the other party
to such a transaction, the Fund will have contractual remedies.
The swap market has grown substantially in recent years, with a
large number of banks and investment banking firms acting both as
principals and agents utilizing standardized swap documentation.
As a result, the swap market has become well established and
provides a degree of liquidity. Caps and floors are more recent
innovations for which documentation is not as standardized and,
accordingly, they are less liquid than swaps. To the extent the
Fund sells (i.e., writes) caps and floors it will maintain in a
segregated account with its Custodian liquid assets having an
aggregate net asset value at least equal to the full amount,
accrued daily, of the Fund's obligations with respect to any caps
and floors.
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FORWARD COMMITMENTS. The Fund may enter into forward
commitments for the purchase or sale of securities. Such
transactions may include purchases on a "when-issued" basis or
purchases or sales on a "delayed delivery" basis. In some cases,
a forward commitment may be conditioned upon the occurrence of a
subsequent event, such as approval and consummation of a merger,
corporate reorganization or debt restructuring, i.e., a "when, as
and if issued" trade.
When forward commitment transactions are negotiated, the
price, which is generally expressed in yield terms, is fixed at
the time the commitment is made, but delivery and payment for the
securities take place at a later date, normally within two months
after the transaction, although delayed settlements beyond two
months may be negotiated. Securities purchased or sold under a
forward commitment are subject to market fluctuation, and no
interest accrues to the purchaser prior to the settlement date.
At the time the Fund enters into a forward commitment, it will
record the transaction and thereafter reflect the value of the
security purchased or, if a sale, the proceeds to be received, in
determining its net asset value. Any unrealized appreciation or
depreciation reflected in such valuation of a "when, as and if
issued" security would be canceled in the event that the required
condition did not occur and the trade was canceled.
The use of forward commitments enables the Fund to
protect against anticipated changes in interest rates and prices.
For instance, in periods of rising interest rates and falling
bond prices, the Fund might sell securities in its portfolio on a
forward commitment basis to limit its exposure to falling prices.
In periods of falling interest rates and rising bond prices, the
Fund might sell a security in its portfolio and purchase the same
or a similar security on a when-issued or forward commitment
basis, thereby obtaining the benefit of currently higher cash
yields. However, if the Adviser were to forecast incorrectly the
direction of interest rate movements, the Fund might be required
to complete such when-issued or forward transactions at prices
inferior to then current market values. No forward commitments
will be made by the Fund if, as a result, the Fund's aggregate
commitments under such transactions would be more than 30% of the
then current value of the Fund's total assets.
The Fund's right to receive or deliver a security under
a forward commitment may be sold prior to the settlement date,
but the Fund will enter into forward commitments only with the
intention of actually receiving or delivering the securities, as
the case may be. To facilitate such transactions, the Fund's
Custodian will maintain, in the separate account of the Fund,
cash or liquid high-grade Government Securities having value
equal to, or greater than, any commitments to purchase securities
on a forward commitment basis and, with respect to forward
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commitments to sell portfolio securities of the Fund, the
portfolio securities themselves. If the Fund, however, chooses
to dispose of the right to receive or deliver a security subject
to a forward commitment prior to the settlement date of the
transaction, it can incur a gain or loss. In the event the other
party to a forward commitment transaction were to default, the
Fund might lose the opportunity to invest money at favorable
rates or to dispose of securities at favorable prices.
GENERAL. The successful use of the foregoing investment
practices draws upon the Adviser's special skills and experience
with respect to such instruments and usually depends on the
Adviser's ability to forecast interest rate and currency exchange
rate movements correctly. Should interest or exchange rates move
in an unexpected manner, the Fund may not achieve the anticipated
benefits of futures contracts, options, interest rate
transactions or forward contracts or may realize losses and thus
be in a worse position than if such strategies had not been used.
Unlike many exchange-traded futures contracts and options on
futures contracts, there are no daily price fluctuation limits
with respect to options on currencies and forward contracts, and
adverse market movements could therefore continue to an unlimited
extent over a period of time. In addition, the correlation
between movements in the prices of such instruments and movements
in the price of the securities and currencies hedged or used for
cover will not be perfect and could produce unanticipated losses.
The Fund's ability to dispose of its positions in
futures contracts, options, interest rate transactions and
forward contracts will depend on the availability of liquid
markets in such instruments. Markets in options and futures with
respect to a number of fixed-income securities and currencies are
relatively new and still developing. It is impossible to predict
the amount of trading interest that may exist in various types of
futures contracts, options and forward contracts. If a secondary
market does not exist with respect to an option purchased or
written by the Fund over-the-counter, it might not be possible to
effect a closing transaction in the option (i.e., dispose of the
option) with the result that (i) an option purchased by the Fund
would have to be exercised in order for the Fund to realize any
profit and (ii) the Fund may not be able to sell currencies or
portfolio securities covering an option written by the Fund until
the option expires or it delivers the underlying futures contract
or currency upon exercise. Therefore, no assurance can be given
that the Fund will be able to utilize these instruments
effectively for the purposes set forth above.
LOANS OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES. The Fund may make
secured loans of its portfolio securities to brokers, dealers and
financial institutions provided that cash, U.S. Government
Securities or bank letters of credit equal to at least 100% of
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the market value of the securities loaned is deposited and
maintained by the borrower with the Fund. The risks in lending
portfolio securities, as with other extensions of credit, consist
of possible loss of rights in the collateral should the borrower
fail financially. In determining whether to lend securities to a
particular borrower, the Adviser (subject to review by the Board
of Directors) will consider all relevant facts and circumstances,
including the creditworthiness of the borrower. While securities
are on loan, the borrower will pay the Fund any income earned
thereon and the Fund may invest any cash collateral in portfolio
securities, thereby earning additional income, or receive an
agreed upon amount of income from a borrower who has delivered
equivalent collateral. The Fund will have the right to regain
record ownership of loaned securities or equivalent securities in
order to exercise ownership rights such as voting rights,
subscription rights and rights to dividends, interest or
distributions. The Fund may pay reasonable finders',
administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan. The
Fund will not lend portfolio securities in excess of 20% of the
value of its total assets, nor will the Fund lend its portfolio
securities to any officer, director, employee or affiliate of
either the Fund or the Adviser. The Board of Directors will
monitor the Fund's lending of portfolio securities.
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS. The Fund may enter into
repurchase agreements pertaining to the types of securities in
which it may invest with member banks of the Federal Reserve
System or "primary dealers" (as designated by the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York) in such securities. There is no percentage
restriction on the Fund's ability to enter into repurchase
agreements. Currently, the Fund enters into repurchase agreements
only with its Custodian and such primary dealers. A repurchase
agreement arises when a buyer such as the Fund purchases a
security and simultaneously agrees to resell it to the vendor at
an agreed-upon future date, normally one day or a few days later.
The resale price is greater than the purchase price, reflecting
an agreed-upon interest rate which is effective for the period of
time the buyer's money is invested in the security and which is
not related to the coupon rate on the purchased security. Such
agreements permit the Fund to keep all of its assets at work
while retaining "overnight" flexibility in pursuit of investments
of a longer-term nature. The Fund requires continual maintenance
for its account in the Federal Reserve/Treasury Book Entry System
of collateral in an amount equal to, or in excess of, the market
value of the securities which are the subject of the agreement.
In the event a vendor defaulted on its repurchase obligation, the
Fund might suffer a loss to the extent that the proceeds from the
sale of the collateral were less than the repurchase price. In
the event of a vendor's bankruptcy, the Fund might be delayed in,
or prevented from, selling the collateral for the Fund's benefit.
The Fund's Board of Directors has established procedures, which
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<PAGE>
are periodically reviewed by the Board, pursuant to which the
Adviser monitors the creditworthiness of the dealers with which
the Fund enters into repurchase agreement transactions.
Repurchase agreements may exhibit the characteristics of
loans by the Fund. During the term of the repurchase agreement,
the Fund retains the security subject to the repurchase agreement
as collateral securing the seller's repurchase obligation,
continually monitors on a daily basis the market value of the
security subject to the agreement and requires the seller to
deposit with the Fund collateral equal to any amount by which the
market value of the security subject to the repurchase agreement
falls below the resale amount provided under the repurchase
agreement.
ILLIQUID SECURITIES. The Fund has adopted the following
investment policy which may be changed by the vote of the Board
of Directors.
The Fund will not invest in illiquid securities if
immediately after such investment more than 10% of the Fund's net
assets (taken at market value) would be invested in such
securities. In addition, the Fund will not maintain more than
15% of its net assets in illiquid securities. For this purpose,
illiquid securities include, among others (a) direct placements
or other securities which are subject to legal or contractual
restrictions on resale or for which there is no readily available
market (e.g., trading in the security is suspended or, in the
case of unlisted securities, market makers do not exist or will
not entertain bids or offers), (b) options purchased by the Fund
over-the-counter and the cover for options written by the Fund
over-the-counter, and (c) repurchase agreements not terminable
within seven days.
Historically, illiquid securities have included
securities subject to contractual or legal restrictions on resale
because they have not been registered under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended ("Securities Act"), securities which are
otherwise not readily marketable and repurchase agreements having
a maturity of longer than seven days. Securities which have not
been registered under the Securities Act are referred to as
private placements or restricted securities and are purchased
directly from the issuer or in the secondary market. Mutual
funds do not typically hold a significant amount of these
restricted or other illiquid securities because of the potential
for delays on resale and uncertainty in valuation. Limitations
on resale may have an adverse effect on the marketability of
portfolio securities and a mutual fund might be unable to dispose
of restricted or other illiquid securities promptly or at
reasonable prices and might thereby experience difficulty
satisfying redemptions within seven days. A mutual fund might
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<PAGE>
also have to register such restricted securities in order to
dispose of them resulting in additional expense and delay.
Adverse market conditions could impede such a public offering of
securities.
In recent years, however, a large institutional market
has developed for certain securities that are not registered
under the Securities Act including repurchase agreements,
commercial paper, foreign securities, municipal securities and
corporate bonds and notes. Institutional investors depend on an
efficient institutional market in which the unregistered security
can be readily resold or on an issuer's ability to honor a demand
for repayment. The fact that there are contractual or legal
restrictions on resale to the general public or to certain
institutions may not be indicative of the liquidity of such
investments.
Rule 144A under the Securities Act allows a broader
institutional trading market for securities otherwise subject to
restriction on resale to the general public. Rule 144A
establishes a "safe harbor" from the registration requirements of
the Securities Act for resales of certain securities to qualified
institutional buyers. An insufficient number of qualified
institutional buyers interested in purchasing certain restricted
securities held by the Fund, however, could affect adversely the
marketability of such portfolio securities and the Fund might be
unable to dispose of such securities promptly or at reasonable
prices. Rule 144A has already produced enhanced liquidity for
many restricted securities, and market liquidity for such
securities may continue to expand as a result of this regulation
and the consequent inception of the PORTAL System, an automated
system for the clearance and settlement of transactions in
unregistered securities of domestic and foreign issuers,
sponsored by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
The Adviser, acting under the supervision of the Board
of Directors, will monitor the liquidity of restricted securities
in the Fund's portfolio. In reaching liquidity decisions, the
Adviser will consider, among others, the following factors:
(1) the frequency of trades and quotes for the security; (2) the
number of dealers making quotations to purchase or sell the
security; (3) the number of other potential purchasers of the
security; (4) the number of dealers undertaking to make a market
in the security; (5) the nature of the security and the nature of
the marketplace for the security (e.g., the time needed to
dispose of the security, the method of soliciting offers and the
mechanics of the transfer); and (6) any applicable Commission
interpretation or position with respect to such type of
securities.
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<PAGE>
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. The Fund may engage in active
short-term trading to benefit from yield disparities among
different issues of securities, to seek short-term profits during
periods of fluctuating interest rates or for other reasons. Such
trading will increase the Fund's rate of turnover and the
incidence of short-term capital gain taxable as ordinary income.
The Adviser anticipates that the annual turnover in the Fund will
not be in excess of 400%. An annual turnover rate of 400%
occurs, for example, when all of the securities in the Fund's
portfolio are replaced four times in a period of one year. A
high rate of portfolio turnover involves correspondingly greater
expenses than a lower rate, which expenses must be borne by the
Fund and its shareholders. See "Dividends, Distributions and
Taxes" and "General Information--Portfolio Transactions."
SPECIAL BORROWING CONSIDERATIONS
EFFECTS OF BORROWING. The Fund maintains borrowings
from banks unaffiliated with the Fund or the Adviser in an amount
of money representing approximately one-third of the Fund's total
assets less liabilities (other than the amount borrowed). The
Fund's loan agreements provide for additional borrowings and for
repayments and reborrowings from time to time, and the Fund
expects to effect borrowings and repayments at such times and in
such amounts as will maintain investment leverage in an amount
approximately equal to its borrowing target. The loan agreements
provide for a selection of interest rates that are based on the
bank's short-term funding costs in the U.S. and London markets.
Borrowings by the Fund result in leveraging of the
Fund's shares of common stock. The proceeds of such borrowings
will be invested in Government Securities in accordance with the
Fund's investment objective and policies. The Adviser
anticipates that the difference between the interest expense paid
by the Fund on borrowings and the rates received by the Fund from
its investments in Government Securities of non-U.S. issuers will
provide the Fund's shareholders with a potentially higher yield.
Utilization of leverage, which is usually considered
speculative, however, involves certain risks to the Fund's
shareholders. These include a higher volatility of the net asset
value of the Fund's shares of common stock and the relatively
greater effect on the net asset value of the shares caused by
favorable or adverse changes in currency exchange rates. So long
as the Fund is able to realize a net return on the leveraged
portion of its investment portfolio that is higher than the
interest expense paid on borrowings, the effect of leverage will
be to cause the Fund's shareholders to realize higher current net
investment income than if the Fund were not leveraged. However,
to the extent that the interest expense on borrowings approaches
the net return on the leveraged portion of the Fund's investment
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<PAGE>
portfolio, the benefit of leverage to the Fund's shareholders
will be reduced, and if the interest expense on borrowings were
to exceed the net return to shareholders, the Fund's use of
leverage would result in a lower rate of return than if the Fund
were not leveraged. Similarly, the effect of leverage in a
declining market could be a greater decrease in net asset value
per share than if the Fund were not leveraged. In an extreme
case, if the Fund's current investment income were not sufficient
to meet the interest expense on borrowings, it could be necessary
for the Fund to liquidate certain of its investments, thereby
reducing the net asset value of the Fund's shares.
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT AND OTHER CONSIDERATIONS. In the
event of an increase in rates on U.S. Government Securities
obligations or other changed market conditions, to the point
where the Fund's leverage could adversely affect the Fund's
shareholders, as noted above, or in anticipation of such changes,
the Fund may increase the percentage of its investment portfolio
invested in U.S. Government Securities, which would tend to
offset the negative impact of leverage on Fund shareholders. The
Fund may also reduce the degree to which it is leveraged by
repaying amounts borrowed.
OTHER BORROWINGS. The Fund may also borrow to
repurchase its shares or to meet redemption requests. In
addition, the Fund may borrow for temporary purposes (including
the purposes mentioned in the preceding sentence) in an amount
not exceeding 5% of the value of the total assets of the Fund.
Borrowings for temporary purposes are not subject to the 300%
asset coverage limit described above. See "Certain Fundamental
Investment Policies." The Fund may also borrow through the use
of reverse repurchase agreements.
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT CONSIDERATIONS
RISKS OF INVESTMENTS IN FOREIGN SECURITIES. Investing
in securities issued by foreign governments involves
considerations and possible risks not typically associated with
investing in U.S. Government Securities. The values of foreign
investments are affected by changes in currency rates or exchange
control regulations, application of foreign tax laws, including
withholding taxes, changes in governmental administration or
economic or monetary policy (in this country or abroad), or
changed circumstances in dealings between nations. Costs are
incurred in connection with conversions between various
currencies. In addition, foreign brokerage commissions are
generally higher than in the United States, and foreign
securities markets may be less liquid, more volatile and less
subject to governmental supervision than in the United States.
Investments in foreign countries could be affected by other
factors not present in the United States, including
27
<PAGE>
expropriation, confiscatory taxation, lack of uniform accounting
and auditing standards and potential difficulties in enforcing
contractual obligations and could be subject to extended
settlement periods. The Fund believes that, except for currency
fluctuations between the U.S. Dollar and the Canadian Dollar, the
matters described above are not likely to have a material adverse
effect on the Fund's investments in the securities of Canadian
issuers or investments denominated in Canadian Dollars. The
factors described above are more likely to have a material
adverse effect on the Fund's investments in the securities of
Mexican and other non-Canadian foreign issuers, including
investments in securities denominated in Mexican Pesos or other
non-Canadian foreign currencies. If not hedged, however,
currency fluctuations could affect the unrealized appreciation
and depreciation of Canadian Government Securities as expressed
in U.S. Dollars.
CURRENCY RISKS. Because Fund assets will be invested in
fixed income securities denominated in the Canadian Dollar, the
Mexican Peso and other foreign currencies and because a
substantial portion of the Fund's revenues will be received in
currencies other than the U.S. Dollar, the U.S. Dollar equivalent
of the Fund's net assets and distributions will be adversely
affected by reductions in the value of certain foreign currencies
relative to the U.S. Dollar. These changes will also affect the
Fund's income. If the value of the foreign currencies in which
the Fund receives income falls relative to the U.S. Dollar
between receipt of the income and the making of Fund
distributions, the Fund may be required to liquidate securities
in order to make distributions if the Fund has insufficient cash
in U.S. Dollars to meet the distribution requirements that the
Fund must satisfy to qualify as a regulated investment company
for federal income tax purposes. Similarly, if the value of a
particular foreign currency declines between the time the Fund
incurs expenses in U.S. Dollars and the time cash expenses are
paid, the amount of the currency required to be converted into
U.S. Dollars in order to pay expenses in U.S. Dollars could be
greater than the equivalent amount of such expenses in the
currency at the time they were incurred. In light of these
risks, the Fund may engage in certain currency hedging
transactions, which themselves, involve certain special risks.
See "Additional Investment Policies and Practices," above.
SECURITIES RATINGS. The ratings of fixed-income
securities by S&P and Moody's are a generally accepted barometer
of credit risk. They are, however, subject to certain
limitations from an investor's standpoint. The rating of an
issuer is heavily weighted by past developments and does not
necessarily reflect probable future conditions. There is
frequently a lag between the time a rating is assigned and the
time it is updated. In addition, there may be varying degrees of
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<PAGE>
difference in credit risk of securities within each rating
category. Securities rated BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's are
considered to be investment grade, but to have speculative
characteristics. Sustained periods of deteriorating economic
conditions or rising interest rates are more likely to lead to a
weakening in the issuer's capacity to pay interest and repay
principal than in the case of higher-rated securities. The Fund
expects that it will not retain a debt security which is
downgraded below BBB or Baa, or, if unrated, determined by the
Adviser to have undergone similar credit quality deterioration,
subsequent to purchase by the Fund. See Appendix A for a
description of such ratings.
Non-rated securities will also be considered for
investment by the Fund when the Adviser believes that the
financial condition of the issuers of such securities, or the
protection afforded by the terms of the securities themselves,
limits the risk to the Fund to a degree comparable to that of
rated securities which are consistent with the Fund's objective
and policies.
DEBT SECURITIES. The net asset value of the Fund's
shares will change as the general levels of interest rates
fluctuate. When interest rates decline, the value of a portfolio
primarily invested in debt securities can be expected to rise.
Conversely, when interest rates rise, the value of a portfolio
primarily invested in debt securities can be expected to decline.
NON-DIVERSIFIED STATUS. The Fund is a "non-
diversified" investment company, which means the Fund is not
limited in the proportion of its assets that may be invested in
the securities of a single issuer. Because the Fund may invest
in a smaller number of individual issuers than a diversified
investment company, an investment in the Fund may, under certain
circumstances, present greater risk to an investor than an
investment in a diversified company. However, the Fund intends
to conduct its operations so as to qualify to be taxed as a
"regulated investment company" for purposes of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), which will relieve
the Fund of any liability for federal income tax to the extent
its earnings are distributed to shareholders. See "Dividends,
Distributions and Taxes--U.S. Federal Income Taxes." To so
qualify, among other requirements, the Fund will limit its
investments so that, at the close of each quarter of the taxable
year, (i) not more than 25% of the market value of the Fund's
total assets will be invested in the securities of a single
issuer and (ii) with respect to 50% of the market value of its
total assets, not more than 5% of the market value of its total
assets will be invested in the securities of a single issuer and
the Fund will not own more than 10% of the outstanding voting
securities of a single issuer. The Fund's investments in U.S.
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<PAGE>
Government securities are not subject to these limitations.
Foreign government securities are not treated like U.S.
Government securities for purposes of the diversification tests
described above, but instead are subject to these tests in the
same manner as the securities of non-governmental issuers. In
this regard sovereign debt obligations issued by different
issuers located in the same country are often treated as issued
by a single issuer for purposes of these diversification tests.
Certain issuers of structured securities and loan participations
may be treated as separate issuers for the purposes of these
tests. Accordingly, in order to meet the diversification tests
and thereby maintain its status as a regulated investment
company, the Fund will be required to diversify its portfolio of
Canadian Government Securities, Mexican Government Securities and
other foreign government securities in a manner which would not
be necessary if the Fund had made similar investments in U.S.
Government securities.
1940 ACT RESTRICTIONS
Under the 1940 Act, the Fund is not permitted to borrow
unless immediately after such borrowing there is "asset
coverage," as that term is defined and used in the 1940 Act, of
at least 300% for all borrowings of the Fund. In addition, under
the 1940 Act, in the event asset coverage falls below 300%, the
Fund must within three days reduce the amount of its borrowing to
such an extent that the asset coverage of its borrowings is at
least 300%. Assuming outstanding borrowings representing not
more than one-third of the Fund's total assets less liabilities
(other than such borrowings), the asset coverage of the Fund's
portfolio would be 300%; while outstanding borrowings
representing 25% of the Fund's total assets less liabilities
(other than such borrowings), the asset coverage of the Fund's
Portfolio would be 400%. The Fund will maintain asset coverage
of outstanding borrowings of at least 300% and if necessary will,
to the extent possible, reduce the amounts borrowed by making
repayments from time to time in order to do so. Such repayments
could require the Fund to sell portfolio securities at times
considered disadvantageous by the Adviser and such sales could
cause the Fund to incur related transaction costs and to realize
taxable gains.
Under the 1940 Act, the Fund may invest not more than
10% of its total assets in securities of other investment
companies. In addition, under the 1940 Act the Fund may not own
more than 3% of the total outstanding voting stock of any
investment company and not more than 5% of the value of the
Fund's total assets may be invested in the securities of any
investment company.
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<PAGE>
CERTAIN FUNDAMENTAL INVESTMENT POLICIES
The following restrictions may not be changed without
shareholder approval, which means the affirmative vote of the
holders of (i) 67% or more of the shares represented at a meeting
at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares are represented,
or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares, whichever is
less.
The Fund may not:
1. Make loans except through (i) the purchase of debt
obligations in accordance with its investment objectives and
policies; (ii) the lending of portfolio securities; or (iii) the
use of repurchase agreements;
2. Participate on a joint or joint and several basis
in any securities trading account;
3. Invest in companies for the purpose of exercising
control;
4. Make short sales of securities or maintain a short
position, unless at all times when a short position is open it
owns an equal amount of such securities or securities convertible
into or exchangeable for, without payment of any further
consideration, securities of the same issue as, and equal in
amount to, the securities sold short ("short sales against the
box"), and unless not more than 10% of the Fund's net assets
(taken at market value) is held as collateral for such sales at
any one time (it is the Fund's present intention to make such
sales only for the purpose of deferring realization of gain or
loss for federal income tax purposes);
5. Purchase a security if, as a result (unless the
security is acquired pursuant to a plan of reorganization or an
offer of exchange), the Fund would own any securities of an open-
end investment company or more than 3% of the total outstanding
voting stock of any closed-end investment company or more than 5%
of the value of the Fund's total assets would be invested in
securities of any one or more closed-end investment companies;
6. (i) Purchase or sell real estate, except that it
may purchase and sell securities of companies which deal in real
estate or purchase and sell securities of companies which deal in
real estate or interests therein; (ii) purchase or sell
commodities or commodity contracts (except currencies, futures
contracts on currencies and related options, forward contracts or
contracts for the future acquisition or delivery of fixed-income
securities and related options, futures contracts and options on
futures contracts and other similar contracts); (iii) invest in
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interests in oil, gas, or other mineral exploration or
development programs; (iv) purchase securities on margin, except
for such short-term credits as may be necessary for the clearance
of transactions; and (v) act as an underwriter of securities,
except that the Fund may acquire restricted securities under
circumstances in which, if such securities were sold, the Fund
might be deemed to be an underwriter for purposes of the
Securities Act;
7. invest 25% or more of its total assets in
securities of companies engaged principally in any one industry
except that this restriction does not apply to U.S. Government
Securities;
8. borrow money, except that the Fund may, in
accordance with provisions of the 1940 Act, (i) borrow from a
bank, if after such borrowing, there is asset coverage of at
least 300% as defined in the 1940 Act and (ii) borrow for
temporary or emergency purposes in an amount not exceeding 5% of
the value of the total assets of the Fund; or
9. pledge, hypothecate, mortgage or otherwise encumber
its assets, except to secure permitted borrowings.
In addition to the restrictions set forth above, in
connection with the qualification of its shares for sale in
certain states, the Fund may not invest in warrants if such
warrants, valued at the lower of cost or market, would exceed 5%
of the value of the Fund's net assets. Included within such
amount, but not to exceed 2% of the Fund's net assets, may be
warrants which are not listed on the New York Stock Exchange (the
"Exchange") or the American Stock Exchange. Warrants acquired by
the Fund in units or attached to securities may be deemed to be
without value. The Fund will also not purchase puts, calls,
straddles, spreads and any combination thereof if by reason
thereof the value of its aggregate investment in such classes of
securities will exceed 5% of its total assets.
Whenever any investment policy or restriction states a
minimum or maximum percentage of the Fund's assets which may be
invested in any security or other asset, it is intended that such
minimum or maximum percentage limitation be determined
immediately after and as a result of the Fund's acquisition of
such security or other asset. Accordingly, any late increase or
decrease in percentage beyond the specified limitations resulting
from a change in value or net assets will not be considered a
violation of any such maximum.
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_______________________________________________________________
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT CANADA,
THE UNITED MEXICAN STATES AND THE REPUBLIC OF ARGENTINA
_______________________________________________________________
The information in this section is based on material
obtained by the Fund from various Canadian, Mexican and Argentine
governmental and other economic sources believed to be accurate
but has not been independently verified by the Fund or the
Adviser. It is not intended to be a complete description of
Canada, Mexico or Argentina, their economies, or the consequences
of investing in Mexican Government Securities, Canadian
Government Securities or Argentine Government Securities.
____________________________________________________________
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT CANADA
____________________________________________________________
Territory and Population
Canada is the second largest country in the world in
terms of land mass with an area of 9.22 million square kilometers
(3.85 million square miles). It is located north of the
continental United States of America and east of Alaska. Canada
comprises ten provinces (Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, New
Brunswick, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward
Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan) and three territories (the
Northwest Territories, the Nunavut Territory and the Yukon
Territory). Its population is approximately 30 million.
Government
Canada is a constitutional monarchy with Queen Elizabeth
II of the United Kingdom its nominal head of state. The Queen is
represented by the Canadian governor-general, appointed on the
recommendation of the Canadian prime minister. Canada's
government has a federal structure, with a federal government and
ten provincial governments. The legislative branch consists of a
House of Commons (parliament) and the Senate. Members of the
House of Commons are elected by Canadian citizens over 18 years
of age. Senators are appointed on a regional basis by the Prime
Minister. The federal government is headed by the Prime Minister
who is chosen from the party that has won the majority of seats
in the House of Commons. The provincial governments each have a
Legislative Assembly and a Premier. The prime minister has the
privilege of appointing all judges except those of the provincial
courts.
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Provinces have extensive power within specific areas of
jurisdiction. The federal government has defined areas of
jurisdiction and the power to act in areas declared by the House
of Commons to be for the general advantage of Canada. This
general power has been used to justify federal action in certain
areas of provincial jurisdiction. Concurrent federal and
provincial jurisdiction exists in certain matters, including
agriculture, immigration and pensions. The power-sharing issue
between the federal government and provincial governments has
been contentious and has proven to be a central issue in the
process of constitutional reform.
Politics
Since World War II, the federal government has been
formed by either the Liberal Party or the Progressive
Conservative Party. In October 1993, the Liberal Party, under
the leadership of Mr. Jean Chretien, won 178 of the 295 seats in
the Canadian House of Commons, ending nine years of rule by the
Progressive Conservative Party. The Liberal Party was re-elected
for a second term in the June 2, 1997 general election, but lost
20 seats in the House of Commons. On October 12, 1999, Mr.
Chretien announced his intention to seek a third term. A new
political party, the Canadian Reform Conservative Alliance (the
"Canadian Alliance") was formed in March 2000. The Canadian
Alliance hopes to consolidate enough of the right-wing vote to
launch a more credible challenge to the Liberal Party. The next
general election is required by law to occur no later than June
2002, but on October 22, 2000 Mr. Chretien called for the general
election to occur on November 27, 2000.
Canada has had three major developments regarding unity
and constitutional reform in recent years. The first two major
developments were the rejection of the Meech Lake Agreement in
1990 and the Charlottetown Accord in 1992. Those reforms would
have given Quebec constitutional recognition as a distinct
society, transferred powers from the federal to the provincial
governments and reformed the Senate by providing for more equal
representation among the provinces.
The third major development is the continuing
possibility of Quebec's independence. Upon gaining power in
1994, the Quebec separatist party, Parti quebecois ("PQ"), called
for a referendum supporting independence. On October 30, 1995,
the referendum was defeated in a close ballot, in which 50.6%
voted against secession and 49.4% voted for secession. If the
referendum had been approved, Quebec would have become a separate
country, but would have retained formal political and economic
links with Canada similar to those that join members of the
European Union. The PQ, under the leadership of Lucien Bouchard,
was re-elected in the provincial election held on November 30,
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1998, winning 75 of the 125 seats. However, the party's share of
the popular vote dropped 2% from the 1994 election to 43%. The
Parti liberal won 48 seats. It is unclear whether Mr. Bouchard
will hold a second referendum. The PQ previously indicated it
would do so if it were re-elected, but only if the referendum
would stand a strong chance of success. Given current opinion
polls, it is believed unlikely that a referendum would have a
strong chance of success. Recent polls indicate that support for
secession stands at about 40%. In August 1998, Canada's Supreme
Court rendered a unanimous opinion in a legal action initiated by
the federal government to determine the legality of Quebec's
secession. While the Court ruled that Quebec has no right to
unilaterally leave the Canadian federation, the court also
indicated that the federal government would have to negotiate a
separation if a clear majority of Quebec voters vote for it.
Legislation to establish the negotiating terms for Quebec's
secession was approved in March 2000. The so-called "clarity
bill" requires the support of a "clear majority" of Quebec's
residents before such negotiations could occur. It is expected
that Quebec's position within Canada will continue to be a matter
of political debate.
Monetary and Banking System
The central bank of Canada is the Bank of Canada. Its
main functions are conducting monetary policy, supervising
commercial banks, acting as a fiscal agent to the federal
government and managing the foreign exchange fund. The currency
unit of Canada is the Canadian Dollar. Canada does not impose
foreign exchange controls on capital receipts or payments by
residents or non-residents.
Trade
Canada and the United States are each other's largest
trading partners and as a result there is a significant linkage
between the two economies. Bilateral trade between Canada and
the United States in 1997 was larger than between any other two
countries in the world. The North American Free Trade Agreement
("NAFTA") took effect on December 30, 1993. In July 1997 a free-
trade accord between Canada and Chile also took effect. Talks
with Brazil and Argentina are also under way for similar
bilateral trade agreements that are expected eventually to fall
under the umbrella of a new form of NAFTA. When fully
implemented, NAFTA is designed to create a free trade area in
North America, expand the flow of goods, services and investment,
and eventually eliminate tariff barriers, import quotas and
technical barriers among Canada, the United States, Mexico and
future parties to NAFTA. At the April 1998 Summit of the
Americas, an agreement was signed by the leaders of 34
governments across the Americas (including Canada) to begin trade
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negotiations toward the creation of a free trade area across the
Western Hemisphere, known as the Free Trade Area of the Americas
("FTAA"). Another Summit of the Americas is scheduled to take
place in April 2001.
The trade sector is an important factor in the growth of
the Canadian economy. In 1995, the trade surplus was more than
three times higher than the average surplus between 1990 and
1994. In 1996, the trade surplus was almost 25% higher than it
was in 1995. In 1997, however, the trade surplus was reduced as
the rate of import growth almost doubled the rate of export
growth. The trade surplus continued to shrink in 1998, but rose
in 1999 and the first quarter of 2000.
Economic Information Regarding Canada
Canada experienced rapid economic expansion during most
of the 1980s. In the early 1990s, however, the economy
experienced a deep recession. This resulted from, among other
things, high government debt and high interest rates. The
recession partly created and partly highlighted some difficulties
which the present government is attempting to resolve. The
relatively low level of economic activity during this period
reduced the growth of tax receipts with the result that the
already high levels of government debt increased.
RECENT DEVELOPMENTS. The deterioration in the
government's fiscal position, which started during the recession
in the early 1990s, was aggravated by a reluctance to decrease
expenditures or increase taxes. In its 1995 budget, however, the
Liberal Party introduced new spending cuts, the largest in over
thirty years, to reduce Canada's budget deficit. For the fiscal
years 1994-95, 1995-96 and 1996-97, the budget deficit was
approximately 5%, 4.2% and 1.1%, respectively, of gross domestic
product ("GDP"). On October 24, 1998, the government announced
that there was a budget surplus of C$3.5 billion for the 1997-98
fiscal year, the first time in 28 years the government had
recorded a budget surplus. On September 23, 1999, the government
announced a C$2.9 billion budget surplus for the 1998-99 fiscal
year; and on September 20, 2000, the government announced a
C$12.3 billion budget surplus for the 1999-00 fiscal year, the
first time in 50 years that the government has recorded a surplus
for three straight years. In 1999, the government forecast a
cumulative budget surplus of C$95.5 billion over the subsequent
five years, including a cumulative C$30 billion in the
contingency reserve.
In addition to the growth of the federal government
deficit, provincial government debt rose rapidly in the early
1990s. Several developments, including increased spending on
social services at the provincial level, were responsible for a
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significant amount of the growth of public debt from 1990 through
1992. In response to the increase in provincial debt, a number
of rating agencies downgraded certain provincial debt ratings.
All provinces undertook plans to balance their respective
budgets. Currently, only one province, British Columbia, has
reported a significant budget deficit for fiscal year 1999-2000.
Canada's real GDP growth rate slipped to 2.6% in 1995
and 1.2% in 1996 from 4.7% in 1994. In 1997 and 1998, real GDP
grew 4.4% and 3.3%, respectively. That growth was sustained in
1999, when Canada's real GDP grew at an annual rate of 4.5%. In
the first quarter of 2000, Canada's real GDP growth rate was
4.9%. The recent growth of the economy has been broadly based,
unlike earlier periods of recovery, when it was attributable
almost entirely to a growth in exports.
During 1994, despite growing output and low inflation,
concern over the country's deficit and the uncertainty associated
with Quebec's status within Canada led to a weakening of its
currency and higher interest rates. On January 20, 1995, the
exchange rate for the Canadian Dollar fell to .702 against the
U.S. Dollar, which at that time represented a nine-year low and
was close to its then record low of .692. The Bank of Canada
responded by increasing rates on Treasury bills and selling U.S.
Dollars. Between January 20, 1995 and September 30, 1997, the
Canadian Dollar increased in value from .702 to .724 against the
U.S. Dollar. The renewed strength of the Canadian Dollar during
this period facilitated the easing of monetary policy.
Subsequently, however, the Canadian Dollar depreciated, reaching
a record low of .633 against the U.S. Dollar on August 27, 1998.
In 1998 and 1999, the average exchange rate between the Canadian
Dollar and the U.S. Dollar was .674 and .673, respectively. On
October 16, 2000, the Canadian Dollar was .658 against the U.S.
Dollar. In June 1997, with a real GDP growth rate of 4%
annualized during the first two quarters of 1997 and signs of
weakness in the Canadian Dollar, the Bank of Canada decided to
raise its Bank Rate for the first time since 1995, by 25 basis
points to 3.5%. The Bank Rate was raised several more times,
most recently on August 27, 1998, when it was raised one full
percentage point from 5% to 6%. The Bank Rate was subsequently
lowered to 5.75% on September 29, 1998, to 5.5% on October 16,
1998, to 5.25% on November 18, 1998, to 5.00% on March 31, 1999
and to 4.75% on May 4, 1999. With the economy picking up speed
in the second half of 1999, the Bank of Canada shifted its
monetary policy to a tighter stance, raising the Bank Rate on
November 17, 1999 to 5.00%, on February 3, 2000, to 5.25% and on
March 22, 2000, to 5.50%.
The following provides certain statistical and related
information regarding historical rates of exchange between the
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U.S. Dollar and the Canadian Dollar, information concerning
inflation rates, historical information regarding the Canadian
GDP and information concerning yields on certain Canadian
Government Securities. Historical statistical information is not
necessarily indicative of future developments.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES. The exchange rate between the
U.S. Dollar and the Canadian Dollar is at any moment related to
the supply of and demand for the two currencies, and changes in
the rate result over time from the interaction of many factors
directly or indirectly affecting economic conditions in the
United States and Canada, including economic and political
developments in other countries and government policy and
intervention in the money markets.
The range of fluctuation in the U.S. Dollar/Canadian
Dollar exchange rate has been narrower than the range of
fluctuation between the U.S. Dollar and most other major
currencies. However, the range that has occurred in the past is
not necessarily indicative of future fluctuations in that rate.
Future rates of exchange cannot be predicted, particularly over
extended periods of time.
The following table sets forth, for each year indicated,
the annual average of the daily noon buying rates in New York for
cable transfers in New York City in U.S. Dollars for one Canadian
Dollar as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York:
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Buying Rate in
U.S. Dollars
1989 0.84
1990 0.86
1991 0.87
1992 0.83
1993 0.78
1994 0.73
1995 0.73
1996 0.73
1997 0.72
1998 0.67
1999 0.67
2000
January 0.69
February 0.69
March 0.69
April 0.68
May 0.67
June 0.68
Source: Federal Reserve Statistical Releases; BANK OF CANADA
REVIEW Summer 2000.
INFLATION RATE OF THE CANADIAN CONSUMER PRICE INDEX.
Since 1991, when the Canadian government adopted inflation
control targets, inflation in Canada has been maintained within
the targeted range of 1% to 3%. The government announced on
February 24, 1998 that the 1991 targets would be extended to the
end of 2001. The following table sets forth for each year
indicated the average change in the Canadian consumer price index
for the twelve months ended December 31 for the years 1989
through 1999 and the five months ended May 31, 2000.
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National Consumer
Price Index
_________________
1989 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.0
1990 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.8
1991 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.6
1992 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.5
1993 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.8
1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.2
1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.2
1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.6
1997 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.6
1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.9
1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.7
2000 (first five months) . . . . . 2.5
Source: STATISTICS CANADA; BANK OF CANADA REVIEW Summer
2000.
CANADIAN GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT. The following table
sets forth Canada's GDP for the years 1989 through 1999 and
annualized GDP for the first quarter of 2000, at current and
constant prices.
Gross Domestic Change from
Gross Domestic Product at Prior Year at
Product Constant 1992 Constant Prices
_____________ Prices________ _______________
(millions of Canadian Dollars) (%)
1989 656,190 703,577 2.5
1990 678,135 705,464 (0.3)
1991 683,239 692,247 (1.9)
1992 698,544 698,544 0.9
1993 724,960 714,583 2.3
1994 767,506 748,350 4.7
1995 806,778 767,913 2.6
1996 828,997 777,167 1.2
1997 866,252 806,737 4.4
1998 888,390 830,828 3.3
1999 957,911 880,254 4.5
2000
1st Quarter N/A N/A 4.9
Source: BANK OF CANADA REVIEW Winter 1998-1999, Summer 2000;
STATISTICS CANADA.
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YIELDS ON CANADIAN GOVERNMENT TREASURY BILLS AND BONDS.
The following table sets forth the yields on 3-month and 6-month
Government of Canada Treasury bills and 5-year and 10-year Canada
Benchmark Bonds from January 1995 through August 2000.
Treasury Bills Benchmark Bonds
1995 3 Months 6 Months 5 Years 10 Years
____ ___________________ __________________
January 8.10 8.47 9.18 9.34
February 8.11 8.15 8.46 8.76
March 8.29 8.35 8.23 8.57
April 7.87 7.87 7.93 8.31
May 7.40 7.36 7.41 7.88
June 6.73 6.65 7.33 7.81
July 6.65 6.87 7.79 8.27
August 6.34 6.62 7.58 8.00
September 6.58 6.80 7.54 7.89
October 7.16 7.21 7.54 7.86
November 5.83 5.87 6.74 7.19
December 5.54 5.64 6.64 7.11
Treasury Bills Benchmark Bonds
1996 3 Months 6 Months 5 Years 10 Years
____ ___________________ __________________
January 5.12 5.20 6.33 7.01
February 5.21 5.38 6.87 7.53
March 5.02 5.25 7.02 7.64
April 4.78 4.97 7.09 7.76
May 4.68 4.88 7.01 7.72
June 4.70 4.94 7.05 7.77
July 4.39 4.75 6.96 7.62
August 4.02 4.32 6.60 7.34
September 3.86 4.13 6.28 7.16
October 3.17 3.33 5.59 6.47
November 2.73 2.89 5.10 6.05
December 2.85 3.24 5.44 6.37
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Treasury Bills Benchmark Bonds
1997 3 Months 6 Months 5 Years 10 Years
____ ___________________ __________________
January 2.87 3.21 5.67 6.65
February 2.91 3.17 5.44 6.38
March 3.14 3.45 5.75 6.59
April 3.14 3.55 5.92 6.68
May 2.99 3.39 5.86 6.65
June 2.86 3.19 5.32 6.14
July 3.29 3.62 5.18 5.80
August 3.11 3.68 5.36 6.06
September 2.86 3.49 5.17 5.70
October 3.59 3.82 4.99 5.49
November 3.67 4.11 5.17 5.56
December 3.99 4.56 5.34 5.61
Treasury Bills Benchmark Bonds
1998 3 Months 6 Months 5 Years 10 Years
____ ___________________ __________________
January 4.10 4.42 5.09 5.41
February 4.57 4.84 5.26 5.47
March 4.59 4.70 5.11 5.34
April 4.85 4.97 5.32 5.49
May 4.75 4.97 5.21 5.34
June 4.87 5.04 5.28 5.35
July 4.94 5.13 5.42 5.47
August 4.91 5.25 5.62 5.67
September 4.91 5.03 4.78 4.95
October 4.74 4.79 4.69 5.00
November 4.82 4.93 5.03 5.18
December 4.70 4.76 4.76 4.89
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Treasury Bills Benchmark Bonds
1999 3 Months 6 Months 5 Years 10 Years
____ ___________________ __________________
January 4.66 4.77 4.76 4.89
February 4.84 4.93 5.22 5.26
March 4.75 4.86 4.95 5.05
April 4.60 4.67 4.98 5.14
May 4.42 4.60 5.34 5.42
June 4.62 4.88 5.35 5.46
July 4.64 4.81 5.53 5.62
August 4.83 5.08 5.51 5.55
September 4.69 4.87 5.67 5.77
October 4.85 5.20 6.20 6.26
November 4.82 5.10 5.98 6.02
December 4.93 5.29 6.11 6.18
Treasury Bills Benchmark Bonds
2000 3 Months 6 Months 5 Years 10 Years
____ ___________________ __________________
January 5.08 5.39 6.38 6.44
February 5.05 5.42 6.29 6.19
March 5.28 5.56 6.13 6.03
April 5.45 5.74 6.17 6.10
May 5.75 6.01 6.17 6.00
June 5.55 5.84 6.04 5.93
July 5.63 5.82 6.00 5.86
August 5.62 5.77 5.92 5.77
Source: BANK OF CANADA.
_________________________________________________________________
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE UNITED MEXICAN STATES
_________________________________________________________________
Territory and Population
The United Mexican States ("Mexico") occupies a
territory of approximately 1.97 million square kilometers (759
thousand square miles). To the north, Mexico shares a border
with the United States of America, and to the south it has
borders with Guatemala and Belize. Its coastline is along both
the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. Mexico comprises 31
states and a Federal District (Mexico City). It is the second
most populous nation in Latin America, with an estimated
population of 99.6 million in mid-2000, as reported by the
Consejo Nacional de Poblacion (Conapo).
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Mexico's three largest cities are Mexico City,
Guadalajara and Monterrey, which in 1997 together accounted for
25% of the country's population and 2% of the land. In the
1980s, Government efforts concerning family planning and birth
control, together with declining birth rates among women under 35
and those living in urban areas, have resulted in a reduction of
the annual population growth rate from 3% in the early 1970s to
1.6% in the late 1990s.
Government
The present form of government was established by the
Constitution, which took effect on May 1, 1917. The Constitution
establishes Mexico as a Federal Republic and provides for the
separation of the executive, legislative and judicial branches.
The President and the members of Congress are elected by popular
vote of Mexican citizens over 18 years of age.
Executive authority is vested in the President, who is
elected for a single six-year term. The executive branch
consists of 17 ministries, the office of the Federal Attorney
General, the Federal District Department and the office of the
Attorney General of the Federal District.
Federal Legislative authority is vested in the Congress,
which is composed of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies.
Senators serve a six-year term. Deputies serve a three-year
term, and neither Senators nor Deputies may serve consecutive
terms in the same Chamber. The Senate has 128 members, four from
each state and four from the Federal District. The Chamber of
Deputies has 500 members, of whom 300 are elected by direct vote
from the electoral districts and 200 are elected by a system of
proportional representation. The Constitution provides that the
President may veto bills and that Congress may override such
vetoes with a two-thirds majority of each Chamber.
Federal Judicial authority is vested in the Supreme
Court of Justice, the Circuit and District courts, and the
Federal Judicial Board. The Supreme Court has 11 members who are
selected by the Senate from a pool of candidates nominated by the
President. Its members serve for 15 year terms, except for the
current members of the Court, whose appointments range from eight
to 20 years.
Mexico has diplomatic relations with approximately 175
countries. It is a charter member of the United Nations and a
founding member of the Organization of American States, the
International Monetary Fund (the "IMF"), the World Bank, the
International Finance Corporation, the Inter-American Development
Bank and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.
Mexico became a member of the Organization for Economic
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Cooperation and Development (the "OECD") on April 14, 1994 and
the World Trade Organization ("WTO") on January 1, 1995 (the date
on which the WTO superseded the General Agreement on Trade and
Tariffs ("GATT")).
Politics
Until the July 2, 2000 elections, the Partido
Revolucionario Institucional ("PRI") had long been the dominant
political party in Mexico, although its dominance had been
weakened in recent years. Between 1929 and 2000 the PRI won all
presidential elections and, until the 1997 Congressional
elections, held a majority in Congress. Until 1989 it had also
won all of the state governorships. The two other major parties
in Mexico are the Partido Accion Nacional ("PAN") and the Partido
de la Revolucion Democratica ("PRD").
On July 2, 2000, elections were held to select a new
President of Mexico for a six-year term beginning on December 1,
2000. In addition, elections were held for three-quarters of the
Senate and the entire Chamber of Deputies. The candidate of the
PAN, Vicente Fox Quesada, won the Presidential election with
42.5% of the votes, the candidate of the PRI was second with
36.1% of the votes and the candidate of the Alianza por Mexico, a
five-party coalition headed by the PRD, was third with 16.6% of
the votes. With respect to the Congressional elections, no party
achieved a majority. The Alianza por el Cambio, which comprises
the PAN and a smaller party, now has 223 seats in the 500-member
Chamber of Deputies and 51 seats in the 128-member Senate; the
PRI now has 209 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and 60 seats in
the Senate; and the Alianza por Mexico, which comprises the PRD
and four smaller parties, now has 68 seats in the Chamber of
Deputies and 17 seats in the Senate. The next general elections
are scheduled to occur in July 2003 (congressional).
The July 2, 2000 elections represented not only the end
of the PRI's seven-decade domination of Mexico's politics. They
also marked the first elections in Mexico's history that have
been widely viewed both inside and outside Mexico to have been
conducted democratically, in accordance with electoral reforms
adopted in 1996, when certain constitutional amendments, which
had been agreed to by the President and the leaders of the four
major political parties represented in Congress, were approved.
The amendments, among other things, exclude the President from
the Federal Electoral Institute, an autonomous agency charged
with organizing elections; eliminate the Electoral Committee of
the Chamber of Deputies, which had been responsible for
determining the validity of presidential elections; impose limits
on expenditures on political campaigns and controls on the source
of and uses of funds contributed to a political party; grant
voting rights to Mexican citizens residing abroad; reduce from
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315 to 300 the maximum number of congressional representatives
who may belong to a single party, and establish an electoral
procedure intended to result in a more proportional
representation in the Senate. The Mexican Supreme Court is
empowered to determine the constitutionality of electoral laws
and the Mexican Federal Electoral Court, which had been part of
the executive branch, is now part of the judicial branch.
At the beginning of 1994, armed insurgents attacked (and
in some cases temporarily seized control of) several villages in
the southern state of Chiapas. While the government responded by
providing support to the local authorities and publicly offering
to negotiate a peaceful resolution that would address the
underlying concerns of the local population, the conflict
remained a source of debate and uncertainty for the remainder of
the year. For the next two years, there were sporadic,
unsuccessful negotiations with the insurgents, but incidents of
civil unrest continued. On September 11, 1995, the government
and the insurgents reached an agreement pursuant to which both
sides accepted a common political agenda and procedural rules,
and agreed to the creation of a working committee regarding the
rights of indigenous peoples. This agreement was expected to
represent a first step toward a comprehensive peace agreement
between the parties. The parties signed another agreement on
February 16, 1996 that contained a series of measures aimed at
enhancing and guaranteeing the rights of the indigenous
population, but subsequent negotiations between the government
and the insurgents were unsuccessful, collapsing altogether in
September 1996.
An uneasy standoff between the insurgents and the
government in Chiapas has continued ever since 1996, and there
have been additional incidents of violence, most notably on
December 22, 1997, which resulted in the death of 45 civilians,
mostly women and children. In the Fall of 1999, the government
attempted to resume negotiations, but the attempt failed.
Following the defeat of the PRI in both the July 2000
presidential elections and the August 2000 gubernatorial
elections in Chiapas, there is renewed hope that the negotiations
can be resumed. President-elect Vicente Fox has indicated that
the resumption of negotiations will be a top priority. He has
promised that after he takes office on December 1, 2000 he will,
among other things, pull the Mexican army out of the indigenous
villages and relocate manufacturing plants from the north to
Chiapas.
In addition to the civil unrest in Chiapas, other
developments have contributed to disillusionment among the
electorate with the institutions of government. These events
include the 1994 assassinations of Luis Donaldo Colosio and Jose
Francisco Ruiz Massieu, both high-ranking PRI officials. Links
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between Mexico's drug cartels and high government and military
officials have also been discovered. These links could
jeopardize Mexico's status as an ally of the U.S. in the war
against narcotics smuggling. While Mexico is currently certified
by the President of the United States as an ally, there is no
assurance that the certification will be maintained. A loss of
certification could result in the termination of U.S. economic
assistance to Mexico.
Shortly after President-elect Fox's electoral victory on
July 2, 2000, he announced the creation of the National
Transparency Commission to investigate unsolved major crimes and
to examine the misdeeds of previous governments. President-elect
Fox is planning other initiatives to reform the government's law
enforcement and judicial functions.
Money and Banking
Banco de Mexico, chartered in 1925, is the central bank
of Mexico. It is the federal government's primary authority for
the execution of monetary policy and the regulation of currency
and credit. It is authorized by law to regulate interest rates
payable on time deposits, to establish minimum reserve
requirements for credit institutions and to provide discount
facilities for certain types of bank loans. The currency unit of
Mexico is the Peso. Mexico repealed its exchange control rules
in 1991 and now maintains only a market exchange rate.
New laws relating to Banco de Mexico's activities and
role within the Mexican economy became effective on April 1,
1994. The purpose of the new laws was to reinforce the
independence of Banco de Mexico, so that it can act as a
counterbalance to the executive and legislative branches in
monetary policy matters. The new laws significantly strengthened
Banco de Mexico's authority with respect to monetary policy,
foreign exchange and related activities and the regulation of the
financial services industry. In 1999, President Zedillo proposed
granting full autonomy to Banco de Mexico over exchange rate
policy and has also proposed moving the National Banking and
Securities Commission from the Ministry of Finance to Banco de
Mexico, providing it with greater authority. These proposals
have not yet been approved.
Since Mexico's commercial banks were privatized in the
early 1990s, the banking industry has experienced a significant
amount of non-performing loans. In February 1996, the ratio of
bad debts to the banking system's total loan portfolio reached a
high of 19.2% from 8.3% at the end of 1994. In 1995, the
government began a series of programs to address the problem and
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to avoid a systemic banking collapse. These programs have
included subsidies to certain debtors and taking over bad debts.
At the end of 1999, the liabilities absorbed by the government
under Fobaproa, the program designed to take over the bad debts
of Mexico's banks, totalled $89 billion, equivalent to 18.3% of
Mexico's GDP. Nonetheless, the government has had to intervene
and take control of a number of institutions for eventual sale,
most recently in November 1999, when the government took control
of BanCrecer, Mexico's fifth largest bank, at an estimated cost
of $10 billion. The overall cost of the government's programs to
aid the banking sector has been estimated at $100 billion. The
govenrment has also instituted new rules, which became effective,
on a phased-in basis, in January 2000, to shore up the capital of
Mexico's banks. Additionally, deposit insurance will gradually
be reduced beginning in 2005. By the beginning of 2000 only one
of the 18 banks privatized in the early 1990s remained in the
hands of its original owners, and eight banks were still under
the supervision of the National Banking and Securities
Commission. The government has begun the process of selling off
these institutions, most notably Banca Serfin in 2000.
Trade
Mexico became a member of the GATT in 1986 and has been
a member of the WTO since January 1, 1995, the date on which the
WTO superseded the GATT. Mexico has also entered into NAFTA with
the United States and Canada. In addition, Mexico signed an
agreement providing for a framework for a free trade agreement in
1992 with Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and
Nicaragua as a step toward establishing a free-trade area.
Mexico entered into definitive free trade agreements with Costa
Rica in April 1994 and Nicaragua in December 1997. Negotiations
to reach free-trade agreements with the group formed by
Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador are continuing. A free trade
agreement between Mexico and Chile went into effect on January 1,
1992. A free trade agreement with Colombia and Venezuela was
signed in June 1994 and a similar agreement with Bolivia was
signed in September 1994; both agreements entered into force in
January 1995. In addition, Mexico and the European Union signed
an agreement in March 2000 that will end all tariffs on their
bilateral trade in industrial goods by 2007. Mexico is also in
negotiations with Belize, Panama, Ecuador, Trinidad, Tobago and
Peru and is taking steps to increase trade with Japan and other
Pacific Rim countries. In connection with the implementation of
NAFTA, amendments to several laws relating to financial services
(including the Banking Law and the Securities Market Law) became
effective on January 1, 1994. These measures permit non-Mexican
financial groups and financial intermediaries, through Mexican
subsidiaries, to engage in various activities in the Mexican
financial system, including banking and securities activities.
In December 1998, Mexico lifted all remaining restrictions on
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foreign ownership of its largest banks, which had been excluded
from the liberalization measures that became effective in
1994.
Economic Information Regarding Mexico
During the period from World War II through the mid-
1970s, Mexico experienced sustained economic growth. During the
mid 1970s, Mexico experienced high inflation and, as a result,
the government embarked on a high-growth strategy based on oil
exports and external borrowing. The steep decline in oil prices
in 1981 and 1982, together with high international interest rates
and the credit markets' unwillingness to refinance maturing
external Mexican credits, led in 1982 to record inflation,
successive devaluations of the peso by almost 500% in total, a
pubic sector deficit of 16.9% of GDP and, in August 1982, a
liquidity crisis that precipitated subsequent restructurings of a
large portion of the country's external debt. Through much of
the 1980s, the Mexican economy continued to experience high
inflation and large foreign indebtedness. In February 1990,
Mexico became the first Latin American country to reach an
agreement with external creditor banks and multi-national
agencies under the U.S. Treasury's approach to debt reduction
known as the "Brady Plan."
The value of the Mexican Peso has been central to the
performance of the Mexican economy. In 1989, the government
implemented a devaluation schedule, pursuant to which the
intended annual rate of devaluation was gradually lowered from
16.7% in 1989 to 11.4% in 1990, 4.5% in 1991 and 2.4% in 1992.
From October 1992 through December 20, 1994, the Mexican
Peso/U.S. Dollar exchange rate was allowed to fluctuate within a
band that widened daily. The ceiling of the band, which was the
maximum selling rate, depreciated at a daily rate of 0.0004 Pesos
(equal to approximately 4.5% per year), while the floor of the
band, i.e., the minimum buying rate, remained fixed. Banco de
Mexico agreed to intervene in the foreign exchange market to the
extent that the Mexican Peso/U.S. Dollar exchange rate reached
either the floor or the ceiling of the band.
Beginning on January 1, 1994, volatility in the Mexican
Peso/U.S. Dollar exchange rate began to increase, with the value
of the Peso relative to the Dollar declining at one point to an
exchange rate of 3.375 Mexican Pesos to the U.S. Dollar, a
decline of approximately 8.69% from the high of 3.1050 pesos
reached in early February 1994. This increased volatility was
attributed to a number of political and economic factors,
including a growing current account deficit, the relative
overvaluation of the Peso, investor reactions to the increase in
U.S. interest rates, lower than expected economic growth in
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Mexico in 1993, uncertainty concerning the Mexican presidential
elections in August 1994 and certain related developments.
On December 20, 1994, increased pressure on the Mexican
Peso/U.S. Dollar exchange rate led Mexico to increase the ceiling
of the Banco de Mexico intervention band. That action proved
insufficient to address the concerns of foreign investors, and
the demand for foreign currency continued. On December 22, the
government adopted a free exchange rate policy, eliminating the
intervention band and allowing the Peso to float freely against
the Dollar. The value of the Mexican Peso continued to weaken
relative to the U.S. Dollar in the following days. There was
substantial volatility in the Mexican Peso/U.S. Dollar exchange
rate during the first quarter of 1995, with the exchange rate
falling to a low point of 7.588 Mexican Pesos to the U.S. Dollar
on March 13, 1995. By the end of April and through September
1995, the exchange rate began to stabilize; however, the exchange
rate began to show signs of renewed volatility in October and
November 1995. The Mexican Peso/U.S. Dollar exchange rate fell
to a low for the year of 8.14 Mexican Pesos to the U.S. Dollar on
November 13, 1995.
In order to address the adverse economic situation that
developed at the end of 1994, the government announced in January
1995 a new economic program and a new accord among the government
and the business and labor sectors of the economy, which,
together with a subsequent program announced in March 1995 and
the international support package described below, formed the
basis of Mexico's 1995 economic plan (the "1995 Economic Plan").
The objectives of the 1995 Economic Plan were to stabilize the
financial markets, lay the foundation for a return to lower
inflation rates over the medium-term, preserve Mexico's
international competitiveness, maintain the solvency of the
banking system and attempt to reassure long-term investors of the
strong underlying fundamentals of the Mexican economy.
The central elements of the 1995 Economic Plan were
fiscal reform, aimed at increasing public revenues through price
and tax adjustments and reducing public sector expenditures;
restrictive monetary policy, characterized by limited credit
expansion; stabilization of the exchange rate while maintaining
the current floating exchange rate policy; reduction of the
current account deficit; introduction of certain financial
mechanisms to enhance the stability of the banking sector; and
maintenance and enhancement of certain social programs, to ease
the transition for the poorest segments of society.
In addition to the actions described above, in the
beginning of 1995, the government engaged in a series of
discussions with the IMF, the World Bank, the Inter-American
Development Bank and the U.S. and Canadian governments in order
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to obtain the international financial support necessary to
relieve Mexico's liquidity crisis and aid in restoring financial
stability to Mexico's economy. The proceeds of the loans and
other financial support were used to refinance public sector
short-term debt, primarily Tesobonos, to restore the country's
international reserves and to support the banking sector. The
largest component of the international support package was up to
$20 billion in support from the United States pursuant to four
related agreements entered into on February 21, 1995. During
1995, the U.S. government and the Canadian government disbursed
$13.7 billion of proceeds to Mexico under these agreements and
the North American Framework Agreement ("NAFA"), the proceeds of
which were used by Mexico to refinance maturing short-term debt,
including Tesobonos and $1 billion of short-term swaps under the
NAFA. In a series of repayments and prepayments beginning in
October 1995 and ending in January 1997, Mexico repaid all of its
borrowings under the agreements.
Using resources made available through the international
support package as well as operations by Banco de Mexico, in 1995
Mexico altered its debt profile significantly. The outstanding
balance of Tesobonos (which are dollar denominated) was reduced
from $29.2 billion at December 31, 1994 to $16.2 billion at the
end of the first quarter of 1995, $10.0 billion at the end of the
second quarter, $2.5 billion at the end of the third quarter and
$246 million at the end of the fourth quarter. By February 16,
1996, Mexico had no Tesobonos outstanding, and has not issued
Tesobonos since that date. As of December 31, 1996, 100% of
Mexico's net internal debt was denominated and payable in Mexican
Pesos, as compared with only 44.3% of such debt at the end of
1994.
On May 31, 1995, the government announced the Plan
Nacional de Desarrollo 1995-2000 (1995-2000 National Development
Plan, or the "Development Plan"). The Development Plan covers
five topics: sovereignty; the rule of law; democratic
development; social development; and economic growth. The
fundamental strategic objective of the Development Plan is to
promote vigorous and sustainable economic growth. Among other
things, the Development Plan calls for steps to increase domestic
savings, preferences for channeling foreign investment into
direct productive investment, the elimination of unnecessary
regulatory obstacles to foreign participation in productive
activities and further deregulation of the economy.
On October 26, 1996, the government announced the
establishment of another accord among the government and the
business, labor and agricultural sectors of the economy known as
the Alianza para el Crecimiento Economico (Alliance for Economic
Growth or "ACE"). The chief objectives of the ACE are to foster
sustainable economic growth by emphasizing (i) the export sector,
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particularly through domestic and foreign investment, (ii) public
investment, particularly in the hydrocarbon, electricity,
transportation and water sectors and (iii) fiscal and monetary
discipline in order to encourage an environment of greater price
stability and lower interest rates.
On December 31, 1997, the ACE expired. On February 24,
1998, the government and representatives of the labor,
agriculture and business sectors signed the Acuerdo de
Cooperacion y Consulta (Cooperation and Consultation Accord or
"ACC"). In the ACC, the government and the three economic
sectors agreed to increase productivity and competitiveness to
prepare Mexico for the globalization of the world economy. The
accord is based on the following commitments: (i) a pledge by
the government and the three economic sectors to periodically
examine the development of the Mexican economy and to create
subcommissions or working groups to analyze specific economic
problems; (ii) to allow the unimpeded negotiation of collective
bargaining agreements and to foster a cooperative environment to
achieve productivity and competitiveness goals, as well as the
equitable distribution of any resulting benefits; (iii) to set as
a priority workforce education and job training to increase
productivity and to facilitate worker transition to changing
production technology; and (iv) to catalyze capital investment,
infrastructure development and labor retraining in rural areas,
in order to increase productivity, competitiveness and the
standards of living in such areas.
On June 3, 1997, the government announced the Programa
Nacional de Financiamiento del Desarrollo 1997-2000 (National
Development Financing Program 1997-2000, or "PRONAFIDE"). The
PRONAFIDE's goals are to: (i) achieve, on average, real GDP
growth of 5% per year, (ii) generate more than one million jobs
per year, (iii) increase real wages and salaries, (iv) strengthen
the capacity of the government to respond to social needs and
(v) avoid economic crises of the types suffered by Mexico during
the past 20 years.
The effects of the devaluation of the Mexican Peso, as
well as the government's response to that and related events,
were apparent in the performance of the Mexican economy during
1995 and 1996. Mexico's trade deficit decreased during 1995, the
value of imports decreasing by 8.7% between 1994 and 1995, to
$72.5 billion in 1995. Although the value of imports in 1996
increased approximately 23.4% from 1995, to $89.5 billion,
exports increased by almost the same amount. During 1995, Mexico
registered a $7.089 billion trade surplus, its first annual trade
surplus since 1989. Mexico continued to register a trade surplus
in 1996 and 1997 but the surplus decreased by approximately 7.9%
to $6.531 billion in 1996 and 90% to $624 million in 1997. In
1998, Mexico registered a $7.9 billion deficit in its trade
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balance and in 1999, Mexico registered a $5.4 billion deficit in
its trade balance. During 1996 and 1997, Mexico's current
account balance registered a deficit of $2.330 billion and $7.448
billion, respectively, as compared with a deficit of $1.576
billion in 1995. In 1998 and 1999, Mexico's current account
balance registered a deficit of $15.723 billion and $14.013
billion, respectively. During the first quarter of 2000, the
current account balance registered a $4.2 billion deficit
compared to a deficit of $3.5 billion for the same period in
1999.
Banco de Mexico is currently disclosing reserve figures
on a weekly basis. On December 31, 1999, Mexico's international
reserves amounted to $30.7 billion, as compared to $30.1 billion
on December 31, 1998, $28 billion on December 31, 1997, $17.5
billion at December 31, 1996, $15.7 billion at December 31, 1995
and $6.1 billion at December 31, 1994.
During 1995 real GDP decreased by 6.2%, as compared with
an increase of 4.5% during 1994. This downward trend continued
into the first quarter of 1996, but turned around in the second
quarter of 1996. The real GDP has continued to grow since that
time, resulting in an overall GDP growth rate of 5.2% for 1996,
6.8% for 1997, 4.8% for 1998, 3.7% for 1999 and an estimated 7.9%
and 7.6% in the first and second quarters, respectively, of 2000.
Although the Mexican economy has stabilized since 1994, there can
be no assurance that the government's plan will lead to a full
recovery.
In early October 2000, President-elect Vicente Fox
outlined his economic agenda. He predicts a GDP growth rate of
4.0% to 4.5% in 2001, down from the 7.0% predicted for 2000, and
seeks to reduce annual inflation to 3% by 2003, down from the
current 9% and 7% predicted for 2001. Mr. Fox plans to present
his first budget on December 2, 2000, the day after he takes
office.
Statistical and Related Information
Concerning Mexico
The following provides certain statistical and related
information regarding historical rates of exchange between the
U.S. Dollar and the Mexican Peso, information concerning
inflation rates, historical information regarding the Mexican GDP
and information concerning interest rates on certain Mexican
Government Securities. Historical information is not necessarily
indicative of future fluctuations or exchange rates. In 1982,
Mexico imposed strict foreign exchange controls which shortly
thereafter were relaxed and were eliminated in 1991.
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CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES. There is no assurance that
future regulatory actions in Mexico will not affect the Fund's
ability to obtain U.S. Dollars in exchange for Mexican Pesos.
The following table sets forth the exchange rates of the
Mexican Peso to the U.S. Dollar announced by Banco de Mexico for
the payment of obligations denominated in dollars and payable in
Mexican Pesos within Mexico with respect to each year from 1989
to 1999.
Free Market Rate Controlled Rate
________________ _______________
End of End of
Period Average Period Average
______ ________ _______ _______
1989. . . . . . . 2.681 2.483 2.637 2.453
1990. . . . . . . 2.943 2.838 2.939 2.807
1991. . . . . . . 3.075 3.016 3.065* 3.007*
1992. . . . . . . 3.119 3.094 -- --
1993. . . . . . . 3.192 3.155 -- --
1994. . . . . . . 5.325 3.375 -- --
1995. . . . . . . 7.643 6.419 -- --
1996. . . . . . . 7.851 7.599 -- --
1997. . . . . . . 8.083 7.918 -- --
1998. . . . . . . 9.865 9.136 --
1999 9.499 9.577
* Through November 10, 1991.
Source: Banco de Mexico.
INFLATION AND CONSUMER PRICES. Through much of the
1980s, the Mexican economy continued to be affected by high
inflation, low growth and high levels of domestic and foreign
indebtedness. The annual inflation rate, as measured by the
consumer price index, rose from 28.7% in December 1981 to 159.2%
in December 1987. In December 1987, the Mexican government
agreed with labor and business to curb the economy's inflationary
pressures by freezing wages and prices (the "1987 accord"). The
1987 accord included the implementation of restrictive fiscal and
monetary policies, the elimination of trade barriers and the
reduction of import tariffs. After substantive increases in
public sector prices and utility rates, price controls were
introduced.
The 1987 accord was succeeded by a series of additional
accords, each of which continued to stress the moderation of
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inflation, fiscal discipline and, in the case of accords entered
into prior to 1995, a gradual devaluation of the peso. There
was a gradual reduction in the number of goods and services whose
prices were covered by such accords. The two most recent of
these accords also incorporated a reduction in the income tax
rate applicable to corporations and certain self-employed
individuals from 35% to 34% and a reduction in the withholding
tax applicable to interest payments on publicly issued external
debt and external debt payable to certain financial institutions
from 15% to 4.9%. These policies lowered the consumer inflation
rate from 159.2% in 1987 to 7.1% in 1994.
Over the medium term, the government is committed to
reversing the decline in real wages experienced in the last
decade through control of inflation, a controlled gradual upward
adjustment of wages and a reduction in income taxes for the lower
income brackets. Nonetheless, the effect of the devaluation of
the peso and the government's response to that event and related
developments caused a significant increase in inflation, as well
a decline in real wages for much of the population, during 1995,
when the inflation rate increased to 52.0%. Subsequent fiscal
and monetary policies succeeded in lowering inflation during 1996
and 1997 (as measured by the increase in the National Consumer
Price Index), to 27.7% and 15.7%, respectively. In 1998,
inflation rose to 18.6%, well over the government's target of
12%, but fell to 12.3% in 1999.
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX. The following table sets forth
the changes in the Mexican consumer price index for the year
ended December 31 for the years 1989 through 1999 and for the
first eight months of 2000.
Changes in
National Consumer
Price Index,
Increase Over
Previous Period
_________________
1989............................. 19.7
1990............................. 29.9
1991............................. 18.8
1992............................. 11.9
1993............................. 8.0
1994............................. 7.1
1995............................. 52.0
1996............................. 27.7
1997............................. 15.7
1998............................. 18.6
1999............................. 12.3
2000
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January........................ 11.0
February....................... 10.5
March.......................... 10.1
April.......................... 9.7
May............................ 9.5
June........................... 9.4
July........................... 9.1
August......................... 9.1
Source: Banco de Mexico.
MEXICAN GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT. The following table
sets forth certain information concerning Mexico's GDP for the
years 1991 through 1999 and for the first two quarters of 2000 at
current and constant prices.
Gross Gross Change
Domestic Domestic from Prior
Product Product at Year at
at Current Constant Constant
Prices 1993 Prices(1) Prices
__________ ___________ __________
(millions of Mexican Pesos) (percent)
1991. . . . 949,148 1,189,017 4.2
1992. . . . 1,125,334 1,232,162 3.6
1993. . . . 1,256,196 1,256,196 2.0
1994. . . . 1,423,364 1,312,200 4.5
1995. . . . 1,840,431 1,230,608 (6.2)
1996. . . . 2,508,147 1,293,859 5.2
1997. . . . 3,178,953 1,381,352 6.8
1998 . . 3,791,191 1,447,945 4.8
1999 . . 4,622,789(2) 1,501,008(2) 3.7
2000
1st qtr. N/A N/A 7.9(2)
2nd qtr. N/A N/A 7.6(2)
(1) Constant Peso with purchasing power at December 31, 1993,
expressed in Pesos.
(2) Preliminary.
Source: Mexico's National Statistics, Geography and Informatics
Institute (INEGI).
INTEREST RATES. The following table sets forth the
average interest rates per annum on 28-day and 91-day CETES,
which are peso-denominated Treasury bills, the average weighted
cost of term deposits for commercial banks ("CPP"), the average
interest rate ("TIIP") and the equilibrium interest rate ("TIIE")
for the periods listed below.
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Average CETES and Interest Rates
_________________________________
28-Day 91-Day
CETES CETES CPP TIIP TIIE
_____ _____ _____ _____ _____
1990:
Jan.-June 41.2 40.7 43.2% _____ _____
July-Dec. 28.3 29.4 31.0 _____ _____
1991:
Jan.-June 21.2 21.7 24.3 _____ _____
July-Dec. 17.3 18.0 20.8 _____ _____
1992:
Jan.-June 13.8 13.8 16.9 _____ _____
July-Dec. 17.4 18.0 20.7 _____ _____
1993:
Jan.-June 16.4 17.3 20.9 20.4(1) _____
July-Dec. 13.5 13.6 16.2 16.1 _____
1994:
Jan.-June 13.0 13.5 14.2 15.3 _____
July-Dec. 15.2 15.7 16.8 20.4 _____
1995:
Jan.-June 55.0 54.3 49.6 63.6 71.2(2)
July-Dec. 41.9 42.2 40.7 44.5 44.5
1996:
Jan.-June 35.4 37.2 34.5 37.3 37.2
July-Dec. 27.4 28.6 26.9 30.2 30.1
1997:
Jan.-June 20.8 22.2 20.8 23.2 23.2
July-Dec. 18.8 20.3 17.4 20.5 20.6
1998:
Jan.-June 18.8 19.9 17.2 20.6 20.7
July-Dec. 30.7 32.5 24.9 32.9 33.1
1999:
Jan.-June 24.3 24.7 22.3 27.2 27.3
July-Dec. 18.5 19.9 17.2 20.8 20.8
2000:
Jan.-May 14.6 15.6 13.8 16.7 16.6
(1) February-June average.
(2) Average for the last two weeks of March.
Source: Banco de Mexico.
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________________________________________________________________
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE REPUBLIC OF ARGENTINA
________________________________________________________________
Territory and Population
The Republic of Argentina ("Argentina") is the second
largest country in Latin America, occupying a territory of 2.8
million square kilometers (1.1 million square miles) (3.8 million
square kilometers (1.5 million square miles) if territorial
claims in the Antarctic and certain South Atlantic islands are
included). It is located at the extreme south of the South
American continent, bordered by Chile, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil,
Uruguay and the South Atlantic Ocean. Argentina consists of 23
provinces and the federal capital of Buenos Aires. In 1991, the
year of the last Census, it had a population of approximately
32.6 million. Official projections have estimated that
Argentina's population will reach 37 million in 2000.
The most densely inhabited areas and the traditional
agricultural wealth are on the wide temperate belt that stretches
across central Argentina. About one-third of the population
lives in the greater Buenos Aires area. Six other urban centers,
Cordoba, Rosario, Mendoza, San Miguel de Tucuman, Mar del Plata
and La Plata, have a population of over 500,000 each.
Approximately 79% of the country's population is urban.
Government
The Argentine federal constitution (the "Constitution"),
first adopted in 1853, provides for a tripartite system of
government: an executive branch headed by a president; a
legislative branch made up of a bicameral congress; and a
judicial branch, of which the Supreme Court of Justice (the
"Supreme Court") is the highest body of authority. The President
is directly elected by the voters and may serve for a maximum of
two consecutive four-year terms. The President directs the
general administration of the country and has the power to veto
laws in whole or in part, although Congress may override a veto
by a two-thirds vote. Presidential elections were last held on
October 24, 1999.
The Congress is made up of the Senate and the Chamber of
Deputies. The 72-member Senate consists of three Senators for
each province and the federal capital of Buenos Aires. Senators
are elected for six-year terms, and serve in staggered terms so
that one-third of the Senate's seats are subject to elections
every two years. The Chamber of Deputies consists of 257 seats,
which are allocated according to each province's population.
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Deputies are elected for four-year staggered terms so that one-
half of the Chamber is subject to elections every two years.
The judicial system comprises federal and provincial
trial courts, courts of appeal and supreme courts. The supreme
judicial power of the Republic is vested in the Supreme Court,
which has nine members who are appointed for life by the
President (subject to ratification by the Senate). Pursuant to
amendments to the Constitution adopted in 1994, the President
must select lower federal court judges from a list of nominees
selected by an independent body comprised of lawyers and
academics. In 1998 and 1999, steps were taken to implement this
system, which was designed to minimize political influence in the
selection and dismissal of judges.
Each province has its own constitution, and elects its
own governor, legislators and judges, without the intervention of
the federal government.
Politics
The three largest political parties in Argentina are the
Partido Justicialista or Peronist Party ("PJ"), which evolved out
of Juan Peron's efforts to expand the role of labor in the
political process in the 1940s, the Union Civica Radical or
Radical Civic Union ("UCR"), founded in 1890, and the Frente del
Pais Solidario or Front for a Country in Solidarity ("Frepaso"),
founded in 1994 by former members of the PJ and a small socialist
party. In 1997, members of the UCR and the Frepaso formed a
coalition called Alianza ("Alliance"), which has a platform
focused on remedying social problems. Traditionally, the UCR has
had more urban middle-class support and the PJ more labor
support. At present, support for the PJ, the UCR and the
Alliance is broadly bSSed, with the Frepaso receiving most of its
support from the federal district of Buenos Aires. Smaller
parties occupy varied political positions on both sides of the
political spectrum and some are active only in certain provinces.
Following the October 24, 1999 Congressional elections, the
Alliance held 125 seats in the Chamber of Deputies and the PJ
held 101 seats. The next elections (Congressional) are required
by law to be held no later than October 2001.
Since 1983, which was the last year of military rule,
Argentina has had three successive elected civilian Presidents.
Raul Alfonsin, elected in 1983, was the first civilian president
in six decades to stay in office until the scheduled election of
a successor. His UCR Government re-established civilian rule,
including a functioning Congress. The next president, Carlos
Menem, a member of the PJ, won two successive elections in May
1989 and May 1995. In October 1999, Fernando de la Rua,
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representing the Alliance, was elected President. President de
la Rua took office on December 10, 1999.
Former President Menem was first elected with the
backing of organized labor and business interests that
traditionally supported a closed economy and a large public
sector. Shortly after taking office, however, Mr. Menem adopted
market-oriented and reformist policies, including an aggressive
privatization program, a reduction in the size of the public
sector and an opening of the economy to international
competition. Mr. Menem won reelection in May 1995, but his
popularity declined as the government faced allegations of
corruption and criticism from both the ruling and opposition
parties concerning its economic policies. The Alliance has not
given any indication that it will seek an alternative economic
model. Rather, President de la Rua's campaign emphasized the
themes of maintaining stability, improving social conditions and
reducing the economy's vulnerability to external shocks.
President de la Rua has had a reputation for honesty and
accountability, which contributed to his electoral success in
1999. However, since allegations about officials in his
administration engaging in bribery with members of the
legislature in connection with his labor reform initiatives
erupted in mid-2000, there has been growing concern about
President de la Rua's ability to successfully pursue the measures
necessary to maintain economic stability in Argentina.
President de la Rua has failed to distance himself from his
officials involved in the scandal, resulting in the surprise
resignation of Argentina's vice-president in October 2000.
Argentina has diplomatic relations with 139 countries.
It is a charter member of the United Nations and currently serves
as a member of its Security Council. Argentina is a founding
member of the Organization of American States and is also a
member of the International Monetary Fund ("IMF") and the World
Bank. Argentina became a member of the WTO on January 1, 1995
(the date on which the WTO superseded GATT). In October 1997,
the United States designated Argentina as a non-NATO ally.
Monetary and Banking System
The central bank of Argentina is the Banco Central de la
Republica Argentina ("Central Bank of Argentina"). Its primary
functions include the administration of the financial sector,
note issue, credit control and regulation of foreign exchange
markets. The currency unit of Argentina is the Argentine Peso.
Under the government's medium-term program with the IMF, the
government has agreed to maintain the present fixed exchange rate
of one Argentine Peso per U.S. Dollar. Due to the ease of
convertibility between the Argentine Peso and the U.S. Dollar as
a result of the government's exchange rate policies, changes in
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U.S. interest rates constitute a significant factor in
determining Argentine Peso-U.S. Dollar capital flows.
Economic Information Regarding Argentina
The Argentina economy has many strengths including a
well balanced natural resource base and a high literacy rate.
Since World War II, however, it has had a record of erratic
growth, declining investment rates and rapid inflation. Since
the implementation of the current reform program in March 1991,
significant progress has been made in reducing inflation and
increasing real GDP growth. Although the GDP declined by 2.8% in
1995, it increased during the following three years: 5.5% in
1996, 8.1% in 1997 and 3.9% in 1998. In 1999 the GDP contracted
by 3.1%, but during the first quarter of 2000 GDP grew by an
estimated 0.9%, compared to the first quarter of 1999. The
recent slowdown of economic activity, which is not expected to
persist, has been attributed to external economic conditions,
including problems in Brazil, Argentina's main trading partner,
as well as political uncertainties.
DEREGULATION OF THE ECONOMY AND PRIVATIZATIONS.
Deregulation of the domestic economy, liberalization of trade and
reforms of investment regulations are prominent features of
Argentina's structural adjustment program. In order to achieve
the free functioning of markets, the government has undertaken an
extensive program for the removal of economic restrictions and
regulations and the promotion of competition.
In 1989 and 1990, steps were taken to remove various
regulations that restricted both international trade and domestic
commerce. Restrictions were removed in order to allow the
private sector to provide certain public services, such as
telephone, electricity and natural gas, subject to governmental
regulation.
On October 31, 1991, the Argentine government
promulgated its principal deregulation legislation which
deregulated the domestic market for goods, services and
transportation, abolished restrictions on imports and exports,
abolished or simplified a number of regulatory agencies and
allowed free wage bargaining in the private sector. In the
financial sector, this legislation abolished all stamp taxes
relating to publicly offered securities, all capital gains taxes
on stocks and bonds held by non-resident investors and fixed
commissions on the stock exchanges.
In addition, Argentina has eliminated restrictions on
foreign direct investment and capital repatriation. In 1993,
legislation was adopted abolishing previous requirements of a
three-year waiting period for capital repatriation. Under the
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legislation, foreign investors are permitted to remit profits at
any time and to organize their companies and make use of domestic
credit under the same rights and under the same conditions as
local firms. As a result, foreign banks have made significant
investments in Argentina's financial sector. As of March 1999,
eight of the ten largest private sector banks were either
foreign-owned or foreign-controlled. The process of deregulation
and liberalization is continuing through the privatization
process, the reform of the social security system, regional
integration and further labor law reforms.
In 1989, the State Reform Law declared certain
enterprises eligible for privatization. In addition to increasing
the efficiency of services provided by public sector enterprises,
the privatizations have also served to reduce outstanding debt
(by applying cash proceeds and through the selective use of debt-
to-equity conversions), increase reserves and increase tax
revenues from the new owners of the enterprises. The
privatization program has also served as an important conduit for
direct foreign investment into Argentina, attracting interested
investors from Asia, Europe, North America and Latin America.
The government completed 32 major privatizations in 1993, 11 in
1994 and 3 in 1995. On March 13, 1995 the government announced a
new fiscal package, which included, among other measures, an
acceleration in the sale of assets and the privatization of
several additional companies. On August 1, 1997, the postal
service was privatized and on January 23, 1998, the government
officially unveiled a decree awarding the management of 33 of
Argentina's airports to a private consortium, bringing to more
than $30 billion the amount of assets sold since the
privatization program began.
On January 20, 1999, the government sold most of its
residual interest (14.99%) in the Yacimientos Petroliferos
Fiscales, the largest oil and natural gas producer in Argentina,
in an auction in which major international oil firms were invited
to participate. The only bidder was the Spanish company
Repsol, which made an offer for the minimum price. The $2.01
billion in proceeds from the sale were to be channeled to the
Provincial Development Trust Fund. The government sold an
additional 5.3% stake in YPF to Repsol on June 24, 1999 for $842
million. The government will retain one "golden share" granting
it veto power over any strategic decisions.
On February 2, 1999, the government sold the first
tranche of 25% in Banco Hipotecario National, the national
mortgage bank, which raised $307.5 million. The proceeds were
to be used to pay back the $220 million bridge loan obtained in
1998 from the banks in charge of organizing the sale; the balance
will be used to capitalize the Regional Infrastructure Fund. The
sale of the shares had been postponed on several occasions during
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1998 because of the adverse conditions in the international
financial markets.
The following provides certain statistical and related
information regarding historical rates of exchange between the
U.S. Dollar and the Argentine Peso, information concerning
inflation rates, historical information concerning the Argentine
GDP and information concerning interest rates on certain
Argentine Government Securities. Historical statistical
information is not necessarily indicative of future developments.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATES. The Argentine foreign exchange
market was highly controlled until December 1989, when a free
exchange rate was established for all foreign transactions.
Since the institution of the Convertibility Law on April 1, 1991,
the Argentine currency has been tied to the U.S. Dollar. Under
the Convertibility Law, the Central Bank of Argentina must
maintain a reserve in foreign currencies, gold and certain public
bonds denominated in foreign currencies equal to the amount of
outstanding Argentine currency and is obliged to sell dollars to
any person who so requires at a rate of one peso to one dollar.
From April 1, 1991 through the end of 1991, the exchange rate was
approximately 10,000 Australes (the predecessor to the Argentine
Peso) per U.S. Dollar. On January 1, 1992 the Argentine Peso
equal to 10,000 Australes was introduced. Since January 1, 1992,
the rate of exchange from Argentine Peso to U.S. Dollar has been
approximately one to one. However, the historic range of
exchange rates is not necessarily indicative of future rates.
Future rates of exchange cannot be predicted.
The following table sets forth, for each year indicated,
the nominal exchange rates of Argentine Peso to U.S. Dollar as of
the last day of the period indicated.
Free Rate
1990 . . . . . . . . . . . . .5590
1991 . . . . . . . . . . . . .9990
1992 . . . . . . . . . . . . .9990
1993 . . . . . . . . . . . . .9990
1994 . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0
1995 . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0
1996 . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0
1997 . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0
1998 . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0
1999 . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0
2000 . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.0
Source: Banco Central de la Republica Argentina.
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WAGES AND PRICES. Prior to the adoption of the economic
plan announced by former Economy Minister Domingo F. Cavallo in
March 1991, the Argentine economy was characterized by low and
erratic growth, declining investment rates and rapid inflation.
Argentina's high inflation rates and balance of payments
imbalances during the period from 1975 to 1990 resulted mainly
from a lack of control over fiscal policy and the money supply.
Large subsidies to state-owned enterprises and an inefficient tax
collection system led to large persistent public-sector deficits
which were financed in large part through increases in the money
supply and external financings. High inflation combined with the
lag between the accrual and receipt of taxes reduced real tax
revenues and increased the size of the deficit, further fueling
the inflationary cycle. Inflation accelerated on several
occasions and turned into hyperinflation in 1989 and the end of
1990, with prices rising at an annual rate of 1,000% or more.
During the 1980s and in 1990, the Argentine government
instituted several economic plans to stabilize the economy and
foster real growth, all of which failed after achieving initial
success mainly because the government was unable to sustain
reductions in the public deficit. The government's initial
stabilization efforts included a devaluation of the Austral, a
fixed exchange rate, wage and price controls and a sharp rise in
public utility rates.
The government's efforts proved inadequate, however, and
foreign exchange markets declined sharply in anticipation of a
new bout of hyperinflation. The government adopted a new set of
stabilization measures in December 1989 which abandoned attempts
to control wages, prices and the exchange rate and sought to
restrain the public deficit which was believed to be the
principal cause of Argentina's chronic inflation. The new
stabilization plan (called the Bonex Plan) featured, among other
things, tax reforms, a tighter rein on public enterprises and
restrictions on lending activities of the public sector banks
(which had been financing provincial government deficits through
loans which were in turn financed with discounts from the Central
Bank), government personnel cuts and a reliance on cash income
generated by privatizations to reduce the public sector deficit.
The plan also eliminated all restrictions on foreign exchange
transactions. In addition, the plan froze fixed-rate short-term
bank deposits pursuant to which holders of 7- to 30-day deposits
were permitted to withdraw no more than the equivalent of
approximately U.S. $1,000 from their accounts, and the balance
was made payable only in 10-year U.S. Dollar denominated
government bonds (Bonex 89). The plan also provided for the
compulsory exchange of certain domestic currency denominated
bonds for Bonex 89.
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The stabilization effort succeeded in ending temporarily
the period of hyperinflation, but not in ending the Argentine
economy's susceptibility to inflation. In late 1990, a
deterioration in the finances of the social security system and
provincial governments led to an expansion of Central Bank
credit. The Central Bank loaned funds to the social security
system to allow it to meet year-end payments and also funded
provincial banks suffering deposit runs. The provincial banks
continued to lend to finance provincial government deficits. The
credit expansion led to downward market pressure on the Austral,
and a resurgence of price inflation. Between December 1989 and
December 1990, the CPI rose 1,343.9%, which was significantly
less than the 4,923.6% increase in 1989, but was still an
unacceptably high inflation rate. The government responded by
installing a new economic team headed by Economy Minister
Cavallo, which acted to reduce the public sector deficit by
increasing public utility rates and taxes and by developing a new
stabilization program.
The Argentine government's current stabilization program
is built around the plan announced by Economy Minister Cavallo on
March 20, 1991 (the "Convertibility Plan", as amended and
supplemented), and approved by Congress through passage of the
Convertibility Law. The Convertibility Plan has sought to reduce
inflation and restore economic stability through reforms relating
to the tax system, privatizations and the opening of the economy
that are intended to address underlying structural problems that
had distorted fiscal and monetary policy.
The Convertibility Plan is centered on the two following
fundamental principles:
(1) Full international reserve backing for the monetary
base. The monetary base (consisting of currency in circulation
and peso deposits of financial entities with the Central Bank) is
not to exceed the Central Bank's gross international assets as a
fixed rate of one Argentine Peso per U.S. Dollar. This
effectively means that the money supply can be increased only
when backed by increases in the level of international reserves,
and not whenever the public sector deficit or the financial
sector needs to be financed. Gross international assets include
the Central Bank's holdings of gold, foreign exchange (including
short-term investments), U.S. Dollar denominated Argentine
government bonds (in an amount not to exceed 30% of total assets)
and its net Asociacion Latinoamericana de Integraction ("ALADI")
claims (except overdue claims) all freely available and valued at
market prices. Under this arrangement, in which the Argentine
Peso is fully convertible into the U.S. Dollar, no increase in
the domestic monetary base can occur without an equivalent
increase in gross international assets at the one Argentine Peso
per U.S. Dollar rate; and
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(2) the prohibition of financing of fiscal deficits
through Central Bank lending and fiscal control to contain
expenditures and foster tax revenues.
The IMF has supported the implementation of the
Convertibility Plan and designed a financial program for the
Argentine public sector. In the event of any noncompliance with
the program, Argentina is required to consult in the first
instance with the IMF in order to obtain a waiver and, if
required, revise the program to remedy the situation. In the
second half of 1994, the Government decided to seek private
financing rather than utilize its EFF allotment for that period.
After the onset of the Mexican currency crisis, however, the
Government determined that it was necessary to seek further
funding through the EFF program, including drawing down on its
unused quota for the later part of 1994. Negotiations with the
IMF led to approval in April 1995 of economic performance waivers
for the last two quarters of 1994, an extension of the EFF credit
for a fourth year through March 30, 1996, and an increase in the
amount of the EFF credit by the equivalent of approximately $2.4
billion to a total of approximately $6.3 billion. On February 4,
1998, the IMF, citing Argentina's strong macroeconomic
performance in 1997, announced its approval of a new three-year
EFF credit for Argentina in the amount of approximately $2.8
billion to support the government's medium-term economic reform
program for 1998-2000. Among other targets, the agreement
required that Argentina not exceed a public fiscal deficit of
$3.85 billion for 1998.
Three times during 1999, due to falling tax revenues and
political considerations that made spending cuts difficult,
Argentine authorities renegotiated their 1999 fiscal deficit
targets with the IMF. The fiscal deficit targets were raised to
$5.1 billion pursuant to the most recent agreement with the IMF.
Argentina also renewed its commitment to the structural reform
programs already a part of its agreement with the IMF. These
include the "fiscal convertibility" law to legally establish a
declining trend for the fiscal deficit, reform of the revenue-
sharing mechanism with the provinces, reform of the Central Bank
Charter and the legal framework of Argentina's financial
institutions, privatization of Argentina's largest bank, which
Congress explicitly prohibited in a law passed in May 1999, and
social security and labor reforms. Nonetheless, Argentina's 1999
fiscal deficit was $7.1 billion, excluding privatization
proceeds.
In October 1999 Argentina became the first country to
take part in a new World Bank program designed to relieve
financial pressure in countries that meet economic and social
reform targets. Under the new program, Argentina was able to
sell $1.5 billion in bonds backed by a "policy-based guarantee"
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of the World Bank. The bonds were rated investment grade by
Standard & Poor's, which cited the World Bank's backing and
Argentina's "unblemished record" in servicing multilateral debt.
Argentina, like other Latin American countries, has been
affected by the recent financial instability in Asia. In October
1998, Argentina negotiated a $4 billion aid package with the
World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank. Argentina
also announced the issuance of $11 billion in 29-year Treasury
bonds in the domestic market, which were placed in six monthly
installments between October 1998 and March 1999. The government
also obtained a bridge loan for $700 million with private
domestic and international banks. As a result, at the start of
the fourth quarter of 1998, the government had raised enough
funds to cover its borrowing needs until March 1999. During
1999, Argentina raised $22.4 billion, meeting its funding needs
for 1999. The $22.4 billion includes $11.3 billion of debt
issued in the international market, $1.4 billion in World Bank
and IADB financing, $7.4 billion of debt issued on the domestic
market, and $2.3 billion from privatizations.
Upon taking office on December 10, 1999, President de la
Rua declared the fiscal deficit to be Argentina's worst enemy and
moved quickly to push a budget package through Congress to reduce
the deficit with spending cuts and tax increases. The package
calls for a $5 billion spending reduction and a $4.5 billion
budget deficit target. President de la Rua also submitted several
bills to Congress requesting labor reforms and the granting of
additional powers to the government in order to facilitate fiscal
deficit reduction. Although President de la Rua has faced
political resistance in the PJ-controlled Senate, which has
thwarted his efforts to adopt many of his proposed structural
reforms, his aggressive efforts have shown a measure of success.
Due to the new President's aggressive efforts, the IMF and
Argentina reached agreement on a three-year US$7.4 billion
standby credit facility. The extended credit facility sets a
limit of US$4.7 billion on the 2000 deficit, down from US$7.1
billion in 1999. Although President de la Rua's efforts
succeeded in meeting fiscal targets at the beginning of 2000,
Argentina's fiscal performance in the second quarter of 2000 was
disappointing, resulting in a new fiscal adjustment package at
the end of May, focusing on public sector wage cuts. Other
initiatives include the reform of the social security and health
care systems. In January 2000 Argentina successfully completed
its first long-term global bond offering since 1997.
The Convertibility Plan has simplified fiscal and market
regulations and reallocated state activities to the private
sector, thereby reducing state expenditures, increasing the
amount of federal revenues and at the same time encouraging
domestic private sector initiative and foreign investment. Since
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the Convertibility Plan was introduced in March 1991, inflation
as measured by the consumer price index declined from a 27.0%
monthly rate in February 1991 to a 0.3% monthly rate in December
1992 and resulted in a 24.8% annual rate for 1992. Inflation has
decreased steadily since then, to an annual rate of 0.9% in 1998
and (1.2%) in 1999.
Although President de la Rua has publicly declared his
support of the Convertibility Plan, there is no assurance that in
the future, the Convertibility Plan will not be modified or
abandoned.
The international financial crises of 1998 and their
impact on the domestic banking sector prompted the authorities to
adopt new measures to prevent a run on bank deposits, as well as
to improve the strength and performance of Argentina's banks. In
September 1998, the Central Bank increased the amount covered by
deposit insurance and extended coverage to large deposits, which
had previously been uninsured.
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX. The following table sets forth
for 1989-1999 the change in Argentine Consumer Prices for the
twelve months ended December 31, and for 2000, the first
quarter.
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INFLATION
Consumer Prices,
Increase Over
Previous Period
----------------
1989................................... 4,923.6
1990................................... 1,343.9
1991................................... 84.1
1992................................... 24.8
1993................................... 10.6
1994................................... 4.2
1995(1)................................ 3.4
1996(1)................................ 0.2
1997................................... 0.5
1998 .................................. 0.9
1999 .................................. (1.2)
2000(2)................................ (0.9)
(1) In 1996, a new index was introduced called the
Indice Precios Internos al por Mayor (IPIM). The IPIM is broadly
similar to the index formerly used to determine wholesale price
inflation, but varies slightly as to the weighted average of the
goods measured in the index. The 1995 figures were also
recalculated using the new IPIM index.
(2) First seven months.
___________________
Source: Banco Central de la Republica Argentina; Economist
Intelligence Unit.
ARGENTINE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT. The following table
sets forth Argentina's GDP for the years 1993 through 1999, and
annualized change in GDP for the first quarter of 2000, at
current and constant prices.
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Gross Change
Domestic from Prior
Gross Product at Year at
Domestic Constant Constant
Product 1993 Prices Prices
________ ___________ ___________
(millions of Argentine Pesos) (percent)
1993 236,500 208,300 N/A
1994 257,440 250,308 5.8
1995 258,032 243,186 (2.8)
1996 272,150 256,626 5.5
1997 292,859 277,441 8.1
1998 298,131 288,195 3.9
1999 283,133 279,215 (3.1)
2000
1st Qtr 275,128 267,134 0.9
_______________
Source: Ministerio de Economia, Obras y Servicios Publicos;
National Bureau of National Accounts.
________________________________________________________________
MANAGEMENT OF THE FUND
________________________________________________________________
Adviser
Alliance Capital Management L.P., a Delaware limited
partnership with principal offices at 1345 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10105, has been retained under an
investment advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement") to
provide investment advice and, in general, to conduct the
management and investment program of the Fund under the
supervision of the Fund's Board of Directors (see "Management of
the Fund" in the Prospectus).
The Adviser is a leading international adviser managing
client accounts with assets as of June 30, 2000 totaling more
than $388 billion (of which more than $185 billion represented
assets of investment companies). As of June 30, 2000, the
Adviser managed retirement assets for many of the largest public
and private employee benefit plans (including 29 of the nation's
FORTUNE 100 companies), for public employee retirement funds in
33 states, for investment companies, and for foundations,
endowments, banks and insurance companies worldwide. The 52
registered investment companies managed by the Adviser,
comprising 122 separate investment portfolios, currently have
approximately 6.1 million shareholder accounts.
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<PAGE>
Alliance Capital Management Corporation ("ACMC") is the
general partner of the Adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of
The Equitable Life Assurance Society of the United States
("Equitable"). Equitable, one of the largest life insurance
companies in the United States, is the beneficial owner of an
approximately 55.4% partnership interest in the Adviser.
Alliance Capital Management Holding L.P. ("Alliance Holding")
owns an approximately 41.9% partnership interest in the Adviser.*
Equity interests in Alliance Holding are traded on the New York
Stock Exchange in the form of units. Approximately 98% of such
interests are owned by the public and management or employees of
the Adviser and approximately 2% are owned by Equitable.
Equitable is a wholly owned subsidiary of AXA Financial, Inc.
("AXA Financial"), a Delaware corporation whose shares are traded
on the New York Stock Exchange. AXA Financial serves as the
holding company for the Adviser, Equitable and Donaldson, Lufkin
& Jenrette, Inc., an integrated investment and merchant bank. As
of June 30, 1999, AXA, a French insurance holding company, owned
approximately 58.2% of the issued and outstanding shares of
common stock of AXA Financial.
Under the Advisory Agreement, the Adviser provides
investment advisory services and order placement facilities for
the Fund and pays all compensation of Directors and officers of
the Fund who are affiliated persons of the Adviser. The Adviser
or its affiliates also furnishes the Fund, without charge,
management supervision and assistance and office facilities and
provide persons satisfactory to the Fund's Board of Directors to
serve as the Fund's officers.
The Adviser is, under the Advisory Agreement,
responsible for certain expenses incurred by the Fund, including,
for example, office facilities and certain administrative
services, and any expenses incurred in promoting the sale of Fund
shares (other than the portion of the promotional expenses borne
by the Fund in accordance with an effective plan pursuant to Rule
12b-1 under the 1940 Act, and the costs of printing Fund
prospectuses and other reports to shareholders and fees related
____________________
* Until October 29, 1999, Alliance Holding served as the
investment adviser to the Fund. On that date, Alliance
Holding reorganized by transferring its business to the
Adviser. Prior thereto, the Adviser had no material
business operations. One result of the organization was
that the Advisory Agreement, then between the Fund and
Alliance Holding, was transferred to the Adviser by means
of a technical assignment, and ownership of Alliance Fund
Distributors, Inc. and Alliance Fund Services, Inc., the
Fund's principal underwriter and transfer agent,
respectively, also was transferred to the Adviser.
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<PAGE>
to registration with the Commission and with state regulatory
authorities).
The Fund has, under the Advisory Agreement, assumed the
obligation for payment of all of its other expenses. As to the
obtaining of services other than those specifically provided to
the Fund by the Adviser, the Fund may utilize personnel employed
by the Adviser or by other subsidiaries of Equitable. The Fund
may employ its own personnel or contract for services to be
performed by third parties. In such event, the services will be
provided to the Fund at cost and the payments specifically
approved by the Fund's Board of Directors. The Fund paid to the
Adviser a total of $131,752 in respect of such services during
the fiscal year of the Fund ended in 1999.
The Advisory Agreement is terminable without penalty by
a vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities
or by a vote of a majority of the Fund's Directors on 60 days'
written notice, or by the Adviser on 60 days' written notice, and
will automatically terminate in the event of its assignment. The
Advisory Agreement provides that in the absence of willful
misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence on the part of the
Adviser, or of reckless disregard of its obligations thereunder,
the Adviser shall not be liable for any action or failure to act
in accordance with its duties thereunder.
The Advisory Agreement became effective on July 22,
1992. The Advisory Agreement was approved by the unanimous vote,
cast in person, by the Fund's Directors (including the Directors
who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or "interested
persons", as defined in the 1940 Act, of any such party) at a
meeting called for that purpose held on February 21, 1992, and by
the Fund's sole shareholder on February 21, 1992. The Advisory
Agreement continues in force for successive twelve-month periods
(computed from each November 1), provided that such continuance
is specifically approved at least annually by the Fund's
Directors or by a majority vote of the holders of the outstanding
voting securities of the Fund, and, in either case, by a majority
of the Directors who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or
interested persons as defined in the 1940 Act of any such party.
The Advisory Agreement was approved for another annual term by a
vote, cast in person, of the Directors, including a majority of
the Directors who are not parties to the Advisory Agreement or
interested persons of any such party, at a special meeting called
for that purpose and held on October 13, 1999.
For the services rendered by the Adviser under the
Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser a monthly fee at an
annual rate of .65 of 1% of the average daily value of the Fund's
adjusted total assets (i.e., the average daily value of the total
assets of the Fund, minus the sum of accrued liabilities of the
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Fund, other than the principal amount of money borrowed). For
the fiscal years of the Fund ended in 1997, 1998 and 1999 the
Adviser received from the Fund advisory fees of $$15,056,849,
$16,629,250 and 15,278,301, respectively.
Certain other clients of the Adviser may have investment
objectives and policies similar to those of the Fund. The Adviser
may, from time to time, make recommendations which result in the
purchase or sale of a particular security by its other clients
simultaneously with the Fund. If transactions on behalf of more
than one client during the same period increase the demand for
securities being purchased or the supply of securities being
sold, there may be an adverse effect on price or quantity. It is
the policy of the Adviser to allocate advisory recommendations
and the placing of orders in a manner which is deemed equitable
by the Adviser to the accounts involved, including the Fund.
When two or more of the clients of the Adviser (including the
Fund) are purchasing or selling the same security on a given day
from the same broker-dealer, such transactions may be averaged as
to price.
The Adviser may act as an investment adviser to other
persons, firms or corporations, including investment companies,
and is investment adviser to AFD Exchange Reserves, Alliance All-
Asia Investment Fund, Inc., Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc.,
Alliance Bond Fund, Inc., Alliance Capital Reserves, Alliance
Disciplined Value Fund, Inc., Alliance Global Dollar Government
Fund, Inc., Alliance Global Small Cap Fund, Inc., Alliance Global
Strategic Income Trust, Inc., Alliance Government Reserves,
Alliance Greater China '97 Fund, Inc., Alliance Growth and Income
Fund, Inc., Alliance Health Care Fund, Inc., Alliance High Yield
Fund, Inc., Alliance Institutional Funds, Inc., Alliance
Institutional Reserves, Inc., Alliance International Fund,
Alliance International Premier Growth Fund, Inc., Alliance
Limited Maturity Government Fund, Inc., Alliance Money Market
Fund, Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc., Alliance
Multi-Market Strategy Trust, Inc., Alliance Municipal Income
Fund, Inc., Alliance Municipal Income Fund II, Alliance Municipal
Trust, Alliance New Europe Fund, Inc., Alliance Premier Growth
Fund, Inc., Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc., Alliance Real Estate
Investment Fund, Inc., Alliance Select Investor Series, Inc.,
Alliance Technology Fund, Inc., Alliance Utility Income Fund,
Inc., Alliance Variable Products Series Fund, Inc., Alliance
Worldwide Privatization Fund, Inc., The Alliance Fund, Inc., The
Alliance Portfolios and EQ Advisors Trust, all registered open-
end investment companies; and to ACM Government Income Fund,
Inc., ACM Government Securities Fund, Inc., ACM Government
Spectrum Fund, Inc., ACM Government Opportunity Fund, Inc., ACM
Managed Dollar Income Fund, Inc., ACM Managed Income Fund, Inc.,
ACM Municipal Securities Income Fund, Inc., Alliance All-Market
Advantage Fund, Inc., Alliance World Dollar Government Fund,
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<PAGE>
Inc., Alliance World Dollar Government Fund II, Inc., The Austria
Fund, Inc., The Korean Investment Fund, Inc., The Southern Africa
Fund, Inc. and The Spain Fund, Inc., all registered closed-end
investment companies.
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The business and affairs of the Fund are managed under
the direction of the Board of Directors. The Directors and
officers of the Fund, their ages and their principal occupations
during the past five years are set forth below. Each such
Director and officer is also a trustee, director or officer of
other registered investment companies sponsored by the Adviser.
Unless otherwise specified, the address of each such person is
1345 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10105.
JOHN D. CARIFA,** 55, Chairman of the Board, is the
President, Chief Operating Officer and a Director of ACMC, with
which he has been associated since prior to 1995.
RUTH BLOCK, 69, was formerly an Executive Vice President
and the Chief Insurance Officer of The Equitable; Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer of Evlico; a Director of Avon, Tandem
Financial Group and Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities
Corporation. She is currently a Director of Ecolab Incorporated
(specialty chemicals) and BP Amoco Corporation (oil and gas).
Her address is P.O. Box 4623, Stamford, Connecticut 06903.
DAVID H. DIEVLER, 71, is an independent consultant.
Until December 1994 he was Senior Vice President of ACMC
responsible for mutual fund administration. Prior to joining
ACMC in 1984 he was Chief Financial Officer of Eberstadt Asset
Management since 1968. Prior to that he was a Senior Manager at
Price Waterhouse & Co. Member of American Institute of Certified
Public Accountants since 1953. His address is P.O. Box 167,
Spring Lake, New Jersey 07762.
JOHN H. DOBKIN, 58, is a consultant. Formerly, he was a
Senior Adviser (June 1999 - June 2000) and President (December
1989-May 1999) of Historic Hudson Valley (historic preservation).
Previously, he was Director of the National Academy of Design.
During 1988-92, he was a Director and Chairman of the Audit
Committee of ACMC. His address is P.O. Box 12, Annandale, New
York 12504.
WILLIAM H. FOULK, JR., 68, is an Investment Adviser and
an independent consultant. He was formerly Senior Manager of
____________________
** An "interested person" of the Fund as defined in the 1940
Act.
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<PAGE>
Barrett Associates, Inc., a registered investment adviser, with
which he had been associated since prior to 1995. He was
formerly Deputy Comptroller of the State of New York and, prior
thereto, Chief Investment Officer of the New York Bank for
Savings. His address is Room 100, 2 Greenwich Plaza, Greenwich,
Connecticut 06830.
DR. JAMES M. HESTER, 76, is President of the Harry Frank
Guggenheim Foundation, with which he has been associated since
prior to 1995. He was formerly President of New York University
and the New York Botanical Garden, Rector of the United Nations
University and Vice Chairman of the Board of the Federal Reserve
Bank of New York. His address is 25 Cleveland Lane, Princeton,
New Jersey 08540.
CLIFFORD L. MICHEL, 61, is a member of the law firm of
Cahill Gordon & Reindel, with which he has been associated since
prior to 1995. He is President and Chief Executive Officer of
Wenonah Development Company (investments) and a Director of
Placer Dome, Inc. (mining). His address is St. Bernard's Road,
Gladstone, New Jersey 07934.
DONALD J. ROBINSON, 66, is Senior Counsel to the law
firm of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP since January 1995.
He was formerly a senior partner and a member of the Executive
Committee of that firm. He was also a member of the Municipal
Securities Rulemaking Board and Trustee of the Museum of the City
of New York. His address is 98 Hell's Peak Road, Weston, Vermont
05161.
OFFICERS
JOHN D. CARIFA, Chairman and President, see biography,
"Directors" section above.
KATHLEEN A. CORBET, 40, Senior Vice President, is an
Executive Vice President of ACMC, with which she has been
associated since prior to 1995.
WAYNE D. LYSKI, 59, Senior Vice President, is an
Executive Vice President of ACMC, with which he has been
associated since prior to 1995.
EDMUND P. BERGAN, JR., 50, Secretary, is a Senior Vice
President and the General Counsel of Alliance Fund Distributors,
Inc. ("AFD") and Alliance Fund Services, Inc. ("AFS"), with which
he has been associated since prior to 1995.
ANDREW L. GANGOLF, 46, Assistant Secretary, is a Senior
Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of AFD, with which
he has been associated since prior to 1995.
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<PAGE>
DOMENICK PUGLIESE, 39, Assistant Secretary, is a Senior
Vice President and Assistant General Counsel of AFD, with which
he has been associated since May 1995. Previously, he was a Vice
President and Counsel of Concord Holding Corporation since prior
to 1995.
MARK D. GERSTEN, 50, Treasurer and Chief Financial
Officer, is a Senior Vice President of AFS and a Vice President
of AFD, with which he has been associated since prior to 1995.
JUAN J. RODRIGUEZ, 43, Controller, is a Vice President
of AFS, with which he has been associated since prior to 1995.
The aggregate compensation paid by the Fund to each of
the Directors during its fiscal year ended November 30, 1999, the
aggregate compensation paid to each of the Directors during
calendar year 1999 by all of the registered investment companies
to which the Adviser provides investment advisory services
(collectively, the "Alliance Fund Complex"), and the total number
of registered investment companies (and separate investment
portfolios within those companies) in the Alliance Fund Complex
with respect to which each of the Directors serves as a director
or trustee, are set forth below. Neither the Fund nor any
registered investment company in the Alliance Fund Complex
provides compensation in the form of pension or retirement
benefits to any of its directors or trustees. Each of the
Directors is a director or trustee of one or more other
registered investment companies in the Alliance Fund Complex.
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<PAGE>
Total Number
of Investment
Total Number Portfolios
of Investment within the
Companies in the Alliance
Alliance Fund Fund Complex,
Complex, Including
Total Including the the Fund,
Compensation Fund, as to which as to which
Aggregate from the the Director the Director
Compensation Alliance is a Director is a Director
Name of Director From the Fund Fund Complex or Trustee or Trustee
John D. Carifa $-0- $-0- 49 107
Ruth Block $3,595 $154,263 38 83
David H. Dievler $4,092 $210,188 44 90
John H. Dobkin $4,092 $206,488 41 87
William H. Foulk, Jr. $4,092 $246,413 45 102
Dr. James M. Hester $4,092 $164,138 39 84
Clifford L. Michel $4,092 $183,388 39 86
Donald J. Robinson $3,359 $140,813 41 96
As of October 6, 2000, the Directors and officers of the
Fund as a group owned less than 1% of the shares of the Fund.
_________________________________________________________________
EXPENSES OF THE FUND
_________________________________________________________________
DISTRIBUTION SERVICES AGREEMENT
The Fund has entered into a Distribution Services
Agreement (the "Agreement") with AFD, the Fund's principal
underwriter (the "Principal Underwriter"), to permit the Principal
Underwriter to distribute the Fund's shares and to permit the Fund
to pay distribution services fees to defray expenses associated
with the distribution of its Class A, Class B and Class C shares
in accordance with a plan of distribution which is included in the
Agreement and has been duly adopted and approved in accordance
with Rule 12b-1 adopted by the Commission under the 1940 Act (the
"Rule 12b-1 Plan").
During the Fund's fiscal year ended November 30, 1999,
the Fund paid distribution services fees for expenditures under
the Agreement, with respect to Class A shares, in amounts
aggregating $1,923,561 which constituted .30%, annualized, of the
Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the
Class A shares during the period, and the Adviser made payments
from its own resources, as described above, aggregating
$1,483,433. Of the $3,406,994 paid by the Fund and the Adviser
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<PAGE>
under the Rule 12b-1 Plan with respect to the Class A shares,
$100,119 was spent on advertising, $37,965 on the printing and
mailing of prospectuses for persons other than current
shareholders, $2,033,525 for compensation to broker-dealers and
other financial intermediaries (including $270,571 to the Fund's
Principal Underwriter), $566,575 for compensation to sales
personnel and $668,810 was spent on the printing of sales
literature, travel, entertainment, due diligence and other
promotional expenses.
During the Fund's fiscal year ended November 30, 1999,
the Fund paid distribution services fees for expenditures under
the Agreement, with respect to Class B shares, in amounts
aggregating $11,921,297 which constituted 1.00%, annualized, of
the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the
Class B shares during the period, and the Adviser made payments
from its own resources, as described above, aggregating $0. Of
the $11,921,297 paid by the Fund and the Adviser under the Rule
12b-1 Plan, $167,378 was spent on advertising, $68,832 on the
printing and mailing of prospectuses for persons other than
current shareholders, $7,104,401 for compensation to broker-
dealers and other financial intermediaries (including $457,718 to
the Fund's Principal Underwriter), $617,004 for compensation to
sales personnel and $792,318 was spent on the printing of sales
literature, travel, entertainment, due diligence and other
promotional expenses, and $1,004,629 in interest on Class B shares
financing. The additional $2,166,735 was used to offset the
distribution services fees paid in prior years.
During the Fund's fiscal year ended November 30, 1999,
the Fund paid distribution services fees for expenditures under
the Agreement, with respect to Class C shares, in amounts
aggregating $2,671,912 which constituted 1.00%, annualized, of the
Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the
Class C shares during the period, and the Adviser made payments
from its own resources, as described above, aggregating $492,687.
Of the $3,164,599 paid by the Fund and the Adviser under the Rule
12b-1 Plan with respect to Class C shares, $48,356 was spent on
advertising, $17,701 on the printing and mailing of prospectuses
for persons other than current shareholders, $2,635,475 for
compensation to broker-dealers and other financial intermediaries
(including $136,981 to the Fund's Principal Underwriter), $188,502
for compensation to sales personnel, $240,796 was spent on the
printing of sales literature, travel, entertainment, due diligence
and other promotional expenses and $33,769 in interest on Class C
shares financing.
Distribution services fees are accrued daily and paid
monthly and are charged as expenses of the Fund as accrued. The
distribution services fees attributable to the Class B shares and
Class C shares are designed to permit an investor to purchase such
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<PAGE>
shares through broker-dealers without the assessment of an initial
sales charge, and at the same time to permit the Principal
Underwriter to compensate broker-dealers in connection with the
sale of such shares. In this regard, the purpose and function of
the combined contingent deferred sales charges and distribution
services fees on the Class B shares and Class C shares are the
same as those of the initial sales charge and distribution
services fee with respect to the Class A shares in that in each
case the sales charge and distribution services fee provide for
the financing of the distribution of the relevant class of the
Fund's shares.
With respect to Class A shares of the Fund, distribution
expenses accrued by AFD in one fiscal year may not be paid from
distribution services fees received from the Fund in subsequent
fiscal years. AFD's compensation with respect to Class B and
Class C shares under the Rule 12b-1 Plan of the Fund is directly
tied to the expenses incurred by AFD. Actual distribution
expenses for Class B and Class C shares for any given year,
however, will probably exceed the distribution services fees
payable under the Rule 12b-1 Plan with respect to the class
involved and, in the case of Class B and Class C shares, payments
received from contingent deferred sales charges ("CDSCs"). The
excess will be carried forward by AFD and reimbursed from
distribution services fees payable under the Rule 12b-1 Plan with
respect to the class involved and, in the case of Class B and
Class C shares, payments subsequently received through CDSCs, so
long as the Rule 12b-1 Plan is in effect.
Unreimbursed distribution expenses incurred as of the end
of the Fund's most recently completed fiscal year, and carried
over for reimbursement in future years in respect of the Class B
and Class C shares of the Fund were, respectively $34,244,966
(3.29% of the net assets of Class B) and $5,083,412 (1.97% of the
net assets of Class C).
The Rule 12b-1 Plan is in compliance with rules of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. which effectively
limit the annual asset-based sales charges and service fees that a
mutual fund may pay on a class of shares to .75% and .25%,
respectively, of the average annual net assets attributable to
that class. The rules also limit the aggregate of all front-end,
deferred and asset-based sales charges imposed with respect to a
class of shares by a mutual fund that also charges a service fee
to 6.25% of cumulative gross sales of shares of that class, plus
interest at the prime rate plus 1% per annum.
In approving the Rule 12b-1 Plan, the Directors of the
Fund determined that there was a reasonable likelihood that the
Rule 12b-1 Plan would benefit the Fund and its shareholders. The
distribution services fee of a particular class will not be used
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<PAGE>
to subsidize the provision of distribution services with respect
to any other class.
The Adviser may from time to time and from its own funds
or such other resources as may be permitted by rules of the
Commission make payments for distribution services to the
Principal Underwriter; the latter may in turn pay part or all of
such compensation to brokers or other persons for their
distribution assistance.
The Agreement will continue in effect for successive
twelve-month periods (computed from each November 1), provided,
however, that such continuance is specifically approved at least
annually by the Directors of the Fund or by vote of the holders of
a majority of the outstanding voting securities (as defined in the
1940 Act) of that class, and, in either case, by a majority of the
Directors of the Fund who are not parties to the Agreement or
interested persons, as defined in the 1940 Act, of any such party
(other than as Directors of the Fund) and who have no direct or
indirect financial interest in the operation of the Rule 12b-1
Plan or any agreement related thereto. The Agreement was
approved for another annual term by a vote, cast in person, of the
Directors, including a majority of the Directors who are not
"interested persons," as defined in the 1940 Act, at their meeting
held on October 13, 1999.
In the event that the Rule 12b-1 Plan is terminated or
not continued with respect to the Class A shares, Class B shares
or Class C shares, (i) no distribution services fees (other than
current amounts accrued but not yet paid) would be owed by the
Fund to the Principal Underwriter with respect to that class, and
(ii) the Fund would not be obligated to pay the Principal
Underwriter for any amounts expended under the Agreement not
previously recovered by the Principal Underwriter from
distribution services fees in respect of shares of such class or
through deferred sales charges.
TRANSFER AGENCY AGREEMENT
Alliance Fund Services, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Adviser, located at 500 Plaza Drive, Secaucus,
New Jersey 07094, acts as the Fund's registrar, transfer agent and
dividend-disbursing agent for a fee based upon the number of
account holders of the Class A shares, Class B shares, Class C
shares and Advisor Class shares of the Fund, plus reimbursement
for out-of-pocket expenses. The transfer agency fee with respect
to the Class B shares and Class C shares is higher than the
transfer agency fee with respect to the Class A shares and Advisor
Class shares, reflecting the additional costs associated with the
Class B and Class C contingent deferred sales charges. For the
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<PAGE>
fiscal year ended November 30, 1999, the Fund paid AFS $3,183,363
pursuant to the Transfer Agency Agreement.
CODE OF ETHICS
The Fund, the Adviser and the Principal Underwriter have
each adopted codes of ethics pursuant to Rule 17j-1 of the 1940
Act. These codes of ethics permit personnel subject to the codes
to invest in securities including securities that may be purchased
and held by the Fund.
________________________________________________________________
PURCHASE OF SHARES
________________________________________________________________
The following information supplements that set forth in
the Prospectus(es) under the heading "Purchase and Sale of
Shares--How to Buy Shares."
GENERAL
Shares of the Fund are offered on a continuous basis at a
price equal to their net asset value plus an initial sales charge
at the time of purchase ("Class A shares"), with a contingent
deferred sales charge ("Class B shares"), without any initial
sales charge and, as long as the shares are held for one year or
more, without any contingent deferred sales charge ("Class C
shares"), or, to investors eligible to purchase Advisor Class
shares, without any initial, contingent deferred or asset-based
sales charge, in each case as described below. Shares of the Fund
that are offered subject to a sales charge are offered through
(i) investment dealers that are members of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and have entered into
selected dealer agreements with the Principal Underwriter
("selected dealers"), (ii) depository institutions and other
financial intermediaries or their affiliates, that have entered
into selected agent agreements with the Principal Underwriter
("selected agents") and (iii) the Principal Underwriter.
Advisor Class shares of the Fund may be purchased and
held solely (i) through accounts established under fee-based
programs, sponsored and maintained by registered broker-dealers or
other financial intermediaries and approved by the Principal
Underwriter, (ii) through self-directed defined contribution
employee benefit plans (e.g., 401(k) plans) that have at least
1,000 participants or $25 million in assets, (iii) by the
categories of investors described in clauses (i) through
(iv) under "--Sales at Net Asset Value" (other than officers,
directors and present and full-time employees of selected dealers
or agents, or relatives of such person, or any trust, individual
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<PAGE>
retirement account or retirement plan account for the benefit of
such relative, none of whom is eligible on the basis solely of
such status to purchase and hold Advisor Class shares), or (iv) by
directors and present or retired full-time employees of CB Richard
Ellis, Inc. Generally, a fee-based program must charge an asset-
based or other similar fee and must invest at least $250,000 in
Advisor Class shares of the Fund in order to be approved by AFD
for investment in Advisor Class shares.
Investors may purchase shares of the Fund either through
selected broker-dealers, agents, financial intermediaries or other
financial representatives or directly through the Principal
Underwriter. A transaction, service, administrative or other
similar fee may be charged by your broker-dealer, agent, financial
intermediary or other financial representative with respect to the
purchase, sale or exchange of Class A, Class B, Class C or Advisor
Class shares made through such financial representative. Such
financial representative may also impose requirements with respect
to the purchase, sale or exchange of shares that are different
from, or in addition to, those imposed by the Fund, including
requirements as to the minimum initial and subsequent investment
amounts. Sales personnel of selected dealers and agents
distributing the Funds shares may receive differing compensation
for selling Class A, Class B, Class C or Advisor Class shares.
The Fund may refuse any order for the purchase of shares.
The Fund reserves the right to suspend the sale of its shares to
the public in response to conditions in the securities markets or
for other reasons.
The public offering price of shares of the Fund is their
net asset value, plus, in the case of Class A shares, a sales
charge which will vary depending on the purchase alternative
chosen by the investor, as shown in the table below under "Class A
Shares". On each Fund business day on which a purchase or
redemption order is received by the Fund and trading in the types
of securities in which the Fund invests might materially affect
the value of Fund shares, the per share net asset value is
computed in accordance with the Fund's Articles of Incorporation
and By-Laws as of the next close of regular trading on the
Exchange (currently 4:00 p.m. Eastern time) by dividing the value
of the Fund's total assets, less its liabilities, by the total
number of its shares then outstanding. A Fund business day is any
day on which the Exchange is open for trading.
The respective per share net asset values of the Class A,
Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares are expected to be
substantially the same. Under certain circumstances, however, the
per share net asset values of the Class B and Class C shares may
be lower than the per share net asset values of the Class A and
Advisor Class shares as a result of the differential daily expense
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<PAGE>
accruals of the distribution and transfer agency fees applicable
with respect to those classes of shares. Even under those
circumstances, the per share net asset values of the four classes
eventually will tend to converge immediately after the payment of
dividends, which will differ by approximately the amount of the
expense accrual differential among the classes.
The Fund will accept unconditional orders for its shares
to be executed at the public offering price equal to their net
asset value next determined (plus applicable Class A sales
charges), as described below. Orders received by the Principal
Underwriter prior to the close of regular trading on the Exchange
on each day the Exchange is open for trading are priced at the net
asset value computed as of the close of regular trading on the
Exchange on that day (plus applicable Class A sales charges). In
the case of orders for purchase of shares placed through selected
dealers, agents or financial representatives, as applicable, the
applicable public offering price will be the net asset value as so
determined, but only if the selected dealer, agent or financial
representative receives the order prior to the close of regular
trading on the Exchange and transmits it to the Principal
Underwriter prior to 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (certain selected
dealers, agents or financial representatives may enter into
operating agreements permitting them to transmit purchase
information to the Principal Underwriter after 5:00 p.m. Eastern
time and receive that day's asset value). The selected dealer,
agent or financial representative, as applicable, is responsible
for transmitting such orders by 5:00 p.m. If the selected dealer,
agent or financial representative fails to do so, the investor's
right to that day's closing price must be settled between the
investor and the selected dealer, agent or financial
representative, as applicable. If the selected dealer, agent or
financial representative, as applicable, receives the order after
the close of regular trading on the Exchange, the price will be
based on the net asset value determined as of the close of regular
trading on the Exchange on the next day it is open for trading.
Following the initial purchase of Fund shares, a
shareholder may place orders to purchase additional shares by
telephone if the shareholder has completed the appropriate portion
of the Subscription Application or an "Autobuy" application
obtained by calling the "For Literature" telephone number shown on
the cover of this Statement of Additional Information. Except
with respect to certain omnibus accounts, telephone purchase
orders may not exceed $500,000. Payment for shares purchased by
telephone can be made only by Electronic Funds Transfer from a
bank account maintained by the shareholder at a bank that is a
member of the National Automated Clearing House Association
("NACHA"). If a shareholder's telephone purchase request is
received before 3:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund business day, the
order to purchase shares is automatically placed the following
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Fund business day, and the applicable public offering price will
be the public offering price determined as of the close of
business on such following business day.
Full and fractional shares are credited to a subscriber's
account in the amount of his or her subscription. As a
convenience to the subscriber, and to avoid unnecessary expense to
the Fund, stock certificates representing shares of the Fund are
not issued except upon written request to the Fund by the
shareholder or his or her authorized selected dealer or agent.
This facilitates later redemption and relieves the shareholder of
the responsibility for and inconvenience of lost or stolen
certificates. No certificates are issued for fractional shares,
although such shares remain in the shareholder's account on the
books of the Fund.
In addition to the discount or commission amount paid to
dealers or agents, the Principal Underwriter from time to time
pays additional cash or other incentives to dealers or agents, in
connection with the sale of shares of the Fund. Such additional
amounts may be utilized, in whole or in part, to provide
additional compensation to registered representatives who sell
shares of the Fund. On some occasions, such cash or other
incentives will take the form of payment for attendance at
seminars, meals, sporting events or theater performances, or
payment for travel, lodging and entertainment incurred in
connection with travel taken by persons associated with a dealer
or agent to locations within or outside the United States. Such
dealer or agent may elect to receive cash incentives of equivalent
amount in lieu of such payments.
Class A, Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares each
represent an interest in the same portfolio of investments of the
Fund, have the same rights and are identical in all respects,
except that (i) Class A shares bear the expense of the initial
sales charge (or contingent deferred sales charge, when
applicable) and Class B and Class C shares bear the expense of the
contingent deferred sales charge, (ii) Class B shares and Class C
shares each bear the expense of a higher distribution services fee
than that borne by Class A shares, and Advisor Class shares do not
bear such a fee, (iii) Class B shares and Class C shares bear
higher transfer agency costs than those borne by Class A and
Advisor Class shares, (iv) each of Class A, Class B and Class C
shares has exclusive voting rights with respect to provisions of
the Rule 12b-1 Plan pursuant to which its distribution services
fee is paid and other matters for which separate class voting is
appropriate under applicable law, provided that, if the Fund
submits to a vote of the Class A shareholders, an amendment to the
Rule 12b-1 Plan that would materially increase the amount to be
paid thereunder with respect to the Class A shares, then such
amendment will also be submitted to the Class B shareholders and
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Advisor Class shareholders and the Class A, Class B and Advisor
Class shareholders will vote separately by class, and (v) Class B
shares and Advisor Class shares are subject to a conversion
feature. Each class has different exchange privileges and certain
different shareholder service options available.
The Directors of the Fund have determined that currently
no conflict of interest exists between or among the Class A,
Class B, Class C and Advisor Class shares. On an ongoing basis,
the Directors of the Fund, pursuant to their fiduciary duties
under the 1940 Act and state law, will seek to ensure that no such
conflict arises.
Alternative Retail Purchase Arrangements -- Class A, Class B and
Class C Shares.***
The alternative purchase arrangements available with
respect to Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares
permit an investor to choose the method of purchasing shares that
is most beneficial given the amount of the purchase, the length of
time the investor expects to hold the shares, and other
circumstances. Investors should consider whether, during the
anticipated life of their investment in the Fund, the accumulated
distribution services fee and contingent deferred sales charge on
Class B shares prior to conversion, or the accumulated
distribution services fee and contingent deferred sales charge on
Class C shares, would be less than the initial sales charge and
accumulated distribution services fee on Class A shares purchased
at the same time, and to what extent such differential would be
offset by the higher return of Class A shares. Class A shares
will normally be more beneficial than Class B shares to the
investor who qualifies for reduced initial sales charges on
Class A shares, as described below. In this regard, the Principal
Underwriter will reject any order (except orders from certain
retirement plans and certain employee benefit plans.) for more
than $250,000 for Class B shares. (See Appendix D for information
concerning the eligibility of certain employee benefit plans to
purchase Class B shares at net asset value without being subject
to a contingent deferred sales charge and the ineligibility of
certain such plans to purchase Class A shares.) Class C shares
will normally not be suitable for the investor who qualifies to
purchase Class A shares at net asset value. For this reason, the
Principal Underwriter will reject any order for more than
$1,000,000 for Class C shares.
Class A shares are subject to a lower distribution
services fee and, accordingly, pay correspondingly higher
____________________
*** Advisor Class shares are sold only to investors described
above in this section under "--General."
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<PAGE>
dividends per share than Class B shares or Class C shares.
However, because initial sales charges are deducted at the time of
purchase, investors purchasing Class A shares would not have all
their funds invested initially and, therefore, would initially own
fewer shares. Investors not qualifying for reduced initial sales
charges who expect to maintain their investment for an extended
period of time might consider purchasing Class A shares because
the accumulated continuing distribution charges on Class B shares
or Class C shares may exceed the initial sales charge on Class A
shares during the life of the investment. Again, however, such
investors must weigh this consideration against the fact that,
because of such initial sales charges, not all their funds will be
invested initially.
Other investors might determine, however, that it would
be more advantageous to purchase Class B shares or Class C shares
in order to have all their funds invested initially, although
remaining subject to higher continuing distribution charges and
being subject to a contingent deferred sales charge for a three-
year period and one-year period, respectively. For example, based
on current fees and expenses, an investor subject to the 4.25%
initial sales charge on Class A shares would have to hold his or
her investment approximately seven years for the Class C
distribution services fee to exceed the initial sales charge plus
the accumulated distribution services fee of Class A shares. In
this example, an investor intending to maintain his or her
investment for a longer period might consider purchasing Class A
shares. This example does not take into account the time value of
money, which further reduces the impact of the Class C
distribution services fees on the investment, fluctuations in net
asset value or the effect of different performance assumptions.
Those investors who prefer to have all of their funds
invested initially but may not wish to retain Fund shares for the
three-year period during which Class B shares are subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge may find it more advantageous to
purchase Class C shares.
During the fiscal years ended in 1997, 1998 and 1999 the
aggregate amount of underwriting commission payable with respect
to shares of the Fund was $9,018,289, $6,679,048 and $4,680,250,
respectively. Of those amounts, the Principal Underwriter
received the amounts of $291,260, $234,927 and $255,507,
respectively, representing that portion of the sales charges paid
on shares of the Fund sold during the year which was not reallowed
to selected dealers (and was, accordingly, retained by the
Principal Underwriter). During the Fund's fiscal years ended in
1997, 1998 and 1999, the Principal Underwriter received contingent
deferred sales charges of $361, $28,978 and $10,659, respectively,
on Class A shares, $1,417,334, $1,574,130 and $1,428,955,
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respectively, on Class B shares and $93,896, $164,308 and $90,934,
respectively, on Class C shares.
CLASS A SHARES
The public offering price of Class A shares is the net asset value
plus a sales charge, as set forth below.
SALES CHARGE
Discount or
Commission
As % of to Dealers
As % of the or Agents
Net Public As % of
Amount of Amount Offering Offering
Purchase Invested Price Price
Less than
$100,000 4.44% 4.25% 4.00%
$100,000 but
less than
$250,000 3.36 3.25 3.00
$250,000 but
less than
$500,000 2.30 2.25 2.00
$500,000 but
less than
$1,000,000* 1.78 1.75 1.50
____________________
* There is no initial sales charge on transactions of $1,000,000
or more.
With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more, Class A
shares redeemed within one year of purchase will be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge equal to 1% of the lesser of the
cost of the shares being redeemed or their net asset value at the
time of redemption. Accordingly, no sales charge will be imposed
on increases in net asset value above the initial purchase price.
In addition, no charge will be assessed on shares derived from
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. The
contingent deferred sales charge on Class A shares will be waived
on certain redemptions, as described below under "--Class B
Shares." In determining the contingent deferred sales charge
applicable to a redemption of Class A shares, it will be assumed
that the redemption is, first, of any shares that are not subject
to a contingent deferred sales charge (for example, because an
initial sales charge was paid with respect to the shares, or they
have been held beyond the period during which the charge applies
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<PAGE>
or were acquired upon the reinvestment of dividends or
distributions) and, second, of shares held longest during the
time they are subject to the sales charge. Proceeds from the
contingent deferred sales charge on Class A shares are paid to
the Principal Underwriter and are used by the Principal
Underwriter to defray the expenses of the Principal Underwriter
related to providing distribution-related services to the Fund in
connection with the sales of Class A shares, such as the payment
of compensation to selected dealers and agents for selling
Class A shares. With respect to purchases of $1,000,000 or more
made through selected dealers or agents, the Adviser may,
pursuant to the Distribution Services Agreement described above,
pay such dealers or agents from its own resources a fee of up to
1% of the amount invested to compensate such dealers or agents
for their distribution assistance in connection with such
purchases.
No initial sales charge is imposed on Class A shares
issued (i) pursuant to the automatic reinvestment of income
dividends or capital gains distributions, (ii) in exchange for
Class A shares of other "Alliance Mutual Funds" (as that term is
defined under "Combined Purchase Privilege" below), except that
an initial sales charge will be imposed on Class A shares issued
in exchange for Class A shares of AFD Exchange Reserves ("AFDER")
that were purchased for cash without the payment of an initial
sales charge and without being subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge or (iii) upon the automatic conversion of Class B
shares or Advisor Class shares as described below under
"--Class B Shares Conversion Feature" and "--Conversion of
Advisor Class Shares to Class A Shares." The Fund receives the
entire net asset value of its Class A shares sold to investors.
The Principal Underwriter's commission is the sales charge shown
above less any applicable discount or commission "reallowed" to
selected dealers and agents. The Principal Underwriter will
reallow discounts to selected dealers and agents in the amounts
indicated in the table above. In this regard, the Principal
Underwriter may elect to reallow the entire sales charge to
selected dealers and agents for all sales with respect to which
orders are placed with the Principal Underwriter. A selected
dealer who receives reallowance in excess of 90% of such a sales
charge may be deemed to be an "underwriter" under the Securities
Act.
Investors choosing the initial sales charge alternative
may under certain circumstances be entitled to pay (i) no initial
sales charge (but may be subject in most such cases to a
contingent deferred sales charge) or (ii) a reduced initial sales
charge. The circumstances under which such investors may pay a
reduced initial sales charge are described below.
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COMBINED PURCHASE PRIVILEGE. Certain persons may
qualify for the sales charge reductions indicated in the schedule
of such charges above by combining purchases of shares of the
Fund into a single "purchase," if the resulting "purchase" totals
at least $100,000. The term "purchase" refers to: (i) a single
purchase by an individual, or to concurrent purchases, which in
the aggregate are at least equal to the prescribed amounts, by an
individual, his or her spouse and their children under the age of
21 years purchasing shares of the Fund for his, her or their own
account(s); (ii) a single purchase by a trustee or other
fiduciary purchasing shares for a single trust, estate or single
fiduciary account although more than one beneficiary is involved;
or (iii) a single purchase for the employee benefit plans of a
single employer. The term "purchase" also includes purchases by
any "company," as the term is defined in the 1940 Act, but does
not include purchases by any such company which has not been in
existence for at least six months or which has no purpose other
than the purchase of shares of the Fund or shares of other
registered investment companies at a discount. The term
"purchase" does not include purchases by any group of individuals
whose sole organizational nexus is that the participants therein
are credit card holders of a company, policy holders of an
insurance company, customers of either a bank or broker-dealer or
clients of an investment adviser. A "purchase" may also include
shares, purchased at the same time through a single selected
dealer or agent, of any other "Alliance Mutual Fund." Currently,
the Alliance Mutual Funds include:
AFD Exchange Reserves
Alliance All-Asia Investment Fund, Inc.
Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc.
Alliance Bond Fund, Inc.
-Corporate Bond Portfolio
-Quality Bond Portfolio
-U.S. Government Portfolio
Alliance Disciplined Value Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Small Cap Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust, Inc.
Alliance Greater China '97 Fund, Inc.
Alliance Growth and Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance Health Care Fund, Inc.
Alliance High Yield Fund, Inc.
Alliance International Fund
Alliance International Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
Alliance Limited Maturity Government Fund, Inc.
Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance Multi-Market Strategy Trust, Inc.
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Alliance Municipal Income Fund, Inc.
-California Portfolio
-Insured California Portfolio
-Insured National Portfolio
-National Portfolio
-New York Portfolio
Alliance Municipal Income Fund II
-Arizona Portfolio
-Florida Portfolio
-Massachusetts Portfolio
-Michigan Portfolio
-Minnesota Portfolio
-New Jersey Portfolio
-Ohio Portfolio
-Pennsylvania Portfolio
-Virginia Portfolio
Alliance New Europe Fund, Inc.
Alliance North American Government Income Trust, Inc.
Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc.
Alliance Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc.
Alliance Select Investor Series, Inc.
-Biotechnology Portfolio
-Premier Portfolio
-Technology Portfolio
Alliance Technology Fund, Inc.
Alliance Utility Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance Worldwide Privatization Fund, Inc.
The Alliance Fund, Inc.
The Alliance Portfolios
-Alliance Growth Fund
-Alliance Conservative Investors Fund
-Alliance Growth Investors Fund
Prospectuses for the Alliance Mutual Funds may be
obtained without charge by contacting Alliance Fund Services,
Inc. at the address or the "For Literature" telephone number
shown on the front cover of this Statement of Additional
Information.
CUMULATIVE QUANTITY DISCOUNT (RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION). An
investor's purchase of additional Class A shares of the Fund may
qualify for a Cumulative Quantity Discount. The applicable sales
charge will be based on the total of:
(i) the investor's current purchase;
(ii) the net asset value (at the close of business
on the previous day) of (a) all shares of the Fund held
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by the investor and (b) all shares of any other Alliance
Mutual Fund held by the investor; and
(iii) the net asset value of all shares
described in paragraph (ii) owned by another shareholder
eligible to combine his or her purchase with that of the
investor into a single "purchase" (see above).
For example, if an investor owned shares of an Alliance
Mutual Fund worth $200,000 at their then current net asset value
and, subsequently, purchased Class A shares of the Fund worth an
additional $100,000, the sales charge for the $100,000 purchase
would be at the 2.25% rate applicable to a single $300,000
purchase of shares of the Fund, rather than the 3.25% rate.
To qualify for the Combined Purchase Privilege or to
obtain the Cumulative Quantity Discount on a purchase through a
selected dealer or agent, the investor or selected dealer or
agent must provide the Principal Underwriter with sufficient
information to verify that each purchase qualifies for the
privilege or discount.
STATEMENT OF INTENTION. Class A investors may also
obtain the reduced sales charges shown in the table above by
means of a written Statement of Intention, which expresses the
investor's intention to invest not less than $100,000 within a
period of 13 months in Class A shares (or Class A, Class B,
Class C and/or Advisor Class shares) of the Fund or any other
Alliance Mutual Fund. Each purchase of shares under a Statement
of Intention will be made at the public offering price or prices
applicable at the time of such purchase to a single transaction
of the dollar amount indicated in the Statement of Intention. At
the investor's option, a Statement of Intention may include
purchases of shares of the Fund or any other Alliance Mutual Fund
made not more than 90 days prior to the date that the investor
signs the Statement of Intention; however, the 13-month period
during which the Statement of Intention is in effect will begin
on the date of the earliest purchase to be included.
Investors qualifying for the Combined Purchase Privilege
described above may purchase shares of the Alliance Mutual Funds
under a single Statement of Intention. For example, if at the
time an investor signs a Statement of Intention to invest at
least $100,000 in Class A shares of the Fund, the investor and
the investor's spouse each purchase shares of the Fund worth
$20,000 (for a total of $40,000), it will only be necessary to
invest a total of $60,000 during the following 13 months in
shares of the Fund or any other Alliance Mutual Fund, to qualify
for the 3.25% sales charge on the total amount being invested
(the sales charge applicable to an investment of $100,000).
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The Statement of Intention is not a binding obligation
upon the investor to purchase the full amount indicated. The
minimum initial investment under a Statement of Intention is 5%
of such amount. Shares purchased with the first 5% of such
amount will be held in escrow (while remaining registered in the
name of the investor) to secure payment of the higher sales
charge applicable to the shares actually purchased if the full
amount indicated is not purchased, and such escrowed shares will
be involuntarily redeemed to pay the additional sales charge, if
necessary. Dividends on escrowed shares, whether paid in cash or
reinvested in additional Fund shares, are not subject to escrow.
When the full amount indicated has been purchased, the escrow
will be released. To the extent that an investor purchases more
than the dollar amount indicated on the Statement of Intention
and qualifies for a further reduced sales charge, the sales
charge will be adjusted for the entire amount purchased at the
end of the 13-month period. The difference in the sales charge
will be used to purchase additional shares of the Fund subject to
the rate of the sales charge applicable to the actual amount of
the aggregate purchases.
Investors wishing to enter into a Statement of Intention
in conjunction with their initial investment in Class A shares of
the Fund should complete the appropriate portion of the
Subscription Application found in the Prospectus while current
Class A shareholders desiring to do so can obtain a form of
Statement of Intention by contacting Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
at the address or telephone numbers shown on the cover of this
Statement of Additional Information.
CERTAIN RETIREMENT PLANS. Multiple participant payroll
deduction retirement plans may also purchase shares of the Fund
or any other Alliance Mutual Fund at a reduced sales charge on a
monthly basis during the 13-month period following such a plan's
initial purchase. The sales charge applicable to such initial
purchase of shares of the Fund will be that normally applicable,
under the schedule of sales charges set forth in this Statement
of Additional Information, to an investment 13 times larger than
such initial purchase. The sales charge applicable to each
succeeding monthly purchase will be that normally applicable,
under such schedule, to an investment equal to the sum of (i) the
total purchase previously made during the 13-month period and
(ii) the current month's purchase multiplied by the number of
months (including the current month) remaining in the 13-month
period. Sales charges previously paid during such period will
not be retroactively adjusted on the basis of later purchases.
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE. A shareholder who has caused
any or all of his or her Class A or Class B shares of the Fund to
be redeemed or repurchased may reinvest all or any portion of the
redemption or repurchase proceeds in Class A shares of the Fund
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at net asset value without any sales charge, provided that
(i) such reinvestment is made within 120 calendar days after the
redemption or repurchase date, and (ii) for Class B shares, a
contingent deferred sales charge has been paid and the Principal
Underwriter has approved, at its discretion, the reinvestment of
such shares. Shares are sold to a reinvesting shareholder at the
net asset value next determined as described above. A
reinstatement pursuant to this privilege will not cancel the
redemption or repurchase transaction; therefore, any gain or loss
so realized will be recognized for federal income tax purposes
except that no loss will be recognized to the extent that the
proceeds are reinvested in shares of the Fund within 30 calendar
days after the redemption or repurchase transaction. Investors
may exercise the reinstatement privilege by written request sent
to the Fund at the address shown on the cover of this Statement
of Additional Information.
SALES AT NET ASSET VALUE. The Fund may sell its Class A
shares at net asset value (i.e., without an initial sales charge)
and without a contingent deferred sales charge to certain
categories of investors including: (i) investment management
clients of the Adviser or its affiliates; (ii) officers and
present or former Directors of the Fund; present or former
directors and trustees of other investment companies managed by
the Adviser; present or retired full-time employees of the
Adviser, the Principal Underwriter, Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
and their affiliates; officers and directors of ACMC, the
Principal Underwriter, Alliance Fund Services, Inc. and their
affiliates; officers, directors and present full-time employees
of selected dealers or agents; or the spouse, sibling, direct
ancestor or direct descendant (collectively "relatives") of any
such person; or any trust, individual retirement account or
retirement plan account for the benefit of any such person or
relative; or the estate of any such person or relative, if such
shares are purchased for investment purposes (such shares may not
be resold except to the Fund); (iii) the Adviser, the Principal
Underwriter, Alliance Fund Services, Inc. and their affiliates;
certain employee benefit plans for employees of the Adviser, the
Principal Underwriter, Alliance Fund Services, Inc. and their
affiliates; (iv) registered investment advisers or other
financial intermediaries who charge a management, consulting or
other fee for their services and who purchase shares through a
broker or agent approved by the Principal Underwriter and clients
of such registered investment advisers or financial
intermediaries whose accounts are linked to the master account of
such investment adviser or financial intermediary on the books of
such approved broker or agent; (v) persons participating in a
fee-based program, sponsored and maintained by a registered
broker-dealer or other financial intermediary and approved by the
Principal Underwriter, pursuant to which such persons pay an
asset-based fee to such broker-dealer or financial intermediary,
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or its affiliate or agent, for services in the nature of
investment advisory or administrative services; and
(vii) employer-sponsored qualified pension or profit-sharing
plans (including Section 401(k) plans), custodial accounts
maintained pursuant to Section 403(b)(7) retirement plans and
individual retirement accounts (including individual retirement
accounts to which simplified employee pension ("SEP")
contributions are made), if such plans or accounts are
established or administered under programs sponsored by
administrators or other persons that have been approved by the
Principal Underwriter.
CLASS B SHARES
Investors may purchase Class B shares at the public
offering price equal to the net asset value per share of the
Class B shares on the date of purchase without the imposition of
a sales charge at the time of purchase. The Class B shares are
sold without an initial sales charge so that the Fund will
receive the full amount of the investor's purchase payment.
Proceeds from the contingent deferred sales charge on
the Class B shares are paid to the Principal Underwriter and are
used by the Principal Underwriter to defray the expenses of the
Principal Underwriter related to providing distribution-related
services to the Fund in connection with the sale of the Class B
shares, such as the payment of compensation to selected dealers
and agents for selling Class B shares. The combination of the
contingent deferred sales charge and the distribution services
fee enables the Fund to sell the Class B shares without a sales
charge being deducted at the time of purchase. The higher
distribution services fee incurred by Class B shares will cause
such shares to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower
dividends than those related to Class A shares.
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE. Class B shares that
are redeemed within three years of purchase will be subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge at the rates set forth below
charged as a percentage of the dollar amount subject thereto. The
charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the
cost of the shares being redeemed or their net asset value at the
time of redemption. Accordingly, no sales charge will be imposed
on increases in net asset value above the initial purchase price.
In addition, no charge will be assessed on shares derived from
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions.
To illustrate, assume that an investor purchased 100
Class B shares at $10 per share (at a cost of $1,000) and in the
second year after purchase, the net asset value per share is $12
and, during such time, the investor has acquired 10 additional
Class B shares upon dividend reinvestment. If at such time the
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investor makes his or her first redemption of 50 Class B shares
(proceeds of $600), 10 Class B shares will not be subject to the
charge because of dividend reinvestment. With respect to the
remaining 40 Class B shares, the charge is applied only to the
original cost of $10 per share and not to the increase in net
asset value of $2 per share. Therefore, $400 of the $600
redemption proceeds will be charged at a rate of 2.0% (the
applicable rate in the second year after purchase, as set forth
below).
The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge, if
any, will vary depending on the number of years from the time of
payment for the purchase of Class B shares until the time of
redemption of such shares.
Contingent Deferred Sales Charge as a %
Year Since Purchase of Dollar Amount Subject to Charge
First 3%
Second 2%
Third 1%
Fourth and thereafter None
In determining the contingent deferred sales charge
applicable to a redemption of Class B shares, it will be assumed
that the redemption is, first, of any shares that were acquired
upon the reinvestment of dividends or distributions and, second,
of shares held longest during the time they are subject to the
sales charge. When shares acquired in an exchange are redeemed,
the applicable contingent deferred sales charge and conversion
schedules will be the schedules that applied at the time of the
purchase of shares of the corresponding class of the Alliance
Mutual Fund originally purchased by the shareholder.
The contingent deferred sales charge is waived on
redemptions of shares (i) following the death or disability, as
defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code"), of a shareholder, (ii) to the extent that the redemption
represents a minimum required distribution from an individual
retirement account or other retirement plan to a shareholder who
has attained the age of 70-1/2, (iii) that had been purchased by
present or former Directors of the Fund, by the relative of any
such person, by any trust, individual retirement account or
retirement plan account for the benefit of any such person or
relative, or by the estate of any such person or relative, or
(iv) pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan (see "Shareholder
Services--Systematic Withdrawal Plan" below).
CONVERSION FEATURE. Six years after the end of the
calendar month in which the shareholder's purchase order was
accepted, Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A
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shares and will no longer be subject to a higher distribution
services fee. Such conversion will occur on the basis of the
relative net asset values of the two classes, without the
imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge. The purpose
of the conversion feature is to reduce the distribution services
fee paid by holders of Class B shares that have been outstanding
long enough for the Principal Underwriter to have been
compensated for distribution expenses incurred in the sale of
such shares.
For purposes of conversion to Class A, Class B shares
purchased through the reinvestment of dividends and distributions
paid in respect of Class B shares in a shareholder's account will
be considered to be held in a separate sub-account. Each time
any Class B shares in the shareholder's account (other than those
in the sub-account) convert to Class A, an equal pro-rata portion
of the Class B shares in the sub-account will also convert to
Class A.
The conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares is
subject to the continuing availability of an opinion of counsel
to the effect that the conversion of Class B shares to Class A
shares does not constitute a taxable event under federal income
tax law. The conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares may
be suspended if such an opinion is no longer available at the
time such conversion is to occur. In that event, no further
conversions of Class B shares would occur, and shares might
continue to be subject to the higher distribution services fee
for an indefinite period which may extend beyond the period
ending six years after the end of the calendar month in which the
shareholder's purchase order was accepted.
CLASS C SHARES
Investors may purchase Class C shares at the public
offering price equal to the net asset value per share of the
Class C shares on the date of purchase without the imposition of
a sales charge either at the time of purchase or, as long as the
shares are held for one year or more, upon redemption. Class C
shares are sold without an initial sales charge so that the Fund
will receive the full amount of the investor's purchase payment
and, as long as the shares are held for one year or more, without
a contingent deferred sales charge so that the investor will
receive as proceeds upon redemption the entire net asset value of
his or her Class C shares. The Class C distribution services fee
enables the Fund to sell Class C shares without either an initial
or contingent deferred sales charge, as long as the shares are
held for one year or more. Class C shares do not convert to any
other class of shares of the Fund and incur higher distribution
services fees and transfer agency costs than Class A shares and
Advisor Class shares, and will thus have a higher expense ratio
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and pay correspondingly lower dividends than Class A shares and
Advisor Class shares.
Class C shares that are redeemed within one year of
purchase will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge of
1%, charged as a percentage of the dollar amount subject thereto.
The charge will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of
the cost of the shares being redeemed or their net asset value at
the time of redemption. Accordingly, no sales charge will be
imposed on increases in net asset value above the initial
purchase price. In addition, no charge will be assessed on shares
derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gains
distributions. The contingent deferred sales charge on Class C
shares will be waived on certain redemptions, as described above
under "--Class B Shares."
In determining the contingent deferred sales charge
applicable to a redemption of Class C shares, it will be assumed
that the redemption is, first, of any shares that are not subject
to a contingent deferred sales charge (for example, because the
shares have been held beyond the period during which the charge
applies or were acquired upon the reinvestment of dividends or
distributions) and, second, of shares held longest during the
time they are subject to the sales charge.
Proceeds from the contingent deferred sales charge are
paid to the Principal Underwriter and are used by the Principal
Underwriter to defray the expenses of the Principal Underwriter
related to providing distribution-related services to the Fund in
connection with the sale of the Class C shares, such as the
payment of compensation to selected dealers and agents for
selling Class C shares. The combination of the contingent
deferred sales charge and the distribution services fee enables
the Fund to sell the Class C shares without a sales charge being
deducted at the time of purchase. The higher distribution
services fee incurred by Class C shares will cause such shares to
have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower dividends than those
related to Class A shares and Advisor Class shares.
The contingent deferred sales charge is waived on
redemptions of shares (i) following the death or disability, as
defined in the Code, of a shareholder, (ii) to the extent that
the redemption represents a minimum required distribution from an
individual retirement account or other retirement plan to a
shareholder who has attained the age of 70-1/2, (iii) that had
been purchased by present or former Directors of the Fund, by the
relative of any such person, by any trust, individual retirement
account or retirement plan account for the benefit of any such
person or relative, or by the estate of any such person or
relative, (iv) pursuant to a systematic withdrawal plan (see
"Shareholder Services - Systematic Withdrawal Plan" below), or
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(v) sold through programs offered by financial intermediaries and
approved by AFD where such programs offer only shares which are
not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge and where the
financial intermediary establishes a single omnibus account for
each Fund.
Conversion of Advisor Class Shares to Class A Shares
Advisor Class shares may be held solely through the fee-
based program accounts, employee benefit plans and registered
investment advisory or other financial intermediary relationships
described above under "Purchase of Shares-- General," and by
investment advisory clients of, and by certain other persons
associated with, the Adviser and its affiliates or the Fund. If
(i) a holder of Advisor Class shares ceases to participate in the
fee-based program or plan, or to be associated with the
investment adviser or financial intermediary, in each case, that
satisfies the requirements to purchase shares set forth under
"Purchase of Shares--General" or (ii) the holder is otherwise no
longer eligible to purchase Advisor Class shares as described in
the Advisor Class Prospectus and this Statement of Additional
Information (each, a "Conversion Event"), then all Advisor Class
shares held by the shareholder will convert automatically to
Class A shares of the Fund during the calendar month following
the month in which the Fund is informed of the occurrence of the
Conversion Event. The Fund will provide the shareholder with at
least 30 days' notice of the conversion. The failure of a
shareholder or a fee-based program to satisfy the minimum
investment requirements to purchase Advisor Class shares will not
constitute a Conversion Event. The conversion would occur on the
basis of the relative net asset values of the two classes and
without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge.
Class A shares currently bear a .30% distribution services fee.
Advisor Class shares do not have any distribution services fees.
As a result, Class A shares have a higher expense ratio and may
pay correspondingly lower dividends and have a lower net asset
value than Advisor Class shares.
The conversion of Advisor Class shares to Class A shares
is subject to the continuing availability of an opinion of
counsel to the effect that the conversion of Advisor Class shares
to Class A shares does not constitute a taxable event under
federal income tax law. The conversion of Advisor Class shares
to Class A shares may be suspended if such an opinion is no
longer available at the time such conversion is to occur. In
that event, the Advisor Class shareholder would be required to
redeem his Advisor Class shares, which would constitute a taxable
event under federal income tax law.
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_________________________________________________________________
REDEMPTION AND REPURCHASE OF SHARES
_________________________________________________________________
The following information supplements that set forth in
the Fund's Prospectus(es) under the heading "Purchase and Sale of
Shares--How to Sell Shares." If you are an Advisor Class
shareholder through an account established under a fee-based
program your fee-based program may impose requirements with
respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Advisor Class shares
of the Fund that are different from those described herein. A
transaction fee may be charged by your financial representative
with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Advisor Class
shares made through such financial representative.
REDEMPTION
Subject only to the limitations described below, the
Fund's Articles of Incorporation require that the Fund redeem the
shares tendered to it, as described below, at a redemption price
equal to their net asset value as next computed following the
receipt of shares tendered for redemption in proper form. Except
for any contingent deferred sales charge which may be applicable
to Class A, Class B or Class C shares, there is no redemption
charge. Payment of the redemption price will be made within
seven days after the Fund's receipt of such tender for
redemption. If a shareholder is in doubt about what documents
are required by his or her fee-based program or employee benefit
plan, the shareholder should contact his or her financial
representative.
The right of redemption may not be suspended or the date
of payment upon redemption postponed for more than seven days
after shares are tendered for redemption, except for any period
during which the Exchange is closed (other than customary weekend
and holiday closings) or during which the Commission determines
that trading thereon is restricted, or for any period during
which an emergency (as determined by the Commission) exists as a
result of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is
not reasonably practicable or as a result of which it is not
reasonably practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value
of its net assets, or for such other periods as the Commission
may by order permit for the protection of security holders of the
Fund.
Payment of the redemption price will be made in cash.
The value of a shareholder's shares on redemption or repurchase
may be more or less than the cost of such shares to the
shareholder, depending upon the market value of the Fund's
portfolio securities at the time of such redemption or
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repurchase. Redemption proceeds on Class A, Class B and Class C
shares will reflect the deduction of the contingent deferred
sales charge, if any. Payment received by a shareholder upon
redemption or repurchase of his shares, assuming the shares
constitute capital assets in his hands, will result in long-term
or short-term capital gains (or loss) depending upon the
shareholder's holding period and basis in respect of the shares
redeemed.
To redeem shares of the Fund for which no stock
certificates have been issued, the registered owner or owners
should forward a letter to the Fund containing a request for
redemption. The signature or signatures on the letter must be
guaranteed by an "eligible guarantor institution" as defined in
Rule 17Ad-15 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended.
To redeem shares of the Fund represented by stock
certificates, the investor should forward the appropriate stock
certificate or certificates, endorsed in blank or with blank
stock powers attached, to the Fund with the request that the
shares represented thereby, or a specified portion thereof, be
redeemed. The stock assignment form on the reverse side of each
stock certificate surrendered to the Fund for redemption must be
signed by the registered owner or owners exactly as the
registered name appears on the face of the certificate or,
alternatively, a stock power signed in the same manner may be
attached to the stock certificate or certificates or, where
tender is made by mail, separately mailed to the Fund. The
signature or signatures on the assignment form must be guaranteed
in the manner described above.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTION BY ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER. Each
Fund shareholder is entitled to request redemption by electronic
funds transfer of shares for which no stock certificates have
been issued by telephone at (800) 221-5672 by a shareholder who
has completed the appropriate portion of the Subscription
Application or, in the case of an existing shareholder, an
"Autosell" application obtained from Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
A telephone redemption request by electronic funds transfer may
not exceed $100,000 (except for certain omnibus accounts), and
must be made by 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund business day as
defined above. Proceeds of telephone redemptions will be sent by
electronic funds transfer to a shareholder's designated bank
account at a bank selected by the shareholder that is a member of
the NACHA.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTION BY CHECK. Each Fund shareholder is
eligible to request redemption by check of Fund shares for which
no stock certificates have been issued by telephone at
(800) 221-5672 before 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund business
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day in an amount not exceeding $50,000. Proceeds of such
redemptions are remitted by check to the shareholder's address of
record. A shareholder otherwise eligible for telephone
redemption by check may cancel the privilege by written
instruction to Alliance Fund Services, Inc., or by checking the
appropriate box on the Subscription Application found in the
Prospectus.
TELEPHONE REDEMPTION -- GENERAL. During periods of
drastic economic or market developments, such as the market break
of October 1987, it is possible that shareholders would have
difficulty in reaching Alliance Fund Services, Inc. by telephone
(although no such difficulty was apparent at any time in
connection with the 1987 market break). If a shareholder were to
experience such difficulty, the shareholder should issue written
instructions to Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address shown
on the cover of this Statement of Additional Information. The
Fund reserves the right to suspend or terminate its telephone
redemption service at any time without notice. Telephone
redemption is not available with respect to shares (i) for which
certificates have been issued, (ii) held in nominee or "street
name" accounts, (iii) held by a shareholder who has changed his
or her address of record within the preceding 30 calendar days or
(iv) held in any retirement plan account. Neither the Fund nor
the Adviser, the Principal Underwriter or Alliance Fund Services,
Inc. will be responsible for the authenticity of telephone
requests for redemptions that the Fund reasonably believes to be
genuine. The Fund will employ reasonable procedures in order to
verify that telephone requests for redemptions are genuine,
including, among others, recording such telephone instructions
and causing written confirmations of the resulting transactions
to be sent to shareholders. If the Fund did not employ such
procedures, it could be liable for losses arising from
unauthorized or fraudulent telephone instructions. Selected
dealers or agents may charge a commission for handling telephone
requests for redemptions.
REPURCHASE
The Fund may repurchase shares through the Principal
Underwriter, selected financial intermediaries or selected
dealers or agents. The repurchase price will be the net asset
value next determined after the Principal Underwriter receives
the request (less the contingent deferred sales charge, if any,
with respect to the Class A, Class B and Class C shares), except
that requests placed through selected dealers or agents before
the close of regular trading on the Exchange on any day will be
executed at the net asset value determined as of such close of
regular trading on that day if received by the Principal
Underwriter prior to its close of business on that day (normally
5:00 p.m. Eastern time). The financial intermediary or selected
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dealer or agent is responsible for transmitting the request to
the Principal Underwriter by 5:00 p.m. Eastern time (certain
selected dealers, agents or financial representatives may enter
into operating agreements permitting them to transmit purchase
information to the Principal Underwriter after 5:00 p.m. Eastern
time and receive that day's asset value). If the financial
intermediary or selected dealer or agent fails to do so, the
shareholder's right to receive that day's closing price must be
settled between the shareholder and the dealer or agent. A
shareholder may offer shares of the Fund to the Principal
Underwriter either directly or through a selected dealer or
agent. Neither the Fund nor the Principal Underwriter charges a
fee or commission in connection with the repurchase of shares
(except for the contingent deferred sales charge, if any, with
respect to Class A, Class B and Class C shares). Normally, if
shares of the Fund are offered through a financial intermediary
or selected dealer or agent, the repurchase is settled by the
shareholder as an ordinary transaction with or through the
selected dealer or agent, who may charge the shareholder for this
service. The repurchase of shares of the Fund as described above
is a voluntary service of the Fund and the Fund may suspend or
terminate this practice at any time.
GENERAL
The Fund reserves the right to close out an account that
through redemption has remained below $200 for 90 days.
Shareholders will receive 60 days' written notice to increase the
account value before the account is closed. No contingent
deferred sales charge will be deducted from the proceeds of this
redemption. In the case of a redemption or repurchase of shares
of the Fund recently purchased by check, redemption proceeds will
not be made available until the Fund is reasonably assured that
the check has cleared, normally up to 15 calendar days following
the purchase date.
________________________________________________________________
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
________________________________________________________________
The following information supplements that set forth in
the Fund's Prospectus(es) under the heading "Purchase and Sale of
Shares--Shareholder Services." The shareholder services set
forth below are applicable to Class A, Class B, Class C and
Advisor Class shares unless otherwise indicated. If you are an
Advisor Class shareholder through an account established under a
fee-based program your fee-based program may impose requirements
with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of Advisor Class
shares of the Fund that are different from those described
herein. A transaction fee may be charged by your financial
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representative with respect to the purchase, sale or exchange of
Advisor Class shares made through such financial representative.
AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PROGRAM
Investors may purchase shares of the Fund through an
automatic investment program utilizing electronic funds transfer
drawn on the investor's own bank account. Under such a program,
pre-authorized monthly drafts for a fixed amount (at least $25)
are used to purchase shares through the selected dealer or
selected agent designated by the investor at the public offering
price next determined after the Principal Underwriter receives
the proceeds from the investor's bank. In electronic form,
drafts can be made on or about a date each month selected by the
shareholder. Investors wishing to establish an automatic
investment program in connection with their initial investment
should complete the appropriate portion of the Subscription
Application found in the Prospectus. Current shareholders should
contact Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address or telephone
numbers shown on the cover of this Statement of Additional
Information to establish an automatic investment program.
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
You may exchange your investment in the Fund for shares
of the same class of other Alliance Mutual Funds (including AFD
Exchange Reserves, a money market fund managed by the Adviser).
In addition, (i) present officers and full-time employees of the
Adviser, (ii) present Directors or Trustees of any Alliance
Mutual Fund and (iii) certain employee benefit plans for
employees of the Adviser, the Principal Underwriter, Alliance
Fund Services, Inc. and their affiliates may, on a tax-free
basis, exchange Class A shares of the Fund for Advisor Class
shares of the Fund. Exchanges of shares are made at the net
asset value next determined and without sales or service charges.
Exchanges may be made by telephone or written request. Telephone
exchange requests must be received by Alliance Fund Services,
Inc. by 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on a Fund business day in order to
receive that day's net asset value.
Shares will continue to age without regard to exchanges
for purpose of determining the CDSC, if any, upon redemption and,
in the case of Class B shares, for the purpose of conversion to
Class A shares. After an exchange, your Class B shares will
automatically convert to Class A shares in accordance with the
conversion schedule applicable to the Class B shares of the
Alliance Mutual Fund you originally purchased for cash ("original
shares"). When redemption occurs, the CDSC applicable to the
original shares is applied.
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Please read carefully the prospectus of the mutual fund
into which you are exchanging before submitting the request.
Call Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at (800) 221-5672 to exchange
uncertificated shares. Except with respect to exchanges of
Class A shares of the Fund for Advisor Class shares of the Fund,
exchanges of shares as described above in this section are
taxable transactions for federal income tax purposes. The
exchange service may be changed, suspended, or terminated on 60
days written notice.
All exchanges are subject to the minimum investment
requirements and any other applicable terms set forth in the
Prospectus for the Alliance Mutual Fund whose shares are being
acquired. An exchange is effected through the redemption of the
shares tendered for exchange and the purchase of shares being
acquired at their respective net asset values as next determined
following receipt by the Alliance Mutual Fund whose shares are
being exchanged of (i) proper instructions and all necessary
supporting documents as described in such fund's Prospectus, or
(ii) a telephone request for such exchange in accordance with the
procedures set forth in the following paragraph. Exchanges
involving the redemption of shares recently purchased by check
will be permitted only after the Alliance Mutual Fund whose
shares have been tendered for exchange is reasonably assured that
the check has cleared, normally up to 15 calendar days following
the purchase date. Exchanges of shares of Alliance Mutual Funds
will generally result in the realization of a capital gain or
loss for federal income tax purposes.
Each Fund shareholder, and the shareholder's selected
dealer, agent or financial representative, as applicable, are
authorized to make telephone requests for exchanges unless
Alliance Fund Services, Inc., receives written instruction to the
contrary from the shareholder, or the shareholder declines the
privilege by checking the appropriate box on the Subscription
Application found in the Prospectus. Such telephone requests
cannot be accepted with respect to shares then represented by
stock certificates. Shares acquired pursuant to a telephone
request for exchange will be held under the same account
registration as the shares redeemed through such exchange.
Eligible shareholders desiring to make an exchange
should telephone Alliance Fund Services, Inc. with their account
number and other details of the exchange, at (800) 221-5672
before 4:00 p.m., Eastern time, on a Fund business day as defined
above. Telephone requests for exchange received before 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time on a Fund business day will be processed as of the
close of business on that day. During periods of drastic
economic or market developments, such as the market break of
October 1987, it is possible that shareholders would have
difficulty in reaching Alliance Fund Services, Inc. by telephone
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(although no such difficulty was apparent at any time in
connection with the 1987 market break). If a shareholder were to
experience such difficulty, the shareholder should issue written
instructions to Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address shown
on the cover of this Statement of Additional Information.
A shareholder may elect to initiate a monthly "Auto
Exchange" whereby a specified dollar amount's worth of his or her
Fund shares (minimum $25) is automatically exchanged for shares
of another Alliance Mutual Fund. Auto Exchange transactions
normally occur on the 12th day of each month, or the Fund
business day prior thereto.
None of the Alliance Mutual Funds, the Adviser, the
Principal Underwriter or Alliance Fund Services, Inc. will be
responsible for the authenticity of telephone requests for
exchanges that the Fund reasonably believes to be genuine. The
Fund will employ reasonable procedures in order to verify that
telephone requests for exchanges are genuine, including, among
others, recording such telephone instructions and causing written
confirmations of the resulting transactions to be sent to
shareholders. If the Fund did not employ such procedures, it
could be liable for losses arising from unauthorized or
fraudulent telephone instructions. Selected dealers, agents or
financial representatives, as applicable, may charge a commission
for handling telephone requests for exchanges.
The exchange privilege is available only in states where
shares of the Alliance Mutual Fund being acquired may be legally
sold. Each Alliance Mutual Fund reserves the right, at any time
on 60 days' notice to its shareholders, to reject any order to
acquire its shares through exchange or otherwise to modify,
restrict or terminate the exchange privilege.
RETIREMENT PLANS
The Fund may be a suitable investment vehicle for part
or all of the assets held in various types of retirement plans,
such as those listed below. The Fund has available forms of such
plans pursuant to which investments can be made in the Fund and
other Alliance Mutual Funds. Persons desiring information
concerning these plans should contact Alliance Fund Services,
Inc. at the "For Literature" telephone number on the cover of
this Statement of Additional Information, or write to:
Alliance Fund Services, Inc.
Retirement Plans
P.O. Box 1520
Secaucus, New Jersey 07096-1520
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INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT ACCOUNT ("IRA"). Individuals who
receive compensation, including earnings from self-employment,
are entitled to establish and make contributions to an IRA.
Taxation of the income and gains paid to an IRA by the Fund is
deferred until distribution from the IRA. An individual's
eligible contribution to an IRA will be deductible if neither the
individual nor his or her spouse is an active participant in an
employer-sponsored retirement plan. If the individual or his or
her spouse is an active participant in an employer-sponsored
retirement plan, the individual's contributions to an IRA may be
deductible, in whole or in part, depending on the amount of the
adjusted gross income of the individual and his or her spouse.
EMPLOYER-SPONSORED QUALIFIED RETIREMENT PLANS. Sole
proprietors, partnerships and corporations may sponsor qualified
money purchase pension and profit-sharing plans, including
Section 401(k) plans ("qualified plans"), under which annual tax-
deductible contributions are made within prescribed limits based
on compensation paid to participating individuals. The minimum
initial investment requirement may be waived with respect to
certain of these qualified plans.
If the aggregate net asset value of shares of the
Alliance Mutual Funds held by a qualified plan reaches $1 million
on or before December 15 in any year, all Class B or Class C
shares of the Fund held by the plan can be exchanged at the
plan's request without any sales charge, for Class A shares of
the Fund.
SIMPLIFIED EMPLOYEE PENSION PLAN ("SEP"). Sole
proprietors, partnerships and corporations may sponsor a SEP
under which they make annual tax-deductible contributions to an
IRA established by each eligible employee within prescribed
limits based on employee compensation.
403(B)(7) RETIREMENT PLAN. Certain tax-exempt
organizations and public educational institutions may sponsor
retirement plans under which an employee may agree that monies
deducted from his or her compensation (minimum $25 per pay
period) may be contributed by the employer to a custodial account
established for the employee under the plan.
The Alliance Plans Division of Frontier Trust Company, a
subsidiary of Equitable, which serves as custodian or trustee
under the retirement plan prototype forms available from the
Fund, charges certain nominal fees for establishing an account
and for annual maintenance. A portion of these fees is remitted
to Alliance Fund Services, Inc. as compensation for its services
to the retirement plan accounts maintained with the Fund.
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Distributions from retirement plans are subject to
certain Code requirements in addition to normal redemption
procedures. For additional information please contact Alliance
Fund Services, Inc.
DIVIDEND DIRECTION PLAN
A shareholder who already maintains, in addition to his
or her Class A, Class B, Class C or Advisor Class Fund account, a
Class A, Class B, Class C or Advisor Class account with one or
more other Alliance Mutual Funds may direct that income dividends
and/or capital gains paid on the shareholder's Class A, Class B,
Class C or Advisor Class Fund shares be automatically reinvested,
in any amount, without the payment of any sales or service
charges, in shares of the same class of such other Alliance
Mutual Fund(s). Further information can be obtained by
contacting Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address or the
"For Literature" telephone number shown on the cover of this
Statement of Additional Information. Investors wishing to
establish a dividend direction plan in connection with their
initial investment should complete the appropriate section of the
Subscription Application found in the Prospectus. Current
shareholders should contact Alliance Fund Services, Inc. to
establish a dividend direction plan.
SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN
General. Any shareholder who owns or purchases shares of
the Fund having a current net asset value of at least $4,000 (for
quarterly or less frequent payments), $5,000 (for bi-monthly
payments) or $10,000 (for monthly payments) may establish a
systematic withdrawal plan under which the shareholder will
periodically receive a payment in a stated amount of not less
than $50 on a selected date. Systematic withdrawal plan
participants must elect to have their dividends and distributions
from the Fund automatically reinvested in additional shares of
the Fund.
Shares of the Fund owned by a participant in the Fund's
systematic withdrawal plan will be redeemed as necessary to meet
withdrawal payments and such payments will be subject to any
taxes applicable to redemptions and, except as discussed below,
any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. Shares acquired
with reinvested dividends and distributions will be liquidated
first to provide such withdrawal payments and thereafter other
shares will be liquidated to the extent necessary, and depending
upon the amount withdrawn, the investor's principal may be
depleted. A systematic withdrawal plan may be terminated at any
time by the shareholder or the Fund.
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Withdrawal payments will not automatically end when a
shareholder's account reaches a certain minimum level. Therefore,
redemptions of shares under the plan may reduce or even liquidate
a shareholder's account and may subject the shareholder to the
Fund's involuntary redemption provisions. See "Redemption and
Repurchase of Shares--General." Purchases of additional shares
concurrently with withdrawals are undesirable because of sales
charges when purchases are made. While an occasional lump-sum
investment may be made by a holder of Class A shares who is
maintaining a systematic withdrawal plan, such investment should
normally be an amount equivalent to three times the annual
withdrawal or $5,000, whichever is less.
Payments under a systematic withdrawal plan may be made
by check or electronically via the Automated Clearing House
("ACH") network. Investors wishing to establish a systematic
withdrawal plan in conjunction with their initial investment in
shares of the Fund should complete the appropriate portion of the
Subscription Application found in the Prospectus, while current
Fund shareholders desiring to do so can obtain an application
form by contacting Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the address or
the "For Literature" telephone number shown on the cover of this
Statement of Additional Information.
CDSC Waiver for Class B Shares and Class C Shares. Under
a systematic withdrawal plan, up to 1% monthly, 2% bi- monthly or
3% quarterly of the value at the time of redemption of the
Class B or Class C shares in a shareholder's account may be
redeemed free of any contingent deferred sales charge.
With respect to Class B shares, the waiver applies only
with respect to shares acquired after July 1, 1995. Class B
shares that are not subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
(such as shares acquired with reinvested dividends or
distributions) will be redeemed first and will count toward the
foregoing limitations. Remaining Class B shares that are held the
longest will be redeemed next. Redemptions of Class B shares in
excess of the foregoing limitations will be subject to any
otherwise applicable contingent deferred sales charge.
With respect to Class C shares, shares held the longest
will be redeemed first and will count toward the foregoing
limitations. Redemptions in excess of those limitations will be
subject to any otherwise applicable contingent deferred sales
charge.
STATEMENTS AND REPORTS
Each shareholder of the Fund receives semi-annual and
annual reports which include a portfolio of investments,
financial statements and, in the case of the annual report, the
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report of the Fund's independent auditors, Ernst & Young LLP, as
well as a confirmation of each purchase and redemption. By
contacting his or her broker or Alliance Fund Services, Inc., a
shareholder can arrange for copies of his or her account
statements to be sent to another person.
Shareholder Services Applicable to
Class A and Class C Shareholders Only
CHECKWRITING
A new Class A or Class C investor may fill out the
Signature Card which is included in the Prospectus to authorize
the Fund to arrange for a checkwriting service through State
Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Bank") to draw against
Class A or Class C shares of the Fund redeemed from the
investor's account. Under this service, checks may be made
payable to any payee in any amount not less than $500 and not
more than 90% of the net asset value of the Class A or Class C
shares in the investor's account (excluding for this purpose the
current month's accumulated dividends and shares for which
certificates have been issued). A Class A or Class C shareholder
wishing to establish this checkwriting service subsequent to the
opening of his or her Fund account should contact the Fund by
telephone or mail. Corporations, fiduciaries and institutional
investors are required to furnish a certified resolution or other
evidence of authorization. This checkwriting service will be
subject to the Bank's customary rules and regulations governing
checking accounts, and the Fund and the Bank each reserve the
right to change or suspend the checkwriting service. There is no
charge to the shareholder for the initiation and maintenance of
this service or for the clearance of any checks.
When a check is presented to the Bank for payment, the
Bank, as the shareholder's agent, causes the Fund to redeem, at
the net asset value next determined, a sufficient number of full
and fractional shares of the Fund in the shareholder's account to
cover the check. Because the level of net assets in a
shareholder's account constantly change, due, among various
factors, to market fluctuations, a shareholder should not attempt
to close his or her account by use of a check. In this regard,
the Bank has the right to return checks (marked "insufficient
funds") unpaid to the presenting bank if the amount of the check
exceeds 90% of the assets in the account. Canceled (paid) checks
are returned to the shareholder. The checkwriting service
enables the shareholder to receive the daily dividends declared
on the shares to be redeemed until the day that the check is
presented to the Bank for payment.
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_________________________________________________________________
NET ASSET VALUE
_________________________________________________________________
The per share net asset value is computed in accordance
with the Fund's Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws at the next
close of regular trading on the Exchange (ordinarily 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time) following receipt of a purchase or redemption order
by the Fund on each Fund business day on which such an order is
received and on such other days as the Board of Directors of the
Fund deems appropriate or necessary in order to comply with Rule
22c-1 under the 1940 Act. The Fund's per share net asset value
is calculated by dividing the value of the Fund's total assets,
less its liabilities, by the total number of its shares then
outstanding. A Fund business day is any weekday on which the
Exchange is open for trading.
In accordance with applicable rules under the 1940 Act,
portfolio securities are valued at current market value or at
fair value as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors has delegated to the Adviser certain of
the Boards duties with respect to the following procedures.
Readily marketable securities listed on the Exchange or on a
foreign securities exchange (other than foreign securities
exchanges whose operations are similar to those of the United
States over-the-counter market) are valued, except as indicated
below, at the last sale price reflected on the consolidated tape
at the close of the Exchange or, in the case of a foreign
securities exchange, at the last quoted sale price, in each case
on the business day as of which such value is being determined.
If there has been no sale on such day, the securities are valued
at the quoted bid prices on such day. If no bid prices are
quoted on such day, then the security is valued at the mean of
the bid and asked prices at the close of the Exchange on such day
as obtained from one or more dealers regularly making a market in
such security. Where a bid and asked price can be obtained from
only one such dealer, such security is valued at the mean of the
bid and asked price obtained from such dealer unless it is
determined that such price does not represent current market
value, in which case the security shall be valued in good faith
at fair value by, or pursuant to procedures established by, the
Board of Directors. Securities for which no bid and asked price
quotations are readily available are valued in good faith at fair
value by, or in accordance with procedures established by, the
Board of Directors. Readily marketable securities not listed on
the Exchange or on a foreign securities exchange are valued in
like manner. Portfolio securities traded on the Exchange and on
one or more other foreign or other national securities exchanges,
and portfolio securities not traded on the Exchange but traded on
one or more foreign or other national securities exchanges are
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valued in accordance with these procedures by reference to the
principal exchange on which the securities are traded.
Readily marketable securities traded only in the over-
the-counter market, securities listed on a foreign securities
exchange whose operations are similar to those of the United
States over-the-counter market, and debt securities listed on a
U.S. national securities exchange whose primary market is
believed to be over-the-counter, are valued at the mean of the
bid and asked prices at the close of the Exchange on such day as
obtained from two or more dealers regularly making a market in
such security. Where a bid and asked price can be obtained from
only one such dealer, such security is valued at the mean of the
bid and asked price obtained from such dealer unless it is
determined that such price does not represent current market
value, in which case the security shall be valued in good faith
at fair value by, or in accordance with procedures established
by, the Board of Directors.
Listed put and call options purchased by the Fund are
valued at the last sale price. If there has been no sale on that
day, such securities will be valued at the closing bid prices on
that day.
Open futures contracts and options thereon will be
valued using the closing settlement price or, in the absence of
such a price, the most recent quoted bid price. If there are no
quotations available for the day of valuations, the last
available closing settlement price will be used.
U.S. Government Securities and other debt instruments
having 60 days or less remaining until maturity are valued at
amortized cost if their original maturity was 60 days or less, or
by amortizing their fair value as of the 61st day prior to
maturity if their original term to maturity exceeded 60 days
(unless in either case the Board of Directors determines that
this method does not represent fair value).
Fixed-income securities may be valued on the basis of
prices provided by a pricing service when such prices are
believed to reflect the fair market value of such securities.
The prices provided by a pricing service take into account many
factors, including institutional size trading in similar groups
of securities and any developments related to specific
securities. Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities may be
valued at prices obtained from a bond pricing service or at a
price obtained from one or more of the major broker/dealers in
such securities. In cases where broker/dealer quotes are
obtained, the Adviser may establish procedures whereby changes in
market yields or spreads are used to adjust, on a daily basis, a
recently obtained quoted bid price on a security.
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All other assets of the Fund are valued in good faith at
fair value by, or in accordance with procedures established by,
the Board of Directors.
Trading in securities on Far Eastern and European
securities exchanges and over-the-counter markets is normally
completed well before the close of business of each Fund business
day. In addition, trading in foreign markets may not take place
on all Fund business days. Furthermore, trading may take place
in various foreign markets on days that are not Fund business
days. The Funds calculation of the net asset value per share,
therefore, does not always take place contemporaneously with the
most recent determination of the prices of portfolio securities
in these markets. Events affecting the values of these portfolio
securities that occur between the time their prices are
determined in accordance with the above procedures and the close
of the Exchange will not be reflected in the Fund's calculation
of net asset value unless these prices do not reflect current
market value, in which case the securities will be valued in good
faith at fair value by, or in accordance with procedures
established by, the Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors may suspend the determination of
the Funds net asset value (and the offering and sales of shares),
subject to the rules of the Commission and other governmental
rules and regulations, at a time when: (1) the Exchange is
closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings, (2) an
emergency exists as a result of which it is not reasonably
practicable for the Fund to dispose of securities owned by it or
to determine fairly the value of its net assets, or (3) for the
protection of shareholders, the Commission by order permits a
suspension of the right of redemption or a postponement of the
date of payment on redemption.
For purposes of determining the Funds net asset value
per share, all assets and liabilities initially expressed in a
foreign currency will be converted into U.S. Dollars at the mean
of the current bid and asked prices of such currency against the
U.S. Dollar last quoted by a major bank that is a regular
participant in the relevant foreign exchange market or on the
basis of a pricing service that takes into account the quotes
provided by a number of such major banks. If such quotations are
not available as of the close of the Exchange, the rate of
exchange will be determined in good faith by, or under the
direction of, the Board of Directors.
The assets attributable to the Class A shares, Class B
shares, Class C shares and Advisor Class shares will be invested
together in a single portfolio. The net asset value of each
class will be determined separately by subtracting the
liabilities allocated to that class from the assets belonging to
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that class in conformance with the provisions of a plan adopted
by the Fund in accordance with Rule 18f-3 under the 1940 Act.
________________________________________________________________
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
________________________________________________________________
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION
OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS
General
The Fund intends for each taxable year to qualify to be
taxed as a "regulated investment company" under the Code. So
long as the Fund distributes 90% of its income, qualification
relieves the Fund of federal income tax liability on the part of
its net ordinary income and net realized capital gains which it
timely distributes to its shareholders. Such qualification does
not, of course, involve governmental supervision of management or
investment practices or policies. Investors should consult their
own counsel for a complete understanding of the requirements the
Fund must meet to qualify to be taxed as a "regulated investment
company."
In order to qualify as a regulated investment company
for any taxable year, the Fund must, among other things, derive
at least 90% of its gross income from dividends, interest,
certain payments with respect to securities loans and gains from
the sale or other disposition of stock, securities or foreign
currency, or certain other income (including, but not limited to,
gains from options, futures and forward contracts) derived with
respect to its business of investing in such stock, securities or
currency. In addition, the Fund will qualify as a regulated
investment company for any taxable year only if it satisfies the
diversification requirements set forth under the heading
"Description of the Fund--Non-Diversified Status."
The information set forth in the Prospectus and the
following discussion relate solely to the significant United
States federal income taxes on dividends and distributions by the
Fund and assumes that the Fund qualifies to be taxed as a
regulated investment company. Investors should consult their own
tax counsel with respect to the specific tax consequences of
their being shareholders of the Fund, including the effect and
applicability of federal, state, local and foreign tax laws to
their own particular situation and the possible effects of
changes therein.
The Fund intends to declare and distribute dividends in
the amounts and at the times necessary to avoid the application
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of the 4% federal excise tax imposed on certain undistributed
income of regulated investment companies. The Fund will be
required to pay the 4% excise tax to the extent it does not
distribute to its shareholders during any calendar year an amount
equal to the sum of (i) 98% of its ordinary taxable income for
the calendar year, (ii) 98% of its capital gain net income and
foreign currency gains for the twelve months ended October 31 of
such year (or November 30 if elected by the Fund), and (iii) any
ordinary income or capital gain net income from the preceding
calendar year that was not distributed during such year. For
this purpose, income or gain retained by the Fund that is subject
to corporate income tax will be considered to have been
distributed by the Fund by year-end. For federal income and
excise tax purposes, dividends declared and payable to
shareholders of record as of a date in October, November or
December but actually paid during the following January will be
taxable to these shareholders for the year declared, and not for
the subsequent calendar year in which the shareholders actually
receive the dividend.
Dividends of the Fund's net ordinary income and
distributions of any net realized short-term capital gain are
taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. Since the Fund
expects to derive substantially all of its gross income
(exclusive of capital gains) from sources other than dividends,
it is expected that none of the Fund's dividends or distributions
will qualify for the dividends-received deduction for
corporations.
Distributions of net capital gain (i.e., the excess of
net long-term capital gain over net short-term capital loss) are
taxable as long-term capital gain, regardless of how long a
shareholder has held shares in the Fund. Any dividend or
distribution received by a shareholder on shares of the Fund will
have the effect of reducing the net asset value of such shares by
the amount of such dividend or distribution. Furthermore, a
dividend or distribution made shortly after the purchase of such
shares by a shareholder, although in effect a return of capital
to that particular shareholder, would be taxable to him or her as
described above. If a shareholder has held shares in the Fund
for six months or less and during that period has received a
distribution of net capital gain, any loss recognized by the
shareholder on the sale of those shares during the six-month
period will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent
of the distribution.
Dividends are taxable in the manner discussed regardless
of whether they are paid to the shareholder in cash or are
reinvested in additional shares of the Fund's Common Stock.
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A dividend or capital gains distribution with respect to
shares of the Fund held by a tax-deferred or qualified plan, such
as an individual retirement account, 403(b)(7) retirement plan or
corporate pension or profit-sharing plan, generally will not be
taxable to the plan. Distributions from such plans will be
taxable to individual participants under applicable tax rules
without regard to the character of the income earned by the
qualified plan.
The Fund may be required to withhold federal income tax
at the rate of 31% of all distributions payable to shareholders
who fail to provide the Fund with their correct taxpayer
identification numbers or to make required certifications, or who
have been notified by the Internal Revenue Service that they are
subject to backup withholding. Corporate shareholders and
certain other shareholders specified in the Code are exempt from
such backup withholding. Backup withholding is not an additional
tax; any amounts so withheld may be credited against a
shareholder's federal income tax liability or refunded.
FOREIGN TAX CREDIT
Investment income received by the Fund from sources
within foreign countries may be subject to foreign income taxes,
including taxes withheld at the source. The United States has
entered into tax treaties with many foreign countries which
entitle the Fund to a reduced rate of such taxes or exemption
from taxes on such income. It is impossible to determine the
effective rate of foreign tax in advance since the amount of the
Fund's assets to be invested within various countries is not
known. If more than 50% of the value of the Fund's total assets
at the close of its taxable year consists of stocks or securities
of foreign corporations (which for this purpose should include
obligations issued by foreign governments), the Fund will be
eligible to file an election with the Internal Revenue Service to
pass through to its shareholders the amount of foreign taxes paid
by the Fund. If eligible, the Fund intends to file such an
election. However, there can be no assurance that the Fund will
be able to do so. Pursuant to this election, a shareholder will
be required to (i) include in gross income (in addition to
taxable dividends actually received) his pro rata share of any
foreign income taxes paid by the Fund, (ii) treat his pro rata
share of such foreign taxes as having been paid by him; and
(iii) either deduct such pro rata share of foreign taxes in
computing his taxable income or treat such foreign taxes as a
credit against federal income taxes. Shareholders who normally
are not liable for federal income taxes, such as retirement plans
qualified under section 401 of the Code, will not be affected by
any such pass-through of taxes by the Fund. No deduction for
foreign income taxes may be claimed by an individual shareholder
who does not itemize deductions. In addition, certain
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shareholders may be subject to rules which limit or reduce their
ability to fully deduct, or claim a credit for, their pro rata
share of the foreign income taxes paid by the Fund. A
shareholder's foreign tax credit with respect to a dividend
received from the Fund will be disallowed unless the shareholder
holds shares in the Fund on the ex-dividend date and for at least
15 other days during the 30-day period beginning 15 days prior to
the ex-dividend date. Each shareholder will be notified within
60 days after the close of the Fund's taxable year whether the
foreign income taxes paid by the Fund will pass through for that
year and, if so, such notification will designate (i) such
shareholder's portion of the foreign income taxes paid to each
such country, and (ii) the portion of dividends that represents
income derived from sources within each such country.
The federal income tax status of each year's
distributions by the Fund will be reported to shareholders and to
the Internal Revenue Service. The foregoing is only a general
description of the treatment of foreign taxes under the United
States federal income tax laws. Because the availability of a
foreign tax credit or deduction will depend on the particular
circumstances of each shareholder, potential investors are
advised to consult their own tax advisers.
UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAXATION OF THE FUND
The following discussion relates to certain significant
United States federal income tax consequences to the Fund with
respect to the determination of its "investment company taxable
income" each year. This discussion assumes that the Fund will be
taxed as a regulated investment company for each of its taxable
years.
CURRENCY FLUCTUATIONS--"SECTION 988" GAINS OR LOSSES.
Under the Code, gains or losses attributable to fluctuations in
exchange rates which occur between the time the Fund accrues
interest or other receivables or accrues expenses or other
liabilities denominated in a foreign currency and the time the
Fund actually collects such receivables or pays such liabilities
are treated as ordinary income or ordinary loss. Similarly,
gains or losses from the disposition of foreign currencies, from
the disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign
currency, or from the disposition of a forward contract
denominated in a foreign currency which are attributable to
fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency between the
date of acquisition of the asset and the date of disposition also
are treated as ordinary income or loss. These gains or losses,
referred to under the Code as "section 988" gains or losses,
increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company
taxable income available to be distributed to its shareholders as
ordinary income, rather than increasing or decreasing the amount
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of the Fund's net capital gain. Because section 988 losses
reduce the amount of ordinary dividends the Fund will be allowed
to distribute for a taxable year, such section 988 losses may
result in all or a portion of prior dividend distributions for
such year being recharacterized as a non-taxable return of
capital to shareholders, rather than as an ordinary dividend,
reducing each shareholder's basis in his or her Fund shares. To
the extent that such distributions exceed such shareholder's
basis, each will be treated as a gain from the sale of shares.
OPTIONS, FUTURES CONTRACTS, AND FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY
CONTRACTS. Certain listed options, regulated futures contracts
and forward foreign currency contracts are considered "section
1256 contracts" for federal income tax purposes. Section 1256
contracts held by the Fund at the end of each taxable year will
be "marked to market" and treated for federal income tax purposes
as though sold for fair market value on the last business day of
such taxable year. Gain or loss realized by the Fund on section
1256 contracts other than forward foreign currency contracts will
be considered 60% long-term and 40% short-term capital gain or
loss, although the Fund may elect to have the gain or loss it
realizes on certain contracts taxed as "section 988" gain or
loss. Gain or loss realized by the Fund on forward foreign
currency contracts generally will be treated as section 988 gain
or loss and will therefore be characterized as ordinary income or
loss and will increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's net
investment income available to be distributed to shareholders as
ordinary income, as described above. The Fund can elect to
exempt its section 1256 contracts which are part of a "mixed
straddle" (as described below) from the application of section
1256.
The Treasury Department has the authority to issue
regulations that would permit or require the Fund either to
integrate a foreign currency hedging transaction with the
investment that is hedged and treat the two as a single
transaction, or otherwise to treat the hedging transaction in a
manner that is consistent with the hedged investment. The
regulations issued under this authority generally should not
apply to the type of hedging transactions in which the Fund
intends to engage.
With respect to over-the-counter put and call options,
gain or loss realized by the Fund upon the lapse or sale of such
options held by the Fund will be either long-term or short-term
capital gain or loss depending upon the Fund's holding period
with respect to such option. However, gain or loss realized upon
the lapse or closing out of such options that are written by the
Fund will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss. In
general, if the Fund exercises an option, or if an option that
the Fund has written is exercised, gain or loss on the option
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will not be separately recognized but the premium received or
paid will be included in the calculation of gain or loss upon
disposition of the property underlying the option.
Gain or loss realized by the Fund on the lapse or sale
of put and call options on foreign currencies which are traded
over-the-counter or on certain foreign exchanges will be treated
as section 988 gain or loss and will therefore be characterized
as ordinary income or loss and will increase or decrease the
amount of the Fund's net investment income available to be
distributed to shareholders as ordinary income, as described
above. The amount of such gain or loss shall be determined by
subtracting the amount paid, if any, for or with respect to the
option (including any amount paid by the Fund upon termination of
an option written by the Fund) from the amount received, if any,
for or with respect to the option (including any amount received
by the Fund upon termination of an option held by the Fund). In
general, if the Fund exercises such an option on a foreign
currency, or if such an option that the Fund has written is
exercised, gain or loss on the option will be recognized in the
same manner as if the Fund had sold the option (or paid another
person to assume the Fund's obligation to make delivery under the
option) on the date on which the option is exercised, for the
fair market value of the option. The foregoing rules will also
apply to other put and call options which have as their
underlying property foreign currency and which are traded over-
the-counter or on certain foreign exchanges to the extent gain or
loss with respect to such options is attributable to fluctuations
in foreign currency exchange rates.
TAX STRADDLES. Any option, futures contract, or forward
foreign currency contract, interest rate swap, cap or floor or
other position entered into or held by the Fund in conjunction
with any other position held by the Fund may constitute a
"straddle" for federal income tax purposes. A straddle of which
at least one, but not all, the positions are section 1256
contracts may constitute a "mixed straddle". In general,
straddles are subject to certain rules that may affect the
character and timing of the Fund's gains and losses with respect
to straddle positions by requiring, among other things, that
(i) loss realized on disposition of one position of a straddle
not be recognized to the extent that the Fund has unrealized
gains with respect to the other position in such straddle;
(ii) the Fund's holding period in straddle positions be suspended
while the straddle exists (possibly resulting in gain being
treated as short-term capital gain rather than long-term capital
gain); (iii) losses recognized with respect to certain straddle
positions which are part of a mixed straddle and which are non-
section 1256 positions be treated as 60% long-term and 40% short-
term capital loss; (iv) losses recognized with respect to certain
straddle positions which would otherwise constitute short-term
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capital losses be treated as long-term capital losses; and
(v) the deduction of interest and carrying charges attributable
to certain straddle positions may be deferred. The Treasury
Department is authorized to issue regulations providing for the
proper treatment of a mixed straddle where at least one position
consists of an ordinary asset and at least one position consists
of a capital asset. No such regulations have yet been issued.
Various elections are available to the Fund which may mitigate
the effects of the straddle rules, particularly with respect to
mixed straddles. In general, the straddle rules described above
do not apply to any straddles held by the Fund all of the
offsetting positions of which consist of section 1256 contracts.
ZERO COUPON SECURITIES. Current federal tax law
requires that a holder (such as the Fund) of a zero coupon
security accrue a portion of the discount at which the security
was purchased as income each year even though the Fund receives
no interest payment in cash on the security during the year.
Accordingly, the Fund may be required to pay out as an income
distribution each year an amount which is greater than the total
amount of cash interest the Fund actually received. Such
distributions will be made from the cash assets of the Fund or by
liquidation of portfolio securities, if necessary. If a
distribution of cash necessitates the liquidation of portfolio
securities, the Adviser will select which securities to sell.
The Fund may realize a gain or loss from such sales. In the
event the Fund realizes net capital gains from such transactions,
its shareholders may receive a larger capital gain distribution,
if any, than they would have in the absence of such transactions.
TAXATION OF FOREIGN STOCKHOLDERS
The foregoing discussion relates only to United States
federal income tax law as it affects shareholders who are United
States citizens or residents or United States corporations. The
effects of federal income tax law on shareholders who are non-
resident alien individuals or foreign corporations may be
substantially different. Foreign investors should therefore
consult their counsel for further information as to the United
States tax consequences of receipt of income from the Fund.
_________________________________________________________________
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS
_________________________________________________________________
Subject to the general supervision of the Board of
Directors of the Fund, the Adviser is responsible for the
investment decisions and the placing of the orders for portfolio
transactions for the Fund. The Fund's portfolio transactions
occur primarily with issuers, underwriters or major dealers
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acting as principals. Such transactions are normally on a net
basis which do not involve payment of brokerage commissions. The
cost of securities purchased from an underwriter usually includes
a commission paid by the issuer to the underwriters; transactions
with dealers normally reflect the spread between bid and asked
prices. Premiums are paid with respect to options purchased by
the Fund and brokerage commissions are payable with respect to
transactions in exchange-traded futures contracts.
The Fund has no obligation to enter into transactions in
portfolio securities with any dealer, issuer, underwriter or
other entity. In placing orders, it is the policy of the Fund to
obtain the best price and execution for its transactions. Where
best price and execution may be obtained from more than one
dealer, the Adviser may, in its discretion, purchase and sell
securities through dealers who provide research, statistical and
other information to the Adviser. Such services may be used by
the Adviser for all of its investment advisory accounts and,
accordingly, not all such services may be used by the Adviser in
connection with the Fund. The supplemental information received
from a dealer is in addition to the services required to be
performed by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement, and the
expenses of the Adviser will not necessarily be reduced as a
result of the receipt of such information. Consistent with the
Conduct Rules of the National Association of Securities Dealers,
Inc., and subject to seeking best price and execution, the Fund
may consider sales of its shares as a factor in the selection of
dealers to enter into portfolio transactions with the Fund.
Portfolio securities will not be purchased from or sold to
Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation, an affiliate
of the Adviser, or any other subsidiary or affiliate of
Equitable.
_________________________________________________________________
GENERAL INFORMATION
_________________________________________________________________
CAPITALIZATION
The Fund is a Maryland corporation organized in 1992.
The Fund's shares have non-cumulative voting rights, which means
that the holders of more than 50% of the shares voting for the
election of Directors can elect 100% of the Directors if they
choose to do so, and in such event the holders of the remaining
less than 50% of the shares voting for such election of Directors
will not be able to elect any person or persons to the Board of
Directors. The authorized capital stock of the Fund currently
consists of 3,000,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, $.001
par value, 3,000,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, $.001
par value, 3,000,000,000 shares of Class C Common Stock, $.001
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par value, and 3,000,000,000 shares of Advisor Class Common
Stock, $.001 par value. All shares of the Fund, when issued, are
fully paid and non-assessable. The Board of Directors is
authorized to reclassify and issue any unissued shares to any
number of additional series and classes without shareholder
approval. Accordingly, the Board in the future, for reasons such
as the desire to establish one or more additional portfolios with
different investment objectives, policies or restrictions, may
create additional classes or series of shares. Any issuance of
shares of another class or series would be governed by the 1940
Act and the law of the State of Maryland. If shares of another
series were issued in connection with the creation of a second
portfolio, each share of either portfolio would normally be
entitled to one vote for all purposes. Generally, shares of both
portfolios would vote as a single series on matters, such as the
election of Directors, that affected both portfolios in
substantially the same manner. As to matters affecting each
portfolio differently, such as approval of the Advisory Agreement
and changes in investment policy, shares of each portfolio would
vote as separate series.
It is anticipated that annual shareholder meetings will
not be held; shareholder meetings will be held only when required
by federal or state law. Shareholders have available certain
procedures for the removal of Directors.
A shareholder in the Fund will be entitled to share pro
rata with other holders of the same class of shares all dividends
and distributions arising from the Fund's assets and, upon
redeeming shares, will receive the then current net asset value
of the Fund represented by the redeemed shares less any
applicable CDSC. Class A, Class B and Class C shares of the Fund
have identical voting, dividend, liquidation and other rights,
except that each class bears its own distribution and transfer
agency expenses. Each class of shares of the Fund votes
separately with respect to the Fund's Rule 12b-1 distribution
plan and other matters for which separate class voting is
appropriate under applicable law. Shares are freely
transferable, are entitled to dividends as determined by the
Directors and, in liquidation of the Fund, are entitled to
receive the net assets of the Fund. Certain additional matters
relating to the Fund's organization are discussed in this
Statement of Additional Information.
The outstanding voting shares of the Fund as of
October 6, 2000 consisted of 269,381,940 shares of common stock
outstanding, of which 125,875,117 were Class A shares,
108,642,859 were Class B shares and 34,863,964 were Class C
shares. To the knowledge of the Fund, the following persons
owned of record, and no person owned beneficially, 5% or more of
the outstanding shares of the Fund as of October 6, 2000:
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Name and Address
Class A Shares
MLPF&S
For the Sole Benefit of
Its Customers
Attn: Fund Admin (979L9)
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East 2nd Fl.
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 18,350,184 14.58%
Class B Shares
MLPF&S For the Sole Benefit
of Its Customers
Attn: Fund Admin (979L9)
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East 2nd Fl.
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 16,381,963 15.08%
Class C Shares
MLPF&S For the Sole Benefit of
Its Customers
Attn: Fund Admin (97BF3)
4800 Deer Lake Dr. East 2nd Fl.
Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484 9,599,879 27.53%
CUSTODIAN
Brown Brothers Harriman & Co., 40 Water Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02109, will act as custodian for the assets of the
Fund but plays no part in deciding the purchase or sale of
portfolio securities. Subject to the supervision of the Fund's
Directors, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. may enter into sub-
custodial agreements for the holding of the Fund's foreign
securities.
PRINCIPAL UNDERWRITER
Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc., an indirect wholly-
owned subsidiary of the Adviser, located at 1345 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York 10105, is the principal underwriter
of the shares of the Fund and as such may solicit orders from the
public to purchase shares of the Fund. Under the Distribution
Services Agreement, the Fund has agreed to indemnify the
Principal Underwriter, in the absence of its willful misfeasance,
bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its
obligations thereunder, against certain civil liabilities,
including liabilities under the Securities Act.
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COUNSEL
Legal matters in connection with the issuance of the
shares offered hereby are passed upon by Seward & Kissel LLP, New
York, New York. Seward & Kissel LLP has relied upon the opinion
of Venable, Baetjer and Howard LLP, Baltimore, Maryland, for
matters relating to Maryland law.
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
Ernst & Young LLP, New York, New York, has been
appointed as independent auditors for the Fund.
YIELD AND TOTAL RETURN QUOTATIONS
From time to time, the Fund advertises its "yield" and
"total return," which are computed separately for Class A,
Class B and Class C shares. A Fund's yield for any 30-day (or
one-month) period is computed by dividing the net investment
income per share earned during such period by the maximum public
offering price per share on the last day of the period, and then
annualizing such 30-day (or one-month) yield in accordance with a
formula prescribed by the Commission which provides for
compounding on a semi-annual basis. The Fund may also state in
its sales literature an "actual distribution rate" for each class
which is computed in the same manner as yield except that actual
income dividends declared per share during the period in question
are substituted for net investment income per share. The actual
distribution rate is computed separately for Class A, Class B and
Class C shares. Advertisements of the Fund's total return
disclose its average annual compounded total return for the
periods prescribed by the Commission. The Fund's total return
for each such period is computed by finding, through the use of a
formula prescribed by the Commission, the average annual
compounded rate of return over the period that would equate an
assumed initial amount invested to the value of the investment at
the end of the period. For purposes of computing total return,
income dividends and capital gains distributions paid on shares
of the Fund are assumed to have been reinvested when paid and the
maximum sales charges applicable to purchases and redemptions of
the Fund's shares are assumed to have been paid. The Fund's
advertisements may quote performance rankings or ratings of the
Fund by financial publications or independent organizations such
as Lipper, Inc. and Morningstar, Inc. or compare the Fund's
performance to various indicies.
The Fund calculates average annual total return
information in the Performance Table in the Risk/Return Summary
according to the Commission formula as described above. In
accordance with Commission guidelines, total return information
is presented for each class for the same time periods, i.e., the
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1, 5 and 10 years (or over the life of the Fund, if the Fund is
less than 10 years old) ending on the last day of the most recent
calendar year. Since different classes may have first been sold
on different dates ("Actual Inception Dates"), in some cases this
can result in return information being presented for a class for
periods prior to its Actual Inception Date. Where return
information is presented for periods prior to the Actual
Inception Date of a Class (a "Younger Class"), such information
is calculated by using the historical performance of the class
with the earliest Actual Inception Date (the "Oldest Class").
For this purpose, the Fund calculates the difference in total
annual fund operating expenses (as a percentage of average net
assets) between the Younger Class and the Oldest Class, divides
the difference by 12, and subtracts the result from the monthly
performance at net asset value (including reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions) of the Oldest Class for each month
prior to the Younger Class's Actual Inception Date for which
performance information is to be shown. The resulting "pro
forma" monthly performance information is used to calculate the
Younger Class's average annual returns for these periods. Any
conversion feature applicable to the Younger Class is assumed to
occur in accordance with the Actual Inception Date for that
class, not its hypothetical inception date.
The Fund's yield for the month ended May 31, 2000 for
Class A shares was 8.15%, for Class B shares was 7.78% and for
Class C shares was 7.78%. The Fund's actual distribution rate
for such period for Class A shares was 11.04%, for Class B shares
was 10.82% and for Class C shares was 10.82%.
The average annual total return based on net asset value
for each class of shares for the one-, five-, and ten-year
periods ended May 31, 2000 (or since inception through that date,
as noted) was as follows:
12 Months
Ended 5 Years Ended 10 Years Ended
5/31/00 5/31/00 5/31/00
Class A 11.02% 14.34% 8.76*
Class B 10.06% 13.39% 8.10*
Class C 10.06% 13.39% 7.43*
*Inception Date: Class A - March 27, 1992
Class B - March 27, 1992
Class C - May 3, 1993
Yield and total return are not fixed and will fluctuate
in response to prevailing market conditions or as a function of
the type, and quality of the securities in the Fund's portfolio,
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the Fund's average portfolio maturity and its expenses.
Quotations of yield and total return do not include any provision
for the effect of individual income taxes. An investor's
principal invested in the Fund is not fixed and will fluctuate in
response to prevailing market conditions. The Fund may advertise
the fluctuation of its net asset value over certain time periods
and compare its performance to that available from other
investments, including money market funds and certificates of
deposit, the later of which, unlike the Fund, are insured and
have fixed rates of return.
Advertisements quoting performance rankings of the Fund
as measured by financial publications or by independent
organizations such as Lipper, Inc., Morningstar, Inc., and
advertisements presenting the historical record of payments of
income dividends by the Fund may also from time to time be sent
to investors or placed in newspapers, magazines such as The Wall
Street Journal, The New York Times, Barrons, Investor's Daily,
Money Magazine, Changing Times, Business Week and Forbes or other
media on behalf of the Fund. It is expected that the Fund will
be ranked by Lipper in the category known as "World Income
Funds."
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Any shareholder inquiries may be directed to the
shareholder's broker or to Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at the
address or telephone numbers shown on the front cover of this
Statement of Additional Information. This Statement of
Additional Information does not contain all the information set
forth in the Registration Statement filed by the Fund with the
Commission. Copies of the Registration Statement may be obtained
at a reasonable charge from the Commission or may be examined,
without charge, at the offices of the Commission in Washington,
D.C.
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_________________________________________________________________
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
_________________________________________________________________
The financial statements and the report of Ernst & Young
LLP of Alliance North American Government Income Trust, Inc. are
incorporated herein by reference to its annual and semi-annual
report filings made with the SEC pursuant to Section 30(b) of the
1940 Act and Rule 30b2-1 thereunder. The annual report is dated
November 30, 1999 and the semi-annual report is dated May 31,
2000 and they were filed on February 3, 2000 and August 1, 2000,
respectively. They are available without charge upon request by
calling Alliance Fund Services, Inc. at (800) 227-4618.
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________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX A
BOND RATINGS
_________________________________________________________________
STANDARD & POOR's BOND RATINGS
A Standard & Poor's Ratings Services ("S&P") corporate
debt rating is a current assessment of the creditworthiness of an
obligor with respect to a specific obligation. Debt rated "AAA"
has the highest rating assigned by S&P. Capacity to pay interest
and repay principal is extremely strong. Debt rated "AA" has a
very strong capacity to pay interest and to repay principal and
differs from the highest rated issues only in a small degree.
Debt rated "A" has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal, although it is somewhat more susceptible to the
adverse effects of changes in circumstances and economic
conditions than a debt of a higher rated category. Debt rated
"BBB" is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay interest
and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate
protection parameters, adverse economic conditions, or changing
circumstances are more likely to lead to a weakened capacity to
pay interest and to repay principal for debt in this category
than for higher rated categories.
Debt rated "BB", "B", "CCC" or "CC" is regarded, on
balance, as predominately speculative with respect to capacity to
pay interest and repay principal in accordance with the terms of
the obligation. "BB" indicates the lowest degree of speculation
and "CC" the highest degree of speculation. While such debt will
likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these
are outweighed by large uncertainties or major risk exposures to
adverse conditions. The rating "C" is reserved for income bonds
on which no interest is being paid. Debt rated "D" is in default
and payments of interest and/or repayment of principal is in
arrears.
The ratings from "AA" to "B" may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within
the major rating categories.
MOODY's BOND RATINGS
Excerpts from Moody's description of its corporate bond
ratings: Aaa - judged to be the best quality, carry the smallest
degree of investment risk; Aa - judged to be of high quality by
all standards; A - possess many favorable investment attributes
and are to be considered as higher medium grade obligations;
Baa - considered as medium grade obligations, i.e., they are
neither highly protected nor poorly secured and have speculative
A-1
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characteristics as well; Ba, B, Caa, Ca, C - protection of
interest and principal payments is questionable; Ba indicates
some speculative elements while Ca represents a high degree of
speculation and C represents the lowest rated class of bonds;
Caa, Ca and C bonds may be in default. Moody's applies numerical
modifiers 1, 2 and 3 in each generic rating classification from
Aa to B in it corporate bond rating system. The modifier 1
indicates that the security ranks in the higher end of its
generic rating category; the modifier 2 indicates a mid-range
ranking; and the modifier 3 indicates that the issue ranks at the
lower end of its generic rating category.
A-2
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________________________________________________________________<
R>
APPENDIX B
DESCRIPTION OF OBLIGATIONS ISSUED
OR GUARANTEED BY U.S. GOVERNMENT
AGENCIES OR INSTRUMENTALITIES
________________________________________________________________
FEDERAL FARM CREDIT SYSTEM NOTES AND BONDS--are bonds
issued by a cooperatively owned nationwide system of banks and
associations supervised by the Farm Credit Administration, an
independent agency of the U.S. Government. These bonds are not
guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
FHA DEBENTURES--are debentures issued by the Federal
Housing Administration of the U.S. Government and are guaranteed
by the U.S. Government.
GNMA CERTIFICATES--are mortgage-backed securities which
represent a partial ownership interest in a pool of mortgage
loans issued by lenders such as mortgage bankers, commercial
banks and savings and loan associations. Each mortgage loan
included in the pool is either insured by the Federal Housing
Administration or guaranteed by the Veterans Administration.
FHLMC BONDS--are bonds issued and guaranteed by the
Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.
FNMA BONDS--are bonds issued and guaranteed by the
Federal National Mortgage Association.
FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK NOTES AND BONDS--are notes and
bonds issued by the Federal Home Loan Bank System and are not
guaranteed by the U.S. Government.
STUDENT LOAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION ("SALLIE MAE") NOTES
AND BONDS--are notes and bonds issued by the Student Loan
Marketing Association.
Although this list includes a description of the primary
types of U.S. Government agency or instrumentality obligations in
which the Fund intends to invest, the Fund may invest in
obligations of U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities
other than those listed above.
B-1
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________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX C
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON
FUTURES CONTRACTS AND FOREIGN CURRENCIES
_________________________________________________________________
OPTIONS ON U.S. AND FOREIGN GOVERNMENT SECURITIES
The Fund intends to write covered put and call options
and purchase put and call options on U.S. Government Securities
and foreign government securities that are traded on United
States and foreign securities exchanges and over-the-counter.
The Fund also intends to write call options that are not covered
for cross-hedging purposes.
The Fund would write a call option for cross-hedging
purposes, instead of writing a covered call option, when the
premium to be received from the cross-hedge transaction would
exceed that which would be received from writing a covered call
option, while at the same time achieving the desired hedge.
The writer of an option may have no control when the
underlying securities must be sold, in the case of a call option,
or purchased, in the case of a put option, since with regard to
certain options, the writer may be assigned an exercise notice at
any time prior to the termination of the obligation. Whether or
not an option expires unexercised, the writer retains the amount
of the premium. This amount, of course, may, in the case of a
covered call option, be offset by a decline in the market value
of the underlying security during the option period. If a call
option is exercised, the writer experiences a profit or loss from
the sale of the underlying security. If a put option is
exercised, the writer must fulfill the obligation to purchase the
underlying security at the exercise price, which will usually
exceed the then market value of the underlying security.
The writer of an option that wishes to terminate its
obligation may effect a "closing purchase transaction". This is
accomplished by buying an option of the same series as the option
previously written. The effect of the purchase is that the
writer's position will be cancelled by the clearing corporation.
However, a writer may not effect a closing purchase transaction
after being notified of the exercise of an option. Likewise, an
investor who is the holder of an option may liquidate its
position by effecting a "closing sale transaction". This is
accomplished by selling an option of the same series as the
option previously purchased. There is no guarantee that either a
closing purchase or a closing sale transaction can be effected.
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Effecting a closing transaction in the case of a written
call option will permit the Fund to write another call option on
the underlying security with either a different exercise price or
expiration date or both, or in the case of a written put option
will permit the Fund to write another put option to the extent
that the exercise price thereof is secured by deposited cash or
short-term securities. Also, effecting a closing transaction
will permit the cash or proceeds from the concurrent sale of any
securities subject to the option to be used for other Fund
investments. If the Fund desires to sell a particular security
from its portfolio on which it has written a call option, it will
effect a closing transaction prior to or concurrent with the sale
of the security.
The Fund will realize a profit from a closing
transaction if the price of the purchase transaction is less than
the premium received from writing the option or the price
received from a sale transaction is more than the premium paid to
purchase the option; the Fund will realize a loss from a closing
transaction if the price of the purchase transaction is more than
the premium received from writing the option or the price
received from a sale transaction is less than the premium paid to
purchase the option. Because increases in the market of a call
option will generally reflect increases in the market price of
the underlying security, any loss resulting from the repurchase
of a call option is likely to be offset in whole or in part by
appreciation of the underlying security owned by the Fund.
An option position may be closed out only where there
exists a secondary market for an option of the same series. If a
secondary market does not exist, it might not be possible to
effect closing transactions in particular options with the result
that the Fund would have to exercise the options in order to
realize any profit. If the Fund is unable to effect a closing
purchase transaction in a secondary market, it will not be able
to sell the underlying security until the option expires or it
delivers the underlying security upon exercise. Reasons for the
absence of a liquid secondary market include the following:
(i) there may be insufficient trading interest in certain
options, (ii) restrictions may be imposed by a national
securities exchange ("Exchange") on opening transactions or
closing transactions or both, (iii) trading halts, suspensions or
other restrictions may be imposed with respect to particular
classes or series of options or underlying securities,
(iv) unusual or unforeseen circumstances may interrupt normal
operations on an Exchange, (v) the facilities of an Exchange or
the Options Clearing Corporation may not at all times be adequate
to handle current trading volume, or (vi) one or more Exchanges
could, for economic or other reasons, decide or be compelled at
some future date to discontinue the trading of options (or a
particular class or series of options), in which event the
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secondary market on that Exchange (or in that class or series of
options) would cease to exist, although outstanding options on
that Exchange that had been issued by the Options Clearing
Corporation as a result of trades on that Exchange would continue
to be exercisable in accordance with their terms.
The Fund may write options in connection with buy-and-
write transactions; that is, the Fund may purchase a security and
then write a call option against that security. The exercise
price of the call the Fund determines to write will depend upon
the expected price movement of the underlying security. The
exercise price of a call option may be below ("in-the-money"),
equal to ("at-the- money") or above ("out-of-the-money") the
current value of the underlying security at the time the option
is written. Buy-and-write transactions using in-the-money call
options may be used when it is expected that the price of the
underlying security will remain flat or decline moderately during
the option period. Buy-and-write transactions using at-the-money
call options may be used when it is expected that the price of
the underlying security will remain fixed or advance moderately
during the option period. Buy-and-write transactions using out-
of-the-money call options may be used when it is expected that
the premiums received from writing the call option plus the
appreciation in the market price of the underlying security up to
the exercise price will be greater than the appreciation in the
price of the underlying security alone. If the call options are
exercised in such transactions, the Fund's maximum gain will be
the premium received by it for writing the option, adjusted
upwards or downwards by the difference between the Fund's
purchase price of the security and the exercise price. If the
options are not exercised and the price of the underlying
security declines, the amount of such decline will be offset in
part, or entirely, by the premium received.
The writing of covered put options is similar in terms
of risk/return characteristics to buy-and-write transactions. If
the market price of the underlying security rises or otherwise is
above the exercise price, the put option will expire worthless
and the Fund's gain will be limited to the premium received. If
the market price of the underlying security declines or otherwise
is below the exercise price, the Fund may elect to close the
position or take delivery of the security at the exercise price
and the Fund's return will be the premium received from the put
options minus the amount by which the market price of the
security is below the exercise price. Out-of-the-money, at-the-
money, and in-the-money put options may be used by the Fund in
the same market environments that call options are used in
equivalent buy-and-write transactions.
The Fund may purchase put options to hedge against a
decline in the value of its portfolio. By using put options in
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this way, the Fund will reduce any profit it might otherwise have
realized in the underlying security by the amount of the premium
paid for the put option and by transaction costs.
The Fund may purchase call options to hedge against an
increase in the price of securities that the Fund anticipates
purchasing in the future. The premium paid for the call option
plus any transaction costs will reduce the benefit, if any,
realized by the Fund upon exercise of the option, and, unless the
price of the underlying security rises sufficiently, the option
may expire worthless to the Fund.
FUTURES CONTRACTS
The Fund may enter into contracts for the purchase or
sale for future delivery of fixed-income securities or foreign
currencies, or contracts based on financial indices including any
index of U.S. Government Securities or foreign government
securities. U.S. futures contracts have been designed by
exchanges which have been designated "contracts markets" by the
Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC"), and must be
executed through a futures commission merchant, or brokerage
firm, which is a member of the relevant contract market. Futures
contracts trade on a number of exchange markets, and, through
their clearing corporations, the exchanges guarantee performance
of the contracts as between the clearing members of the exchange.
The Fund will enter into futures contracts which are based on
debt securities that are backed by the full faith and credit of
the U.S. Government, such as long-term U.S. Treasury Bonds,
Treasury Notes, Government National Mortgage Association modified
pass-through mortgage-backed securities and three-month U.S.
Treasury Bills. The Fund may also enter into futures contracts
which are based on bonds issued by entities other than the U.S.
government.
At the same time a futures contract is purchased or
sold, the Fund must allocate cash or securities as a deposit
payment ("initial deposit"). It is expected that the initial
deposit would be approximately 1 1/2%-5% of a contract's face
value. Daily thereafter, the futures contract is valued and the
payment of "variation margin" may be required, since each day the
Fund would provide or receive cash that reflects any decline or
increase in the contract's value.
At the time of delivery of securities pursuant to such a
contract, adjustments are made to recognize differences in value
arising from the delivery of securities with a different interest
rate from that specified in the contract. In some (but not many)
cases, securities called for by a futures contract may not have
been issued when the contract was written.
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Although futures contracts by their terms call for the
actual delivery or acquisition of securities, in most cases the
contractual obligation is fulfilled before the date of the
contract without having to make or take delivery of the
securities. The offsetting of a contractual obligation is
accomplished by buying (or selling, as the case may be) on a
commodities exchange an identical futures contract calling for
delivery in the same month. Such a transaction, which is
effected through a member of an exchange, cancels the obligation
to make or take delivery of the securities. Since all
transactions in the futures market are made, offset or fulfilled
through a clearinghouse associated with the exchange on which the
contracts are traded, the Fund will incur brokerage fees when it
purchases or sells futures contracts.
The purpose of the acquisition or sale of a futures
contract, in the case of a portfolio, such as the portfolio of
the Fund, which holds or intends to acquire fixed-income
securities, is to attempt to protect the Fund from fluctuations
in interest or foreign exchange rates without actually buying or
selling fixed-income securities or foreign currency. For
example, if interest rates were expected to increase, the Fund
might enter into futures contracts for the sale of debt
securities. Such a sale would have much the same effect as
selling an equivalent value of the debt securities owned by the
Fund. If interest rates did increase, the value of the debt
securities in the portfolio would decline, but the value of the
futures contracts to the Fund would increase at approximately the
same rate, thereby keeping the net asset value of the Fund from
declining as much as it otherwise would have. The Fund could
accomplish similar results by selling debt securities and
investing in bonds with short maturities when interest rates are
expected to increase. However, since the futures market is more
liquid than the cash market, the use of futures contracts as an
investment technique allows the Fund to maintain a defensive
position without having to sell its portfolio securities.
Similarly, when it is expected that interest rates may
decline, futures contracts may be purchased to attempt to hedge
against anticipated purchases of debt securities at higher
prices. Since the fluctuations in the value of futures contracts
should be similar to those of debt securities, the Fund could
take advantage of the anticipated rise in the value of debt
securities without actually buying them until the market had
stabilized. At that time, the futures contracts could be
liquidated and the Fund could then buy debt securities on the
cash market. To the extent the Fund enters into futures
contracts for this purpose, the assets in the segregated asset
account maintained to cover the Fund's obligations with respect
to such futures contracts will consist of cash, cash equivalents
or high quality liquid debt securities from its portfolio in an
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amount equal to the difference between the fluctuating market
value of such futures contracts and the aggregate value of the
initial and variation margin payments made by the Fund with
respect to such futures contracts.
The ordinary spreads between prices in the cash and
futures markets, due to differences in the nature of those
markets, are subject to distortions. First, all participants in
the futures market are subject to initial deposit and variation
margin requirements. Rather than meeting additional variation
margin requirements, investors may close futures contracts
through offsetting transactions which could distort the normal
relationship between the cash and futures markets. Second, the
liquidity of the futures market depends on participants entering
into offsetting transactions rather than making or taking
delivery. To the extent participants decide to make or take
delivery, liquidity in the futures market could be reduced, thus
producing distortion. Third, from the point of view of
speculators, the margin deposit requirements in the futures
market are less onerous than margin requirements in the
securities market. Therefore, increased participation by
speculators in the futures market may cause temporary price
distortions. Due to the possibility of distortion, a correct
forecast of general interest rate trends by the Adviser may still
not result in a successful transaction.
In addition, futures contracts entail risks. Although
the Fund believes that use of such contracts will benefit the
Fund, if the Adviser's investment judgment about the general
direction of interest rates is incorrect, the Fund's overall
performance would be poorer than if it had not entered into any
such contract. For example, if the Fund has hedged against the
possibility of an increase in interest rates which would
adversely affect the price of debt securities held in its
portfolio and interest rates decrease instead, the Fund will lose
part or all of the benefit of the increased value of its debt
securities which it has hedged because it will have offsetting
losses in its futures positions. In addition, in such
situations, if the Fund has insufficient cash, it may have to
sell debt securities from its portfolio to meet daily variation
margin requirements. Such sales of bonds may be, but will not
necessarily be, at increased prices which reflect the rising
market. The Fund may have to sell securities at a time when it
may be disadvantageous to do so.
OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS
The Fund intends to purchase and write options on
futures contracts for hedging purposes. The purchase of a call
option on a futures contract is similar in some respects to the
purchase of a call option on an individual security. Depending
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on the pricing of the option compared to either the price of the
futures contract upon which it is based or the price of the
underlying debt securities, it may or may not be less risky than
ownership of the futures contract or underlying debt securities.
As with the purchase of futures contracts, when the Fund is not
fully invested it may purchase a call option on a futures
contract to hedge against a market advance due to declining
interest rates.
The writing of a call option on a futures contract
constitutes a partial hedge against declining prices of the
security or foreign currency which is deliverable upon exercise
of the futures contract. If the futures price at expiration of
the option is below the exercise price, the Fund will retain the
full amount of the option premium which provides a partial hedge
against any decline that may have occurred in the Fund's
portfolio holdings. The writing of a put option on a futures
contract constitutes a partial hedge against increasing prices of
the security or foreign currency which is deliverable upon
exercise of the futures contract. If the futures price at
expiration of the option is higher than the exercise price, the
Fund will retain the full amount of the option premium which
provides as partial hedge against any increase in the price of
securities which the Fund intends to purchase. If a put or call
option the Fund has written is exercised, the Fund will incur a
loss which will be reduced by the amount of the premium it
receives. Depending on the degree of correlation between changes
in the value of its portfolio securities and changes in the value
of its futures positions, the Fund's losses from existing options
on futures may to some extent be reduced or increased by changes
in the value of portfolio securities.
The purchase of a put option on a futures contract is
similar in some respects to the purchase of protective put
options on portfolio securities. For example, the Fund may
purchase a put option on a futures contract to hedge the Fund's
portfolio against the risk of rising interest rates.
The amount of risk the Fund assumes when it purchases an
option on a futures contract is the premium paid for the option
plus related transaction costs. In addition to the correlation
risks discussed above, the purchase of an option also entails the
risk that changes in the value of the underlying futures contract
will not be fully reflected in the value of the option purchased.
OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES
The Fund may purchase and write options on foreign
currencies for hedging purposes in a manner similar to that in
which futures contracts on foreign currencies, or forward
contracts, will be utilized. For example, a decline in the U.S.
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Dollar value of a foreign currency in which portfolio securities
are denominated will reduce the U.S. Dollar value of such
securities, even if their value in the foreign currency remains
constant. In order to protect against such diminutions in the
value of portfolio securities, the Fund may purchase put options
on the foreign currency. If the value of the currency does
decline, the Fund will have the right to sell such currency for a
fixed amount in U.S. Dollars and will thereby offset, in whole or
in part, the adverse effect on its portfolio which otherwise
would have resulted.
Conversely, where a rise in the U.S. Dollar value of a
currency in which securities to be acquired are denominated is
projected, thereby increasing the cost of such securities, the
Fund may purchase call options thereon. The purchase of such
options could offset, at least partially, the effects of the
adverse movements in exchange rates. As in the case of other
types of options, however, the benefit to the Fund deriving from
purchases of foreign currency options will be reduced by the
amount of the premium and related transaction costs. In
addition, where currency exchange rates do not move in the
direction or to the extent anticipated, the Fund could sustain
losses on transactions in foreign currency options which would
require it to forego a portion or all of the benefits of
advantageous changes in such rates.
The Fund may write options on foreign currencies for the
same types of hedging purposes. For example, where the Fund
anticipates a decline in the U.S. Dollar value of foreign
currency denominated securities due to adverse fluctuations in
exchange rates it could, instead of purchasing a put option,
write a call option on the relevant currency. If the expected
decline occurs, the option will most likely not be exercised, and
the diminution in value of portfolio securities will be offset by
the amount of the premium received.
Similarly, instead of purchasing a call option to hedge
against an anticipated increase in the U.S. Dollar cost of
securities to be acquired, the Fund could write a put option on
the relevant currency which, if rates move in the manner
projected, will expire unexercised and allow the Fund to hedge
such increased cost up to the amount of the premium. As in the
case of other types of options, however, the writing of a foreign
currency option will constitute only a partial hedge up to the
amount of the premium, and only if rates move in the expected
direction. If this does not occur, the option may be exercised
and the Fund would be required to purchase or sell the underlying
currency at a loss which may not be offset by the amount of the
premium. Through the writing of options on foreign currencies,
the Fund also may be required to lose all or a portion of the
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benefits which might otherwise have been obtained from favorable
movements in exchange rates.
The Fund intends to write covered call options on
foreign currencies. A call option written on a foreign currency
by the Fund is "covered" if the Fund owns the underlying foreign
currency covered by the call or has an absolute and immediate
right to acquire that foreign currency without additional cash
consideration (or for additional cash consideration held in a
segregated account by its Custodian) upon conversion or exchange
of other foreign currency held in its portfolio. A call option
is also covered if the Fund has a call on the same foreign
currency and in the same principal amount as the call written
where the exercise price of the call held (a) is equal to or less
than the exercise price of the call written or (b) is greater
than the exercise price of the call written if the difference is
maintained by the Fund in cash or liquid high-grade Government
Securities in a segregated account with its Custodian.
The Fund also intends to write call options on foreign
currencies that are not covered for cross-hedging purposes. A
call option on a foreign currency is for cross-hedging purposes
if it is not covered, but is designed to provide a hedge against
a decline in the U.S. Dollar value of a security which the Fund
owns or has the right to acquire and which is denominated in the
currency underlying the option due to an adverse change in the
exchange rate. In such circumstances, the Fund collateralizes
the option by maintaining in a segregated account with the Fund's
Custodian, cash or liquid high-grade Government Securities in an
amount not less than the value of the underlying foreign currency
in U.S. Dollars marked to market daily.
ADDITIONAL RISKS OF OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS
FORWARD CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES
Unlike transactions entered into by the Fund in futures
contracts, options on foreign currencies and forward contracts
are not traded on contract markets regulated by the CFTC or (with
the exception of certain foreign currency options) by the
Commission. To the contrary, such instruments are traded through
financial institutions acting as market-makers, although foreign
currency options are also traded on certain national securities
exchanges, such as the Philadelphia Stock Exchange and the
Chicago Board Options Exchange, subject to SEC regulation.
Similarly, options on currencies may be traded over-the-counter.
In an over-the- counter trading environment, many of the
protections afforded to exchange participants will not be
available. For example, there are no daily price fluctuation
limits, and adverse market movements could therefore continue to
an unlimited extent over a period of time. Although the
purchaser of an option cannot lose more than the amount of the
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premium plus related transaction costs, this entire amount could
be lost. Moreover, the option writer and a trader of forward
contracts could lose amounts substantially in excess of their
initial investments, due to the margin and collateral
requirements associated with such positions.
Options on foreign currencies traded on national
securities exchanges are within the jurisdiction of the SEC, as
are other securities traded on such exchanges. As a result, many
of the protections provided to traders on organized exchanges
will be available with respect to such transactions. In
particular, all foreign currency option positions entered into on
a national securities exchange are cleared and guaranteed by the
Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC"), thereby reducing the risk
of counterparty default. Further, a liquid secondary market in
options traded on a national securities exchange may be more
readily available than in the over-the-counter market,
potentially permitting the Fund to liquidate open positions at a
profit prior to exercise or expiration, or to limit losses in the
event of adverse market movements.
The purchase and sale of exchange-traded foreign
currency options, however, is subject to the risks of the
availability of a liquid secondary market described above, as
well as the risks regarding adverse market movements, margining
of options written, the nature of the foreign currency market,
possible intervention by governmental authorities and the effects
of other political and economic events. In addition, exchange-
traded options on foreign currencies involve certain risks not
presented by the over-the-counter market. For example, exercise
and settlement of such options must be made exclusively through
the OCC, which has established banking relationships in
applicable foreign countries for this purpose. As a result, the
OCC may, if it determines that foreign governmental restrictions
or taxes would prevent the orderly settlement of foreign currency
option exercises, or would result in undue burdens on the OCC or
its clearing member, impose special procedures on exercise and
settlement, such as technical changes in the mechanics of
delivery of currency, the fixing of dollar settlement prices or
prohibitions, on exercise.
In addition, options on U.S. Government Securities,
futures contracts, options on futures contracts, forward
contracts and options on foreign currencies may be traded on
foreign exchanges. Such transactions are subject to the risk of
governmental actions affecting trading in or the prices of
foreign currencies or securities. The value of such positions
also could be adversely affected by (i) other complex foreign
political and economic factors, (ii) lesser availability than in
the United States of data on which to make trading decisions,
(iii) delays in the Fund's ability to act upon economic events
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occurring in foreign markets during nonbusiness hours in the
United States, (iv) the imposition of different exercise and
settlement terms and procedures and margin requirements than in
the United States, and (v) lesser trading volume period.
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_________________________________________________________________
APPENDIX D:
CERTAIN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
_________________________________________________________________
Employee benefit plans described below which are
intended to be tax-qualified under section 401(a) of the Internal
Revenue Code of 1986, as amended ("Tax Qualified Plans"), for
which Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated or an
affiliate thereof ("Merrill Lynch") is recordkeeper (or with
respect to which recordkeeping services are provided pursuant to
certain arrangements as described in paragraph (ii) below)
("Merrill Lynch Plans") are subject to specific requirements as
to the Fund shares which they may purchase. Notwithstanding
anything to the contrary contained elsewhere in this Statement of
Additional Information, the following Merrill Lynch Plans are not
eligible to purchase Class A shares and are eligible to purchase
Class B shares of the Fund at net asset value without being
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge:
(i) Plans for which Merrill Lynch is the recordkeeper on a
daily valuation basis, if when the plan is established
as an active plan on Merrill Lynch's recordkeeping
system:
(a) the plan is one which is not already
investing in shares of mutual funds or
interests in other commingled investment
vehicles of which Merrill Lynch Asset
Management, L.P. is investment adviser or
manager ("MLAM Funds"), and either (A) the
aggregate assets of the plan are less than
$3 million or (B) the total of the sum of
(x) the employees eligible to participate in
the plan and (y) those persons, not
including any such employees, for whom a
plan account having a balance therein is
maintained, is less than 500, each of (A)
and (B) to be determined by Merrill Lynch in
the normal course prior to the date the plan
is established as an active plan on Merrill
Lynch's recordkeeping system (an "Active
Plan"); or
(b) the plan is one which is already investing
in shares of or interests in MLAM Funds and
the assets of the plan have an aggregate
value of less than $5 million, as determined
by Merrill Lynch as of the date the plan
becomes an Active Plan.
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For purposes of applying (a) and (b), there
are to be aggregated all assets of any Tax-
Qualified Plan maintained by the sponsor of
the Merrill Lynch Plan (or any of the
sponsor's affiliates) (determined to be such
by Merrill Lynch) which are being invested
in shares of or interests in MLAM Funds,
Alliance Mutual Funds or other mutual funds
made available pursuant to an agreement
between Merrill Lynch and the principal
underwriter thereof (or one of its
affiliates) and which are being held in a
Merrill Lynch account.
(ii) Plans for which the recordkeeper is not Merrill Lynch,
but which are recordkept on a daily valuation basis by
a recordkeeper with which Merrill Lynch has a
subcontracting or other alliance arrangement for the
performance of recordkeeping services, if the plan is
determined by Merrill Lynch to be so eligible and the
assets of the plan are less than $3 million.
Class B shares of the Fund held by any of the above-
described Merrill Lynch Plans are to be replaced at Merrill
Lynch's direction through conversion, exchange or otherwise by
Class A shares of the Fund on the earlier of the date that the
value of the plan's aggregate assets first equals or exceeds $5
million or the date on which any Class B share of the Fund held
by the plan would convert to a Class A share of the Fund as
described under "Purchase of Shares" and "Redemption and
Repurchase of Shares."
Any Tax Qualified Plan, including any Merrill Lynch
Plan, which does not purchase Class B shares of the Fund without
being subject to a contingent deferred sales charge under the
above criteria is eligible to purchase Class B shares subject to
a contingent deferred sales charge as well as other classes of
shares of the Fund as set forth above under "Purchase of Shares"
and "Redemption and Repurchase of Shares."
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<PAGE>
PART C
OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 23. Exhibits
(a) (1) Articles of Incorporation of the Registrant -
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 1(a) to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 of Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 33-
45328 and 811-06554) filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on October 31, 1997.
(2) Articles Supplementary to the Articles of
Incorporation of Registrant dated April 29, 1997
and filed April 30, 1997 - Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit No. 1(b) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 16 of Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 33-45328 and 811-
06554) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 31, 1997.
(3) Articles Supplementary to the Articles of
Incorporation of Registrant dated September 30,
1996 and filed October 2, 1996 - Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit No. 1 to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 14 of Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 33-45328 and 811-
06554) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 31, 1996.
(4) Articles Supplementary to the Articles of
Incorporation of Registrant dated April 29, 1993
and filed April 30, 1993 - Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit No. 1(d) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 18 of Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 33-45328 and 811-
06554) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 30, 1998.
(b) By-Laws of the Registrant - Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit No. 2 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 of
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File
Nos. 33-45328 and 811-06554) filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on October 31, 1997.
(c) Not applicable.
(d) Advisory Agreement between the Registrant and Alliance
Capital Management L.P. - Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit No. 5 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 of
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Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File
Nos. 33-45328 and 811-06554) filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on October 31, 1997.
(e) (1) Distribution Services Agreement between the
Registrant and Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. -
Incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 6(a) to
Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 of Registrant's
Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 33-
45328 and 811-06554) filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on October 31, 1997.
(2) Amendment to Distribution Services Agreement dated
June 4, 1996 - Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
No. 6 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 14 of
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A
(File Nos. 33-45328 and 811-06554) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31,
1996.
(3) Selected Dealer Agreement between Alliance Fund
Distributors, Inc. and selected dealers offering
shares of Registrant - Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit No. 6(c) to Post-Effective Amendment No. 16
of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A
(File Nos. 33-45328 and 811-06554) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31,
1997.
(4) Selected Agent Agreement between Alliance Fund
Distributors, Inc. and selected agents making
available shares of Registrant - Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit No. 6(d) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 16 of Registrant's Registration
Statement on Form N-1A (File Nos. 33-45328 and 811-
06554) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on October 31, 1997.
(f) Not applicable.
(g) Custodian Agreement between the Registrant and Brown
Brothers Harriman & Co. - Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit No. 8 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 of
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File
Nos. 33-45328 and 811-06554) filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on October 31, 1997.
(h) Transfer Agency Agreement between the Registrant and
Alliance Fund Services, Inc. - Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit No. 9 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 16 of
Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A (File
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Nos. 33-45328 and 811-06554) filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on October 31, 1997.
(i) Opinion of Seward & Kissel LLP - Filed herewith.
(j) Consent of Independent Auditors - Filed herewith.
(k) Not applicable.
(l) Not applicable.
(m) Rule 12b-1 Plan - See Exhibit (e)(1) hereto.
(n) (1) Rule 18f-3 Plan - Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit No. 18 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 11
of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A
(File Nos. 33-45328 and 811-06554), filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on February 29,
1996.
(2) Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Plan dated
September 30, 1996 - Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit No. 18 to Post-Effective Amendment No. 14
of Registrant's Registration Statement on Form N-1A
(File Nos. 33-45328 and 811-06554) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on October 31,
1996.
(p) (1) Code of Ethics for the Fund, incorporated by
reference to Exhibit (p)(1) to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 74 of the Registration Statement on
Form N-1A of Alliance Bond Fund, Inc. (File Nos. 2-
48227 and 811-2383), filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on October 6, 2000, which is
substantially identical in all material respects
except as to the party which is the Registrant.
(2) Code of Ethics for the Alliance Capital Management
L.P. and Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc.
incorporated by reference to Exhibit (p)(2) to
Post-Effective amendment No. 74 of the Registration
Statement on Form N-1A of Alliance Bond Fund, Inc.
(File Nos. 2-48227 and 811-2383), filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on October 6,
2000.
Other Exhibits: Powers of Attorney of Ms. Block and Messrs.
Carifa, Dievler, Dobkin, Foulk, Hester, Michel and Robinson -
Incorporated by reference to Other Exhibits to Post-Effective
Amendment No. 21 of Registrant's Registration Statement on
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Form N-1A (File Nos. 33-45328 and 811-06554) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on October 29, 1999.
ITEM 24. Persons Controlled by or under Common Control with the
Fund.
None.
ITEM 25. Indemnification
It is the Registrant's policy to indemnify its directors
and officers, employees and other agents to the maximum
extent permitted by Section 2-418 of the General
Corporation Law of the State of Maryland and as set
forth in Article EIGHTH of Registrant's Articles of
Incorporation, filed as Exhibit (a), Article VII and
Article VIII of the Registrant's By-Laws filed as
Exhibit (b) and Section 10 of the Distribution Services
Agreement filed as Exhibit (e)(1), all as set forth
below. The liability of the Registrant's directors and
officers is dealt with in Article EIGHTH of Registrant's
Articles of Incorporation, and Article VII, Section 7
and Article VIII, Section 1 through Section 6 of the
Registrant's By-Laws, as set forth below. The Adviser's
liability for any loss suffered by the Registrant or its
shareholders is set forth in Section 4 of the Advisory
Agreement incorporated by reference as Exhibit (d) to
this Registration Statement, as set forth below.
SECTION 2-418 OF THE MARYLAND GENERAL CORPORATION LAW
READS AS FOLLOWS:
2-418 INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS, OFFICERS,
EMPLOYEES AND AGENTS.--(a) In this section the
following words have the meaning indicated.
(1) "Director" means any person who is or was
a director of a corporation and any person who,
while a director of a corporation, is or was
serving at the request of the corporation as a
director, officer, partner, trustee, employee, or
agent of another foreign or domestic corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, other
enterprise, or employee benefit plan.
(2) "Corporation" includes any domestic or
foreign predecessor entity of a corporation in a
merger, consolidation, or other transaction in
which the predecessor's existence ceased upon
consummation of the transaction.
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(3) "Expenses" include attorney's fees.
(4) "Official capacity" means the following:
(i) When used with respect to a director, the
office of director in the corporation; and
(ii) When used with respect to a person other than
a director as contemplated in subsection (j), the
elective or appointive office in the corporation
held by the officer, or the employment or agency
relationship undertaken by the employee or agent in
behalf of the corporation.
(iii) "Official capacity" does not include service
for any other foreign or domestic corporation or
any partnership, joint venture, trust, other
enterprise, or employee benefit plan.
(5) "Party" includes a person who was, is, or
is threatened to be made a named defendant or
respondent in a proceeding.
(6) "Proceeding" means any threatened,
pending or completed action, suit or proceeding,
whether civil, criminal, administrative, or
investigative.
(b)(1) A corporation may indemnify any
director made a party to any proceeding by reason
of service in that capacity unless it is
established that:
(i) The act or omission of the director was
material to the matter giving rise to the
proceeding; and
1. Was committed in bad faith; or
2. Was the result of active and deliberate
dishonesty; or
(ii) The director actually received an improper
personal benefit in money, property, or services; or
(iii) In the case of any criminal proceeding, the
director had reasonable cause to believe that the act or
omission was unlawful.
(2) (i) Indemnification may be against judgments,
penalties, fines, settlements, and reasonable expenses
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actually incurred by the director in connection with the
proceeding.
(ii) However, if the proceeding was one by or in
the right of the corporation, indemnification may not be
made in respect of any proceeding in which the director
shall have been adjudged to be liable to the
corporation.
(3) (i) The termination of any proceeding by
judgment, order or settlement does not create a
presumption that the director did not meet the requisite
standard of conduct set forth in this subsection.
(ii) The termination of any proceeding by
conviction, or a plea of nolo contendere or its
equivalent, or an entry of an order of probation prior
to judgment, creates a rebuttable presumption that the
director did not meet that standard of conduct.
(c) A director may not be indemnified under
subsection (b) of this section in respect of any
proceeding charging improper personal benefit to the
director, whether or not involving action in the
director's official capacity, in which the director was
adjudged to be liable on the basis that personal benefit
was improperly received.
(d) Unless limited by the charter:
(1) A director who has been successful, on the merits
or otherwise, in the defense of any proceeding referred
to in subsection (b) of this section shall be
indemnified against reasonable expenses incurred by the
director in connection with the proceeding.
(2) A court of appropriate jurisdiction upon
application of a director and such notice as the court
shall require, may order indemnification in the
following circumstances:
(i) If it determines a director is entitled to
reimbursement under paragraph (1) of this subsection,
the court shall order indemnification, in which case the
director shall be entitled to recover the expenses of
securing such reimbursement; or
(ii) If it determines that the director is fairly and
reasonably entitled to indemnification in view of all
the relevant circumstances, whether or not the director
has met the standards of conduct set forth in subsection
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(b) of this section or has been adjudged liable under
the circumstances described in subsection (c) of this
section, the court may order such indemnification as the
court shall deem proper. However, indemnification with
respect to any proceeding by or in the right of the
corporation or in which liability shall have been
adjudged in the circumstances described in subsection
(c) shall be limited to expenses.
(3) A court of appropriate jurisdiction may be the
same court in which the proceeding involving the
director's liability took place.
(e)(1) Indemnification under subsection (b) of
this section may not be made by the corporation unless
authorized for a specific proceeding after a
determination has been made that indemnification of the
director is permissible in the circumstances because the
director has met the standard of conduct set forth in
subsection (b) of this section.
(2) Such determination shall be made:
(i) By the board of directors by a majority vote of a
quorum consisting of directors not, at the time, parties
to the proceeding, or, if such a quorum cannot be
obtained, then by a majority vote of a committee of the
board consisting solely of two or more directors not, at
the time, parties to such proceeding and who were duly
designated to act in the matter by a majority vote of
the full board in which the designated directors who are
parties may participate;
(ii) By special legal counsel selected by the board or a
committee of the board by vote as set forth in
subparagraph (i) of this paragraph, or, if the requisite
quorum of the full board cannot be obtained therefor and
the committee cannot be established, by a majority vote
of the full board in which directors who are parties may
participate; or
(iii) By the stockholders.
(3) Authorization of indemnification and
determination as to reasonableness of expenses shall be
made in the same manner as the determination that
indemnification is permissible. However, if the
determination that indemnification is permissible is
made by special legal counsel, authorization of
indemnification and determination as to reasonableness
of expenses shall be made in the manner specified in
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subparagraph (ii) of paragraph (2) of this subsection
for selection of such counsel.
(4) Shares held by directors who are parties to
the proceeding may not be voted on the subject matter
under this subsection.
(f)(1) Reasonable expenses incurred by a director
who is a party to a proceeding may be paid or reimbursed
by the corporation in advance of the final disposition
of the proceeding, upon receipt by the corporation of:
(i) A written affirmation by the director of the
director's good faith belief that the standard of
conduct necessary for indemnification by the corporation
as authorized in this section has been met; and
(ii) A written undertaking by or on behalf of the
director to repay the amount if it shall ultimately be
determined that the standard of conduct has not been
met.
(2) The undertaking required by subparagraph (ii)
of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be an
unlimited general obligation of the director but need
not be secured and may be accepted without reference to
financial ability to make the repayment.
(3) Payments under this subsection shall be made
as provided by the charter, bylaws, or contract or as
specified in subsection (e) of this section.
(g) The indemnification and advancement of
expenses provided or authorized by this section may not
be deemed exclusive of any other rights, by
indemnification or otherwise, to which a director may be
entitled under the charter, the bylaws, a resolution of
stockholders or directors, an agreement or otherwise,
both as to action in an official capacity and as to
action in another capacity while holding such office.
(h) This section does not limit the corporation's
power to pay or reimburse expenses incurred by a
director in connection with an appearance as a witness
in a proceeding at a time when the director has not been
made a named defendant or respondent in the proceeding.
(i) For purposes of this section:
(1) The corporation shall be deemed to have
requested a director to serve an employee benefit plan
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where the performance of the director's duties to the
corporation also imposes duties on, or otherwise
involves services by, the director to the plan or
participants or beneficiaries of the plan:
(2) Excise taxes assessed on a director with
respect to an employee benefit plan pursuant to
applicable law shall be deemed fines; and
(3) Action taken or omitted by the director with
respect to an employee benefit plan in the performance
of the director's duties for a purpose reasonably
believed by the director to be in the interest of the
participants and beneficiaries of the plan shall be
deemed to be for a purpose which is not opposed to the
best interests of the corporation.
(j) Unless limited by the charter:
(1) An officer of the corporation shall be
indemnified as and to the extent provided in subsection
(d) of this section for a director and shall be
entitled, to the same extent as a director, to seek
indemnification pursuant to the provisions of subsection
(d);
(2) A corporation may indemnify and advance
expenses to an officer, employee, or agent of the
corporation to the same extent that it may indemnify
directors under this section; and
(3) A corporation, in addition, may indemnify and
advance expenses to an officer, employee, or agent who
is not a director to such further extent, consistent
with law, as may be provided by its charter, bylaws,
general or specific action of its board of directors or
contract.
(k)(1) A corporation may purchase and maintain
insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a
director, officer, employee, or agent of the
corporation, or who, while a director, officer,
employee, or agent of the corporation, is or was serving
at the request, of the corporation as a director,
officer, partner, trustee, employee, or agent of another
foreign or domestic corporation, partnership, joint
venture, trust, other enterprise, or employee benefit
plan against any liability asserted against and incurred
by such person in any such capacity or arising out of
such person's position, whether or not the corporation
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<PAGE>
would have the power to indemnify against liability
under the provisions of this section.
(2) A corporation may provide similar protection,
including a trust fund, letter of credit, or surety
bond, not inconsistent with this section.
(3) The insurance or similar protection may be
provided by a subsidiary or an affiliate of the
corporation.
(1) Any indemnification of, or advance of expenses
to, a director in accordance with this section, if
arising out of a proceeding by or in the right of the
corporation, shall be reported in writing to the
stockholders with the notice of the next stockholders'
meeting or prior to the meeting."
ARTICLE EIGHTH OF THE REGISTRANT'S ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION
READS AS FOLLOWS:
(1) To the full extent that limitations on the
liability of directors and officers are permitted by the
Maryland General Corporation Law, no director or officer
of the Corporation shall have any liability to the
Corporation or its stockholders for damages. This
limitation on liability applies to events occurring at
the time a person serves as a director or officer of the
Corporation whether or not such person is a director or
officer at the time of any proceeding in which liability
is asserted.
(2) The Corporation shall indemnify and advance
expenses to its currently acting and its former
directors to the full extent that indemnification of
directors is permitted by the Maryland General
Corporation Law. The Corporation shall indemnify and
advance expenses to its officers to the same extent as
its directors and to such further extent as is
consistent with law. The Board of Directors may by
By-Law, resolution or agreement make further provisions
for indemnification of directors, officers, employees
and agents to the full extent permitted by the Maryland
General Corporation Law.
(3) No provision of this Article shall be effective
to protect or purport to protect any director or officer
of the Corporation against any liability to the
Corporation or its stockholders to which he would
otherwise be subject by reason of willful misfeasance,
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<PAGE>
bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the
duties involved in the conduct of his office.
(4) References to the Maryland General Corporation
Law in this Article are to that law as from time to time
amended. No amendment to the Charter of the Corporation
shall affect any right of any person under this Article
based on any event, omission or proceeding prior to the
amendment.
ARTICLE VII, SECTION 7 OF THE REGISTRANT'S BY-LAWS READS AS
FOLLOWS:
Section 7. INSURANCE AGAINST CERTAIN LIABILITIES.
The Corporation shall not bear the cost of insurance
that protects or purports to protect directors and
officers of the Corporation against any liabilities to
the Corporation or its security holders to which any
such director or officer would otherwise be subject by
reason of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved
in the conduct of his office.
ARTICLE VIII OF THE REGISTRANT'S BY-LAWS READS AS FOLLOWS:
Section B. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND
OFFICERS. The Corporation shall indemnify its
directors to the full extent that indemnification
of directors is permitted by the Maryland General
Corporation Law. The Corporation shall indemnify
its officers to the same extent as its directors
and to such further extent as is consistent with
law. The Corporation shall indemnify its directors
and officers who while serving as directors or
officers also serve at the request of the
Corporation as a director, officer, partner,
trustee, employee, agent or fiduciary of another
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust,
other enterprise or employee benefit plan to the
full extent consistent with law. The
indemnification and other rights provided by this
Article shall continue as to a person who has
ceased to be a director or officer and shall inure
to the benefit of the heirs, executors and
administrators of such a person. This Article
shall not protect any such person against any
liability to the Corporation or any stockholder
thereof to which such person would otherwise be
subject by reason of willful misfeasance, bad
faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of
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the duties involved in the conduct of his office
("disabling conduct").
Section B. ADVANCES. Any current or former
director or officer of the Corporation seeking
indemnification within the scope of this Article
shall be entitled to advances from the Corporation
for payment of the reasonable expenses incurred by
him in connection with the matter as to which he is
seeking indemnification in the manner and to the
full extent permissible under the Maryland General
Corporation Law. The person seeking
indemnification shall provide to the Corporation a
written affirmation of his good faith belief that
the standard of conduct necessary for
indemnification by the Corporation has been met and
a written undertaking to repay any such advance if
it should ultimately be determined that the
standard of conduct has not been met. In addition,
at least one of the following additional conditions
shall be met: (a) the person seeking
indemnification shall provide a security in form
and amount acceptable to the Corporation for his
undertaking; (b) the Corporation is insured against
losses arising by reason of the advance; or (c) a
majority of a quorum of directors of the
Corporation who are neither "interested persons" as
defined in Section 2(a)(19) of the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended, nor parties to the
proceeding ("disinterested non-party directors"),
or independent legal counsel, in a written opinion,
shall have determined, based on a review of facts
readily available to the Corporation at the time
the advance is proposed to be made, that there is
reason to believe that the person seeking
indemnification will ultimately be found to be
entitled to indemnification.
Section B. PROCEDURE. At the request of any
person claiming indemnification under this Article,
the Board of Directors shall determine, or cause to
be determined, in a manner consistent with the
Maryland General Corporation Law, whether the
standards required by this Article have been met.
Indemnification shall be made only following:
(a) a final decision on the merits by a court or
other body before whom the proceeding was brought
that the person to be indemnified was not liable by
reason of disabling conduct or (b) in the absence
of such a decision, a reasonable determination,
based upon a review of the facts, that the person
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to be indemnified was not liable by reason of
disabling conduct by (i) the vote of a majority of
a quorum of disinterested non-party directors or
(ii) an independent legal counsel in a written
opinion.
Section B. INDEMNIFICATION OF EMPLOYEES AND
AGENTS. Employees and agents who are not officers
or directors of the Corporation may be indemnified,
and reasonable expenses may be advanced to such
employees or agents, as may be provided by action
of the Board of Directors or by contract, subject
to any limitations imposed by the Investment
Company Act of 1940.
Section B. OTHER RIGHTS. The Board of Directors
may make further provision consistent with law for
indemnification and advance of expenses to
directors, officers, employees and agents by
resolution, agreement or otherwise. The
indemnification provided by this Article shall not
be deemed exclusive of any other right, with
respect to indemnification or otherwise, to which
those seeking indemnification may be entitled under
any insurance or other agreement or resolution of
stockholders or disinterested directors or
otherwise. The rights provided to any person by
this Article shall be enforceable against the
Corporation by such person who shall be presumed to
have relied upon it in serving or continuing to
serve as a director, officer, employee, or agent as
provided above.
Section B. AMENDMENTS. References in this Article
are to the Maryland General Corporation Law and to
the Investment Company Act of 1940 as from time to
time amended. No amendment of these By-laws shall
affect any right of any person under this Article
based on any event, omission or proceeding prior to
the amendment.
The Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Alliance
Capital Management L.P. provides that Alliance Capital
Management L.P. will not be liable under such agreements
for any mistake of judgment or in any event whatsoever
except for lack of good faith and that nothing therein
shall be deemed to protect Alliance Capital Management
L.P. against any liability to Registrant or its security
holders to which it would otherwise be subject by reason
of willful misfeasance, bad faith or gross negligence in
the performance of its duties thereunder, or by reason
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of reckless disregard of its duties and obligations
thereunder.
The Distribution Services Agreement between the
Registrant and Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc. provides
that the Registrant will indemnify, defend and hold
Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc., and any person who
controls it within the meaning of Section 15 of the
Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act"), free and
harmless from and against any and all claims, demands,
liabilities and expenses which Alliance Fund
Distributors, Inc. or any controlling person may incur
arising out of or based upon any alleged untrue
statement of a material fact contained in Registrant's
Registration Statement, Prospectus or Statement of
Additional Information or arising out of, or based upon
any alleged omission to state a material fact required
to be stated in any one of the foregoing or necessary to
make the statements in any one of the foregoing not
misleading.
The foregoing summaries are qualified by the entire text
of Registrant's Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws,
the Advisory Agreement between Registrant and Alliance
Capital Management L.P. and the Distribution Services
Agreement between Registrant and Alliance Fund
Distributors, Inc. which are Exhibits (a), (b), (d) and
(e)(1), respectively, in response to Item 23 and each of
which are incorporated by reference herein. Insofar as
indemnification for liabilities arising under the
Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officer
and controlling persons of the Registrant pursuant to
the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the Registrant
has been advised that, in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission, such indemnification is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the
payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred or paid
by a director, officer or the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is
asserted by such director, officer or controlling person
in connection with the securities being registered, the
Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel
the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the
question of whether such indemnification by it is
against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
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In accordance with Release No. IC-11330 (September 2,
1980), the Registrant will indemnify its directors,
officers, investment manager and principal underwriters
only if (1) a final decision on the merits was issued by
the court or other body before whom the proceeding was
brought that the person to be indemnified (the
"indemnitee") was not liable by reason or willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless
disregard of the duties involved in the conduct of his
office ("disabling conduct") or (2) a reasonable
determination is made, based upon a review of the facts,
that the indemnitee was not liable by reason of
disabling conduct, by (a) the vote of a majority of a
quorum of the directors who are neither "interested
persons" of the Registrant as defined in section
2(a)(19) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 nor
parties to the proceeding ("disinterested, non-party
directors"), or (b) an independent legal counsel in a
written opinion. The Registrant will advance attorneys
fees or other expenses incurred by its directors,
officers, investment adviser or principal underwriters
in defending a proceeding, upon the undertaking by or on
behalf of the indemnitee to repay the advance unless it
is ultimately determined that he is entitled to
indemnification and, as a condition to the advance,
(1) the indemnitee shall provide a security for his
undertaking, (2) the Registrant shall be insured against
losses arising by reason of any lawful advances, or
(3) a majority of a quorum of disinterested, non-party
directors of the Registrant, or an independent legal
counsel in a written opinion, shall determine, based on
a review of readily available facts (as opposed to a
full trial-type inquiry), that there is reason to
believe that the indemnitee ultimately will be found
entitled to indemnification.
ITEM 26. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser.
The descriptions of Alliance Capital Management L.P.
under the captions "Management of the Fund" in the
Prospectus and in the Statement of Additional
Information constituting Parts A and B, respectively, of
this Registration Statement are incorporated by
reference herein.
The information as to the directors and executive
officers of Alliance Capital Management Corporation, the
general partner of Alliance Capital Management L.P., set
forth in Alliance Capital Management L.P.'s Form ADV
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on
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April 21, 1988 (File No. 801-32361) and amended through
the date hereof, is incorporated by reference herein.
ITEM 27. Principal Underwriters
(a) Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc., the Registrant's
Principal Underwriter in connection with the sale
of shares of the Registrant. Alliance Fund
Distributors, Inc. also acts as Principal
Underwriter or Distributor for the following
investment companies:
AFD Exchange Reserves
Alliance All-Asia Investment Fund, Inc.
Alliance Balanced Shares, Inc.
Alliance Bond Fund, Inc.
Alliance Capital Reserves
Alliance Disciplined Value Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Dollar Government Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Small Cap Fund, Inc.
Alliance Global Strategic Income Trust, Inc.
Alliance Government Reserves
Alliance Greater China '97 Fund, Inc.
Alliance Growth and Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance Health Care Fund, Inc.
Alliance High Yield Fund, Inc.
Alliance Institutional Funds, Inc.
Alliance Institutional Reserves, Inc.
Alliance International Fund
Alliance International Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
Alliance Limited Maturity Government Fund, Inc.
Alliance Money Market Fund
Alliance Mortgage Securities Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance Multi-Market Strategy Trust, Inc.
Alliance Municipal Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance Municipal Income Fund II
Alliance Municipal Trust
Alliance New Europe Fund, Inc.
Alliance North American Government Income
Trust, Inc.
Alliance Premier Growth Fund, Inc.
Alliance Quasar Fund, Inc.
Alliance Real Estate Investment Fund, Inc.
Alliance Select Investor Series, Inc.
Alliance Technology Fund, Inc.
Alliance Utility Income Fund, Inc.
Alliance Variable Products Series Fund, Inc.
Alliance Worldwide Privatization Fund, Inc.
The Alliance Fund, Inc.
The Alliance Portfolios
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(b) The following are the Directors and Officers of
Alliance Fund Distributors, Inc., the principal
place of business of which is 1345 Avenue of the
Americas, New York, New York, 10105.
POSITIONS AND POSITIONS AND
OFFICES WITH OFFICES WITH
NAME UNDERWRITER REGISTRANT
Michael J. Laughlin Director and Chairman
John D. Carifa Director [President],
Director/Trustee
Robert L. Errico Director and President
Geoffrey L. Hyde Director and Senior Vice
President
Dave H. Williams Director
David Conine Executive Vice President
Richard K. Saccullo Executive Vice President
Edmund P. Bergan, Jr. Senior Vice President, Secretary Clerk
General Counsel and
Secretary
Richard A. Davies Senior Vice President
Managing Director
Robert H. Joseph, Jr. Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
Anne S. Drennan Senior Vice President &
Treasurer
Benji A. Baer Senior Vice President
John R. Bonczek Senior Vice President
Karen J. Bullot Senior Vice President
John R. Carl Senior Vice President
James S. Comforti Senior Vice President
James L. Cronin Senior Vice President
Byron M. Davis Senior Vice President
C-17
<PAGE>
Mark J. Dunbar Senior Vice President
Donald N. Fritts Senior Vice President
Andrew L. Gangolf Senior Vice President Assistant
and Assistant General Secretary/
Counsel Assistant Clerk
Bradley F. Hanson Senior Vice President
George H. Keith Senior Vice President
Richard E. Khaleel Senior Vice President
Stephen R. Laut Senior Vice President
Susan L. Matteson-King Senior Vice President
Daniel D. McGinley Senior Vice President
Antonios G. Poleondakis Senior Vice President
Robert E. Powers Senior Vice President
Domenick Pugliese Senior Vice President Assistant
and Assistant General Secretary/
Counsel Assistant Clerk
Kevin A. Rowell Senior Vice President
John P. Schmidt Senior Vice President
Raymond S. Sclafani Senior Vice President
Gregory K. Shannahan Senior Vice President
Scott C. Sipple Senior Vice President
Joseph F. Sumanski Senior Vice President
Peter J. Szabo Senior Vice President
William C. White Senior Vice President
Richard A. Winge Senior Vice President
Emilie D. Wrapp Senior Vice President and
Assistant General Counsel
Gerard J. Friscia Vice President &
Controller
C-18
<PAGE>
Ricardo Arreola Vice President
Kenneth F. Barkoff Vice President
Adam J. Barnett Vice President
Charles M. Barrett Vice President
Matthew F. Beaudry Vice President
Leo Benitez Vice President
Gregory P. Best Vice President
Dale E. Boyd Vice President
Robert F. Brendli Vice President
Christopher L. Butts Vice President
Thomas C. Callahan Vice President
Kevin T. Cannon Vice President
John M. Capeci Vice President
John P. Chase Vice President
Doris T. Ciliberti Vice President
William W. Collins, Jr. Vice President
Leo H. Cook Vice President
Russell R. Corby Vice President
John W. Cronin Vice President
Robert J. Cruz Vice President
Richard W. Dabney Vice President
Daniel J. Deckman Vice President
Sherry V. Delaney Vice President
Richard P. Dyson Vice President
John C. Endahl Vice President
John E. English Vice President
C-19
<PAGE>
Sohaila S. Farsheed Vice President
Daniel J. Frank Vice President
Shawn C. Gage Vice President
Joseph C. Gallagher Vice President
Michael J. Germain Vice President
Mark D. Gersten Vice President Treasurer and
Chief Financial
Officer
Hyman Glasman Vice President
John Grambone Vice President
Charles M. Greenberg Vice President
Alan Halfenger Vice President
William B. Hanigan Vice President
Michael S. Hart Vice President
Scott F. Heyer Vice President
Timothy A. Hill Vice President
Brian R. Hoegee Vice President
George R. Hrabovsky Vice President
Michael J. Hutten Vice President
Scott Hutton Vice President
Oscar J. Isoba Vice President
Richard D. Keppler Vice President
Richard D. Kozlowski Vice President
Daniel W. Krause Vice President
Donna M. Lamback Vice President
P. Dean Lampe Vice President
Henry Michael Lesmeister Vice President
C-20
<PAGE>
Eric L. Levinson Vice President
James M. Liptrot Vice President
James P. Luisi Vice President
Michael F. Mahoney Vice President
Kathryn Austin Masters Vice President
Shawn P. McClain Vice President
David L. McGuire Vice President
Jeffrey P. Mellas Vice President
Michael V. Miller Vice President
Thomas F. Monnerat Vice President
Timothy S. Mulloy Vice President
Joanna D. Murray Vice President
Michael F. Nash, Jr. Vice President
Timothy H. Nasworthy Vice President
Nicole Nolan-Koester Vice President
Daniel A. Notto Vice President
Peter J. O'Brien Vice President
John C. O'Connell Vice President
John J. O'Connor Vice President
Daniel P. O'Donnell Vice President
Richard J. Olszewski Vice President
Catherine N. Peterson Vice President
Jeffrey R. Petersen Vice President
James J. Posch Vice President
Bruce W. Reitz Vice President
Jeffrey B. Rood Vice President
C-21
<PAGE>
Karen C. Satterberg Vice President
Robert C. Schultz Vice President
Richard J. Sidell Vice President
Clara Sierra Vice President
Teris A. Sinclair Vice President
Jeffrey C. Smith Vice President
David A. Solon Vice President
Martine H. Stansbery, Jr. Vice President
Eileen Stauber Vice President
Michael J. Tobin Vice President
Joseph T. Tocyloski Vice President
Benjamin H. Travers Vice President
David R. Turnbough Vice President
Andrew B. Vaughey Vice President
Wayne W. Wagner Vice President
Mark E. Westmoreland Vice President
Paul C. Wharf Vice President
Stephen P. Wood Vice President
Keith A. Yoho Vice President
Michael W. Alexander Assistant Vice President
Richard J. Appaluccio Assistant Vice President
Paul G. Bishop Assistant Vice President
Mark S. Burns Assistant Vice President
Maria L. Carreras Assistant Vice President
Judith A. Chin Assistant Vice President
Jorge Ciprian Assistant Vice President
C-22
<PAGE>
William P. Condon Assistant Vice President
Jean A. Coomber Assistant Vice President
Dorsey Davidge Assistant Vice President
Ralph A. DiMeglio Assistant Vice President
Faith C. Deutsch Assistant Vice President
Timothy J. Donegan Assistant Vice President
Joan Eilbott Assistant Vice President
Adam E. Engelhardt Assistant Vice President
Michael J. Eustic Assistant Vice President
Michele Grossman Assistant Vice President
Arthur F. Hoyt, Jr. Assistant Vice President
David A. Hunt Assistant Vice President
Theresa Iosca Assistant Vice President
Erik A. Jorgensen Assistant Vice President
Eric G. Kalender Assistant Vice President
Elizabeth E. Keefe Assistant Vice President
Edward W. Kelly Assistant Vice President
Victor Kopelakis Assistant Vice President
Jeffrey M. Kusterer Assistant Vice President
Alexandra C. Landau Assistant Vice President
Laurel E. Lindner Assistant Vice President
Evamarie C. Lombardo Assistant Vice President
Amanda C. McNichol Assistant Vice President
Richard F. Meier Assistant Vice President
Charles B. Nanick Assistant Vice President
Alex E. Pady Assistant Vice President
C-23
<PAGE>
Raymond E. Parker Assistant Vice President
Wandra M. Perry-Hartsfield Assistant Vice President
Rizwan A. Raja Assistant Vice President
Carol H. Rappa Assistant Vice President
Brendan J. Reynolds Assistant Vice President
James A. Rie Assistant Vice President
Lauryn A. Rivello Assistant Vice President
Christina Santiago Assistant Vice Assistant Vice
President and Counsel President and
and Counsel Counsel
Nancy D. Testa Assistant Vice President
Margaret M. Tompkins Assistant Vice President
Marie R. Vogel Assistant Vice President
Nina C. Wilkinson Assistant Vice President
Wesley S. Williams Assistant Vice President
Matthew Witschel Assistant Vice President
Mark R. Manley Assistant Secretary
(c) Not applicable.
ITEM 28. Location of Accounts and Records.
The majority of the accounts, books and other documents
required to be maintained by Section 31(a) of the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and the rules thereunder
are maintained as follows: journals, ledgers,
securities records and other original records are
maintained principally at the offices of Alliance Fund
Services, Inc., 500 Plaza Drive, Secaucus, New Jersey,
07094 and at the offices of Brown Brothers Harriman &
Co., the Registrant's Custodian, 40 Water Street,
Boston, MA, 02109. All other records so required to be
maintained are maintained at the offices of Alliance
Capital Management L.P., 1345 Avenue of the Americas,
New York, New York, 10105.
C-24
<PAGE>
ITEM 29. Management Services.
Not applicable.
ITEM 30. Undertakings
The Registrant undertakes to provide assistance to
shareholders in communications concerning the removal of
any Director of the Fund in accordance with Section 16
of the Investment Company Act of 1940.
(c) The Registrant undertakes to furnish each person to whom
a prospectus is delivered with a copy of the
Registrant's latest annual report to shareholders upon
request and without charge.
C-25
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, and the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended,
the Registrant certifies that it meets all of the requirements
for effectiveness of this Amendment to its Registration Statement
pursuant to Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has
duly caused this Amendment to its Registration Statement to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of New York and the State of New York, on
the 30th day of October, 2000.
ALLIANCE NORTH AMERICAN GOVERNMENT INCOME
TRUST, INC.
By: /s/ John D. Carifa
______________________
John D. Carifa
Chairman and President
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933,
as amended, this Registration Statement has been signed below by
the following persons in the capacities and on the date
indicated.
Signature Title Date
--------- ----- ----
1. Principal
Executive Officer:
/s/ John D. Carifa Chairman and
_____________________ President October 30, 2000
John D. Carifa
2. Principal Financial
and Accounting Officer:
/s/ Mark D. Gersten Treasurer and October 30, 2000
______________________ Chief Financial
Mark D. Gersten Officer
C-26
<PAGE>
3. All of the Directors:
Ruth Block
John D. Carifa
David H. Dievler
John H. Dobkin
William H. Foulk, Jr.
James M. Hester
Clifford L. Michel
Donald J. Robinson
By: /s/ Edmund P. Bergan, Jr. October 30, 2000
_________________________
Edmund P. Bergan, Jr.
(Attorney-in-Fact)
C-27
<PAGE>
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
(i) Opinion and Consent of Seward & Kissel LLP
(j) Consent of Independent Auditors
C-28
00250117.BC5
