PHOENIX MULTI SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND
485APOS, 1998-12-30
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   As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on December 30, 1998

                                                      Registration No. 33-45758
                                        Investment Company Act File No. 811-6566
    
================================================================================
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                                 -------------
                                   FORM N-1A
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     Under

                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933                 [X]
   
                          Pre-Effective Amendment No.                 [ ]
                        Post-Effective Amendment No. 10               [X]
    
                                    and/or

                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     Under
                       THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940             [X]
   
                                Amendment No. 11                      [X]
    
                       (Check appropriate box or boxes.)

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

                   Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
              (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

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

       101 Munson Street, Greenfield, Massachusetts                01301
     (Address of Principal Executive Offices)                   (Zip Code)

         c/o Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation--Shareholder Services
                                (800) 243-1574
              (Registrant's Telephone Number including Area Code)

                                -------------
   
                              Thomas N. Steenburg
                     Vice President, Counsel and Secretary
                       Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd.
                              56 Prospect Street
                          Hartford, Connecticut 06115
                    (Name and Address of Agent for Service)
    

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

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):

[ ] immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
   
[X] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
    
[ ] on               pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
[ ] on               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>

   
                   PHOENIX MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND

                  Cross Reference Sheet Pursuant to Rule 404


                                    PART A
    


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    Item Number Form N-1A, Part A                        Prospectus Caption
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------   -----------------------------------------------------
<S>      <C>                                                             <C>
  1.     Front and Back Cover Pages ..................................   Cover Page, Back Cover Page
  2.     Risk/Return Summary: Investments, Risk Performance ..........   Investment Risk and Return Summary
  3.     Risk Return Summary: Fee Table ..............................   Fund Expenses
  4.     Investment Objectives, Principal Investment Strategies          Investment Risk and Return Summary; Investment
         and Related Risks ...........................................   Strategies; Risks Related to Investment Strategies
  5.     Management's Discussion of Fund Performance .................   Performance Tables
  6.     Management, Organization, and Capital Structure .............   Management of the Fund
  7.     Shareholder Information .....................................   Pricing of Fund Shares; Sales Charges; Your Account;
                                                                         How to Buy Shares; How to Sell Shares; Things to
                                                                         Know When Selling Shares; Account Policies; Investor
                                                                         Services; Tax Status
  8.     Distribution Arrangements ...................................   Sales Charges
  9.     Financial Highlight Information .............................   Financial Highlights
</TABLE>
    

   
                                    PART B
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                    Item Number Form N-1A, Part B                        Statement of Additional Information Caption
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------   -------------------------------------------------------
<S>     <C>                                                              <C>
10.     Cover Page and Table of Contents .............................   Cover Page, Table of Contents
11.     Fund History .................................................   The Fund
12.     Description of the Fund and Its Investment Risks .............   Investment Objectives and Policies; Investment
                                                                         Restrictions
13.     Management of the Fund .......................................   Management of the Fund
14.     Control Persons and Principal Holders of Securities ..........   Management of the Fund
15.     Investment Advisory and Other Services .......................   Services of the Adviser, The Distributor; Distribution
                                                                         Plans; Other Information
16.     Brokerage Allocation and Other Practices .....................   Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage
17.     Capital Stock and Other Securities ...........................   Other Information
18.     Purchase, Redemption, and Pricing of Shares ..................   Net Asset Value; How to Buy Shares; Investor Account
                                                                         Services; Redemption of Shares; Tax Sheltered
                                                                         Retirement Plans
19.     Taxation of the Fund .........................................   Dividends, Distributions and Taxes
20.     Underwriters .................................................   The Distributor
21.     Calculation of Performance Data ..............................   Performance Information
22.     Financial Statements .........................................   Financial Statements
</TABLE>
    

   
 
    


<PAGE>

                                 [FRONT COVER]

                  Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.

                   Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund


<PAGE>

 [arrow] Phoenix
         Multi-Sector
         Fixed Income
         Fund, Inc.

 [arrow] Phoenix
         Multi-Sector
         Short Term
         Bond Fund

         Table of Contents
- ----------------------------------------

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>
  Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
   Investment Risk and Return Summary .............   page 1
   Fund Expenses ..................................   page 4
   Investment Strategies ..........................   page 5
   Risks Related to Investment Strategies .........   page 7
  Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
   Investment Risk and Return Summary .............  page 11
   Fund Expenses ..................................  page 14
   Investment Strategies ..........................  page 15
   Risks Related to Investment Strategies .........  page 17
  Management of the Funds .........................  page 21
  Pricing of Fund Shares ..........................  page 22
  Sales Charges ...................................  page 23
  Your Account ....................................  page 26
  How to Buy Shares ...............................  page 28
  How to Sell Shares ..............................  page 28
  Things You Should Know When
   Selling Shares .................................  page 29
   Account Policies ...............................  page 30
   Investor Services ..............................  page 32
   Tax Status of Distributions ....................  page 32
   Financial Highlights ...........................  page 33
   Additional Information .........................  page 39
</TABLE>
    

<PAGE>

   
               Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
               Investment Risk and Return Summary
    
- -------------------------------------------------------
   
               Investment Objective

               Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund has a primary objective
               to maximize current income while preserving capital. There is no
               guarantee that the fund will achieve its objective.


               Principal Investment Strategies


                  [arrow] The fund uses a "sector rotation" approach to select
                          investments.


                  [arrow] The fund will invest at least 65% of its total assets
                          in the following sectors of fixed income securities:

                          o  Securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and
                             interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies,
                             authorities or instrumentalities including CMOs,
                             REMICs and other pass-through securities;

                          o  Debt securities issued by foreign issuers,
                             including foreign governments and their political
                             subdivisions;

                          o  Investment grade securities with long or short term
                             maturities; and

                          o  High yield, high risk fixed income securities of
                             U.S. issuers (so called "junk bonds").



                  [arrow] The fund may invest up to 50% of its assets in "junk
                          bonds".


                  [arrow] The fund may invest any amount of its assets in any
                          other sector.

                  [arrow] The fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in
                          securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed
                          delivery basis.

                  [arrow] The fund may invest up to 15% of its assets in a
                          combination of zero coupon, step coupon and payable in
                          kind ("PIK") bonds.
    


               Principal Risks
   
               If you invest in this fund you risk that you may lose your
               investment.

               The adviser intends to select investments within the sectors
               that it believes will provide high returns while preserving
               capital. If the adviser misjudges the return potential, or the
               ability of issuers to make scheduled principal and interest
               payments, the fund's returns may be lower than prevailing
               returns and the fund's income available for distribution maybe
               less than other funds. Neither the fund nor the adviser can
               assure you that a particular level of income will consistently
               be achieved.

               The fund may invest up to 50% of its assets in high risk, high
               yield securities (so called "junk bonds"). High risk high yield
               securities present a greater risk that the issuer will not be
               able to
    


                                  Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc. 1
                                                                              
<PAGE>

   
               make interest or principal payments on time. If this happens,
               the fund would lose income and could expect a decline in the
               market value of the securities.

               Obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government,
               agencies, authorities and instrumentalities only guarantee
               principal and interest will be timely paid to holders of the
               securities. The entities do not guarantee that the value of fund
               shares will increase.

               The value of CMOs, REMICs and other pass-through securities may
               fluctuate to a greater degree than other debt securities in
               response to changes in interest rates. The market for these
               securities can be less liquid. These mortgage backed type
               securities may also be subject to prepayment risk.

               Unrated securities may not have as broad a market as rated
               securities and it can be more difficult to assess their risk as
               compared to rated securities.

               The fund may invest in issuers in foreign countries including
               "emerging market" countries (countries with markets that are not
               fully developed). Political and economic uncertainty as well as
               less public information about investments may negatively impact
               the fund's portfolio. Some investments may be made in currencies
               other than U.S. dollars that will fluctuate in value as a result
               of changes in the currency exchange rate. Foreign markets and
               currencies may not perform as well as U.S. markets. Emerging
               market countries and companies doing business in emerging
               markets may not have the same range of opportunities as
               countries and their companies in developed nations. They may
               also have more obstacles to financial success.

               Although the fund intends to invest in all four market sectors,
               it may invest all of its assets in only one market sector.
               Conditions which negatively affect this one sector will have a
               greater impact on the fund as compared to when the fund invests
               in more than one sector.

               The fund may invest in securities with long-term maturities.
               Long-term maturities present a greater risk that economic and
               market conditions may negatively impact expected returns of the
               security and typically, securities with long-term maturities are
               more sensitive to interest rate movements than shorter term
               securities.

               To manage the funds dollar weighted average, the adviser may
               sell certain holdings and reinvestment the proceeds in
               securities of different maturities. This may cause the fund's
               portfolio turnover rate to be higher than if the fund had held
               its holdings until maturity. Frequent and active trading may
               increase transaction costs for the fund and may increase capital
               gain distributions, resulting in greater tax liability to you.

               Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis
               risk that the value of the security on settlement date may be
               more or less than the price paid. If it is less, the value of
               your shares may decline.
    


2 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.

<PAGE>

   
               The fund may invest in zero coupon, step coupon and PIK bonds.
               The market prices of these securities generally are more
               volatile than the market prices of securities that pay interest
               at regular intervals. The fund may still have to distribute, on
               a current basis, interest earned on these securities but not yet
               paid to the fund. The fund may have to distribute cash obtained
               from other sources in order to satisfy its distribution
               requirements.
    


               Performance Tables

   
               The bar chart below provides an indication of the risks of
               investing in the Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc. by
               showing changes in the fund's Class A Shares performance from
               year to year over the life of the fund.(1). The table below
               shows how the fund's average annual returns for one and five
               years and life of the fund compare to those of a broad-based
               securities market index. The fund's past performance is not
               necessarily an indication of how the fund will perform in the
               future.
    
                


Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund

[REPRESENTATION OF BAR CHART]


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                              Calendar Year
                  ----------------------------------------------------------------------
                   1990   1991     1992    1993    1994     1995     1996    1997    1998
<S>                <C>    <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>      <C>      <C>     <C>     <C>
Annual Return (%)  5.29   28.25    12.06   15.56   -6.71    19.81    13.55   8.99
</TABLE>


   
(1) The fund's average annual returns in the chart above do not reflect the
deduction of any sales charges. The returns would have been less than those
shown if sales charges were deducted. During the 10-year period shown in the
chart above, the highest return for a quarter was 9.95% (quarter ending June 30,
1995) and the lowest return for a quarter was (11.70)% (quarter ending September
30, 1998). Year to date performance (through January 31, 1999) was __%.
    


                                     
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Average Annual Total Returns                                        Life of
  (for the periods ending 12/31/98)(1)      One Year    Five Years   the fund(2)
- ------------------------------------------- ---------   -----------  ------------
<S>                                         <C>         <C>           <C>
  Class A Shares                                %            %             %
  Class B Shares                                %           N/A            %
  Class C Shares(3)                             %           N/A            %
  Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index(3)       %            %            N/A
</TABLE>
    

   
(1) The fund's average annual returns in the table above reflect the deduction
of the maximum sales charge for an investment in the fund's Class A Shares and a
full redemption in the fund's Class B and C Shares.

(2) Class A Shares since December 15, 1989, Class B Shares since January 3,
1992, and Class C Shares since October 14, 1997.

(3) The Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond Index is an unmanaged but commonly used
measure of bond performance. It is a combination of several Lehman Brothers
Fixed Income indexes. The index's performance does not include sales charges.
    


                                  Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc. 3
                                                                              
<PAGE>

               Fund Expenses
- -------------------------------

               This table illustrates all fees and expenses that you may pay if
you buy and hold shares of the fund.

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          Class A     Class B          Class C
                                                                           Shares      Shares          Shares
                                                                          -------     --------         --------
<S>                                                                       <C>         <C>           <C>
    Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your investment)

      Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a
       percentage of offering price)                                        4.75%        None           None

      Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of the lesser   None         5%(a)      1% during the
       of the value redeemed or the amount invested)                                                  first year

      Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Reinvested Dividends           None         None           None

      Redemption Fee                                                        None         None           None

      Exchange Fee                                                          None         None           None
                                                                          -------------------------------------

                                                                           Class A    Class B          Class C
                                                                           Shares      Shares          Shares
                                                                          -------     --------         --------
<S>                                                                        <C>        <C>              <C>
    Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are
    deducted from fund assets)
      Management Fees                                                      0.55%         0.55%          0.55%
      Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees(b)                             0.25%         1.00%          1.00%
      Other Expenses                                                       0.28%         0.28%          0.28%
                                                                          -------     --------         --------
    Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses                                   1.08%         1.83%          1.83%
                                                                          =======     ========         ========
</TABLE>
    

              ----------------
   
(a) The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed
during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 1% annually to 2% during the
fourth and fifth years and to 0% after the fifth year.

(b) Distribution and Service Fees represent an asset-based sales charge that,
for a long-term shareholder, may be higher than the maximum front-end sales
charge permitted by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
("NASD").
    

   Example

   This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
   fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

   The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods
   indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
   example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that
   the fund's operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares,
   it is assumed that your shares are converted to Class A after eight years.
   Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions
   your costs would be:

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Class     1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
- ----------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
<S>         <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
  Class A   $580     $802      $1,042    $1,730
  Class B   $586     $776      $  990    $1,951
  Class C   $286     $576      $  990    $2,148
</TABLE>
    

4 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
<PAGE>

You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your shares:

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Class     1 year   3 years   5 years   10 years
- ----------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
<S>         <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
  Class A   $580     $802      $1,042    $1,730
  Class B   $186     $576      $  990    $1,951
  Class C   $186     $576      $  990    $2,148
</TABLE>
    

               Investment Strategies
- --------------------------------------
   
               Investment Objective

               The fund has an investment objective to maximize current income
               while preserving capital. There is no guarantee that the fund
               will achieve its objective.

               Principal Investment Strategies

               The fund uses a "sector rotation" approach to selecting
               investments. The adviser will diversify investments among
               several categories or "sectors" of fixed income securities.
               While the adviser cannot control either the general interest
               rate environment or levels of return of securities on an
               absolute basis, the adviser will seek to adjust the proportions
               of the fund's investment in the various sectors and the
               selection of investments within sectors to obtain higher returns
               on a relative basis.

               At least 65% of the fund's total assets will be invested in one
               or more of the following four sectors of fixed income
               securities:


                  o U.S. Government Securities. Securities issued or guaranteed
                    as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its
                    agencies, authorities or instrumentalities. Securities in
                    this sector include U.S. Treasury obligations, securities
                    issued by the Government National Mortgage Association
                    (GNMA), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC),
                    the Federal National Mortgage Corporation (FNMA) and
                    Student Loan Marketing Association (SLMA), as well as CMOs,
                    REMICs and other securities collateralized by portfolios of
                    mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed by GNMA, FHLMC
                    or FNMA.

                  o Foreign Securities. Debt securities issued by foreign
                    issuers, including foreign governments and their political
                    subdivisions and issuers and non-government issuers
                    considered creditworthy by the adviser. Issuers may be in
                    developed countries as well as emerging market countries.
                    Investments in non-U.S. dollar securities and currency will
                    be evaluated on the basis of fundamental economic criteria,
                    inflation level and trends, growth rate forecasts and
                    technical and political data.
    


                                  Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc. 5
                                                                              
<PAGE>

   
                  o Investment Grade Securities. Securities of U.S. issuers of
                    all types of long or short term debt obligations including
                    bonds, debentures, municipal bonds, equipment lease and
                    trust certificates, asset-backed securities, pass through
                    securities, REMICs and CMOs, sales contracts and commercial
                    paper.

                  o High Yield-High Risk Securities ("Junk Bonds"). Securities
                    of U.S. issuers of preferred and preference stock and debt
                    obligations including convertible securities which are in
                    the lower rating categories, or if unrated of comparable,
                    limited quality. The adviser uses its own investment and
                    credit analysis and the ratings assigned by a Nationally
                    Recognized Statistical Rating Organization (NRSRO) to
                    determine whether to buy securities of this type. The high
                    yields on these securities often reflect the greater risks
                    associated with investing in these type of securities. The
                    fund may invest up to 50% of its assets in junk bonds.

               The fund generally will be invested in each of the four market
               sectors. However, the fund may invest any amount of its assets
               in any one sector except the fund will not invest more than 50%
               of its assets in high yield, high risk securities. The fund may
               not choose to invest in a sector in order to achieve its
               objective. The adviser believes that the fund's net asset value
               is likely to be more stable following this investment strategy
               than that of a fund which invests in only one of these sectors.
               Greater stability would occur because, in general, broad
               diversification over several market sectors tends to reduce
               volatility.

               The dollar weighted average maturity of securities in the
               sectors may vary significantly from time to time based on such
               factors as the adviser's expectations as to future changes in
               interest or exchange rates, the maturity schedules and possible
               prepayment of bonds held by the fund, and characteristics and
               maturities of securities available for purchase by the fund at
               certain times in the future. The adviser may seek to adjust the
               fund's dollar weighted average through the sale of portfolio
               holdings and reinvestment of sale proceeds in securities of
               different maturities.

               The fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in securities
               purchased on a when issued or delayed delivery basis. The price
               of these securities is fixed at the time of commitment but
               settlement occurs after the customary settlement period for the
               particular security.

               The fund may invest in any combination of zero coupon bonds,
               step coupon bonds and PIK bonds, provided that the total of all
               securities of these types held by the fund is not more than 15%
               of fund assets.

               Temporary Defensive Strategy. During periods of rising interest
               rates, unstable pricing and currency exchange or in response to
               extreme market fluctuations, the adviser, at its discretion, may
               invest part or all of the fund's assets in cash or cash
               equivalents. When this happens, the fund may not achieve its
               investment objective.

               Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for more
               detailed information about these and other investment techniques
               of the fund.
    


6 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
<PAGE>

               Risks Related to Investment Strategies
- -------------------------------------------------------
   
               General

               The fund's focus is to maximize current income. The adviser
               intends to adjust the proportion of fund assets invested in the
               various sectors and to select investments that provide returns
               that are higher than prevailing returns on most fixed income
               securities while preserving capital. If the adviser misjudges
               the return potential of one sector relative to another the
               fund's returns may be lower than prevailing returns, and the
               fund's income available for distribution to shareholders may be
               less, on a relative basis, than other fixed income
               opportunities. Similarly, if the adviser misjudges the ability
               of the issuer of a portfolio security to make scheduled interest
               or other income payments to the fund, the fund's income
               available for distribution to shareholders may decrease. Neither
               the fund nor the adviser can assure you that a particular level
               of income will consistently be achieved.

               The value of your shares is based on the market value of the
               fund's investments. In the case of fixed income securities and
               other securities that have relatively fixed levels of return,
               the value of the security will be directly affected by trends in
               interest rates and the overall condition of credit markets. For
               example, in times of rising interest rates, the value of these
               types of securities tends to decrease. When interest rates fall,
               the value of these securities tends to rise.

               In addition to these general risks of investing in the fund,
               there are several specific risks of investing in the fund that
               you should note.

               High Yield-High Risk Securities

               The fund may invest a relatively high proportion of fund assets,
               up to 50%, in securities that will ordinarily be in the lower
               rating categories of NSROs or be of comparable, limited quality.
               Although these securities provide greater income and opportunity
               for capital appreciation than investments in higher grade
               securities, they also typically entail greater price volatility
               and principal and interest risk. There is a greater risk that an
               issuer will not be able to make principal and interest payments
               on time.

               Unrated Securities

               The fund may invest in unrated securities. Unrated securities
               may not be lower in quality then rated securities but due to
               their perceived risk they may not have as broad a market as
               rated securities. Analysis of unrated securities is more complex
               than for rated securities, making it more difficult for the
               adviser to accurately predict risk.

               U.S. Government Securities

               Obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government,
               agencies, authorities and instrumentalities only guarantee
               principal and interest will be timely paid to holders of the
               securities. The entities do not guarantee that the value of fund
               shares will increase.
    


                                  Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc. 7
                                                                              
<PAGE>

   
               Pass-through Securities

               It is difficult to predict cash flows from pass-through
               securities. Payments of principal and interest on the underlying
               mortgages may be allocated among classes in a variety of ways
               and the inability to determine specific amounts and timing of
               prepayments of the underlying loans make it difficult to
               accurately predict cash flow. In the event of high prepayments,
               the fund may be required to invest these proceeds at a lower
               interest rate, causing the fund to earn less than if the
               prepayments had not occurred.

               Foreign Investing

               The fund may invest in non-U.S. issuers. Investing in the
               securities of non-U.S. issuers involves special risks and
               considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S.
               issuers. These include:


                  o differences in accounting, auditing and financial reporting
                    standards,

                  o generally higher commission rates on foreign portfolio
                    transactions,

                  o differences and inefficiencies in transaction settlement
                    systems,

                  o the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation,

                  o adverse changes in investment or exchange control
                    regulations,

                  o political instability, and

                  o potential restrictions on the flow of international
                    capital.


               Political and economic uncertainty as well as less public
               information about investments may negatively impact the fund's
               portfolio.

               Foreign securities often trade with less frequency and volume
               than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater price
               volatility. Additionally, dividends and interest payable on
               foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes withheld
               prior to receipt by the fund. Many of the foreign securities
               held by the fund will not be registered with, nor will the
               issuers of those securities be subject to the reporting
               requirements of, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
               Accordingly, there may be less publicly available information
               about the securities and about the foreign company or government
               issuing them than is available about a domestic company or
               government entity. Moreover, individual foreign economies may
               differ favorably or unfavorably from the U.S. economy in such
               respects as growth of gross national product, rate of inflation,
               capital reinvestment, resource self-sufficiency and balance of
               payment positions.

               Foreign Currency

               Portions of the fund's assets may be invested in securities
               denominated in foreign currencies. Changes in foreign exchange
               rates will affect the value of those securities denominated or
               quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The forces of
               supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets determine
               exchange rates, and these forces are in turn affected by a range
               of
    


8 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
<PAGE>

   
               economic, political, financial, governmental and other factors.
               Exchange rate fluctuations can affect the fund's net asset value
               (share price) and dividends either positively or negatively
               depending upon whether foreign currencies are appreciating or
               depreciating in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Exchange
               rates fluctuate over both the long and short terms.

               Effective January 1, 1999, eleven European countries will begin
               converting from their sovereign currency to the European Union
               common currency called the "Euro." This conversion may expose
               the fund to certain risks, including the reliability and timely
               reporting of pricing information of the fund's portfolio
               holdings. In addition, one or more of the following may
               adversely affect specific securities in the fund's portfolio:

                  o Known trends or uncertainties related to the Euro
                    conversion that an issuer reasonably expects will have a
                    material impact on revenues, expenses or income from its
                    operations;

                  o Competitive implications of increased price transparency of
                    European Union markets (including labor markets) resulting
                    from adoption of a common currency and issuers' plans for
                    pricing their own products and services in the Euro;

                  o Issuers' ability to make required information technology
                    updates on a timely basis, and costs associated with the
                    conversion (including costs of dual currency operations
                    through January 1, 2002);

                  o Currency exchange rate risk and derivatives exposure
                    (including the disappearance of price sources, such as
                    certain interest rate indices); and

                  o Potential tax consequences.

               Emerging Market Investing

               The fund may invest in companies located in emerging market
               countries and regions. Investments in less-developed countries
               whose markets are still emerging generally present risks in
               greater degree than those presented by investment in foreign
               issuers based in countries with developed securities markets and
               more advanced regulatory systems. Prior governmental approval of
               foreign investments may be required under certain circumstances
               in some developing countries, and the extent of foreign
               investment in domestic companies may be subject to limitations
               in other developing countries. The charters of individual
               companies in developing countries may impose limitations on
               foreign ownership to prevent, among other concerns, violation of
               foreign investment limitations.

               Single Sector Investing

               Although the fund intends to invest in all four market sectors,
               it may invest all of its assets in only one market sector.
               Securities of companies in other sectors may provide greater
               investment return in certain market conditions as compared to
               securities in this sector. Conditions which negatively affect
               this one sector will have a greater impact on the fund as
               compared to when the fund invests in more than one sector or as
               compared to other funds.
    


                                  Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc. 9
                                                                              
<PAGE>

   
               Long-Term Maturities

               Long-term maturities present a greater risk that economic and
               market conditions may negatively impact expected returns of a
               security. Typically, securities with long-term maturities are
               more sensitive to interest rate movements than shorter term
               securities. Small increases or decreases in interest rates will
               have a greater effect on securities with longer maturities than
               on shorter term maturities because the change will effect the
               security for a longer period of time.

               When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Securities

               Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis
               are subject to the risk that the value of the security on
               settlement date may be more or less than the price paid as a
               result of changes in the level of interest rates or other market
               changes. If the value on settlement day is less, the value of
               your shares may decline.

               Zero Coupon, Step Coupon and PIK Bonds

               The market prices of zero coupon, step coupon, and PIK bonds
               generally are more volatile than the market prices of securities
               that pay interest on a regular basis. Because the fund will not
               receive cash payments earned on these securities on a current
               basis, the fund may have to distribute cash obtained from other
               sources in order to satisfy distribution requirements. This may
               require that certain securities be sold to supply cash for
               distributions at a time that is less favorable then if the fund
               were not required to sell such securities, and such sales may
               adversely affect the dollar weighted average of the fund and the
               fund's turnover rate.

               Turnover Rate

               Each time a security is bought or sold, the fund incurs certain
               costs associated with the transaction. The more transactions,
               the higher the overall cost to the fund. Likewise, frequent
               sales that result in gains to the fund could increase the amount
               of capital gains distributions to you, the shareholder.
               Increased capital gains distributions could result in greater
               tax liability to you.

               Impact of the Year 2000 Issue on Fund Investments

               The Year 2000 issue is the result of computer programs being
               written using two rather than four digits to define the
               applicable year. There is the possibility that some or all of a
               company's computer programs that have date-sensitive software
               may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the
               year 2000. If a company whose securities are held by the fund
               does not "fix" its Year 2000 issue, it is possible that its
               operations and financial results would be hurt. Also, the cost
               of modifying computer programs to become Year 2000 compliant may
               hurt the financial performance and market price of companies
               whose securities are held by the fund.
    


10 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.

<PAGE>

   
               Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
               Investment Risk and Return Summary
- -------------------------------------------------------
    
   
               Investment Objective

               Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund has a primary
               objective to provide high current income while attempting to
               limit changes in the fund's net asset value per share caused by
               interest rate changes. There is no guarantee that the fund will
               achieve its objective.

               Principal Investment Strategies

                  [arrow] The fund uses a "sector rotation" approach to
                          selecting investments. The adviser focuses on
                          identifying undervalued sectors to take advantage of
                          market inefficiencies.

                  [arrow] The fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing
                          in a diversified portfolio of primarily short term
                          fixed income securities that are in one of the
                          following three market sectors:

                          o  Securities issued or guaranteed as to principal and
                             interest by the U.S. Government, its agencies,
                             authorities or instrumentalities including CMOs,
                             REMICs and other pass-through securities;

                          o  Debt securities issued by foreign issuers,
                             including foreign governments and their political
                             subdivisions ; and

                          o  High yield and investment grade securities.



                  [arrow] Under normal circumstances, the fund will invest at
                          least 65% of its assets in investment grade securities
                          which are rated BBB or above by Standard and Poor's
                          Corporation (S&P) or Duff & Phelps Credit Rating
                          Company (D&P) or Baa or above by Moody's Investor's
                          Services, Inc. (Moody's) or unrated securities
                          determined by the adviser to be of the same
                          comparable, limited quality.

                  [arrow] The fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in foreign
                          debt securities of issuers in both developed and
                          emerging market countries.

                  [arrow] The fund may invest any amount of its assets in any
                          other sector.

                  [arrow] The fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in high
                          yield-high risk securities (so called "junk bonds") of
                          domestic issuers, including preferred and preference
                          stock and debt obligations.

                  [arrow] The fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in
                          non-short term securities of differing maturities.

                  [arrow] The fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in
                          preferred stocks.

                  [arrow] The fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in
                          securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed
                          delivery basis.
    

                                    Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund 11
                                                                              
<PAGE>

   
                  [arrow] The fund's portfolio turnover rate will not be a
                          limiting factor when the adviser deems it desirable to
                          sell or purchase securities.

               Principal Risks

               If you invest in this fund you risk that you may lose your
               investment.

               The adviser intends to select investments within the sectors
               that it believes will provide high returns while preserving
               capital. If the adviser misjudges the return potential, or the
               ability of issuers to make scheduled principal and interest
               payments, the fund's returns may be lower than prevailing
               returns and the fund's income available for distribution maybe
               less than other funds. Neither the fund nor the adviser can
               assure you that a particular level of income will consistently
               be achieved.

               The fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in high risk, high
               yield securities (so called "junk bonds"). High risk, high yield
               securities present a greater risk that the issuer will not be
               able to make interest or principal payments on time. If this
               happens, the fund would lose income and could expect a decline
               in the market value of the securities.

               The fund may invest in issuers in foreign countries including
               "emerging market" countries (countries with markets that are not
               fully developed). Political and economic uncertainty as well as
               less public information about investments may negatively impact
               the fund's portfolio. Some investments may be made in currencies
               other than U.S. dollars that will fluctuate in value as a result
               of changes in the currency exchange rate. Foreign markets and
               currencies may not perform as well as U.S. markets. Emerging
               market countries and companies doing business in emerging
               markets may not have the same range of opportunities as
               countries and their companies in developed nations. They may
               also have more obstacles to financial success.

               Obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government,
               agencies, authorities and instrumentalities only guarantee
               principal and interest will be timely paid to holders of the
               securities. The entities do not guarantee that the value of fund
               shares will increase.

               The value of CMOs, REMICs and other pass-through securities may
               fluctuate to a greater degree than other debt securities in
               response to changes in interest rates. The market for these
               securities can be less liquid. These mortgage backed type
               securities may also be subject to prepayment risk.

               Although the fund intends to invest in all three market sectors,
               it may invest all of its assets in only one market sector.
               Conditions which negatively affect this one sector will have a
               greater impact on the fund's net asset value per share as
               compared to when the fund invests in more than one sector.

               Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis
               risk that the value of the security on settlement date may be
               more or less than the price paid. If it is less, the value of
               your shares may decline.

               The fund may invest in securities with long-term maturities.
               Long-term maturities present a greater risk that economic and
               market conditions may negatively impact expected returns of the
               security and typically, securities with long-term maturities are
               more sensitive to interest rate movements than shorter term
               securities.
    


12 Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
<PAGE>

   
               The fund may invest in unrated securities. Unrated securities
               may not have as broad a market as rated securities and it can be
               more difficult to assess their risk as compared to rated
               securities.

               The fund may experience a high portfolio turnover rate. Frequent
               and active trading may increase transaction costs for the fund
               and may increase capital gain distributions, which may result in
               greater tax liability to you.
    

               Performance Tables

   
               The bar chart below provides an indication of the risks of
               investing in the Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund by
               showing changes in the fund's Class A Shares performance from
               year to year over the life of the fund(1). The table below shows
               how the fund's average annual returns for one and five years and
               life of the fund compare to those of a broad-based securities
               market index. The fund's past performance is not necessarily an
               indication of how the fund will perform in the future.
                
    


Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

[REPRESENTATION OF BAR CHART]

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    Calendar Year
                  -------------------------------------------------
<S>               <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C> 
Annual Return (%) 1993     1994     1995     1996     1997     1998
                  8.95     -1.86    13.64    11.30    9.49
</TABLE>

   
              (1) The fund's average annual returns in the chart above do not
              reflect the deduction of any sales charges. The returns would
              have been less than those shown if sales charges were deducted.
              During the 10-year period shown in the chart above, the highest
              return for a quarter was 5.38% (quarter ending June 30, 1995) and
              the lowest return for a quarter was (5.50)% (quarter ending
              September 30, 1998). Year to date performance (through January
              31, 1999) was  __ %.
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Average Annual Total Returns                                        Life of
  (for the periods ending 12/31/98)(1)      One Year    Five Years   the fund(2)
- ------------------------------------------- ---------   -----------  ------------
<S>                                         <C>          <C>           <C>
  Class A Shares                                %             %             %
  Class B Shares                                %            N/A            %
  Class C Shares                                %            N/A            %
  Merrill Lynch Medium Quality Corporate
                                                %             %            N/A
  Short-Term Bond Index(3)
</TABLE>
    

   
(1) The fund's average annual returns in the table above reflect the deduction
of the maximum sales charge for an investment in the fund's Class A Shares and a
full redemption in the fund's Class B and C Shares.

(2) Class A Shares since July 6, 1992, Class B Shares since July 15, 1994, and
Class C Shares since October 1, 1997.

(3) The Merrill Lynch Medium Quality Corporate Short-Term Bond Index is an
unmanaged but commonly used index that tracks the returns of corporate issues
rated between BBB and A by Standard & Poor's, with maturities from 1 to 3 years.
The index's performance does not reflect sales charges.
    


                                    Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund 13
                                                                              
<PAGE>

               Fund Expenses
- -------------------------------

               This table illustrates all fees and expenses that you may pay if
you buy and hold shares of the fund.

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               Class A       Class B         Class C
                                                                Shares         Shares         Shares
                                                               -------       --------        --------
<S>                                                            <C>           <C>             <C>
    Shareholder Fees (fees paid directly from your
     investment)
      Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Purchases (as a
       percentage of offering price)                            2.25%          None           None
      Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (load) (as a percentage of  None           2%(b)          None
       the lesser of the value redeemed or the amount invested)
      Maximum Sales Charge (load) Imposed on Reinvested
      Dividends                                                 None           None           None
      Redemption Fee                                            None           None           None
      Exchange Fee                                              None           None           None
                                                               -------       --------        --------
                                                                Class A      Class B          Class C
                                                                Shares         Shares         Shares
                                                               -------       --------        --------
<CAPTION>
<S>                                                              <C>            <C>            <C>
    Annual Fund Operating Expenses (expenses that are
    deducted from fund assets)
      Management Fees                                            0.55%          0.55%          0.55%
      Distribution and Service (12b-1) Fees(c)                   0.25%          0.75%          0.50%
      Other Expenses                                             0.75%          0.75%          0.75%
                                                               -------       --------        --------
    Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses(a)                      1.55%          2.05%          1.80%
                                                               =======       ========        ========
</TABLE>
    

- ----------------
   
(a) The fund's investment adviser has agreed to reimburse through December 31,
1999 the Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund's operating expenses other
than Management Fees and Distribution and Service Fees to the extent that such
expenses exceed 0.20% for each class of shares.
    

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                              <C>          <C>          <C>
  Actual Total Annual Fund Operating Expenses
  after expense reimbursement are:               1.00%        1.50%        1.25%
</TABLE>
    

   
(b) The maximum deferred sales charge is imposed on Class B Shares redeemed
during the first year; thereafter, it decreases 0.50% annually to 1% during the
third year and to 0% after the third year.

(c) Distribution and Service Fees represent an asset based sales charge that,
for a long-term shareholder, may be higher than the maximum front-end sales
charge permitted by the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
("NASD").
    

   Example

   This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the
   fund with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.

   The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the fund for the time periods
   indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
   example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that
   the fund's operating expenses remain the same. In the case of Class B Shares,
   it is assumed that your shares are converted to Class A after eight years.
   Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, based on these assumptions
   your costs would be:


14 Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
<PAGE>


                                     
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Class       1 year     3 years     5 years     10 years
- -----------   --------   ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>           <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
  Class A     $379       $704        $1,051      $2,029
  Class B     $358       $643        $1,103      $2,135
  Class C     $183       $566        $  975      $2,116
</TABLE>
    

               You would pay the following expenses if you did not redeem your
shares:



                                     
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  Class       1 year     3 years     5 years     10 years
- -----------   --------   ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>           <C>        <C>         <C>         <C>
  Class A     $379       $704        $1,051      $2,029
  Class B     $208       $643        $1,103      $2,135
  Class C     $183       $566        $  975      $2,116
</TABLE>
    

   
               Note: Your actual expenses would be lower than those shown in
               the tables above since the expense levels used to calculate the
               figures shown do not include the reimbursement of expenses over
               certain levels by the fund's investment adviser. Refer to the
               section "Management of the Fund" for information about expense
               reimbursement.
    

               Investment Strategies
- --------------------------------------
   
               Investment Objective

               The fund has a primary objective to provide high current income
               while attempting to limit changes in the fund's net asset value
               per share caused by interest rate changes. There is no guarantee
               that the fund will achieve its objective.

               Principal Investment Strategies

               The fund uses a "sector rotation" approach to selecting
               investments. The adviser will diversify investments among
               several categories or "sectors" of fixed income securities.
               While the adviser cannot control either the general interest
               rate environment or levels of return of securities on an
               absolute basis, the adviser will seek to adjust the proportions
               of the fund's investment in the various sectors and the
               selection of investments within sectors to obtain higher returns
               on a relative basis.

               The fund will primarily invest in short term fixed income
               securities in the following three categories:


                  o U.S. Government Securities. Securities issued or guaranteed
                    as to principal and interest by the U.S. Government, its
                    agencies, authorities or instrumentalities. Securities in
                    this sector include U.S. Treasury obligations, securities
                    issued by the Government National Mortgage
    


                                    Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund 15
                                                                              
<PAGE>

   
                    Association (GNMA), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage
                    Corporation (FHLMC), the Federal National Mortgage
                    Corporation (FNMA) and Student Loan Marketing Association
                    (SLMA), CMOs, REMICs and other securities collateralized by
                    portfolios of mortgage pass-through securities guaranteed
                    by GNMA, FHLMC, or FNMA.

                  o Foreign Securities. Debt securities issued by foreign
                    issuers, including foreign governments and their political
                    subdivisions and issuers and non-government issuers
                    considered creditworthy by the adviser. Issuers may be in
                    developed countries as well as emerging market countries.
                    Investments in non-U.S. dollar securities and currency will
                    be evaluated on the basis of fundamental economic criteria,
                    inflation level and trends, growth rate forecasts and
                    technical and political data.

                  o High Yield and Investment Grade Securities. Securities of
                    U.S. issuers of all types of long or short term debt
                    obligations including bonds, debentures, municipal bonds,
                    equipment lease and trust certificates, asset-backed
                    securities, pass-through securities, REMICs and CMOs, sales
                    contracts and commercial paper.


               At least 65% of the fund's assets will be invested in investment
               grade securities which are rated BBB or above by S&P or D&P; or
               Baa or above by Moody's or unrated securities determined by the
               adviser to be of the same comparable, limited quality. The fund
               is not obligated to dispose of debt securities whose credit
               quality falls below investment grade.

               The fund generally will be invested in each of the three market
               sectors. However, the fund may invest any amount of its assets
               in any one sector except the fund will not invest more than 35%
               of its assets in foreign debt securities in both developed and
               emerging market countries. The fund may not choose to invest in
               a sector in order to achieve its objective. The adviser believes
               that the fund's net asset value is likely to be more stable
               following this investment strategy than that of a fund which
               invests in only one of these sectors. Greater stability would
               occur because, in general, broad diversification over several
               market sectors tends to reduce volatility.

               The fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in high yield-high
               risk securities (so called "junk bonds") of domestic issuers,
               including preferred and preference stock and debt obligations.
               High risk, high yield securities generally pay higher current
               income but may present a greater risk that the issuer will not
               be able to make principal and interest payments on time.

               The fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in each of the
               following categories:

                  o foreign debt securities of issuers in both developed and
                    emerging market countries;

                  o securities with long term maturities; and

                  o preferred stocks.

               Preferred stocks are paid dividends before common stock
               dividends are paid and they have a set dividend payment rate.
    


16 Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
<PAGE>

   
               The fund may invest up to 25% of its net assets in securities
               purchased on a when issued or delayed delivery basis. The price
               of these securities is fixed at the time of commitment but
               settlement occurs after the customary settlement period for the
               particular security.

               The fund's portfolio turnover rate will not be a limiting factor
               when the adviser deems it desirable to sell or purchase
               securities.

               Please refer to the Statement of Additional Information for more
               detailed information about these and other investment techniques
               of the fund.
    

               Risks Related to Investment Strategies
- -------------------------------------------------------
   
               General

               The fund's focus is to provide high current income. The adviser
               intends to adjust the proportion of the fund's assets invested
               in the various sectors and to select investments that provide
               returns that are higher than prevailing returns on most fixed
               income securities while preserving capital. If the adviser
               misjudges the return potential of one sector relative to another
               the fund's returns may be lower than prevailing returns, and the
               fund's income available for distribution to shareholders may be
               less, on a relative basis, than other fixed income
               opportunities. Similarly, if the adviser misjudges the ability
               of the issuer of a portfolio security to make scheduled interest
               or other income payments to the fund, the fund's income
               available for distribution to shareholders may decrease. Neither
               the fund nor the adviser can assure you that a particular level
               of income will consistently be achieved.

               The value of your shares is based on the market value of the
               fund's investments. In the case of fixed income securities and
               other securities that have relatively fixed levels of return,
               the value of the security will be directly affected by trends in
               interest rates and the overall condition of credit markets. For
               example, in times of rising interest rates, the value of these
               types of securities tends to decrease. When interest rates fall,
               the value of these securities tends to rise.

               In addition to these general risks of investing in the fund,
               there are several specific risks of investing in the fund that
               you should note.

               High Yield-High Risk Securities

               The fund may invest in securities that will ordinarily be in the
               lower rating categories of NSROs or be non-rated securities that
               the adviser believes to be of comparable, limited quality.
               Although these securities provide greater income and opportunity
               for capital appreciation than investments in higher grade
               securities, they also typically entail greater price volatility
               and principal and interest risk. There is a greater risk that an
               issuer will not be able to make principal and interest payments
               on time.
    


                                    Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund 17
                                                                              
<PAGE>

   
               Unrated Securities

               The fund may invest in unrated securities. Unrated securities
               may not be lower in quality then rated securities but due to
               their perceived risk they may not have as broad a market as
               rated securities. Analysis of unrated securities is more complex
               than for rated securities, making it more difficult for the
               adviser to accurately predict risk.

               U.S. Government Securities

               Obligations issued or guaranteed by the U.S. government,
               agencies, authorities and instrumentalities only guarantee
               principal and interest will be timely paid to holders of the
               securities. The entities do not guarantee that the value of fund
               shares will increase.

               Pass-through Securities

               It is difficult to predict cash flows from mortgage backed and
               asset backed securities. Payments of principal and interest on
               the underlying assets may be allocated among classes in a
               variety of ways and the inability to determine specific amounts
               and timing of prepayments of the underlying loans make it
               difficult to accurately predict cash flow accurately. In the
               event of high prepayments, the fund may be required to invest
               these proceeds at a lower interest rate, causing the fund to
               earn less than if the prepayments had not occurred.

               Foreign Investing

               The fund may invest in non-U.S. issuers. Investing in the
               securities of non-U.S. issuers involves special risks and
               considerations not typically associated with investing in U.S.
               issuers. These include:

                  [arrow] differences in accounting, auditing and financial
                          reporting standards,

                  [arrow] generally higher commission rates on foreign portfolio
                          transactions,

                  [arrow] differences and inefficiencies in transaction
                          settlement systems,

                  [arrow] the possibility of expropriation or confiscatory
                          taxation,

                  [arrow] adverse changes in investment or exchange control
                          regulations,

                  [arrow] political instability, and

                  [arrow] potential restrictions on the flow of international
                          capital.

               Political and economic uncertainty as well as less public
               information about investments may negatively impact the fund's
               portfolio.

               Foreign securities often trade with less frequency and volume
               than domestic securities and therefore may exhibit greater price
               volatility. Additionally, dividends and interest payable on
               foreign securities may be subject to foreign taxes withheld
               prior to receipt by the fund.
    

18 Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
<PAGE>

   
               Many of the foreign securities held by the fund will not be
               registered with, nor will the issuers of those securities be
               subject to the reporting requirements of, the U.S. Securities
               and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, there may be less publicly
               available information about the securities and about the foreign
               company or government issuing them than is available about a
               domestic company or government entity. Moreover, individual
               foreign economies may differ favorably or unfavorably from the
               U.S. economy in such respects as growth of gross national
               product, rate of inflation, capital reinvestment, resource
               self-sufficiency and balance of payment positions.

               Foreign Currency

               Portions of the fund's assets may be invested in securities
               denominated in foreign currencies. Changes in foreign exchange
               rates will affect the value of those securities denominated or
               quoted in currencies other than the U.S. dollar. The forces of
               supply and demand in the foreign exchange markets determine
               exchange rates and these forces are in turn affected by a range
               of economic, political, financial, governmental and other
               factors. Exchange rate fluctuations can affect the fund's net
               asset value (share price) and dividends either positively or
               negatively depending upon whether foreign currencies are
               appreciating or depreciating in value relative to the U.S.
               dollar. Exchange rates fluctuate over both the long and short
               terms.

               Effective January 1, 1999, eleven European countries will begin
               converting from their sovereign currency to the European Union
               common currency called the "Euro". This conversion may expose
               the fund to certain risks including the reliability and timely
               reporting of pricing information of the fund's portfolio
               holdings. In addition, one or more of the following may
               adversely affect specific securities in the fund's portfolio:

                  o Known trends or uncertainties related to the Euro
                    conversion that an issuer reasonably expects will have a
                    material impact on revenues, expenses or income from its
                    operations;

                  o Competitive implications of increased price transparency of
                    European Union markets (including labor markets) resulting
                    from adoption of a common currency and issuers' plans for
                    pricing their own products and services in the Euro;

                  o Issuers' ability to make required information technology
                    updates on a timely basis, and costs associated with the
                    conversion (including costs of dual currency operations
                    through January 1, 2002);

                  o Currency exchange rate risk and derivatives exposure
                    (including the disappearance of price sources, such as
                    certain interest rate indices); and

                  o Potential tax consequences.

               Emerging Market Investing

               The fund may invest in companies located in emerging market
               countries and regions. Investments in less-developed countries
               whose markets are still emerging generally presents risks in
               greater degree than those presented by investment in foreign
               issuers based in countries with developed securities markets and
               more advanced regulatory system. Prior governmental
    


                                    Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund 19
                                                                              
<PAGE>

   
               approval of foreign investments may be required under certain
               circumstances in some developing countries, and the extent of
               foreign investment in domestic companies may be subject to
               limitation in other developing countries. The charters of
               individual companies in developing countries may impose
               limitations on foreign ownership to prevent, among other
               concerns, violation of foreign investment limitations.

               Single Sector Investing

               Although the fund intends to invest in all four market sectors,
               it may invest all of its assets in only one market sector.
               Securities of companies in other sectors may provide greater
               investment return in certain market conditions as compared to
               securities in this sector. Conditions which negatively affect
               this one sector will have a greater impact on the fund as
               compared to when the fund invests in more than one sector or as
               compared to other funds.

               Long-Term Maturities

               Long-term maturities present a greater risk that economic and
               market conditions may negatively impact expected returns of a
               security. Typically, securities with long-term maturities are
               more sensitive to interest rate movements than shorter term
               securities. Small increases or decreases in interest rates will
               have a greater effect on securities with longer maturities than
               on shorter term maturities because the change will effect the
               security for a longer period of time.

               When-Issued and Delayed-Delivery Securities

               Securities purchased on a when-issued or delayed-delivery basis
               risk that the value of the security on settlement date may be
               more or less than the price paid as a result of changes in the
               level of interest rates or other market changes. If the value on
               settlement day is less, the value of your shares may decline.

               Turnover Rate

               Each time a security is bought or sold, the fund incurs certain
               costs associated with the transaction. The more transactions,
               the higher the overall cost to the fund. Likewise, frequent
               sales that result in gains to the fund could increase the amount
               of capital gains distributions to you, the shareholder.
               Increased capital gains distributions could result in greater
               tax liability to you.

               Impact of the Year 2000 Issue on Fund Investments

               The Year 2000 issue is the result of computer programs being
               written using two rather than four digits to define the
               applicable year. There is the possibility that some or all of a
               company's computer programs that have date-sensitive software
               may recognize a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the
               year 2000. If a company whose securities are held by the fund
               does not "fix" its Year 2000 issue it is possible that its
               operations and financial results would be hurt. Also the cost of
               modifying computer programs to become Year 2000 compliant may
               hurt the financial performance and market price of companies
               whose securities are held by the fund.
    


20 Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

<PAGE>

   
               Management of the Funds
- -------------------------------------------

               The Adviser

               Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("Phoenix") is the investment
               adviser to the fund and is located at 56 Prospect Street,
               Hartford, CT 06115. Phoenix also acts as the investment adviser
               for 14 other mutual funds, as subadviser to three additional
               mutual funds and as adviser to institutional clients. As of
               December 31, 1998, Phoenix had $     billion in assets under
               management. Phoenix has acted as an investment adviser for over
               sixty years.

               Subject to the direction of the fund's Board of Trustees,
               Phoenix is responsible for managing the fund's investment
               program and the day-to-day management of each fund's portfolio.
               Phoenix manages each fund's assets to conform with the
               investment policies as described in this prospectus. Each fund
               pays Phoenix a monthly investment management fee that is accrued
               daily against the value of the fund's net assets at the
               following rates.
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        1st billion       $1+ billion through $2 billion        $2+ billion
- -------------------------------------   ---------------   ---------------------------------     --------------
<S>                                     <C>               <C>                                   <C>
  Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund        0.55%                         0.50%                         0.45%
  Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund     0.55%                         0.50%                         0.45%
</TABLE>
    

   
Phoenix has voluntarily agreed to assume fund operating expenses of the
Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund excluding interest, taxes, brokerage fees,
commissions and extraordinary expenses, until December 31, 1999, to the extent
that such expenses exceed the following percentages of the average annual net
asset values for the fund:
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                        Class A Shares       Class B Shares       Class C Shares
- -------------------------------------   ------------------   ------------------   ------------------
<S>                                     <C>                  <C>                  <C>
  Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund     1.00%                1.50%                1.25%
</TABLE>
    

   
               During the last fiscal year, the Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund
               paid total management fees of $1,875,258; the Multi-Sector Short
               Term Bond Fund paid total management fees of $270,259. The ratio
               of management fees to average net assets for the fiscal year
               ended October 31, 1998 was 0.55% for the Multi-Sector Fixed
               Income Fund and 0.55% for the Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund.
               On June 1, 1998, National Securities & Research Corporation
               ("National") assigned its investment management agreement for
               each of the funds to Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. Phoenix
               and National are subsidiaries of Phoenix Investment Partners,
               Ltd. (formerly Phoenix Duff & Phelps Corporation). Of the total
               management fees paid by the funds during the last fiscal year,
               National was paid $          and Phoenix was paid $        by
               the Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund; National was paid $
               and Phoenix was paid $        by the Multi-Sector Short Term
               Bond Fund.
    


                                 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc. 21
                                 Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
<PAGE>

   
               Portfolio Management

               David L. Albrycht is portfolio manager of the funds, and as
               such, is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of
               the funds' portfolios. Mr. Albrycht co-managed the Multi-Sector
               Fixed Income Fund since March 1994, and assumed full management
               of that fund in April 1995. He has been portfolio manager of the
               Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund since August 1993.

               Mr. Albrycht has also been the portfolio manager of the Phoenix
               Strategic Income Fund of the Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund since
               August 1993. Mr. Albrycht is a Managing Director, Fixed Income,
               of Phoenix. He held various investment management positions with
               Phoenix Home Life Mutual Insurance Company, an affiliate of
               Phoenix, from 1989 through 1995.
    

               Impact of the Year 2000 Issue on Fund Operations

               The Trustees have directed management to ensure that the systems
               used by service providers (Phoenix and its affiliates) in
               support of the fund's operations be assessed and brought into
               Year 2000 compliance. Based upon preliminary assessments,
               Phoenix has determined that it will be required to modify or
               replace portions of its software so that its computer systems
               will properly utilize dates beyond December 31, 1999. Phoenix
               management believes that the majority of these systems are
               already Year 2000 compliant. Phoenix believes that with
               modifications to existing software and conversions to new
               software, the Year 2000 issue will be mitigated. It is
               anticipated that such modifications and conversions will be
               completed on a timely basis. It is not known at this time if
               there could be a material impact on the operations of Phoenix or
               its affiliates or the fund if such modifications and conversions
               are not completed timely.

   
               Phoenix will utilize both internal and external resources to
               reprogram, or replace, and test the software for Year 2000
               modifications. Certain systems are already in the process of
               being converted due to previous initiatives and it is expected
               that all core systems will be remediated by December 31, 1998
               and tested by June 1999. The total cost to become Year 2000
               compliant is not an expense of the fund and is not expected to
               have a material impact on the operating results of Phoenix.
    

               Pricing of Fund Shares
- ---------------------------------------

               How is the Share Price determined?

               The fund calculates a share price for each class of its shares.
               The share price is based on the net assets of the fund and the
               number of outstanding shares. In general, the fund calculates
               net asset value by:

                  o adding the values of all securities and other assets of the
                    fund,

                  o subtracting liabilities, and

                  o dividing by the total number of outstanding shares of the
                    fund.

22 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
   Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

<PAGE>

               Asset Value: The fund's investments are valued at market value.
               If market quotations are not available, the fund determines a
               "fair value" for an investment according to rules and procedures
               approved by the Trustees. Foreign and domestic debt securities
               (other than short-term investments) are valued on the basis of
               broker quotations or valuations provided by a pricing service
               approved by the Trustees when such prices are believed to
               reflect the fair value of such securities. Foreign and domestic
               equity securities are valued at the last sale price or, if there
               has been no sale that day, at the last bid price, generally.
               Short-term investments having a remaining maturity of sixty days
               or less are valued at amortized cost, which the Trustees have
               determined approximates market value.

   
               Liabilities: Class specific expenses, distribution fees, service
               fees and other liabilities are deducted from the assets of each
               class. Expenses and liabilities that are not class specific
               (such as management fees) are allocated to each class in
               proportion to each class's net assets, except where an
               alternative allocation can be more fairly made.
    

               Net Asset Value: The liability allocated to a class plus any
               other expenses are deducted from the proportionate interest of
               such class in the assets of the fund. The resulting amount for
               each class is then divided by the number of shares outstanding
               of that class to produce each class's net asset value per share.
                

               The net asset value per share of each class of the fund is
               determined on days when the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE")
               is open for trading as of the close of trading (normally 4:00 PM
               eastern time). The fund will not calculate its net asset values
               per share on days when the NYSE is closed for trading. Trading
               of securities held by the fund in foreign markets may negatively
               or positively impact the value of such securities on days when
               the fund neither trades securities nor calculates its net asset
               values (i.e., weekends and certain holidays).

               At what price are shares purchased?

               All investments received by the fund's authorized agents prior
               to the close of regular trading on the NYSE (normally 4:00 PM
               eastern time) will be executed based on that day's net asset
               value. Shares credited to your account from the reinvestment of
               fund distributions will be in full and fractional shares that
               are purchased at the closing net asset value on the next
               business day on which the fund's net asset value is calculated
               following the dividend record date.

               Sales Charges
- ------------------------------

               What are the classes and how do they differ?

   
               Each fund presently offers three classes of shares that have
               different sales and distribution charges (see "Fund Expenses"
               previously in this prospectus). Each fund has adopted
               distribution and service plans allowed under Rule 12b-1 of the
               Investment Company Act of 1940 that authorize the fund to pay
               distribution and service fees for the sale of its shares and
    


                                 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc. 23
                                 Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

<PAGE>

               for services provided to shareholders. The distribution and
               service fees represent an asset based sales charge that, for a
               long-term shareholder, may be higher than the maximum front-end
               sales charge permitted by the National Association of Securities
               Dealers, Inc. ("NASD").

               What arrangement is best for you?

               The different classes permit you to choose the method of
               purchasing shares that is most beneficial to you. In choosing a
               class, consider the amount of your investment, the length of
               time you expect to hold the shares, whether you decide to
               receive distributions in cash or to reinvest them in additional
               shares, and any other personal circumstances. Depending upon
               these considerations, the accumulated distribution and service
               fees and contingent deferred sales charges of one class may be
               more or less than the initial sales charge and accumulated
               distribution and service fees of another class of shares bought
               at the same time. Because distribution and service fees are paid
               out of the fund's assets on an ongoing basis, over time these
               fees will increase the cost of your investment and may cost you
               more than paying other types of sales charges.

   
               Class A Shares. If you purchase Class A Shares of the
               Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, you will pay a sales charge at
               the time of purchase equal to 4.75% of the offering price (4.99%
               of the amount invested). If you purchase Class A Shares of the
               Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund, you will pay a sales charge
               at the time of purchase equal to 2.25% of the offering price
               (2.30% of the amount invested). The sales charge may be reduced
               or waived under certain conditions. Class A Shares are not
               subject to any charges by the fund when redeemed. Class A Shares
               have lower distribution and service fees (0.25%) and pay higher
               dividends than any other class.

               Class B Shares. If you purchase Class B Shares, you will not pay
               a sales charge at the time of purchase. If you sell your Class B
               Shares of the Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund within the first 5
               years after they are purchased, you will pay a sales charge of
               up to 5% of your shares' value. If you sell your Class B Shares
               of the Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund within the first 3
               years after they are purchased, you will pay a sales charge of
               up to 2% of your shares' value. See "Deferred Sales Charge
               Alternative--Class B and C Shares" below. These charges decline
               to 0% over a period of 5 years for the Multi-Sector Fixed Income
               Fund and a period of 3 years for the Multi-Sector Short Term
               Bond Fund. The sales charge may be waived under certain
               conditions. Class B shares have higher distribution and service
               fees (1.00% for the Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund and 0.75% for
               the Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund) and pay lower dividends
               than Class A Shares. Class B Shares automatically convert to
               Class A Shares 8 years after purchase for the Multi-Sector Fixed
               Income Fund and 6 years after purchase for the Multi-Sector
               Short Term Bond Fund. Purchases of Class B Shares may be
               inappropriate for any investor who may qualify for reduced sales
               charges of Class A Shares and anyone who is over 85 years of
               age. The underwriter may decline purchases in such situations.

               Class C Shares. If you purchase Class C Shares, you will not pay
               a sales charge at the time of purchase. If you sell your Class C
               Shares of the Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund within the first
               year after they are purchased, you will pay a sales charge of
               1%. You will not pay any sales charges on Class C Shares of the
               Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund when you sell them. See
               "Deferred
    


24 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
   Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

<PAGE>

   
               Sales Charge Alternative--Class B and C Shares" below. Class C
               Shares have the same distribution and service fees (1.00% for
               the Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund and 0.50% for the
               Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund) and pay comparable dividends
               as Class B Shares. Class C Shares do not convert to any other
               class of shares of the fund.
    

               Initial Sales Charge Alternative--Class A Shares

               The public offering price of Class A Shares is the net asset
               value plus a sales charge that varies depending on the size of
               your purchase (see "Class A Shares--Reduced Sales Charges:
               Combination Purchase Privilege" in the Statement of Additional
               Information). Shares purchased based on the automatic
               reinvestment of income dividends or capital gains distributions
               are not subject to any sales charges. The sales charge is
               divided between your investment dealer and the fund's
               underwriter (Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation or "PEPCO").

               Sales Charge you may pay to purchase Class A Shares

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Sales Charge as
  Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund            a percentage of
- ------------------------------------   -----------------------
  Amount of                                             Net
  Transaction                          Offering       Amount
  at Offering Price                      Price        Invested
- ------------------------------------   --------       --------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>
  Under $50,000                         4.75%          4.99%
  $50,000 but under $100,000            4.50           4.71
  $100,000 but under $250,000           3.50           3.63
  $250,000 but under $500,000           3.00           3.09
  $500,000 but under $1,000,000         2.00           2.04
  $1,000,000 or more                     None           None
</TABLE>
    


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Sales Charge as
  Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund            a percentage of
- ---------------------------------------   -----------------------
  Transaction                             Offering       Amount
  at Offering Price                         Price        Invested
- ---------------------------------------   --------       --------
<S>                                       <C>            <C>
  Under $50,000                            2.25%          2.30%
  $50,000 but under $100,000               1.25           1.27
  $100,000 but under $500,000              1.00           1.01
  $500,000 but under $1,000,000            0.75           0.76
  $1,000,000 or more                        None           None
</TABLE>
    

   Deferred Sales Charge Alternative--Class B and C Shares

   
   Class B and C Shares are purchased without an initial sales charge; however,
   shares sold within a specified time period are subject to a declining
   contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") at the rates listed below. Class C
   Shares of the Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund are purchased without an
   initial sales charge and are not subject to a deferred sales charge. The
   sales charge will be multiplied by the then current market value or the
   initial cost of the shares being redeemed, whichever is less. No sales charge
   will be imposed on increases in net asset value or on shares purchased
   through the reinvestment of income dividends or capital gains distributions.
   To minimize
    


                                 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc. 25
                                 Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
<PAGE>

               the sales charge, shares not subject to any charge will be
               redeemed first, followed by shares held the longest time. To
               calculate the amount of shares owned and time period held, all
               Class B Shares purchased in any month are considered purchased
               on the last day of the preceding month, and all Class C Shares
               are considered purchased on the trade date.


   
               Deferred Sales Charge you may pay to sell Class B Shares


               Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund

                Year    1     2     3    4     5      6+
               ----------------------------------------------------------------
                CDSC    5%    4%    3%   2%    2%     0%


               Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

                Year    1     2     3     4+
               ----------------------------------------------------------------
                CDSC    2%   1.5%   1%    0%


               Deferred Sales Charge you may pay to sell Class C Shares


               Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund

                Year    1     2+
               ----------------------------------------------------------------
                CDSC    1%    0%
    

   
               You will not pay any deferred sales charge to sell Class C
               Shares of the Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund.
    

               Your Account
- -----------------------------

               Opening an Account

               Your financial advisor can assist you with your initial purchase
               as well as all phases of your investment program. If you are
               opening an account by yourself, please follow the instructions
               outlined below.

               Step 1.

               Your first choice will be the initial amount you intend to
               invest.

               Minimum initial investments:

                  o $25 for individual retirement accounts, or accounts that
                    use the systematic exchange privilege, or accounts that use
                    the Investo-Matic program (see below for more information
                    on the Investo-Matic program).


26 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
   Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

<PAGE>

                  o There is no initial dollar requirement for defined
                    contribution plans, profit-sharing plans, or employee
                    benefit plans. There is also no minimum for reinvesting
                    dividends and capital gains into another account.

                  o $500 for all other accounts.

               Minimum additional investments:

                  o $25 for any account.

                  o There is no minimum for defined contribution plans,
                    profit-sharing plans, or employee benefit plans. There is
                    also no minimum for reinvesting dividends and capital gains
                    into an existing account.

               Step 2.

   
               Your second choice will be what class of shares to buy. The
               funds offer three classes of shares for individual investors.
               Each has different sales and distribution charges. Because all
               future investments in your account will be made in the share
               class you choose when you open your account, you should make
               your decision carefully. Your financial advisor can help you
               pick the share class that makes the most sense for your
               situation.
    

               Step 3.

               Your next choice will be how you want to receive any dividends
               and capital gain distributions. Your options are:

                  o Receive both dividends and capital gain distributions in
                    additional shares

                  o Receive dividends in cash and capital gain distributions in
                    additional shares

                  o Receive both dividends and capital gain distributions in
                    cash


               No interest will be paid on uncashed distribution checks.

                                 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc. 27
                                 Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

<PAGE>

               How To Buy Shares
- ------------------------------------

 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  To Open An Account
- -------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>
  Through a financial advisor     Contact your advisor. Some advisors may charge a fee.

  Through the mail                Complete a New Account Application and send it with a check
                                  payable to the fund. Mail them to: State Street Bank, P.O. Box
                                  8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301.

  By Federal Funds wire           Call us at 1-800-243-1574 (press 1, then 0).

  By Investo-Matic                Complete the appropriate section on the application and send it
                                  with your initial investment payable to the fund. Mail them to:
                                  State Street Bank, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301.

  By telephone exchange           Call us at 1-800-243-1574 (press 1, then 0).
</TABLE>

               How to Sell Shares
- -----------------------------------
   
               You have the right to have the funds buy back shares at the net
               asset value next determined after receipt of a redemption order
               by the fund's Transfer Agent or an authorized agent. In the case
               of a Class B or C Share redemption, you will be subject to the
               applicable deferred sales charge, if any, for such shares.
               Subject to certain restrictions, shares may be redeemed by
               telephone or in writing. In addition, shares may be sold through
               securities dealers, brokers or agents who may charge customary
               commissions or fees for their services. The funds do not charge
               any redemption fees. Payment for shares redeemed is made within
               seven days; however, redemption proceeds will not be disbursed
               until each check used for purchases of shares has been cleared
               for payment by your bank, which may take up to 15 days after
               receipt of the check.
    


28 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
   Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

<PAGE>

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  To Sell Shares
- -------------------------------   ----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                               <C>
  Through a financial advisor     Contact your advisor. Some advisors may charge a fee.

  Through the mail                Send a letter of instruction and any share certificates (if you
                                  hold certificate shares) to: State Street Bank, P.O. Box 8301,
                                  Boston, MA 02266-8301. Be sure to include the registered
                                  owner's name, fund and account number, number of shares
                                  or dollar value you wish to sell.

  By telephone                    For sales up to $50,000, requests can be made by calling
                                  1-800-243-1574.

  By telephone exchange           Call us at 1-800-243-1574 (press 1, then 0).

  By check                        If you selected the checkwriting feature, you may write
                                  checks for amounts of $500 or more. Checks may not be
                                  used to close an account.
</TABLE>
    

               Things You Should Know When Selling Shares
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
   
               You may realize a taxable gain or loss (for federal income tax
               purposes) if you redeem shares of the funds. The funds reserve
               the right to pay large redemptions "in-kind" (in securities
               owned by the fund rather than in cash). Large redemptions are
               those over $250,000 or 1% of the fund's net assets. Additional
               documentation will be required for redemptions by organizations,
               fiduciaries, or retirement plans, or if redemption is requested
               by anyone but the shareholder(s) of record. Transfers between
               broker-dealer "street" accounts are governed by the accepting
               broker-dealer. Questions regarding this type of transfer should
               be directed to your financial advisor. Redemption requests will
               not be honored until all required documents in proper form have
               been received. To avoid delay in redemption or transfer,
               shareholders having questions about specific requirements should
               contact the fund's Transfer Agent at (800) 243-1574.


               Redemptions by Mail


                  [arrow] Send a clear letter of instructions if all of these
                          apply:

                          o  Your shares are registered individually, jointly,
                             or as custodian under the Uniform Gifts to Minors
                             Act or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act.

                          o  The proceeds do not exceed $50,000.

                          o  The proceeds are payable to the registered owner at
                             the address on record.



                  [arrow] Send a clear letter of instructions with a signature
                          guarantee when any of these apply:
    

                                 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc. 29
                                 Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

<PAGE>

   
                          o  Your shares are registered individually, jointly,
                             or as custodian under the Uniform Gifts to Minors
                             Act or Uniform Transfers to Minors Act.

                          o  You are selling more than $50,000 worth of shares.

                          o  The name or address on the account has changed
                             within the last 60 days.
    

                          o  You want the proceeds to go to a different name or
                             address than on the account.


               If you are selling shares held in a corporate or fiduciary
               account, please contact the fund's Transfer Agent at
               1-800-243-1574.

               The signature on your request must be guaranteed by an eligible
               guarantor institution as defined by the fund's Transfer Agent in
               accordance with its signature guarantee procedures. Currently,
               such procedures generally permit guarantees by banks, broker
               dealers, credit unions, national securities exchanges,
               registered securities associations, clearing agencies and
               savings associations.

               Selling Shares by Telephone

               The Transfer Agent will use reasonable procedures to confirm
               that telephone instructions are genuine. Address and bank
               account information are verified, redemption instructions are
               taped, and all redemptions are confirmed in writing.

               The individual investor bears the risk from instructions given
               by an unauthorized third party that the Transfer Agent
               reasonably believed to be genuine.

               The Transfer Agent may modify or terminate the telephone
               redemption privilege at any time with 60 days notice to
               shareholders.

               During times of drastic economic or market changes, telephone
               redemptions may be difficult to make or temporarily suspended.

               Account Policies
- --------------------------------

               Account Reinstatement Privilege

               For 180 days after you sell your Class A, B, or C Shares, you
               can purchase Class A Shares of any fund at net asset value, with
               no sales charge, by reinvesting all or part of your proceeds,
               but not more. Send your written request to State Street Bank,
               P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301. You can call us at
               1-800-243-1574 for more information.


30 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
   Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

<PAGE>

               Please remember, a redemption and reinvestment are considered to
               be a sale and purchase for tax-reporting purposes. Class B
               shareholders who have had the contingent deferred sales charge
               waived because they are in the Systematic Withdrawal Program are
               not eligible for this reinstatement privilege.

               Redemption of Small Accounts

               Due to the high cost of maintaining small accounts, if your
               account balance is less than $200, you may receive a notice
               requesting you to bring the balance up to $200 within 60 days.
               If you do not, the shares in the account will be sold at net
               asset value, and a check will be mailed to the address of
               record.

               Exchange Privileges

               You should read the prospectus carefully before deciding to make
               an exchange. You can obtain a prospectus from your financial
               advisor or by calling us at 1-800-243-4361 or accessing our Web
               site at www.phoenixinvestments.com.

                  o You may exchange shares for another fund in the same class
                    of shares; e.g., Class A for Class A.

                  o Exchanges may be made by phone (1-800-243-1574) or by mail
                    (State Street Bank, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301).

   
                  o The amount of the exchange must be equal to or greater than
                    the minimum initial investment required.
    

                  o The exchange of shares is treated as a sale and purchase for
                    federal income tax purposes.

                  o Because excessive trading can hurt fund performance and harm
                    other shareholders, the Fund reserves the right to
                    temporarily or permanently end exchange privileges or reject
                    an order from anyone who appears to be attempting to time
                    the market, including investors who request more than one
                    exchange in any 30-day period. The fund's underwriter has
                    entered into agreements with certain market timing firms
                    permitting them to exchange by telephone. These privileges
                    are limited, and the fund distributor has the right to
                    reject or suspend them.

               Retirement Plans

               Shares of the fund may be used as investments under the
               following qualified prototype retirement plans: traditional IRA,
               rollover IRA, SIMPLE IRA, Roth IRA, 401(k) plans,
               profit-sharing, money purchase plans, and 403(b) plans. For more
               information, call 1-800-243-4361.


                                 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc. 31
                                 Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

<PAGE>

               Investor Services
- ---------------------------------

               Investo-Matic is a systematic investment plan that allows you to
               have a specified amount automatically deducted from your
               checking or savings account and then deposited into your mutual
               fund account. Just complete the Investo-Matic Section on the
               application and include a voided check.

               Systematic Exchange allows you to automatically move money from
               one Phoenix Fund to another on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual
               or annual basis. Shares of one Phoenix Fund will be exchanged
               for shares of the same class of another fund at the interval you
               select. To sign up, just complete the Systematic Exchange
               Section on the application.

               Telephone Exchange lets you exchange shares of one fund for the
               same class of shares in another fund, using our customer service
               telephone service. See the Telephone Exchange Section on the
               application.

   
               Systematic Withdrawal Program allows you to periodically redeem
               a portion of your account on a predetermined monthly, quarterly,
               semiannual, or annual basis. Sufficient shares will be redeemed
               on the 15th of the month at the closing net asset value so that
               the payment is made about the 20th of the month. The program
               also provides for redemptions on or about the 10th, 15th, or
               25th with proceeds directed through Automated Clearing House
               (ACH) to your bank. The minimum withdrawal is $25, and minimum
               account balance requirements continue. Shareholders in the
               program must own fund shares worth at least $5,000.

               Tax Status of Distributions
- -------------------------------------------

               Distributions from net investment income will be declared daily
               and paid monthly. The fund will distribute net realized capital
               gains, if any, at least annually. Distributions of short-term
               capital gains and net investment income are taxable to
               shareholders as ordinary income. Long-term capital gains, if
               any, distributed to shareholders and which are designated by the
               fund as capital gain distributions, are taxable to shareholders
               as long-term capital gain distributions regardless of the length
               of time you have owned your shares.

               Unless you elect to receive distributions in cash, dividends and
               capital gain distributions are paid in additional shares. All
               distributions, cash or additional shares, are subject to federal
               income tax and may be subject to state, local and other taxes.
    


32 Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
   Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund

<PAGE>

               Financial Highlights
- ------------------------------------
   
               This table is intended to help you understand the fund's
               financial performance for the past five years. Certain
               information reflects financial results for a single fund share.
               The total returns in the table represent the rate that an
               investor would have earned on an investment in the fund
               (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This
               information has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP,
               independent accountants. Their report, together with the fund's
               financial statements, are included in the fund's most recent
               Annual Report, which is available upon request.
    
               Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.

   
<TABLE>
                                                                                 Class A
                                              -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Year Ended October 31,
                                              -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                               1998              1997              1996           1995           1994
                                               ----              ----              ----           ----           ----
<S>                                           <C>            <C>               <C>            <C>             <C>
  Net asset value, beginning of period        $              $  13.27          $  12.56        $ 11.94         $ 14.13
  Income from investment operations:
    Net investment income                                        1.03              0.94           0.96            0.76
    Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)                      0.18              0.72           0.61           (1.35)
                                                             --------          --------       --------        -------
      Total from investment operations                           1.21              1.66           1.57           (0.59)
                                                             --------          --------       --------        -------
  Less distributions:
    Dividends from net investment income                        (0.98)            (0.95)         (0.95)          (0.77)
    Dividends from net realized gains                              --                --             --           (0.63)
    In excess of net investment income                             --                --             --           (0.05)
    Tax return of capital                                          --                --             --           (0.15)
                                                             --------          --------       --------        -------
      Total distributions                                       (0.98)            (0.95)         (0.95)          (1.60)
                                                             --------          --------       --------        -------
  Change in net asset value                                      0.23              0.71           0.62           (2.19)
                                                             --------          --------       --------        -------
  Net asset value, end of period              $              $  13.50          $  13.27        $ 12.56        $  11.94
                                              ====           ========          ========       ========        =======
  Total return(1)                                                9.22%            13.75%         13.83%          (4.57)%
  Ratios/supplemental data:
  Net assets, end of period (thousands)                      $191,486          $169,664       $168,875        $172,966
  Ratio to average net assets of:
    Operating expenses                                           1.04%(2)          1.07%          1.10%           1.13%
    Net investment income                                        7.28%             7.56%          8.10%           7.05%
  Portfolio turnover                                              295%              255%           201%            123%
</TABLE>
    

              ----------------
   
   (1) Maximum sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
   (2) For the year ended October 31, 1997, the ratio of operating expenses to
   average net assets excludes the effect of expense offsets for custodian fees;
   if expense offsets were included, the ratio would not significantly differ.
   (3) Not annualized.
   (4) Annualized.
    

                                                                              33
                                                                              
<PAGE>

               Financial Highlights (continued)
- ---------------------------------------------
   
               Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 Class B
                                              -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Year Ended October 31,
                                               1998              1997              1996           1995           1994
                                               ----              ----              ----           ----           ----
<S>                                           <C>            <C>               <C>             <C>            <C>
  Net asset value, beginning of period        $              $  13.25          $  12.54        $ 11.93        $  14.10
  Income from investment operations:
    Net investment income                                        0.92              0.85           0.86            0.68
    Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)                      0.18              0.71           0.61           (1.36)
                                              ----           --------          --------       --------        --------
      Total from investment operations                           1.10              1.56           1.47           (0.68)
                                              ----           --------          --------       --------        --------
  Less distributions:
    Dividends from net investment income                        (0.87)            (0.85)         (0.86)          (0.67)
    Dividends from net realized gains                              --                --             --           (0.63)
    In excess of net investment income                             --                --             --           (0.05)
    Tax return of capital                                          --                --             --           (0.14)
                                              ----           --------          --------       --------        --------
      Total distributions                                       (0.87)            (0.85)         (0.86)          (1.49)
                                              ----           --------          --------       --------        --------
  Change in net asset value                                      0.23              0.71           0.61           (2.17)
                                              ----           --------          --------       --------        --------
  Net asset value, end of period              $              $  13.48          $  13.25       $  12.54        $  11.93
                                              ----           --------          --------       --------        --------
  Total return(1)                                                8.42%            12.84%         12.96%          (5.21)%
                                              ====           ========          ========        =======        ========
  Ratios/supplemental data:
  Net assets, end of period (thousands)                      $154,989          $142,869       $144,020        $156,629
  Ratio to average net assets of:
    Operating expenses                                           1.79%(2)          1.82%          1.85%           1.78%
    Net investment income                                        6.52%             6.80%          7.30%           6.46%
  Portfolio turnover                                              295%              255%           201%            123%
</TABLE>
    

              ----------------
   
   (1) Maximum sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
   (2) For the year ended October 31, 1997, the ratio of operating expenses to
   average net assets excludes the effect of expense offsets for custodian fees;
   if expense offsets were included, the ratio would not significantly differ.
   (3) Not annualized.
   (4) Annualized.
    

34
<PAGE>

               Financial Highlights (continued)
- ---------------------------------------------
   
               Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               Class C
                                              -----------------------------------------
                                               Year Ended           From Inception
                                              October 31,           10/14/97 to
                                                  1998              10/31/97
                                              ----------            --------
<S>                                           <C>                   <C>
  Net asset value, beginning of period        $                     $ 14.22
  Income from investment operations:
    Net investment income                                              0.04
    Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)                           (0.74)
                                                                    --------
      Total from investment operations                                (0.70)
                                                                    --------
  Less distributions:
    Dividends from net investment income                              (0.04)
    Dividends from net realized gains                                    --
    In excess of net investment income                                   --
    Tax return of capital                                                --
                                                                    --------
      Total distributions                                             (0.04)
                                                                    --------
  Change in net asset value                                           (0.74)
                                                                    --------
  Net asset value, end of period              $                     $ 13.48
                                              ==========            ========
  Total return(1)                                                     (5.00)%(3)
  Ratios/supplemental data:                                     
  Net assets, end of period (thousands)                             $   284
  Ratio to average net assets of:
    Operating expenses                                                 1.62%(4)
    Net investment income                                              4.75%(4)
  Portfolio turnover                                                    295%
</TABLE>
    

   
              ----------------
   (1) Maximum sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
   (2) For the year ended October 31, 1997, the ratio of operating expenses to
       average net assets excludes the effect of expense offsets for custodian
       fees; if expense offsets were included, the ratio would not significantly
       differ.
   (3) Not annualized.
   (4) Annualized.
    

                                                                              35
                                                                              
<PAGE>

               Financial Highlights (continued)
- ---------------------------------------------
   
               Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Class A
                                            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Year Ended October 31,
                                            --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  1998            1997            1996            1995            1994
                                            -------------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
<S>                                         <C>                <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
  Net asset value, beginning of period         $  5.06         $  4.91         $  4.74         $  4.61         $  4.91
  Income from investment operations:
    Net investment income                         0.34(2)         0.34(2)         0.33(2)         0.33(2)         0.29(2)
    Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)      (0.29)           0.14            0.17            0.13           (0.26)
                                               ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
      Total from investment operations            0.05            0.48            0.50            0.46            0.03
                                               ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
  Less distributions:
    Dividends from net investment income         (0.34)          (0.33)          (0.33)          (0.33)          (0.29)
    Dividends from net realized gains            (0.11)             --              --              --           (0.03)
    Tax return of capital                           --              --              --              --           (0.01)
                                               ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
      Total distributions                        (0.45)          (0.33)          (0.33)          (0.33)          (0.33)
                                               ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
  Change in net asset value                      (0.40)           0.15            0.17            0.13           (0.30)
                                               ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
  Net asset value, end of period               $  4.66         $  5.06         $  4.91         $  4.74         $  4.61
                                               ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========
  Total return(1)                                 0.85%          10.08%          10.91%          10.27%           0.40%
  Ratios/supplemental data:
  Net assets, end of period (thousands)         33,212         $28,557         $13,702         $ 9,303         $ 9,371
  Ratio to average net assets of:
    Operating expenses                            1.00%           1.00%           1.00%           1.00%           1.00%
    Net investment income                         6.90%           6.54%           6.88%           7.07%           5.99%
  Portfolio turnover                               126%            246%            232%            344%            121%
</TABLE>
    

   
   ----------------
   (1) Maximum sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
   (2) Includes reimbursement of operating expenses by investment adviser of
       $0.02, $0.04, $0.06, $0.08 and $0.08, respectively.
               
    

36
<PAGE>

               Financial Highlights (continued)
- ---------------------------------------------
   
               Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
    

   
<TABLE>
                                                                               Class B
                                            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                        Year Ended October 31,
                                            ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 1998            1997            1996            1995            1994
                                            ------------     ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
<S>                                         <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
  Net asset value, beginning of period           5.06        $  4.91         $  4.74         $  4.61         $  4.91
                                            ------------     ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
  Income from investment operations:
    Net investment income                        0.31(2)        0.31(2)         0.31(2)         0.30(2)         0.27(2)
    Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.29)          0.15            0.17            0.13           (0.26)
                                            ------------     ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
      Total from investment operations           0.02           0.46            0.48            0.43            0.01
                                            ------------     ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
  Less distributions:
    Dividends from net investment income        (0.32)         (0.31)          (0.31)          (0.30)          (0.27)
    Dividends from net realized gains           (0.11)            --              --              --           (0.03)
    Tax return of capital                          --             --              --              --           (0.01)
                                            ------------     ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
      Total distributions                       (0.43)         (0.31)          (0.31)          (0.30)          (0.31)
                                            ------------     ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
  Change in net asset value                     (0.41)          0.15            0.17            0.13           (0.30)
                                            ------------     ----------      ----------      ----------      ----------
  Net asset value, end of period              $  4.65        $  5.06         $  4.91         $  4.74         $  4.61
                                            ============     ==========      ==========      ==========      ==========
  Total return(1)                                0.12%          9.51%          10.36%           9.71%          (0.03)%
  Ratios/supplemental data:
  Net assets, end of period (thousands)        12,225        $10,318         $ 5,943         $ 4,659         $ 6,418
  Ratio to average net assets of:
    Operating expenses                           1.50%          1.50%           1.50%           1.50%           1.45%
    Net investment income                        6.44%          6.05%           6.38%           6.59%           5.74%
  Portfolio turnover                              126%           246%            232%            344%            121%
</TABLE>
    

   
   ----------------
   (1) Maximum sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
   (2) Includes reimbursement of operating expenses by investment adviser of
       $0.02, $0.04, $0.06, $0.08 and $0.08, respectively.
    

                                                                              37
                                                                              
<PAGE>

               Financial Highlights (continued)
- ---------------------------------------------
   
               Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
    

   
<TABLE>
                                                          Class C
                                              -----------------------------------
                                              Year Ended           From Inception
                                              October 31,          10/1/97 to
                                                 1998              10/31/97
                                              --------             --------
<S>                                           <C>                  <C>
  Net asset value, beginning of period         $ 5.06              $5.15
                                              --------             --------
  Income from investment operations:
    Net investment income                        0.34(2)            0.03(2)
    Net realized and unrealized gain (loss)     (0.30)             (0.09)
                                              ----------           --------
      Total from investment operations           0.04              (0.06)
                                              ----------           --------
  Less distributions:
    Dividends from net investment income        (0.33)             (0.03)
    Dividends from net realized gains           (0.11)                --
    Tax return of capital                          --                 --
      Total distributions                       (0.44)             (0.03)
                                              ----------           --------
  Change in net asset value                     (0.40)             (0.09)
                                              ----------           --------
  Net asset value, end of period               $ 4.66              $5.06
                                              ==========           ========
  Total return(1)                                0.59%             (1.30)%(4)
  Ratios/supplemental data:
  Net assets, end of period (thousands)        10,665              $ 575
  Ratio to average net assets of:
    Operating expenses                           1.25%              1.25%(3)
    Net investment income                        6.70%              5.51%(3)
  Portfolio turnover                              126%               246%
</TABLE>
    

   ----------------
   
   (1) Maximum sales charges are not reflected in the total return calculation.
   (2) Includes reimbursement of operating expenses by investment adviser of
       $0.02 and $0.04, respectively.
   (3) Annualized.
   (4) Not annualized.
    

38
<PAGE>

   
               Additional Information
- ---------------------------------------
    
     Statement of Additional Information

   
     Each fund has filed a Statement of Additional Information about the fund,
     dated February   , 1999 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The
     Statement contains more detailed information about the fund. Each is
     incorporated into this prospectus by reference and is legally part of the
     prospectus. You may obtain a free copy of the Statements:
    


       o by writing to Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation, 100 Bright Meadow
         Blvd., P.O. Box 2200, Enfield, Connecticut 06083-2200 or

       o by calling (800) 243-4361.


   
     You may also obtain information about the funds from the Securities and
     Exchange Commission:
    


       o through its internet site (http://www.sec.gov),

       o by visiting its Public Reference Room in Washington, DC or

       o by writing to its Public Reference Section, Washington, DC 20549-6009
         (a fee may be charged).

        Information about the operation of the Public Reference Room may be
         obtained by calling (800) SEC-0330.

     Shareholder Reports

   
     Each fund semiannually mails to its shareholders detailed reports
     containing information about the fund's investments. Each fund's Annual
     Report contains a detailed discussion of the market conditions and
     investment strategies that significantly affected the fund's performance
     from November 1 through October 31. You may request a free copy of the
     fund's Annual and Semiannual Reports:
    

       o by writing to Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation, 100 Bright Meadow
         Blvd., P.O. Box 2200, Enfield, Connecticut 06083-2200 or

       o by calling (800) 243-4361.

                       Customer Service: (800) 243-1574
                           Marketing: (800) 243-4361
                        Telephone Orders: (800) 367-5877
                 Telecommunication Device (TTY): (800) 243-1926
   
Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund SEC File Nos. 33-31243 & 811-5909
Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund SEC File Nos. 33-45758 & 811-6566   

                      [recycle logo] Printed on recycled paper using soybean ink
    

                                                                              39
                                                                              
<PAGE>


                                  [BACK COVER]

                  Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.

                   Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund




<PAGE>

                   PHOENIX MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND


                               101 Munson Street
                        Greenfield, Massachusetts 01301



   
                      Statement of Additional Information
                               February __, 1999
    
                                        
   
     This Statement of Additional Information is not the Prospectus, but
expands upon and supplements the information contained in the current
Prospectus of Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund (the "Fund") dated
February __, 1999 and should be read in conjunction with it. The Fund's
Prospectus may be obtained by calling Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation
("Equity Planning") at (800) 243-4361 or by writing to Phoenix Funds, c/o State
Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301.
    


                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         PAGE
                                                                        -----
<S>                                                                     <C>
THE FUND ..............................................................   2
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES .....................................   2
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS ...............................................   2
INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES .................................................   3
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION ...............................................   9
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE ..................................  10
SERVICES OF THE ADVISER ...............................................  11
NET ASSET VALUE .......................................................  12
HOW TO BUY SHARES .....................................................  13
INVESTOR ACCOUNT SERVICES .............................................  16
TAX SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLANS ........................................  17
HOW TO REDEEM SHARES ..................................................  17
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES ....................................  18
THE DISTRIBUTOR .......................................................  20
PLANS OF DISTRIBUTION .................................................  21
MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST ...............................................  23
OTHER INFORMATION .....................................................  30
APPENDIX ..............................................................  32
</TABLE>                                 
    

                        Customer Service: (800) 243-1574
                           Marketing: (800) 243-4361
                        Telephone Orders: (800) 367-5877
                 Telecommunication Device TTY: (800) 243-1926










   
PDP 694B (2/99)
    


                                       1
<PAGE>

                                   THE FUND


   
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund is a diversified open-end,
management investment company, consisting currently of one series, with three
classes of shares. The Fund was organized as a business trust under
Massachusetts law on February 20, 1992. On February 22, 1996, the Trustees
approved change in the Fund's name to more accurately reflect its present
investment policies and objectives. Prior to this revision, the Fund's name was
"Phoenix Asset Reserve."
    


                       INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES


     The Fund's investment objective is to provide high current income relative
to other short-term investment alternatives, while attempting to limit
fluctuations in the net asset value of Fund shares resulting from movements in
interest rates. There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment
objective.


                            INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS


Fundamental Policies

     The following investment restrictions are fundamental policies that cannot
be changed without approval by holders of a "majority of the outstanding voting
securities" of the Fund, which as used herein means the vote of the lesser of
(i) 67% or more of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund present at a
meeting, if the holders of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities
of the Fund are present or represented by proxy, or (ii) more than 50% of the
outstanding voting securities of the Fund. The term "voting securities" as used
in this paragraph has the same meaning as in the 1940 Act.

     The Fund may not:

  (1) with respect to 75% of the total assets of the Fund (taken at market value
  at the time of purchase), invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets
  in the securities of any one issuer, or, with respect to 100% of the total
  assets of the Fund, own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of
  any one issuer, in each case other than U.S. Government securities (as defined
  in the 1940 Act);

  (2) invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in securities of
  issuers engaged in any one industry (excluding U.S. Government securities as
  defined in the 1940 Act);

  (3) purchase or sell real estate (although it may purchase securities secured
  by real estate or interests therein, or securities issued by companies which
  invest in real estate, or interests therein (other than real estate limited
  partnership interests));

  (4) purchase or sell commodities or commodities contracts or oil, gas or
  mineral programs. This restriction shall not prohibit the Fund, subject to
  restrictions described in the Prospectus and elsewhere in this Statement of
  Additional Information, from purchasing, selling or entering into futures
  contracts, options on futures contracts, foreign currency forward contracts,
  foreign currency options, or any interest rate or foreign currency-related
  hedging instrument, subject to compliance with any applicable provisions of
  the federal securities or commodities laws.

  (5) purchase securities on margin, except for use of short-term credit
  necessary for clearance of purchases and sales of portfolio securities, but it
  may make margin deposits in connection with transactions in options, futures
  and options on futures;

  (6) borrow money, issue senior securities, or pledge, mortgage or hypothecate
  its assets, except that the Fund may (i) borrow from banks, enter into reverse
  repurchase agreements or employ similar investment techniques, and pledge its
  assets in connection therewith, but only if immediately after each borrowing
  there is asset coverage of 300% and (ii) enter into transactions in options,
  futures and options on futures as described in the Prospectus and in this
  Statement of Additional Information (the deposit of assets in escrow in
  connection with the writing of covered put and call options and the purchase
  of securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis and collateral
  arrangements with respect to initial or variation margin deposits for futures
  contracts will not be deemed to be pledges of a Fund's assets);

  (7) lend any funds or other assets, except that the Fund may, consistent with
  its investment objective and policies: (a) invest in debt obligations
  including bonds, debentures or other debt securities, bankers' acceptances and
  commercial paper, even though purchase of such obligations may be deemed to be
  the making of loans; (b) enter into repurchase agreements; and (c) lend its
  portfolio securities in an amount not to exceed 1/3 of the value of its total
  assets, provided such loans are made in accordance with applicable guidelines
  established by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Trustees;

  (8) act as an underwriter of securities of other issuers, except to the extent
  that in connection with the disposition of portfolio securities, it may be
  deemed to be an underwriter under the federal securities laws; or

  (9) maintain a short position, or purchase, write or sell puts, calls,
  straddles, spreads or combinations thereof, except as set forth in the
  Prospectus and in this Statement of Additional Information for transactions in
  options, futures, and options on futures.


                                       2
<PAGE>

Non-Fundamental Policies

     The following restrictions of the Fund are not fundamental policies and
may be changed by the Board of Trustees of the Fund without shareholder
approval. The Fund may not:

  (A) invest for the purpose of exercising control or management;

  (B) purchase securities of other investment companies, except that the Fund
  may, for temporary purposes, purchase shares of money market mutual funds,
  subject to such restrictions as may be imposed by the 1940 Act and rules
  thereunder, or by any State in which shares of the Fund are registered;

  (C) invest more than 15% of the net assets of the Fund (taken at market value
  at the time of the investment) in "illiquid securities". Illiquid securities
  may include securities subject to legal or contractual restrictions on resale
  (which may include private placements), repurchase agreements maturing in more
  than seven days, certain options traded over the counter that the Fund has
  purchased, certain securities being used to cover options the Fund has
  written, securities for which market quotations are not readily available, or
  other securities which legally or in the Adviser's or Trustees' opinion are
  not deemed liquid;

  (D) invest in a security if, as a result of such investment, more than 5% of
  its total assets (taken at market value at the time of such investment) would
  be invested in securities of issuers (other than issuers of Federal agency
  obligations) having a record, together with predecessors or unconditional
  guarantors, of less than three years of continuous operation;

  (E) purchase or retain securities of any issuer if 5% of the securities of
  such issuer are owned by those officers and directors or trustees of the Fund
  or of the Adviser who each own beneficially more than 1/2 of 1% of its
  securities;

  (F) purchase securities for the Fund from, or sell portfolio securities to,
  any of the officers and directors or trustees of the Fund or of the Adviser;
  or

  (G) borrow any amount in excess of 10% of the Fund's total assets or make
  additional investments when the Fund's borrowings are in excess of 5% of the
  Fund's total assets.


     Notwithstanding the provisions of restriction (G), the Fund has no current
intention of borrowing money from banks or other financial institutions, other
than on a temporary basis for emergency or extraordinary purposes, provided,
however, that the provisions of restriction (G) shall not be deemed to apply to
reverse repurchase agreements and other investment techniques which may be
deemed to constitute borrowings for purposes of the 1940 Act.


     Unless otherwise indicated, all percentage limitations listed above apply
to the Fund only at the time a transaction is entered into. Accordingly, if a
percentage restriction is adhered to at the time of investment, a later
increase or decrease in the percentage which results from a relative change in
values or from a change in the Fund's net assets will not be considered a
violation.


                             INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES


  The Fund may utilize the following practices or techniques in pursuing its
investment objective.


Mortgage-Related Securities

     GNMA Certificates. The Government National Mortgage Association ("GNMA")
is a wholly owned corporate instrumentality of the United States within the
Department of Housing and Urban Development. The National Housing Act of 1934,
as amended (the "Housing Act"), authorizes GNMA to guarantee the timely payment
of the principal of and interest on certificates that are based on and backed
by a pool of mortgage loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration under
the Housing Act, or Title V of the Housing Act of 1949 ("FHA Loans"), or
guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs under the Servicemen's
Readjustment Act of 1944, as amended ("VA Loans"), or by pools of other
eligible mortgage loans. The Housing Act provides that the full faith and
credit of the United States government is pledged to the payment of all amounts
that may be required to be paid under any guaranty. In order to meet its
obligations under such guaranty, GNMA is authorized to borrow from the U.S.
Treasury with no limitations as to amount.


     The GNMA Certificates in which the Fund will invest will represent a pro
rata interest in one or more pools of the following types of mortgage loans:
(i) fixed rate level payment mortgage loans; (ii) fixed rate graduated payment
mortgage loans; (iii) fixed rate growing equity mortgage loans; (iv) fixed rate
mortgage loans secured by manufactured (mobile) homes; (v) mortgage loans on
multifamily residential properties under construction; (vi) mortgage loans on
completed multifamily projects; (vii) fixed rate mortgage loans as to which
escrowed funds are used to reduce the borrower's monthly payments during the
early years of the mortgage loans ("buydown" mortgage loans); (viii) mortgage
loans that provide for adjustments in payments based on periodic changes in
interest rates or in other payment terms of the mortgage loans; and (ix)
mortgage-backed serial notes. All of these mortgage loans will be FHA Loans or
VA Loans and, except as otherwise specified above, will be fully-amortizing
loans secured by first liens on one-to four-family housing units.


                                       3
<PAGE>

     FNMA Certificates. The Federal National Mortgage Association ("FNMA") is a
federally chartered and privately owned corporation organized and existing
under the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act of 1938. The
obligations of FNMA are not backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S.
government.

     Each FNMA Certificate will represent a pro rata interest in one or more
pools of FHA Loans, VA Loans or conventional mortgage loans (i.e., mortgage
loans that are not insured or guaranteed by any governmental agency) of the
following types: (i) fixed rate level payment mortgage loans; (ii) fixed rate
growing equity mortgage loans; (iii) fixed rate graduated payment mortgage
loans; (iv) variable rate California mortgage loans; (v) other adjustable rate
mortgage loans; and (vi) fixed rate and adjustable mortgage loans secured by
multifamily projects.

     FHLMC Certificates. The Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation ("FHLMC")
is a corporate instrumentality of the United States created pursuant to the
Emergency Home Finance Act of 1970, as amended (the "FHLMC Act"). The
obligations of FHLMC are obligations solely of FHLMC and are not backed by the
full faith and credit of the U.S. government.

     FHLMC Certificates represent a pro rata interest in a group of mortgage
loans (a "FHLMC Certificate group") purchased by FHLMC. The mortgage loans
underlying the FHLMC Certificates will consist of fixed rate or adjustable rate
mortgage loans with original terms to maturity of between 10 and 30 years,
substantially all of which are secured by first liens on one-to-four family
residential properties or multifamily projects. Each mortgage loan must meet
the applicable standards set forth in the FHLMC Act. A FHLMC Certificate group
may include whole loans, participation interests in whole loans and undivided
interests in whole loans and participations comprising another FHLMC
Certificate group.

     Adjustable Rate Mortgages--Interest Rate Indices. The One Year Treasury
Index is the figure derived from the average weekly quoted yield on U.S.
Treasury Securities adjusted to a constant maturity of one year. The Cost of
Funds Index reflects the monthly weighted average cost of funds of savings and
loan associations and savings banks whose home offices are located in Arizona,
California and Nevada (the "FHLB Eleventh District") that are member
institutions of the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco (the "FHLB of San
Francisco"), as computed from statistics tabulated and published by the FHLB of
San Francisco. The FHLB of San Francisco normally announces the Cost of Funds
Index on the last working day of the month following the month in which the
cost of funds was incurred.

     A number of factors affect the performance of the Cost of Funds Index and
may cause the Cost of Funds Index to move in a manner different from indices
based upon specific interest rates, such as the One Year Treasury Index.
Because of the various origination dates and maturities of the liabilities of
member institutions of the FHLB Eleventh District upon which the Cost of Funds
Index is based, among other things, at any time the Cost of Funds Index may not
reflect the average prevailing market interest rates on new liabilities of
similar maturities. There can be no assurance that the Cost of Funds Index will
necessarily move in the same direction or at the same rate as prevailing
interest rates since as longer term deposits or borrowings mature and are
renewed at market interest rates, the Cost of Funds Index will rise or fall
depending upon the differential between the prior and the new rates on such
deposits and borrowings. In addition, dislocations in the thrift industry in
recent years have caused and may continue to cause the cost of funds of thrift
institutions to change for reasons unrelated to changes in general interest
rate levels. Furthermore, any movement in the Cost of Funds Index as compared
to other indices based upon specific interest rates may be affected by changes
instituted by the FHLB of San Francisco in the method used to calculate the
Cost of Funds Index. To the extent that the Cost of Funds Index may reflect
interest changes more slowly than other indices, mortgage loans which adjust in
accordance with the Cost of Funds Index may produce a higher yield later than
would be produced by such other indices, and in a period of declining interest
rates, the Cost of Funds Index may remain higher than other market interest
rates which may result in a higher level of principal prepayments on mortgage
loans which adjust in accordance with the Cost of Funds Index than mortgage
loans which adjust in accordance with other indices.

     LIBOR, the London Interbank Offered Rate, is the interest rate that the
most creditworthy international banks dealing in U.S. dollar-denominated
deposits and loans charge each other for large dollar-denominated loans. LIBOR
is also usually the base rate for large dollar-denominated loans in the
international market. LIBOR is generally quoted for loans having rate
adjustments at one, three, six or twelve month intervals.

Stripped Mortgage-Related Securities

     The cash flows and yields on interest-only ("IO") and principal-only
("PO") classes are extremely sensitive to the rate of principal payments
(including prepayments) on the related underlying mortgage assets. For example,
a rapid or slow rate of principal payments may have a material adverse effect
on the yield to maturity of IOs or POs, respectively. If the underlying
mortgage assets experience greater than anticipated prepayments of principal,
an investor may fail to recoup fully its initial investment in an IO class of a
stripped mortgage-backed security, even if the IO class is rated AAA or Aaa.
Conversely, if the underlying Mortgage Assets experience slower than
anticipated prepayments of principal, the yield on the PO class will be
affected more severely than would be the case with a traditional
Mortgage-Backed Security.

Borrowing and Reverse Repurchase Agreements

     The Fund may borrow for temporary administrative or emergency purposes.
This borrowing may be unsecured. The Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended
(the "1940 Act") requires the Fund to maintain continuous asset coverage (that
is, total assets including borrowings, less liabilities exclusive of
borrowings) of 300% of the amount borrowed. If the 300% asset coverage should


                                       4
<PAGE>

decline as a result of market fluctuations or other reasons, the Fund may be
required to sell some of its portfolio holdings within three days to reduce the
debt and restore the 300% asset coverage, even though it may be disadvantageous
from an investment standpoint to sell securities at that time. To avoid the
potential leveraging effects of the Fund's borrowings, additional investment
will not be made while unsecured bank borrowing is in excess of 5% of the
Fund's total assets. Borrowing may exaggerate the effect on net asset value of
any increase or decrease in the market value of the portfolio. Money borrowed
will be subject to interest costs which may or may not be recovered by
appreciation of the securities purchased. The Fund also may be required to
maintain minimum average balances in connection with such borrowing or to pay a
commitment or other fee to maintain a line of credit; either of these
requirements would increase the cost of borrowing over the stated interest
rate.


     Among the forms of investments in which the Fund may engage, and which may
be deemed to constitute borrowings, is the entry into reverse repurchase
agreements. A reverse repurchase agreement involves the sale of a
portfolio-eligible security by a Fund, coupled with its agreement to repurchase
the instrument at a specified time and price. The Fund will maintain a pledged
account with its Custodian consisting of any asset, including equity securities
and non-investment grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and
marked to market daily, equal to its obligations under reverse repurchase
agreements with broker-dealers and banks. However, reverse repurchase
agreements involve the risk that the market value of securities retained by the
Fund may decline below the repurchase price of the securities sold by the Fund
which it is obligated to repurchase.


     The Fund also may enter into "mortgage dollar rolls," which are similar to
reverse repurchase agreements in certain respects. In a "dollar roll"
transaction, the Fund sells a mortgage-related security (such as a GNMA
security) to a dealer and simultaneously agrees to purchase a similar security
(but not the same security) in the future at a pre-determined price. A "dollar
roll" can be viewed, like a reverse repurchase agreement, as a collateralized
borrowing in which the Fund pledges a mortgage-related security to a dealer to
obtain cash. Unlike in the case of reverse repurchase agreements, the dealer
with which the Fund enters into a dollar roll transaction is not obligated to
return the same securities as those originally sold by the Fund, but only
securities which are "substantially identical." To be considered "substantially
identical," the securities returned to the Fund generally must: (1) be
collateralized by the same types of underlying mortgages; (2) be issued by the
same agency and be part of the same program; (3) have a similar original stated
maturity; (4) have identical net coupon rates; (5) have similar market yields
(and therefore price); and (6) satisfy "good delivery" requirements, meaning
that the aggregate principal amount of the securities received back must be
within 2.5% of the initial amount delivered.


     The Fund's obligations under a dollar roll agreement must be covered by
cash or high quality debt securities equal in value to the securities subject
to repurchase by the Fund, maintained in a pledged account. Dollar roll
transactions are treated as borrowings by the Fund, and therefore the Fund's
entry into dollar roll transactions is subject to the Fund's overall
limitations on borrowing. Furthermore, because dollar roll transactions may be
for terms ranging between one and six months, dollar roll transactions may be
deemed "illiquid" and subject to the Fund's overall limitations on investment
in illiquid securities.


Lending Portfolio Securities

     The Fund may make secured loans of its portfolio securities to
broker-dealers and other financial institutions. The 1940 Act requires that (a)
the borrower pledge and maintain collateral consisting of cash, a letter of
credit issued by a domestic U.S. bank, or securities issued or guaranteed by
the U.S. government having a value at all times not less than 100% of the value
of the securities loaned; (b) the borrower add to such collateral whenever the
price of the securities borrowed rises (i.e., the value of the loan is "marked
to the market" on a daily basis); (c) the loan be made subject to termination
by the Fund at any time; and (d) the Fund receives reasonable interest on the
loan (which may include the investing of any cash collateral in high quality
interest-bearing liquid investments), any distributions on the loaned
securities, and any increase in their market value. In addition, voting rights
may pass with the loaned securities, but if a material event were to occur, the
loan must be called and the securities voted by the Fund.


Hedging

     The Fund may write and purchase options, including over-the-counter
options, for hedging purposes. The Fund may also engage in foreign currency
exchange transactions and in transactions involving interest rate futures
contracts and options thereon as a hedge against changes in exchange and
interest rates, respectively. Hedging is a means of transferring risk that an
investor does not desire to assume in an uncertain interest or exchange rate
environment. The Adviser believes it is possible to reduce the effects of
interest and exchange rate fluctuations on the value of the Fund's portfolio,
or sectors thereof, through the use of such strategies.


     The costs of and possible losses incurred from hedging activities may
reduce the Fund's current income and involve a loss of principal. Any
incremental return earned by the Fund resulting from options transactions and
hedging activities would be expected to offset anticipated losses or a portion
thereof. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."


     The Fund will not enter into options or futures transactions for
speculative purposes, but only as a hedge against changes in the values of
securities in its portfolio, or sectors thereof, or in securities that it
intends to acquire resulting from market conditions.


                                       5
<PAGE>

Options on Securities and Indexes

     The Fund may, as specified in the Prospectus, purchase and sell both put
and call options on debt or other securities or indexes in standardized
contracts traded on foreign or national securities exchanges, boards of trade,
or similar entities, or quoted on NASDAQ or on a regulated foreign
over-the-counter market, and agreements, sometimes called cash puts, which may
accompany the purchase of a new issue of bonds from a dealer.

     An option on a security (or index) is a contract that gives the holder of
the option, in return for a premium, the right to buy from (in the case of a
call) or sell to (in the case of a put) the writer of the option, the security
underlying the option (or the cash value of the index) at a specified exercise
price at any time during the term of the option. The writer of an option on a
security has the obligation upon exercise of the option to deliver the
underlying security upon payment of the exercise price or to pay the exercise
price upon delivery of the underlying security. Upon exercise, the writer of an
option on an index is obligated to pay the difference between the cash value of
the index and the exercise price multiplied by the specified multiplier for the
index option. (An index is designed to reflect specified facets of a particular
financial or securities market, a specified group of financial instruments or
securities, or certain economic indicators.)

     The Fund will write call options and put options only if they are
"covered." In the case of a call option on a security, the option is "covered"
if the Fund owns the security underlying the call or has an absolute and
immediate right to acquire that security without additional cash consideration
(or, if additional cash consideration is required, cash or cash equivalents in
such amount are placed in a segregated account by its custodian) upon
conversion or exchange of other securities held by the Fund. For a call option
on an index, the option is covered if the Fund maintains with its custodian
cash or cash equivalents equal to the contract value. A call option is also
covered if the Fund holds a call on the same security or index as the call
written where the exercise price of the call held is (i) equal to or less than
the exercise price of the call written, or (ii) greater than the exercise price
of the call written, provided the difference is maintained by the Fund in cash
or cash equivalents in a segregated account with its custodian. A put option on
a security or an index is "covered" if the Fund maintains cash or cash
equivalents equal to the exercise price in a segregated account with its
custodian. A put option is also covered if the Fund holds a put on the same
security or index as the put written where the exercise price of the put held
is (i) equal to or greater than the exercise price of the put written, or (ii)
less than the exercise price of the put written, provided the difference is
maintained by the Fund in cash or cash equivalents in a segregated account with
its custodian.

     If an option written by the Fund expires, the Fund realizes a capital gain
equal to the premium received at the time the option was written. If an option
purchased by the Fund expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a capital loss
equal to the premium paid.

     Prior to the earlier of exercise or expiration, an option may be closed
out by an offsetting purchase or sale of an option of the same series (type,
exchange, underlying security or index, exercise price, and expiration). There
can be no assurance, however, that a closing purchase or sale transaction can
be effected when the Fund desires.

     The Fund will realize a capital gain from a closing purchase transaction
if the cost of the closing option is less than the premium received from
writing the option, or, if it is more, the Fund will realize a capital loss. If
the premium received from a closing sale transaction is more than the premium
paid to purchase the option, the Fund will realize a capital gain or, if it is
less, the Fund will realize a capital loss. The principal factors affecting the
market value of a put or a call option include supply and demand, interest
rates, the current market price of the underlying security or index in relation
to the exercise price of the option, the volatility of the underlying security
or index, and the time remaining until the expiration date.

     The premium paid for a put or call option purchased by the Fund is an
asset of the Fund. The premium received for an option written by the Fund is
recorded as a deferred credit. The value of an option purchased or written is
marked to market daily and is valued at the closing price on the exchange on
which it is traded or, if not traded on an exchange or no closing price is
available, at the last bid prices.


Risks Associated with Options on Securities and Indexes

     There are several risks associated with transactions in options on
securities and on indexes. For example, there are significant differences
between the securities and options markets that could result in an imperfect
correlation between these markets, causing a given transaction not to achieve
its objectives. A decision as to whether, when and how to use options involves
the exercise of skill and judgment, and even a well-conceived transaction may
be unsuccessful to some degree because of market behavior or unexpected events.
 

     There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist when the Fund
seeks to close out an option position. If the Fund were unable to close out an
option that it had purchased on a security, it would have to exercise the
option in order to realize any profit or the option may expire worthless. If
the Fund were unable to close out a covered call option that it had written on
a security, it would not be able to sell the underlying security unless the
option expired without exercise. As the writer of a covered call option, the
Fund forgoes, during the option's life, the opportunity to profit from
increases in the market value of the security covering the call option above
the sum of the premium and the exercise price of the call.


                                       6
<PAGE>

     If trading were suspended in an option purchased by the Fund, the Fund
would not be able to close out the option. If restrictions on exercise were
imposed, the Fund might be unable to exercise an option it has purchased.
Except to the extent that a call option on an index written by the Fund is
covered by an option on the same index purchased by the Fund, movements in the
index may result in a loss to the Fund; however, such losses may be mitigated
by changes in the value of the Fund's securities during the period the option
was outstanding.

Foreign Currency Options

     The Fund may buy or sell put and call options on foreign currencies either
on exchanges or in the over-the-counter market. A put option on a foreign
currency gives the purchaser of the option the right to sell a foreign currency
at the exercise price until the option expires. Currency options traded on U.S.
or other exchanges may be subject to position limits which may limit the
ability of the Fund to reduce foreign currency risk using such options.
Over-the-counter options differ from traded options in that they are two-party
contracts with price and other terms negotiated between buyer and seller, and
generally do not have as much market liquidity as exchange-traded options.

Futures Contracts and Options on Futures Contracts

     The Fund may use interest rate, foreign currency or index futures
contracts, as specified in the Prospectus. An interest rate, foreign currency
or index futures contract provides for the future sale by one party and
purchase by another party of a specified quantity of a financial instrument,
foreign currency or the cash value of an index at a specified price and time. A
futures contract on an index is an agreement pursuant to which two parties
agree to take or make delivery of an amount of cash equal to the difference
between the value of the index at the close of the last trading day of the
contract and the price at which the index contract was originally written.
Although the value of an index might be a function of the value of certain
specified securities, no physical delivery of these securities is made. A
public market exists in futures contracts covering several indexes as well as a
number of financial instruments and foreign currencies, including: the S&P 500;
the S&P 100; the NYSE composite; U.S. Treasury bonds; U.S. Treasury notes; GNMA
Certificates; three month U.S. Treasury bills; 90-day commercial paper; bank
certificates of deposit; Eurodollar certificates of deposit; the Australian
dollar; the Canadian dollar; the British pound; the German mark; the Japanese
yen; the French franc; the Swiss franc; the Mexican peso; and certain
multinational currencies, such as the European Currency Unit ("ECU"). It is
expected that other futures contracts will be developed and traded in the
future.

     The Fund may purchase and write call and put options on futures. Futures
options possess many of the same characteristics as options on securities and
indexes (discussed above). A futures option gives the holder the right, in
return for the premium paid, to assume a long position (call) or short position
(put) in a futures contract at a specified exercise price at any time during
the period of option. Upon exercise of a call option, the holder acquires a
long position in the futures contract and the writer is assigned the opposite
short position. In the case of a put option, the opposite is true.

     As long as required by regulatory authorities, the Fund will limit its use
of futures contracts and futures options to hedging transactions. For example,
the Fund might use futures contracts to hedge against anticipated changes in
interest rates that might adversely affect either the value of the Fund's
securities or the price of the securities which the Fund intends to purchase.
The Fund's hedging activities may include sales of futures contracts as an
offset against the effect of expected increases in interest rates, and
purchases of futures contracts as an offset against the effect of expected
declines in interest rates. Although other techniques could be used to reduce
the Fund's exposure to interest rate fluctuations, the Fund may be able to
hedge its exposure more effectively and perhaps at a lower cost by using
futures contracts and futures options.

     The Fund will only enter into futures contracts and futures options which
are standardized and traded on a U.S. or foreign exchange, board of trade, or
similar entity, or quoted on an automated quotation system.

     When a purchase or sale of a futures contract is made by the Fund, the
Fund is required to deposit with its custodian (or broker, if legally
permitted) a specified amount of cash or U.S. Government securities ("initial
margin"). The margin required for a futures contract is set by the exchange on
which the contract is traded and may be modified during the term of the
contract. The initial margin is in the nature of a performance bond or good
faith deposit on the futures contract which is returned to the Fund upon
termination of the contract, assuming all contractual obligations have been
satisfied. The Fund expects to earn interest income on its initial margin
deposits. A futures contract held by the Fund is valued daily at the official
settlement price of the exchange on which it is traded. Each day the Fund pays
or receives cash, called "variation margin," equal to the daily change in value
of the futures contract. This process is known as "marking to market."
Variation margin does not represent a borrowing or loan by the Fund but is
instead a settlement between the Fund and the broker of the amount one would
owe the other if the futures contract expired. In computing daily net asset
value, the Fund will mark to market its open futures positions.

     The Fund is also required to deposit and maintain margin with respect to
put and call options on futures contracts written by it. Such margin deposits
will vary depending on the nature of the underlying futures contract (and the
related initial margin requirements), the current market value of the option,
and other futures positions held by the Fund.

     Although some futures contracts call for making or taking delivery of the
underlying securities, generally these obligations are closed out prior to
delivery by offsetting purchases or sales of matching futures contracts (same
exchange, underlying security


                                       7
<PAGE>

or index, and delivery month). If an offsetting purchase price is less than the
original sale price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is more, the
Fund realizes a capital loss. Conversely, if an offsetting sales price is more
than the original purchase price, the Fund realizes a capital gain, or if it is
less, the Fund realizes a capital loss. The transaction costs must also be
included in these calculations.


Limitations on Use of Futures and Futures Options

     The Fund will not enter into a futures contract or futures options
contract if, immediately thereafter, the aggregate initial margin deposits
relating to such positions plus premiums paid by it for open futures option
positions, less the amount by which any such options are "in-the-money," would
exceed 5% of the Fund's total assets. A call option is "in-the-money" if the
value of the futures contract that is the subject of the option exceeds the
exercise price. A put option is "in-the-money" if the exercise price exceeds
the value of the futures contract that is the subject of the option.

     When entering into a futures contract, the Fund will maintain with its
custodian (and mark-to-market on a daily basis) cash, U.S. Government
securities, or other highly liquid debt securities that, when added to the
amount deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the
market value of the futures contract. Alternatively, the Fund may "cover" its
position by purchasing a put option on the same futures contract with a strike
price as high or higher than the price of the contract held by the Fund.

     When selling a futures contract, the Fund will maintain with its custodian
(and mark-to-market on a daily basis) liquid assets that, when added to the
amount deposited with a futures commission merchant as margin, are equal to the
market value of the instruments underlying the contract. Alternatively, the
Fund may "cover" its position by owning the instruments underlying the contract
(or, in the case of an index futures contract, a portfolio with a volatility
substantially similar to that of the index on which the futures contract is
based), or by holding a call option permitting the Fund to purchase the same
futures contract at a price no higher than the price of the contract written by
the Fund (or at a higher price if the difference is maintained in liquid assets
with the Fund's custodian).

     When selling a call option on a futures contract, the Fund will maintain
with its custodian any asset, including equity securities and non-investment
grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market
daily that, when added to the amounts deposited with a futures commission
merchant as margin, equal the total market value of the futures contract
underlying the call option. Alternatively, the Fund may cover its position by
entering into a long position in the same futures contract at a price no higher
than the strike price of the call option, by owning the instruments underlying
the futures contract, or by holding a separate call option permitting the Fund
to purchase the same futures contract at a price not higher than the strike
price of the call option sold by the Fund.

     When selling a put option on a futures contract, the Fund will maintain
with its custodian any asset, including equity securities and non-investment
grade debt so long as the asset is liquid, unencumbered and marked to market
daily that equal the purchase price of the futures contract, less any margin on
deposit. Alternatively, the Fund may cover the position either by entering into
a short position in the same futures contract, or by owning a separate put
option permitting it to sell the same futures contract so long as the strike
price of the put option is the same or higher than the strike price of the put
option sold by the Fund.

     In order to comply with applicable regulations of the Commodity Futures
Trading Commission ("CFTC") pursuant to which the Fund avoids being deemed a
"commodity pool," the Fund is limited in its futures trading activities to
positions which constitute "bona fide hedging" positions within the meaning and
intent of applicable CFTC rules, or to positions which qualify under an
alternative test. Under this alternative test, the "underlying commodity value"
of each long position in a commodity contract in which the Fund invests may not
at any time exceed the sum of: (1) the value of short-term U.S. debt
obligations or other U.S. dollar-denominated high quality short-term money
market instruments and cash set aside in an identifiable manner, plus any Funds
deposited as margin on the contract; (2) unrealized appreciation on the
contract held by the broker; and (3) cash proceeds from existing investments
due in not more than 30 days. "Underlying commodity value" means the size of
the contract multiplied by the daily settlement price of the contract.

     The requirements for qualification as a regulated investment company also
may limit the extent to which the Fund may enter into futures, futures options
or forward contracts.


Risks Associated with Futures and Futures Options

     There are several risks associated with the use of futures contracts and
futures options as hedging techniques. A purchase or sale of a futures contract
may result in losses in excess of the amount invested in the futures contract.
There can be no guarantee that there will be a correlation between price
movements in the hedging vehicle and in the Fund securities being hedged. In
addition, there are significant differences between the securities and futures
markets that could result in an imperfect correlation between the markets,
causing a given hedge not to achieve its objectives. The degree of imperfection
of correlation depends on circumstances such as variations in speculative
market demand for futures and futures options on securities, including
technical influences in futures trading and futures options, and differences
between the financial instruments being hedged and the


                                       8
<PAGE>

instruments underlying the standard contracts available for trading in such
respects as interest rate levels, maturities, and creditworthiness of issuers.
A decision as to whether, when and how to hedge involves the exercise of skill
and judgment, and even a well-conceived hedge may be unsuccessful to some
degree because of market behavior or unexpected interest rate trends.

     Futures exchanges may limit the amount of fluctuation permitted in certain
futures contract prices during a single trading day. The daily limit
establishes the maximum amount that the price of a futures contract may vary
either up or down from the previous day's settlement price at the end of the
current trading session. Once the daily limit has been reached in a futures
contract subject to the limit, no more trades may be made on that day at a
price beyond that limit. The daily limit governs only price movements during a
particular trading day and therefore does not limit potential losses because
the limit may work to prevent the liquidation of unfavorable positions. For
example, futures prices have occasionally moved to the daily limit for several
consecutive trading days with little or no trading, thereby preventing
liquidation of positions and subjecting some holders of futures contracts to
substantial losses.

     There can be no assurance that a liquid market will exist at a time when
the Fund seeks to close out a futures or a futures option position, and the
Fund would remain obligated to meet margin requirements until the position is
closed. In addition, many of the contracts discussed above are relatively new
instruments without a significant trading history. As a result, there can be no
assurance that an active secondary market will develop or continue to exist.

Additional Risks of Foreign Exchange-Traded Options, Futures and Forward
Currency Exchange Contracts

     Options on securities, futures contracts, options on futures contracts,
currencies and options on currencies may be traded on foreign exchanges. Such
transactions may not be regulated as effectively as similar transactions in the
United States; may not involve a clearing mechanism and related guarantees; and
are subject to the risk of governmental actions affecting trading in, or the
prices of, foreign securities. The value of such positions also could be
adversely affected by (i) other complex foreign political, legal 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 occurring in foreign markets during non-business 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.


                            PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

   
     The Fund may, from time to time, quote its "yield" and/or its "total
return" in advertisements, sales literature or reports to shareholders or
prospective investors. Average annual return and yield are computed separately
for Class A, Class B and Class C Shares in accordance with the formulas
specified by the Commission. The yield will be computed by dividing the Fund's
net investment income over a 30-day period by an average value (using the
average number of shares entitled to receive dividends and the maximum offering
price per share at the end of the period), all in accordance with applicable
regulatory requirements. Such amount will be compounded for six months and then
annualized for a 12-month period to derive the Fund's yield. Calculated
pursuant to this formula, for the 30-day period ending October 31, 1998, the
Class A Shares yield was 9.28%, the Class B Shares yield was 9.00% and the
Class C shares yield was 9.24%.
    

     Average annual total return quotations will be computed by finding the
average annual compounded rates of return over the 1, 5 and 10 year periods
that would equate the initial amount invested to the ending redeemable value,
according to the following formula:

     P(1 + T)n = ERV

Where: P = hypothetical initial payment of $1,000
T    = average annual total return
n    = number of years
ERV   = ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at the
       beginning of the 1, 5, or 10 year periods at the end of the 1, 5, or 10
       year periods (or fractional portion thereof).

     Performance quoted for Class C Shares covering periods prior to the
inception of Class C Shares will reflect historical performance of Class A
Shares adjusted for the higher operating expenses applicable to Class C Shares.
 

     Advertisements, sales literature and other communications may contain
information about the Fund and Adviser's current investment strategies and
management style. Current strategies and style may change to allow the Fund to
respond quickly to changing market and economic conditions. From time to time
the Fund may include specific portfolio holdings or industries, in such
communications. To illustrate components of overall performance, the Fund may
separate its cumulative and average annual returns into income and capital
gains components; or cite separately as a return figure the equity or bond
portion of the Fund's portfolio; or compare the Fund's equity or bond figures
to well-known indices of market performance, including, but not limited to: the
S&P 500 Index, Dow Jones Industrial Average, Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond
Index, CS First Boston High Yield Index, Merrill Lynch Medium Quality Corporate
Short-Term Bond Index, and Salomon Brothers Corporate Bond and Government Bond
Indices.


                                       9
<PAGE>

   
     For the one year and five year periods ended October 31, 1998, the average
annual total return of the Class A Shares was (1.48)% and 5.92%, respectively,
and from inception, July 6, 1992 through October 31, 1998 was 6.08%. For the
one year and five year periods ended October 31, 1998 and since inception, July
6, 1992 for the Class B Shares, the average annual total return was (1.24)%,
5.83% and 5.88%, respectively. For the one year period ended October 31, 1998
and since inception October 1, 1997, the Class C Shares average annual total
return was 0.59% and (0.66)%, respectively.
    


     The Fund may also compute aggregate total return for specified periods
based on a hypothetical Class A, Class B or Class C account with an assumed
initial investment of $10,000. The aggregate total return is determined by
dividing the net asset value of this account at the end of the specified period
by the value of the initial investment and is expressed as a percentage.
Calculation of aggregate total return reflects payment of the Class A Share's
maximum sales charge of 2.25% and assumes reinvestment of all income dividends
and capital gain distributions during the period.


     The Fund also may quote annual, average annual and annualized total return
and aggregate total return performance data, for each class of shares of the
Fund, both as a percentage and as a dollar amount based on a hypothetical
$10,000 investment for various periods other than those noted above. Such data
will be computed as described above, except that (1) the rates of return
calculated will not be average annual rates, but rather, actual annual,
annualized or aggregate rates of return and (2) the maximum applicable sales
charge will not be included with respect to annual, annualized or aggregate
rate of return calculations.


                     PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE


     The Adviser places orders for the purchase and sale of securities,
supervises their execution and negotiates brokerage commissions on behalf of
the Fund. It is the practice of the Adviser to seek the best prices and
execution of orders and to negotiate brokerage commissions which in its opinion
are reasonable in relation to the value of the brokerage services provided by
the executing broker. Brokers who have executed orders for the Fund are asked
to quote a fair commission for their services. If the execution is satisfactory
and if the requested rate approximates rates currently being quoted by the
other brokers selected by the Adviser, the rate is deemed by the Adviser to be
reasonable. Brokers may ask for higher rates of commission if all or a portion
of the securities involved in the transaction are positioned by the broker, if
the broker believes it has brought the Fund an unusually favorable trading
opportunity, or if the broker regards its research services as being of
exceptional value. Payment of such commissions is authorized by the Adviser
after the transaction has been consummated. If the Adviser more than
occasionally differs with the broker's appraisal of opportunity or value, the
broker would not be selected to execute trades in the future.


     The Adviser believes that the Fund benefits with a securities industry
comprised of many diverse firms and that the long-term interests of
shareholders of the Fund are best served by their brokerage policies which will
include paying a fair commission rather than seeking to exploit its leverage to
force the lowest possible commission rate. The primary factors considered in
determining the firms to which brokerage orders are given are the Adviser's
appraisal of; the firm's ability to execute the order in the desired manner,
the value of research services provided by the firm, and the firm's attitude
toward and interest in mutual funds in general, including those managed and
sponsored by the Adviser. The Adviser does not offer or promise to any broker
an amount or percentage of brokerage commissions as an inducement or reward for
the sale of shares of the Fund. Over-the-counter purchases and sales are
transacted directly with principal market-makers except in those circumstances
where, in the opinion of the Adviser, better prices and execution are available
elsewhere. In the over-the-counter market, securities are usually traded on a
"net" basis with dealers acting as principal for their own accounts without a
stated commission, although the price of the security usually contains a profit
to the dealer. The Fund also expects that securities will be purchased at times
in underwritten offerings where the price includes a fixed amount of
compensation, usually referred to as the underwriter's concession or discount.
The foregoing discussion does not relate to transactions effected on foreign
securities exchanges which do not permit the negotiation of brokerage
commissions and where the Adviser would, under the circumstances, seek to
obtain best price and execution on orders for the Fund.


     The Fund has adopted a policy and procedures governing the execution of
aggregated advisory client orders ("bunching procedures") in an attempt to
lower commission costs on a per-share and per-dollar basis. According to the
bunching procedures, the Adviser shall aggregate transactions unless it
believes in its sole discretion that such aggregation is inconsistent with its
duty to seek best execution (which shall include the duty to seek best price)
for the Fund. No advisory account of the Adviser is to be favored over any
other account and each account that participates in an aggregated order is
expected to participate at the average share price for all transactions of the
Adviser in that security on a given business day, with all transaction costs
shared pro rata based on the Fund's participation in the transaction. If the
aggregated order is filled in its entirety, it shall be allocated among the
Adviser's accounts in accordance with the allocation order, and if the order is
partially filled, it shall be allocated pro rata based on the allocation order.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the order may be allocated on a basis different
from that specified in the allocation order if all accounts of the Adviser
whose orders are allocated receive fair and equitable treatment and the reason
for such different allocation is explained in writing and is approved in
writing by the Adviser's compliance officer as soon as practicable after the
opening of the markets on the trading day following the day on which the order
is executed. If an aggregated order is partially filled and allocated on a
basis different from that specified in the allocation order, no account that is
benefited


                                       10
<PAGE>

by such different allocation may intentionally and knowingly effect any
purchase or sale for a reasonable period following the execution of the
aggregated order that would result in it receiving or selling more shares than
the amount of shares it would have received or sold had the aggregated order
been completely filled. The Trustees will annually review these procedures or
as frequently as shall appear appropriate.


     In general terms, the nature of research services provided by brokers
encompasses statistical and background information, forecasts and
interpretations with respect to U.S. and foreign economies, U.S. and foreign
money markets, fixed income markets and equity markets, specific industry
groups, and individual issues. Research services will vary from firm to firm
with broadest coverage generally from the large full-line firms. Smaller firms
in general tend to provide information and interpretations on a smaller scale,
frequently with a regional emphasis. In addition, several firms monitor
Federal, state, local and foreign political developments. Many of the brokers
also provide access to outside consultants. The outside research assistance is
particularly useful to the Adviser's staff since the brokers, as a group, tend
to monitor a broader universe of securities and other matters than the
Adviser's staff can follow. In addition, it provides the Adviser with a diverse
perspective on financial markets. Research and investment information is
provided by these and other brokers at no cost to the Adviser and is available
for the benefit of other accounts advised by the Adviser and its affiliates and
not all of this information will be used in connection with the Fund. While
this information may be useful in varying degrees and may tend to reduce the
Adviser's expenses, it is not possible to estimate its value and in the opinion
of the Adviser it does not reduce the Adviser's expenses in a determinable
amount. The extent to which the Adviser makes use of statistical, research and
other services furnished by brokers is considered by the Adviser in the
allocation of brokerage business, but there is no formula by which such
business is allocated. The Adviser does so in accordance with its judgment of
the best interest of the Fund and its shareholders.


   
     The Fund paid no brokerage commissions for the fiscal years ended October
31, 1996, 1997, and 1998.
    


                            SERVICES OF THE ADVISER


   
     Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc. ("PIC" or "Adviser") serves as investment
adviser to the Fund. Effective June 1, 1998, National Securities & Research
Corporation ("National") assigned its investment advisory contract to PIC.
National and PIC are both subsidiaries of Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd.
(formerly Phoenix Duff & Phelps Corporation). PIC, which is located at 56
Prospect Street, Hartford, Connecticut 06115, has served as an investment
adviser for over sixty years. As of December 31, 1998, PIC managed over $---
billion in assets (including mutual funds and institutional accounts).


     The Adviser is a direct subsidiary of Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd.
whose majority shareholder is Phoenix Home Life Mutual Insurance Company
("Phoenix Home Life"). Phoenix Home Life's principal place of business is
located at One American Row, Hartford, Connecticut.


     Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. is the 10th largest publicly traded
investment company in the nation, and has served investors for over 70 years.
It manages approximately $50 billion in assets through its investment partners:
Aberdeen Fund Managers, Inc. (Aberdeen) in Aberdeen, London, Singapore and Fort
Lauderdale; Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co. (Duff & Phelps) in Chicago
and Cleveland; Roger Engemann & Associates, Inc. (Engemann) in Pasadena; Seneca
Capital Management LLC (Seneca) in San Francisco; and Phoenix Investment
Counsel, Inc. (Goodwin, Hollister, and Oakhurst divisions) in Hartford,
Sarasota, and Scotts Valley, CA, respectively.


     The Adviser provides certain services and facilities required to carry on
the day-to-day operations of the Fund (for which it receives a management fee)
other than the costs of printing and mailing proxy materials, reports and
notices to shareholders; outside legal and auditing services; regulatory filing
fees and expenses of printing the Fund's registration statements (but the
Distributor purchases such copies of the Fund's prospectuses and reports and
communications to shareholders as it may require for sales purposes); insurance
expense; association membership dues; brokerage fees; and taxes.
    


     The current Management Agreement was approved by the Board of Trustees on
March 16, 1993 and by the shareholders of the Fund on May 7, 1993. The
Management Agreement became effective on May 14, 1993, and it will continue in
effect until lapsed or terminated. The Management Agreement will continue in
effect from year to year if specifically approved annually by a majority of the
Trustees who are not interested persons of the parties thereto, as defined in
the 1940 Act, and by either (a) the Board of Trustees or (b) the vote of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund (as defined in the
1940 Act). The Agreement may be terminated without penalty at any time by the
Trustees or by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the
Fund or by the Adviser upon 60 days' written notice and will automatically
terminate in the event of its "assignment" as defined in Section 2(a)(4) of the
1940 Act.


     The Management Agreement provides that the Adviser is not liable for any
act or omission in the course of or in connection with rendering services under
the Agreement in the absence of willful misfeasance, bad faith, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of obligations or duties under the Agreement.
The Agreement permits the Adviser to render services to others and to engage in
other activities.


                                       11
<PAGE>

   
     As compensation for its services the Adviser receives a fee which is
accrued daily against the value of the Fund's net assets and is paid by the
Fund monthly. The fee is computed at the annual rate of 0.55% of the Fund's
average daily net assets up to $1 billion; 0.50% of the Fund's average daily
net assets from $1 billion to $2 billion; and 0.45% of the Fund's average daily
net assets in excess of $2 billion. Total management fees for the fiscal years
ended October 31, 1996, 1997, and 1998 amounted to $86,482, $159,118, and
$270,259, respectively, a portion of which amounts were waived by the Adviser.
    


     The Adviser makes its personnel available to serve as officers and
"interested" Trustees of the Fund. The Fund has not directly compensated any of
its officers or Trustees for services in such capacities except to pay fees to
the Trustees who are not otherwise affiliated with the Fund. The Trustees of
the Fund are not prohibited from authorizing the payment of salaries to the
officers pursuant to the Management Agreement, including out-of-pocket
expenses, at some future time.


     In addition to the management fee, expenses paid by the Fund include: fees
of Trustees who are not "interested persons," interest charges, taxes, fees and
commissions of every kind, including brokerage fees, expenses of issuance,
repurchase or redemption of shares, expenses of registering or qualifying
shares for sale (including the printing and filing of the Fund's registration
statements, reports, and prospectuses excluding those copies used for sales
purposes which the Distributor purchases), accounting services fees, insurance
expenses, litigation expenses, association membership dues, all charges of
custodians, transfer agents, registrars, auditors and legal counsel, expenses
of preparing, printing and distributing all proxy material, reports and notices
to shareholders, and all costs incident to the Fund's existence as a
Massachusetts business trust.


   
     The Adviser has agreed to reimburse the Fund's operating expenses other
than Management Fees and Rule 12b-1 Fees related to each Class of Shares for
the amount, if any, by which such operating expenses for the fiscal year ended
October 31, 1999, exceed 0.20% of the average net assets. The Total Fund
Operating Expenses for Class A, Class B and Class C Shares would have been
1.55%, 2.05% and 1.80%, respectively, absent such waiver or reimbursement for
the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998. The Adviser has not undertaken to
extend the reimbursement beyond December 31, 1999.
    


     The Adviser has agreed, under the terms of the Management Agreement, to
reimburse the Fund to the extent that, in any fiscal year, the aggregate annual
expenses of the Fund, exclusive of payments made pursuant to a Rule 12b-1
distribution plan, taxes, brokerage fees, interest, and extraordinary charges
such as litigation costs, exceed the most restrictive expense limitations
imposed by any state in which the Fund's shares are qualified for offer or
sale. Currently, the most restrictive expense limitations applicable to the
Fund, which provides that aggregate annual expenses of an investment company
(which excludes interest, taxes, certain annual distribution plan expenses,
litigation costs, and capital items such as brokerage costs) shall not exceed
2.5% of the first $30,000,000 of the Fund's average net assets, 2% of the next
$70,000,000 of the Fund's average net assets, and 1.5% of the remaining average
net assets of the Fund for any fiscal year. To the extent that the Fund's
expenses exceed this limitation, the Adviser would be required to reduce or
rebate its management fee. The Adviser would not be required to absorb any
other Fund expenses in excess of its fees. In the event legislation were to be
adopted in each state so as to eliminate this restriction, the Fund would take
such action necessary to eliminate this expense limitation. See the "Fund
Expenses" Table in the Fund's current Prospectus for further information.


                                NET ASSET VALUE


     The net asset value per share of the Fund is determined as of the close of
trading of the New York Stock Exchange (the "Exchange") on days when the
Exchange is open for trading. The Exchange will be closed on the following
observed national holidays: New Year's Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day,
President's Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day,
Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Since the Fund does not price securities on
weekends or United States national holidays, the net asset value of the Fund's
foreign assets may be significantly affected on days when the investor has no
access to the Fund. The net asset value per share of the Fund is determined by
adding the values of all securities and other assets of the Fund, subtracting
liabilities, and dividing by the total number of outstanding shares of the
Fund. Assets and liabilities are determined in accordance with generally
accepted accounting principles and applicable rules and regulations of the
Securities and Exchange Commission. The total liability allocated to a class,
plus that class's distribution fee and any other expenses allocated solely to
that class, are deducted from the proportionate interest of such class in the
assets of the Fund, and the resulting amount of each is divided by the number
of shares of that class outstanding to produce the net asset value per share.


     A security that is listed or traded on more than one exchange is valued at
the quotation on the exchange determined to be the primary exchange for such
security by the Trustees or their delegates. Because of the need to obtain
prices as of the close of trading on various exchanges throughout the world,
the calculation of net asset value may not take place for the Fund if it
invests in foreign securities contemporaneously with the determination of the
prices of the majority of the portfolio securities of the Fund. All assets and
liabilities initially expressed in foreign currency values will be converted
into United States dollar values at the mean between the bid and ask quotations
of such currencies against United States dollars as last quoted by any
recognized dealer. If an event were to occur after the value of an investment
was so established but before the net asset value per share was determined,
which was likely to materially change the net asset value, then the instrument
would be valued using fair value considerations by the


                                       12
<PAGE>

Trustees or their delegates. If at any time the Fund has investments where
market quotations are not readily available, such investments are valued at the
fair value thereof as determined in good faith by the Trustees although the
actual calculations may be made by persons acting pursuant to the direction of
the Trustees.


                               HOW TO BUY SHARES


     The minimum initial investment is $500 and the minimum subsequent
investment is $25. However, both the minimum initial and subsequent investment
amounts are $25 for investments pursuant to the "Investo-Matic" plan, a bank
draft investing program administered by Distributor, or pursuant to the
Systematic Exchange privilege or for an individual retirement account (IRA). In
addition, there are no subsequent investment minimum amounts in connection with
the reinvestment of dividend or capital gain distributions. Completed
applications for the purchase of shares should be mailed to: Phoenix Funds, c/o
State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301.


     The Fund has authorized one or more brokers to accept on its behalf
purchase and redemption orders. Such brokers are authorized to designate other
intermediaries to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Fund's behalf.
The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an
authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker's authorized designee, accepts
the order. Customer orders will be priced at the Fund's net asset values next
computed after they are accepted by an authorized broker or the broker's
authorized designee.


Alternative Purchase Arrangements

     The alternative purchase arrangements permit an investor to choose the
method of purchasing shares that is more beneficial given the amount of the
purchase, the length of time the investor expects to hold the shares, whether
the investor wishes to receive distributions in cash or to reinvest them in
additional shares of the Fund, and other circumstances. Dividends paid by the
Fund, if any, with respect to each Class will be calculated in the same manner
at the same time on the same day, except that the higher distribution and
services fee relating to Class B and C shares will be borne exclusively by that
class. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."

     Shares of the Fund may be purchased from investment dealers at a price
equal to their net asset value per share ("Class C Shares"), or with a sales
charge which, at the election of the purchaser, may be imposed either (i) at
the time of the purchase ("Class A Shares"), or (ii) on a contingent deferred
basis ("Class B Shares"). Orders received by dealers prior to the close of
trading on the New York Stock Exchange are confirmed at the offering price
effective at that time, provided the order is received by the Distributor prior
to its close of business.


Class A Shares
   
     An investor who elects the initial sales charge alternative acquires Class
A shares. Class A shares incur a sales charge when they are purchased and enjoy
the benefit of not being subject to any sales charge when they are redeemed.
Class A shares are subject to an ongoing distribution and services fee at an
annual rate of up to 0.25% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets
attributable to the Class A shares. In addition, certain purchases of Class A
shares qualify for reduced initial sales charges.
    


Class B Shares
   
     An investor who elects the deferred sales charge alternative acquires
Class B shares. Class B shares do not incur a sales charge when they are
purchased, but they are subject to a sales charge if they are redeemed within
three years of purchase. The deferred sales charge may be waived in connection
with certain qualifying redemptions.
    

     Class B shares are subject to an ongoing distribution and services fee at
an annual rate of up to .75% of the Fund's aggregate average daily net assets
attributable to the Class B shares. Class B shares enjoy the benefit of
permitting all of the investor's dollars to work from the time the investment
is made. The higher ongoing distribution and services fee paid by Class B
shares will cause such shares to have a higher expense ratio and to pay lower
dividends, to the extent any dividends are paid, than those related to Class A
shares. Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares six years
after the end of the calendar month in which the shareholder's order to
purchase was accepted. The purpose of the conversion feature is to relieve the
holders of the Class B shares that have been outstanding for a period of time
sufficient for the Adviser and the Distributor to have been compensated for
distribution expenses related to the Class B shares from most of the burden of
such distribution related expenses.

     Class B shares include all shares purchased pursuant to the deferred sales
charge alternative which have been outstanding for less than the period ending
six years after the end of the month in which the shares were issued. At the
end of this period, Class B shares will automatically convert to Class A shares
and will no longer be subject to the higher distribution and services fee. Such
conversion will be on the basis of the relative net asset value of the two
classes without the imposition of any sales load, fee or other charge.

     For purposes of conversion to Class A, shares purchased through the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions paid in respect of Class B shares
in a shareholder's Fund account will be considered to be held in a separate
sub-account. Each time any Class


                                       13
<PAGE>

B shares in the shareholder's Fund 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.


Class C Shares

     Class C Shares are purchased without an initial sales charge and are not
subject to any sales charge when shares are redeemed. All purchases, including
reinvestments of dividend and capital gain distributions, and redemptions are
made at the net asset value per share of the Fund. Class C Shares are subject
to an ongoing distribution and services fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of the
Fund's aggregate average daily net assets attributable to the Class C Shares.
Class C Shares do not convert to another Class of Shares and long term
investors may therefore pay more through accumulated distribution fees than the
economic equivalent of any applicable sales charge and accumulated distribution
fees in the other classes.

   
     The distribution expenses incurred by the Distributor in connection with
the sale of the shares will be paid, in the case of Class A shares, from the
proceeds of the initial sales charge and the ongoing distribution and services
fee. In the case of Class B shares, distribution expenses incurred by the
Distributor in connection with the sale of the shares will be paid from the
proceeds of the ongoing distribution and services fee and the contingent
deferred sales charge incurred upon redemption within three years of purchase.
For Class C Shares, the ongoing distribution and services fee will be used to
pay for the distribution expenses incurred by the Distributor. Sales personnel
of broker-dealers distributing the Fund's shares may receive differing
compensation for selling Class A, Class B or Class C shares. Investors should
understand that the purpose and function of the contingent deferred sales
charge and ongoing distribution and services fee with respect to the Class B
shares are the same as those of the initial sales charge and ongoing
distribution and services fees with respect to the Class A shares.


Class A Shares--Reduced Sales Charges

     Investors choosing Class A Shares may be entitled to reduced sales
charges. The circumstances under which sales charges may be avoided or reduced
are described below.

     Qualified Purchasers. If you fall within any one of the following
categories, you will not have to pay a sales charge on your purchase of Class A
Shares: (1) trustee, director or officer of the Phoenix Funds, the
Phoenix-Engemann Funds, Phoenix-Seneca Funds or any other mutual funds advised,
subadvised or distributed by the Adviser, Distributor or any of their corporate
affiliates (an "Affiliated Phoenix Fund"); (2) any director or officer, or any
full-time employee or sales representative (for at least 90 days), of the
Adviser or Distributor; (3) registered representatives and employees of
securities dealers with whom Distributor has sales agreements; (4) any
qualified retirement plan exclusively for persons described above; (5) any
officer, director or employee of a corporate affiliate of the Adviser or
Distributor; (6) any spouse, child, parent, grandparent, brother or sister of
any person named in (1), (2), (3) or (5) above; (7) employee benefit plans for
employees of the Adviser, Distributor and/or their corporate affiliates; (8)
any employee or agent who retires from Phoenix Home Life, Distributor and/or
their corporate affiliates; (9) any account held in the name of a qualified
employee benefit plan, endowment fund or foundation if, on the date of the
initial investment, the plan, fund or foundation has assets of $10,000,000 or
more or at least 100 eligible employees; (10) any person with a direct rollover
transfer of shares from an established Phoenix Fund or any other Affiliated
Phoenix Fund qualified plan; (11) any Phoenix Home Life separate account which
funds group annuity contracts offered to qualified employee benefit plans; (12)
any state, county, city, department, authority or similar agency prohibited by
law from paying a sales charge; (13) any fully matriculated student in any U.S.
service academy; (14) any unallocated account held by a third party
administrator, registered investment adviser, trust company, or bank trust
department which exercises discretionary authority and holds the account in a
fiduciary, agency, custodial or similar capacity, if in the aggregate such
accounts held by such entity equal or exceed $1,000,000; (15) any person who is
investing redemption proceeds from investment companies other than the Phoenix
Funds or any other Affiliated Phoenix Fund if, in connection with the purchases
or redemption of the redeemed shares, the investor paid a prior sales charge
provided such investor supplies verification that the redemption occurred
within 90 days of the Phoenix Fund purchase and that a sales charge was paid;
(16) any deferred compensation plan established for the benefit of any Phoenix
Fund or any other Affiliated Phoenix Fund trustee or director; provided that
sales to persons listed in (1) through (15) above are made upon the written
assurance of the purchaser that the purchase is made for investment purposes
and that the shares so acquired will not be resold except to the Fund; (17)
purchasers of Class A Shares bought through investment advisors and financial
planners who charge an advisory, consulting or other fee for their services and
buy shares for their own accounts or the accounts of their clients; (18)
retirement plans and deferred compensation plans and trusts used to fund those
plans (including, for example, plans qualified or created under sections
401(a), 403(b) or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code), and "rabbi trusts" that
buy shares for their own accounts, in each case if those purchases are made
through a broker or agent or other financial intermediary that has made special
arrangements with the Distributor for such purchases; or (19) clients of
investment advisors or financial planners who buy shares for their own accounts
but only if their accounts are linked to a master account of their investment
advisor or financial planner on the books and records of the broker, agent or
financial intermediary with which the Distributor has made such special
arrangements (each of the investors described in (17) through (19) may be
charged a fee by the broker, agent or financial intermediary for purchasing
shares).

     Combination Purchase Privilege. Your purchase of any class of shares of
the Funds or any other Affiliated Phoenix Fund (other than Phoenix Money Market
Fund Series Class A Shares), if made at the same time by the same "person,"
will be added together to determine whether the combined sum entitles you to an
immediate reduction in sales charges. A "person" is defined
    


                                       14
<PAGE>

   
in this and the following sections as (a) any individual, their spouse and
minor children purchasing shares for his or their own account (including an IRA
account) including his or their own trust; (b) a trustee or other fiduciary
purchasing for a single trust, estate or single fiduciary account (even though
more than one beneficiary may exist); (c) multiple employer trusts or Section
403(b) plans for the same employer; (d) multiple accounts (up to 200) under a
qualified employee benefit plan or administered by a third party administrator;
or (e) trust companies, bank trust departments, registered investment advisers,
and similar entities placing orders or providing administrative services with
respect to funds over which they exercise discretionary investment authority
and which are held in a fiduciary, agency, custodial or similar capacity,
provided all shares are held of record in the name, or nominee name, of the
entity placing the order.

     Letter of Intent. If you sign a Letter of Intent, your purchase of any
class of shares of the Funds or any other Affiliated Phoenix Fund (other than
Phoenix Money Market Fund Series Class A Shares), if made by the same person
within a thirteen month period, will be added together to determine whether you
are entitled to an immediate reduction in sales charges. Sales charges are
reduced based on the overall amount you indicate that you will buy under the
Letter of Intent. The Letter of Intent is a mutually non-binding arrangement
between you and the Distributor. Since the Distributor doesn't know whether you
will ultimately fulfill the Letter of Intent, shares worth 5% of the amount of
each purchase will be set aside until you fulfill the Letter of Intent. When
you buy enough shares to fulfill the Letter of Intent, these shares will no
longer be restricted. If, on the other hand, you do not satisfy the Letter of
Intent, or otherwise wish to sell any restricted shares, you will be given the
choice of either buying enough shares to fulfill the Letter of Intent or paying
the difference between any sales charge you previously paid and the otherwise
applicable sales charge based on the intended aggregate purchases described in
the Letter of Intent. You will be given 20 days to make this decision. If you
do not exercise either election, the Distributor will automatically redeem the
number of your restricted shares needed to make up the deficiency in sales
charges received. The Distributor will redeem restricted Class A Shares before
Class C or B Shares, respectively. Oldest shares will be redeemed before
selling newer shares. Any remaining shares will then be deposited to your
account.

     Right of Accumulation. Your purchase of any class of shares of the Funds
or any other Affiliated Phoenix Fund, if made over time by the same person may
be added together to determine whether the combined sum entitles you to a
prospective reduction in sales charges. You must provide certain account
information to the Distributor to exercise this right.

     Associations. Certain groups or associations may be treated as a "person"
and qualify for reduced Class A Share sales charges. The group or association
must: (1) have been in existence for at least six months; (2) have a legitimate
purpose other than to purchase mutual fund shares at a reduced sales charge;
(3) work through an investment dealer; or (4) not be a group whose sole reason
for existing is to consist of members who are credit card holders of a
particular company, policyholders of an insurance company, customers of a bank
or a broker-dealer or clients of an investment adviser.


Class B Shares--Waiver of Sales Charges

     The CDSC is waived on the redemption (sale) of Class B Shares if the
redemption is made (a) within one year of death (i) of the sole shareholder on
an individual account, (ii) of a joint tenant where the surviving joint tenant
is the deceased's spouse, or (iii) of the beneficiary of a Uniform Gifts to
Minors Act (UGMA), Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA) or other custodial
account; (b) within one year of disability, as defined in Code Section
72(m)(7); (c) as a mandatory distribution upon reaching age 70-1/2 under any
retirement plan qualified under Code Sections 401, 408 or 403(b) or resulting
from the tax-free return of an excess contribution to an IRA; (d) by 401(k)
plans using an approved participant tracking system for participant hardships,
death, disability or normal retirement, and loans which are subsequently
repaid; (e) based on the exercise of exchange privileges among Class B Shares
of the Funds or any other Affiliated Phoenix Fund; (f) based on any direct
rollover transfer of shares from an established Affiliated Phoenix Fund
qualified plan into an Affiliated Phoenix Fund IRA by participants terminating
from the qualified plan; and (g) based on the systematic withdrawal program.
If, as described in condition (a) above, an account is transferred to an
account registered in the name of a deceased's estate, the CDSC will be waived
on any redemption from the estate account occurring within one year of the
death. If the Class B Shares are not redeemed within one year of the death,
they will remain subject to the applicable CDSC when redeemed. Class C Shares
are not subject to any sales charge when redeemed.


Automatic Conversion of Class B Shares

     Class B Shares will automatically convert to Class A Shares of the same
Fund six years after they are purchased. Conversion will be on the basis of the
then prevailing net asset value of Class A and B Shares. There is no sales
load, fee or other charge for this feature. Class B Shares acquired through
dividend or distribution reinvestments will be converted into Class A Shares at
the same time that other Class B Shares are converted based on the proportion
that the reinvested shares bear to purchased Class B Shares. The conversion
feature is subject to the continuing availability of an opinion of counsel or a
ruling of the Internal Revenue Service that the assessment of the higher
distribution fees and associated costs with respect to Class B Shares does not
result in any dividends or distributions constituting "preferential dividends"
under the Code, and that the conversion of shares does not constitute a taxable
event under federal income tax law. If the conversion feature is suspended,
Class B Shares would continue to be subject to the higher distribution fee for
an indefinite period. Even if the Fund was unable to obtain such assurances, it
might continue to make distributions if doing so would assist in complying with
its general practice of distributing sufficient income to reduce or eliminate
federal taxes otherwise payable by the Fund.
    


                                       15
<PAGE>

   
                           INVESTOR ACCOUNT SERVICES

     The Fund offers accumulation plans, withdrawal plans and reinvestment and
exchange privileges. Certain privileges may not be available in connection with
all classes. In most cases, changes to account services may be accomplished
over the phone. Inquiries regarding policies and procedures relating to
shareholder account services should be directed to Shareholder Services at
(800) 243-1574.
    

     Exchanges. Class A Shares of the Fund held under six months are not
eligible for the exchange privilege. Under certain circumstances, shares of any
Phoenix Fund may be exchanged for shares of the same class of any other
Affiliated Phoenix Fund on the basis of the relative net asset values per share
at the time of the exchange. Exchanges are subject to minimum initial
investment requirements of the designated Series, Fund, or Portfolio, except if
made in connection with the Systematic Exchange privilege. Shareholders may
exchange shares held in book-entry form for an equivalent number (value) of the
same class of shares of any other Affiliated Phoenix Fund, if currently
offered. On exchanges with share classes that carry a contingent deferred sales
charge, the CDSC schedule of the original shares purchased continues to apply.
The exchange of shares is treated as a sale and purchase for federal income tax
purposes (see also "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes").

     Systematic Exchanges. If the conditions above have been met, you or your
broker may, by telephone or written notice, elect to have shares exchanged for
the same class of shares of another Affiliated Phoenix Fund automatically on a
monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis or may cancel this privilege at
any time. If you maintain an account balance of at least $5,000, or $2,000 for
tax qualified retirement benefit plans (calculated on the basis of the net
asset value of the shares held in a single account), you may direct that shares
be automatically exchanged at predetermined intervals for shares of the same
class of another Affiliated Phoenix Fund. This requirement does not apply to
Phoenix "Self Security" program participants. Systematic exchanges will be
executed upon the close of business on the 10th day of each month or the next
succeeding business day. Systematic exchange forms are available from the
Distributor. Exchanges will be based upon each Fund's net asset value per share
next computed after the close of business on the 10th day of each month (or
succeeding business day), without sales charge.

     Dividend Reinvestment Across Accounts. If you maintain an account balance
of at least $5,000, or $2,000 for tax qualified retirement benefit plans
(calculated on the basis of the net asset value of the shares held in a single
account), you may direct that any dividends and distributions paid with respect
to shares in that account be automatically reinvested in a single account of
one of the other Phoenix Funds or any other Affiliated Phoenix Fund at net
asset value. You should obtain a current prospectus and consider the objectives
and policies of each Fund carefully before directing dividends and
distributions to another Fund. Reinvestment election forms and prospectuses are
available from Equity Planning. Distributions may also be mailed to a second
payee and/or address. Requests for directing distributions to an alternate
payee must be made in writing with a signature guarantee of the registered
owner(s). To be effective with respect to a particular dividend or
distribution, notification of the new distribution option must be received by
the Transfer Agent at least three days prior to the record date of such
dividend or distribution. If all shares in your account are repurchased or
redeemed or transferred between the record date and the payment date of a
dividend or distribution, you will receive cash for the dividend or
distribution regardless of the distribution option selected.


     Invest-By-Phone. This expedited investment service allows you to make an
investment in an account by requesting a transfer of funds from the balance of
your bank account. Once a request is phoned in, Equity Planning will initiate
the transaction by wiring a request for monies to your commercial bank, savings
bank or credit union via Automated Clearing House (ACH). Your bank, which must
be an ACH member, will in turn forward the monies to Equity Planning for credit
to your account. ACH is a computer based clearing and settlement operation
established for the exchange of electronic transactions among participating
depository institutions. This service may also be used to sell shares of the
Fund and direct proceeds of sale through ACH to your bank account.


     To establish this service, please complete the Invest-by-Phone Application
and attach a voided check. Upon Equity Planning's acceptance of the
authorization form (usually within two weeks) you may call toll free (800)
367-5877 prior to 3:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) to place your purchase request.
Instructions as to the account number and amount to be invested must be
communicated to Equity Planning. Equity Planning will then contact your bank
via ACH with appropriate instructions. The purchase is normally credited to
your account the day following receipt of the verbal instructions. The Fund may
delay the mailing of a check for redemption proceeds of Fund shares purchased
with a check or via Invest-by-Phone service until the Fund has assured itself
that good payment has been collected for the purchase of the shares, which may
take up to 15 days.


     The Fund and Equity Planning reserve the right to modify or terminate the
Invest-by-Phone service for any reason or to institute charges for maintaining
an Invest-by-Phone account.


   
     Systematic Withdrawal Program. The Systematic Withdrawal Program allows
you to periodically redeem a portion of your account on a predetermined
monthly, quarterly, semiannual or annual basis. A sufficient number of full and
fractional shares will be redeemed so that the designated payment is made on or
about the 20th day of the month. Shares are tendered for redemption by the
Transfer Agent, as agent for the shareowner, on or about the 15th of the month
at the closing net asset value on the date
    


                                       16
<PAGE>

   
of redemption. The Systematic Withdrawal Program also provides for redemptions
to be tendered on or about the 10th, 15th or 25th of the month with proceeds to
be directed through Automated Clearing House (ACH) to your bank account. In
addition to the limitations stated below, withdrawals may not be less than $25
and minimum account balance requirements shall continue to apply.

     Shareholders participating in the Systematic Withdrawal Program must own
shares of a Fund worth $5,000 or more, as determined by the then current net
asset value per share, and elect to have all dividends reinvested. Participants
in the Program redeeming Class C Shares will be subject to any applicable
contingent deferred sales charge. The purchase of shares while participating in
the withdrawal program will ordinarily be disadvantageous to the Class A or M
Shares investor since a sales charge will be paid by the investor on the
purchase of Class A or M Shares at the same time as other shares are being
redeemed. For this reason, investors in Class A or M Shares may not participate
in an automatic investment program while participating in the Systematic
Withdrawal Program.

     Through the Program, Class B shareholders may withdraw up to 1% of their
aggregate net investments (purchases, at initial value, to date net of
non-Program redemptions) each month or up to 3% of their aggregate net
investments each quarter without incurring otherwise applicable contingent
deferred sales charges. Class B shareholders redeeming more shares than the
percentage permitted by the withdrawal program will be subject to any
applicable contingent deferred sales charge on all shares redeemed.
Accordingly, the purchase of Class B Shares will generally not be suitable for
an investor who anticipates withdrawing sums in excess of the above limits
shortly after the purchase.


                        TAX SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLANS

     Shares of the Fund and other Affiliated Phoenix Funds may be offered in
connection with employer-sponsored 401(k) plans. Phoenix Home Life and its
affiliates may provide administrative services to these plans and to their
participants, in addition to the services that the Adviser and its affiliates
provide to the Phoenix Funds, and may receive compensation therefor. For
information on the terms and conditions applicable to employee participation in
such plans, including information on applicable plan administrative charges and
expenses, prospective investors should consult the plan documentation and
employee enrollment information which is available from participating
employers.


                             HOW TO REDEEM SHARES

     Under the 1940 Act, payment for shares redeemed must ordinarily be made
within seven days after tender. The right to redeem shares may be suspended and
payment therefor postponed during periods when the New York Stock Exchange is
closed, other than customary weekend and holiday closings, or if permitted by
rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, during periods when trading on
the New York Stock Exchange is restricted or during any emergency which makes
it impracticable for the Fund to dispose of its securities or fairly value its
net assets during any other period permitted by order of the Securities and
Exchange Commission. Furthermore, the Transfer Agent will not mail redemption
proceeds until checks received for shares purchased have cleared, which may
take up to 15 days after receipt of the check. Redemptions by Class B
shareholders will be subject to the applicable deferred sales charge, if any.
    

     The Fund has authorized one or more brokers to accept on its behalf
purchase and redemption orders. Such brokers are authorized to designate other
intermediaries to accept purchase and redemption orders on the Fund's behalf.
The Fund will be deemed to have received a purchase or redemption order when an
authorized broker or, if applicable, a broker's authorized designee, accepts
the order. Customer orders will be priced at the Fund's net asset values next
computed after they are accepted by an authorized broker or the broker's
authorized designee.


By Mail

     Shareholders may redeem shares by making written request, executed in the
full name of the account, directly to Phoenix Funds c/o State Street Bank and
Trust Company, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301. However, when certificates
for shares are in the possession of the shareholder, they must be mailed or
presented, duly endorsed in the full name of the account, with a written
request to Equity Planning that the Fund redeem the shares. See the Fund's
current Prospectus for more information.


By Check

     You may elect to redeem shares held in your account by check. Checks will
be sent to you upon receipt by Equity Planning of a completed application and
signature card (attached to the application). If the signature card accompanies
your initial account application, the signature guarantee section of the form
may be disregarded. However, the Fund reserves the right to require that all
signatures be guaranteed prior to the establishment of a check writing service
account. When an authorization form is submitted after receipt of the initial
account application, all signatures must be guaranteed regardless of account
value.

     Checks may be drawn payable to any person in an amount of not less than
$500, provided that immediately after the payment of the redemption proceeds
the balance in your account is $500 or more.


                                       17
<PAGE>

     When a check is presented to Equity Planning for payment, a sufficient
number of full and fractional shares in your account will be redeemed to cover
the amount of the check. The number of shares to be redeemed will be determined
on the date the check is received by the Transfer Agent. Presently there is no
charge to you for the check writing service, but this may be changed or
modified in the future upon two weeks written notice to shareholders. Checks
drawn from Class B accounts are subject to the applicable deferred sales
charge, if any.

     The checkwriting procedure for redemption enables you to receive income
accruing on the shares to be redeemed until such time as the check is presented
to Equity Planning for payment. Inasmuch as canceled checks are returned to
shareholders monthly, no confirmation statement is issued at the time of
redemption.

     Shareholders utilizing withdrawal checks will be subject to Equity
Planning's rules governing checking accounts. You should make sure that there
are sufficient shares in your account to cover the amount of any check drawn.
If insufficient shares are in the account and the check is presented to Equity
Planning on a banking day on which the Fund does not redeem shares (for
example, a day on which the New York Stock Exchange is closed), or if the check
is presented against redemption proceeds of an investment made by check which
has not been in the account for at least fifteen calendar days, the check may
be returned marked "Non-sufficient Funds" and no shares will be redeemed. You
may not close your account by a withdrawal check because the exact value of the
account will not be known until after the check is received by Equity Planning.
 


By Telephone

     Unless a shareholder elects in writing not to participate in the Telephone
Redemption Privilege, shares for which certificates have not been issued may be
redeemed by calling (800) 367-5877 and telephone redemptions will also be
accepted on behalf of the shareholder from his or her registered representative
as described in the Prospectus. Address and bank account information will be
verified, telephone redemption instructions will be recorded on tape, and all
redemptions will be confirmed in writing to the shareholder. If there has been
an address change within the past 60 days, a telephone redemption will not be
authorized. The Fund and the Transfer Agent will employ reasonable procedures
to confirm that telephone instructions are genuine. To the extent that
procedures reasonably designed to prevent unauthorized telephone redemptions
are not followed, the Fund and/or the Transfer Agent may be liable for
following telephone instructions for redemption transactions that prove to be
fraudulent. Broker-dealers other than Equity Planning may have agreed to bear
the risk of any loss resulting from any unauthorized telephone redemption
instruction from the firm or its registered representatives. However, the
shareholder would bear the risk of loss resulting from instructions entered by
an unauthorized third party that the Fund and/or the Transfer Agent reasonably
believe to be genuine.

   
     Telephone redemption orders received and accepted by the Transfer Agent on
any day when the Transfer Agent is open for business will be entered at the
next determined net asset value. However telephone redemption orders received
and accepted by the Transfer Agent after the close of trading hours on the
Exchange will be executed on the following business day. If the amount of the
redemption is $500 or more, the proceeds will be wired to the designated
commercial bank account in the United States. If the amount of the redemption
is less than $500, the proceeds will be sent by mail to the address of record
on the shareholder's account. With respect to the telephone redemption of
shares purchased by check, such redemption requests will be effected only after
the Fund has assured itself that good payment has been collected for the
purchase of shares, which may take up to 15 days after receipt of the check.
This expedited redemption privilege is not available to HR-10, IRA and
403(b)(7) Plans. In addition to the Telephone Redemption Privilege, a
shareholder may also redeem by telephone through the "Invest-by-Phone" service.
 


Redemption in Kind

     To the extent consistent with state and federal law, the Funds may make
payment of the redemption price either in cash or in kind. However, the Funds
have elected to pay in cash all requests for redemption by any shareholder of
record, limited in respect to each shareholder during any 90-day period to the
lesser of $250,000 or 1% of the net asset value of the Fund at the beginning of
such period. This election has been made pursuant to Rule 18f-1 under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 and is irrevocable while the Rule is in effect
unless the Securities and Exchange Commission, by order, permits the withdrawal
thereof. In case of a redemption in kind, securities delivered in payment for
shares would be readily marketable and valued at the same value assigned to
them in computing the net asset value per share of the Fund. A shareholder
receiving such securities would incur brokerage costs when selling the
securities.
    


                      DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES


     The Fund intends to continue to qualify as a regulated investment company
("RIC") under certain provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Code"). If the Fund so qualifies, it will not be subject to
federal income tax on the investment company taxable income (which includes
dividends, interest and the excess of net short-term capital gains over net
long-term capital losses) that it distributes to shareholders. To qualify for
treatment as a regulated investment company, the Fund generally must, among
other things, (a) derive in each taxable year at least 90% of its gross income
from dividends, interest, payments with respect to security loans and gains
from the sale or disposition of stock or securities or foreign currencies and
other income (including but not limited to gains from options, futures and
forward contracts) derived with respect to its business of


                                       18
<PAGE>

investing in such stock, securities or currencies; and (b) meet certain
diversification requirements imposed under the Code at the end of each quarter
of the taxable year. Under certain state tax laws, the Fund must also comply
with the "short-short" test to qualify for treatment as a RIC for state tax
purposes. Under the "short-short" test the Fund must derive less than 30% of
its gross income each taxable year as gains (without deduction for losses) from
the sale or other disposition of securities for less than three months. If in
any taxable year the Fund does not qualify as a regulated investment company,
all of its taxable income will be taxed at corporate rates. In addition, if in
any tax year the Fund does not qualify as a RIC for state tax purposes a
capital gain dividend may not retain its character in the hands of the
shareholder for state tax purposes.

     Dividends paid by the Fund will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary
income, except for (a) such portion as may exceed a shareholder's ratable share
of the Fund's earnings and profits, which excess will be applied against and
reduce the shareholder's cost or other tax basis for his shares and (b) amounts
representing a distribution of net capital gains, if any, which are designated
by the Fund as capital gain dividends. If the amount described in (a) above
exceeds the shareholder's tax basis for his shares, the excess over basis will
be treated as gain from the sale or exchange of such shares. The excess of any
net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses recognized and
distributed by the Fund and designated by the Fund as a capital gain dividend,
is taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gain regardless of the length
of time a particular shareholder may have held his shares in the Fund.
Dividends and distributions are taxable as described, whether received in cash
or reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.

     The Code imposes a 4% nondeductible excise tax on regulated investment
companies, such as the Fund, if the Fund does not distribute to its
shareholders (or is deemed not to have distributed) during the calendar year an
amount equal to 98% of the Fund's ordinary income, with certain adjustments,
for such calendar year, plus 98% of the Fund's capital gains net income
(adjusted for certain losses, as prescribed in the Code) for the 12-month
period ending on October 31 of such calendar year. In addition, an amount equal
to any undistributed investment company taxable income or capital gain net
income from the previous calendar year must also be distributed to avoid the
excise tax. The excise tax is imposed on the amount by which each regulated
investment company does not meet the foregoing distribution requirements.

     The Code provides that any dividends declared by the Fund in October,
November or December of any calendar year to shareholders of record on a date
in such month will be deemed to have been received by a shareholder on December
31 of that calendar year, provided that the dividend is actually paid by the
Fund during January of the following year.

     Based on the foregoing, the Fund's policy will be to distribute to its
shareholders at least 90% of investment company taxable income and any net
realized capital gains for each year, so that the Fund generally will pay no
taxes on net investment income and net realized capital gains paid to
shareholders. As described above, less than 30% of the Fund's gross income must
be derived from gains from the sale or other disposition of certain investments
held for less than three months. Accordingly, the Fund may be restricted with
respect to certain activities, including the following activities, all of which
may produce such gains: writing of options on securities which have been held
less than three months; writing of options which expire in less than three
months; effecting closing purchase transactions with respect to options which
have been written less than three months prior to such transactions; and
transactions involving futures and forward contracts.

     The Fund intends to declare dividends daily and to pay dividends monthly.
Dividends may be paid from net investment income. Distribution of net realized
short-term and long-term capital gains will be distributed at least annually.
Income dividends will be paid on the last business day of the month and
reinvested in additional shares at net asset value, unless the shareholder
elects to receive dividends in cash. Whether received in shares or cash,
dividends paid by the Fund from net investment income and distributions from
any net short-term capital gains are taxable to shareholders as ordinary
income. Distributions of net long-term capital gains, if any, realized on sales
of investments for the fiscal year normally will be distributed following the
end of the Fund's fiscal year. Distributions of net long-term capital gains are
taxable to shareholders as such, whether paid in cash or additional shares of
the Fund and regardless of the length of time the shares have been owned by the
shareholder. Net short-term capital gains are net realized short-term capital
gains, generally including net premiums from expired options, net gains from
closing purchase transactions, and net short-term gains from securities sold
upon the exercise of options or otherwise, less any net realized long-term
capital losses. Distributions paid by the Fund generally are subject to
taxation as of the date of payment, whether received by shareholders in cash or
in shares of the Fund, and whether representing an ordinary distribution or a
long-term capital gains distribution. No dividends or distributions will be
made to a shareholder on shares for which no payment has been received.

     It is not anticipated that any of the dividends paid by the Fund will
qualify for the 70% dividends received deduction available to corporate
shareholders of the Fund.

     The Fund's investment in any regulated futures contracts, non-equity
options, or foreign currency contracts, as those terms are defined in the Code,
are considered section 1256 contracts. The principles of marking-to-market
generally apply to such contracts such that the contracts are treated as having
been sold for their fair market value on the last business day of the Fund's
taxable year. Generally, 60% of any net gain or loss recognized on the deemed
sale, as well as 60% of the gain or loss with respect to any actual termination
(including expiration), will be treated as long-term capital gain or loss and
the remaining 40% will be treated as short-term capital gain or loss.


                                       19
<PAGE>

     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 it actually collects such receivables or pays such
liabilities generally are treated as ordinary gain or loss. Similarly, on
disposition of debt securities denominated in a foreign currency and on
disposition of certain futures contracts, forward contracts and options, gains
or losses attributable to fluctuations in the value of the foreign currency
between the date of acquisition of the security or contract and the date of
disposition also are treated as ordinary gain or loss. These gains and losses,
referred to under the Code as section 988 gains or losses, may increase or
decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company taxable income to be
distributed to its shareholders as ordinary income.

     Premiums from expired call options written by the Fund and net gain or
loss from closing purchase transactions, which are not section 1256 contracts,
are generally treated as short-term capital gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes and are taxable to shareholders as ordinary income. If a written call
option is exercised, the premium is added to the proceeds of sale of the
underlying security, and the gain or loss from such sale will be short- or
long-term, depending upon the period such security was held.

     Certain offsetting positions held by the Fund (including certain positions
involving financial futures and options transactions) may be considered, for
tax purposes, to constitute "straddles." Depending on whether certain elections
are available and made by the Fund losses realized by the Fund on one or more
position in such a straddle may be deferred to the extent of unrealized gain in
the offsetting position. Moreover, short-term capital losses on straddle
positions may be re-characterized as long-term capital losses, and long-term
capital gains may be treated as short-term capital gains.

     The tax consequences of certain investments and other activities that the
Fund may make or undertake (such as, but not limited to, dollar roll
agreements) are not entirely clear. While the Fund will endeavor to treat the
tax items arising from these transactions in a manner which it believes to be
appropriate, assurance cannot be given that the Internal Revenue Service or a
court will agree with the Fund's treatment and that adverse tax consequences
will not ensue.

     The Fund may be subject to a tax on dividend or interest income received
from securities of non-U.S. issuers withheld by a foreign country at the
source. The United States has entered into tax treaties with many foreign
countries which entitle the Fund to a reduced rate of tax or exemption from tax
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. The Fund intends to operate so as to qualify for treaty
tax benefits where applicable.

     It is expected that the Fund will not be eligible to elect to pass-through
to its shareholders the amount of foreign income and similar taxes paid by it,
so that shareholders will not be eligible to claim a foreign tax credit or to
deduct their pro rata share of such foreign taxes. Such foreign taxes generally
will reduce the net income of the Fund distributable to shareholders. If the
Fund were eligible to make the pass-through election, and so elected,
shareholders would be notified regarding the relevant items to be taken into
account by the shareholders.

     Under the Code, a shareholder who does not fall within one of certain
exempt categories may be subject to backup withholding at the rate of 31% with
respect to dividends and capital gains distributions paid to shareholders or
reinvested by the Fund and other amounts distributed by it including proceeds
of redemptions, unless such shareholder provides a certified social security or
taxpayer identification number, certifies as to exemption from backup
withholding, and otherwise complies with applicable requirements of the Code.
Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Any amount withheld may be
credited against the shareholder's U.S. federal tax liability.

     Sales and redemptions of shares of the Fund may result in gains or losses
for tax purposes to the extent of the difference between the proceeds from the
shares relinquished and the shareholder's adjusted tax basis for such shares.
If any shares have been held as a capital asset for more than one year, the
gain or loss realized will be long-term capital gain or loss. However, if a
shareholder holds shares of the Fund for six months or less, any loss on the
sale of the shares will be treated as a long-term capital loss to the extent of
the long-term capital gains distributions received by such shareholder.

     Under certain circumstances, the sales charge incurred in acquiring shares
of the Fund may not be taken into account in determining the gain or loss on
the disposition of those shares. This rule applies if shares of the Fund are
exchanged within 90 days after the date they were purchased and new shares of a
regulated investment company are acquired without a sales charge or at a
reduced sales charge. In that case, the gain or loss recognized on the exchange
will be determined by excluding from the tax basis of the shares exchanged all
or a portion of the amount of the sales charge incurred in acquiring those
shares. This exclusion applies to the extent that the otherwise applicable
sales charge with respect to the newly acquired shares is reduced as a result
of having incurred the sales charge initially. The portion of the sales charge
affected by this rule will be treated as an amount paid for the new shares.

     Dividends, distributions and redemption proceeds also may be subject to
state, local and foreign taxes depending upon each shareholder's particular
situation. In addition, foreign shareholders may be subject to federal income
tax rules that differ from those described above. Shareholders are advised to
consult with their tax advisers or attorneys.


                                       20
<PAGE>

   
     The Fund is organized as a Massachusetts business trust. Under current
law, as long as it qualifies for the federal income tax treatment described
above, the Fund itself is not liable for any income or franchise tax in the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
    


                                THE DISTRIBUTOR

   
     Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation ("Equity Planning") acts as the
Distributor for the Fund and as such will conduct a continuous offering
pursuant to a "best efforts" arrangement requiring it to take and pay for only
such securities as may be sold to the public. Equity Planning is an indirect
less than wholly-owned subsidiary of Phoenix Home Life and an affiliate of the
Adviser. Shares of the Fund may be purchased through investment dealers who
have sales agreements with the Distributor. During the fiscal years ended
October 31, 1996, 1997, and 1998, purchasers of shares of the Fund paid
aggregate sales charges of $57,335, $127,340, and $95,205, respectively, of
which the principal underwriter received net commissions of $19,570, $19,763,
and $21,888, respectively, for its services, the balance being paid to dealers.
 

     The Underwriting Agreement may be terminated at any time on not more than
60 days written notice, without payment of a penalty, by the Distributor, by
vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, or by vote
of a majority of the Fund's Trustees who are not "interested persons" of the
Fund and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the operation of
the Distribution Plan or in any related agreements. The Underwriting Agreement
will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment.
    


                                       21
<PAGE>

   
     Dealers with whom the Distributor has entered into sales agreements
receive a discount or commission as set forth below:
    



   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 Sales Charge as
                                                 a percentage of
                                     ----------------------------------------
     Amount of Transaction at                                                    Dealer Discount Percentage
          Offering Price              Offering Price     Net Amount Invested         of Offering Price
- ----------------------------------   ----------------   ---------------------   ---------------------------
<S>                                  <C>                <C>                     <C>
   Under $50,000                            2.25%                2.30%                      2.00%
   $50,000 but under $100,000               1.25                 1.27                       1.00
   $100,000 but under $500,000              1.00                 1.01                       1.00
   $500,000 but under $1,000,000            0.75                 0.76                       0.75
   $1,000,000 or more                       None                 None                       None
</TABLE>
    

   
Dealer Concessions

     In addition to the dealer discount on purchases of Class A Shares, the
Distributor intends to pay investment dealers a sales commission of 2% of the
sale price of Class B Shares sold by such dealers. Your broker, dealer or
investment adviser may also charge you additional commissions or fees for their
services in selling shares to you provided they notify the Distributor of their
intention to do so.

     Dealers and other entities who enter into special arrangements with the
Distributor may receive compensation for the sale and promotion of shares of
the Funds and/or for providing other shareholder services. Depending on the
nature of the services, these fees may be paid either from the Funds through
distribution fees, service fees or transfer agent fees or, in some cases, the
Distributor may pay certain fees from its own profits and resources. From its
own profits and resources, the Distributor does intend to: (a) sponsor training
and educational meetings and provide additional compensation to qualifying
dealers in the form of trips, merchandise or expense reimbursements; (b) from
time to time pay special incentive and retention fees to qualified wholesalers,
registered financial institutions and third party marketers; (c) pay
broker/dealers an amount equal to 1% of the first $3 million of Class A Share
purchases by an account held in the name of a qualified employee benefit plan
with at least 100 eligible employees, 0.50% on the next $3 million, plus 0.25%
on the amount in excess of $6 million; and (d) excluding purchases as described
in (c) above, pay broker/dealers an amount equal to 1% of the amount of Class A
Shares sold above $1 million but under $3 million, 0.50% on the next $3
million, plus 0.25% on the amount in excess of $6 million; (e) subject to
certain exclusions, pay broker/dealers an amount equal to 0.50% of the amount
of Class C Shares sold above $250,000 but under $3 million plus 0.25% on the
amount in excess of $3 million. If part or all of such investment, including
investments by qualified employee benefit plans, is subsequently redeemed
within one year of the investment date, the broker-dealer will refund to the
Distributor such amounts paid with respect to the investment. In addition, the
Distributor may pay the entire applicable sales charge on purchases of Class A
Shares to selected dealers and agents. Any dealer who receives more than 90% of
a sales charge may be deemed to be an "underwriter" under the Securities Act of
1933.

Administrative Services

     Equity Planning also acts as administrative agent of the Fund and as such
performs administrative, bookkeeping and pricing functions for the Fund. For
its services, Equity Planning will be paid a fee equal to the sum of (1) the
documented cost of fund accounting and related services provided by PFPC Inc.,
as subagent, plus (2) the documented cost to Equity Planning to provide
financial reporting and tax services and to oversee the subagent's performance.
The current fee schedule of PFPC Inc. is based upon the average of the
aggregate daily net asset values of the Fund, at the following incremental
annual rates.
    

   
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                     <C> 
         First $200 million                                             .85%
         $200 million to $400 million                                   .05%
         $400 million to $600 million                                   .03%
         $600 million to $800 million                                   .02%
         $800 million to $1 billion                                     .015%
         Greater than $1 billion                                        .0125%
</TABLE>
    

   
     Percentage rates are applied to the aggregate daily net asset values of
the Fund. PFPC Inc. also charges minimum fees and additional fees for each
additional class of fund shares. Equity Planning retains PFPC Inc. as subagent
for each of the funds for which Equity Planning serves as administrative agent.
PFPC Inc. agreed to a modified fee structure and waived certain charges.
Because PFPC Inc.'s arrangement would have favored smaller funds over larger
funds, Equity Planning reallocates PFPC Inc.'s overall asset-based charges
among all funds for which it serves as administrative agent on the basis of the
relative net assets of each fund. As a result, the PFPC Inc. charges to the
Fund are expected to be slightly less than the amount that would be found
through direct application of the table illustrated above. For its services
during the Fund's fiscal year ended October 31, 1998, Equity Planning received
$83,489.
    


                                       22
<PAGE>

                             PLANS OF DISTRIBUTION

     The Fund has adopted separate amended and restated distribution plans
under Rule 12b-1 of the 1940 Act for each class of shares of the Fund (the
"Class A Plan," the "Class B Plan," the "Class C Plan," and collectively the
"Plans"). The Plans permit the Fund to reimburse the Distributor for expenses
incurred in connection with activities intended to promote the sale of shares
of each class of shares of the Fund. For the fiscal year 1998, the Distributor
has voluntarily agreed to waive reimbursement for Class A Shares.

   
     Pursuant to the Plans, the Fund may reimburse the Distributor for actual
expenses of the Distributor up to 0.75% annually of the average daily net
assets of the Fund's Class B shares and up to 0.25% annually of the average
daily net assets of the Fund's Class C shares. Expenditures under the Plans
shall consist of: (i) commissions to sales personnel for selling shares of the
Fund (including underwriting commissions and financing expenses incurred in
connection with the payment of commissions); (ii) compensation, sales
incentives and payments to sales, marketing and service personnel; (iii)
payments to broker-dealers and other financial institutions which have entered
into agreements with the Distributor in the form of the Dealer Agreement for
Phoenix Funds for services rendered in connection with the sale and
distribution of shares of the Fund; (iv) payment of expenses incurred in sales
and promotional activities, including advertising expenditures related to the
Fund; (v) the costs of preparing and distributing promotional materials; (vi)
the cost of printing the Fund's Prospectus and Statement of Additional
Information for distribution to potential investors; and (vii) such other
similar services that the Trustees of the Fund determine are reasonably
calculated to result in the sale of shares of the Fund. In addition, the Fund
will pay 0.25% annually of the average daily net assets of the Fund's shares
for providing services to shareholders, including assistance in connection with
inquiries related to shareholder accounts (the "Service Fee").

     From the Service Fee, the Distributor expects to pay a quarterly fee to
qualifying broker-dealer firms, as compensation for providing personal services
and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts, with respect to shares sold by
such firms. This fee will not exceed on an annual basis 0.25% of the average
annual net asset value of such shares, and will be in addition to sales charges
on Fund shares which are reallowed to such firms. To the extent that the entire
amount of the Service Fee is not paid to such firms, the balance will serve as
compensation for personal and account maintenance services furnished by the
Distributor. The Distributor also pays to dealers, as additional compensation
with respect to Class C Shares, 0.25% of the average annual net asset value of
each class, respectively.
    

     Expenses not reimbursed during any year, because of the limitations on
reimbursements, may be carried over and paid in future years when actual
expenses are less than the respective limits under each Plan. If a
reimbursement appears probable, it will be accounted for as a current expense
of the Fund regardless of the time period over which the reimbursement may
actually be paid by the Fund. If the Plans are terminated in accordance with
their terms, the obligations of the Fund to make payments to the Distributor
pursuant to the Plans, including payments for expenses carried over from
previous years, will cease and the Fund will not be required to make any
payments past the date on which the Plans terminate.

   
     In order to receive payments under the Plans, participants must meet such
qualifications to be established in the sole discretion of the Distributor,
such as services to the Fund's shareholders; or services providing the Fund
with more efficient methods of offering shares to coherent groups of clients,
members or prospects of a participant; or services permitting bulking of
purchases or sales, or transmission of such purchases or sales by computerized
tape or other electronic equipment; or other processing.

     From its own resources or pursuant to the Plan, and subject to the
dealers' prior approval, the Distributor may provide additional compensation to
registered representatives of dealers in the form of travel expenses, meals,
and lodging associated with training and educational meetings sponsored by the
Distributor. The Distributor may also provide gifts amounting in value to less
than $100, and occasional meals or entertainment, to registered representatives
of dealers. Any such travel expenses, meals, lodging, gifts or entertainment
paid will not be preconditioned upon the registered representatives' or
dealers' achievement of a sales target. The Distributor may, from time to time,
reallow the entire portion of the sales charge on Class A shares which it
normally retains to individual selling dealers. However, such additional
reallowance generally will be made only when the selling dealer commits to
substantial marketing support such as internal wholesaling through dedicated
personnel, internal communications and mass mailings.

     For the fiscal year ended October 31, 1998, the Fund paid 12b-1 fees in
the amount of $198,418 ($76,534 under the Distribution Plan for Class A shares;
$87,785 under the Distribution Plan for Class B shares and $34,099 under the
Distribution Plan for Class C shares), of which the Distributor of the Fund
received $82,753. The 12b-1 payments were used for (1) compensating dealers,
$----- , (2) compensating sales personnel, $----- , (3) advertising, $----- ,
(4) printing and mailing of prospectuses to other than current shareholders,
$----- , (5) service costs, $-----  and (6) other, $----- .
    

     On a quarterly basis, the Fund's Trustees review a report on expenditures
under the Plans and the purposes for which expenditures were made. The Trustees
conduct an additional, more extensive review annually in determining whether
the Plans will be continued. By its terms, continuation of the Plans from year
to year is contingent on annual approval by a majority of the Fund's Trustees
and by a majority of the Trustees who are not "interested persons" (as defined
in the 1940 Act) and who have no direct or indirect financial interest in the
operation of the Plans or any related agreements (the "Plan Trustees"). The
Plans


                                       23
<PAGE>

provides that they may not be amended to increase materially the costs which
the Fund may bear pursuant to the Plans without approval of the shareholders of
that class of the Fund and that other material amendments to the Plans must be
approved by a majority of the Plan Trustees by vote cast in person at a meeting
called for the purpose of considering such amendments. The Plans further
provide that while they are in effect, the selection and nomination of Trustees
who are not "interested persons" shall be committed to the discretion of the
Trustees who are not "interested persons." The Plans may be terminated at any
time by vote of the Plan Trustees or a majority of the outstanding shares of
the relevant class of the Fund.


   
     The National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. (the "NASD") regards
certain distribution fees as asset-based sales charges subject to NASD sales
load limits. The NASD's maximum sales charge rule may require the Trustees to
suspend distribution fees or amend the Plans.


                            MANAGEMENT OF THE TRUST


     The Trustees are responsible for the overall supervision of the operations
of the Trust and perform the duties imposed on Trustees by the 1940 Act and
Massachusetts business trust law.


Trustees and Officers

     The following table sets forth information concerning the Trustees and
executive officers of the Fund, including their principal occupations during
the past five years. Unless otherwise noted, the address of each executive
officer and Trustee is 56 Prospect Street, Hartford, Connecticut, 06115-0480.
    



   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            Positions Held                         Principal Occupations
Name, Address and Age        With the Fund                        During the Past 5 Years
- ------------------------   ----------------   --------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>                <C>
Robert Chesek (64)         Trustee            Trustee/Director (1981-present) and Chairman (1989-1994),
49 Old Post Road                              Phoenix Funds. Trustee, Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund and
Wethersfield, CT 06109                        Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional Mutual Funds
                                              (1996-present). Vice President, Common Stock, Phoenix
                                              Home Life Mutual Insurance Company (1980-1994). Director/
                                              Trustee, the National Affiliated Investment Companies (until
                                              1993).

E. Virgil Conway (69)      Trustee            Chairman, Metropolitan Transportation Authority
9 Rittenhouse Road                            (1992-present). Trustee/Director, Consolidated Edison
Bronxville, NY 10708                          Company of New York, Inc. (1970-present), Pace University
                                              (1978-present), Atlantic Mutual Insurance Company
                                              (1974-present), HRE Properties (1989-present), Greater New
                                              York Councils, Boy Scouts of America (1985-present), Union
                                              Pacific Corp. (1978-present), Blackrock Freddie Mac
                                              Mortgage Securities Fund (Advisory Director) (1990-present),
                                              Centennial Insurance Company (1974-present), Josiah Macy,
                                              Jr., Foundation (1975-present), The Harlem Youth
                                              Development Foundation (1987-present), Accuhealth
                                              (1994-present), Trism, Inc. (1994-present), Realty Foundation
                                              of New York (1972-present), New York Housing Partnership
                                              Development Corp. (Chairman) (1981-present) and Fund
                                              Directions (Advisory Director) (1993-present). Director/
                                              Trustee, Phoenix Funds (1993-present). Trustee, Phoenix-
                                              Aberdeen Series Fund and Phoenix Duff & Phelps
                                              Institutional Mutual Funds (1996-present). Director, Duff &
                                              Phelps Utilities Tax-Free Income Inc. and Duff & Phelps
                                              Utility and Corporate Bond Trust Inc. (1995-present).
                                              Member, Audit Committee of the City of New York
                                              (1981-1996). Advisory Director, Blackrock Fannie Mae
                                              Mortgage Securities Fund (1989-1996). Member (1990-1995),
                                              Chairman (1992-1995), Financial Accounting Standards
                                              Advisory Council. Director/Trustee, the National Affiliated
                                              Investment Companies (until 1993).
</TABLE>
    

                                       24
<PAGE>


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Positions Held                       Principal Occupations
Name, Address and Age          With the Fund                       During the Past 5 Years
- ---------------------------   ---------------   -------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>               <C>
Harry Dalzell-Payne (69)      Trustee           Director/Trustee, Phoenix Funds (1983-present). Trustee,
330 East 39th Street                            Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund and Phoenix Duff & Phelps
Apartment 29G                                   Institutional Mutual Funds (1996-present). Director, Duff &
New York. NY 10016                              Phelps Utilities Tax-Free Income Inc. and Duff & Phelps
                                                Utility and Corporate Bond Trust Inc. (1995-present).
                                                Director, Farragut Mortgage Co., Inc. (1991-1994). Director/
                                                Trustee, the National Affiliated Investment Companies
                                                (1983-1993). Formerly a Major General of the British Army.

*Francis E. Jeffries (68)     Trustee           Director/Trustee, Phoenix Funds (1995-present). Trustee,
6585 Nicholas Blvd.                             Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Inc. and Phoenix Duff & Phelps
Apt. 1601                                       Institutional Mutual Funds (1996-present). Director, Duff &
Naples, FL 33963                                Phelps Utilities Income Inc. (1987-present), Duff & Phelps
                                                Utilities Tax-Free Income Inc. (1991-present) and Duff &
                                                Phelps Utility and Corporate Bond Trust Inc. (1993-present).
                                                Director, The Empire District Electric Company
                                                (1984-present). Director (1989-1997), Chairman of the Board
                                                (1993-1997), President (1989-1993), and Chief Executive
                                                Officer (1989-1995), Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd.

Leroy Keith, Jr. (59)         Trustee           Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Carson Products
Chairman and Chief                              Company (1995-present). Director/Trustee, Phoenix Funds
Executive Officer                               (1980-present). Trustee, Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund and
Carson Product Company                          Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional Mutual Funds
64 Ross Road                                    (1996-present). Director, Equifax Corp. (1991-present) and
Savannah, GA 30750                              Evergreen International Fund, Inc. (1989-present). Trustee,
                                                Evergreen Liquid Trust, Evergreen Tax Exempt Trust,
                                                Evergreen Tax Free Fund, Master Reserves Tax Free Trust,
                                                and Master Reserves Trust. President, Morehouse College
                                                (1987-1994). Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Keith
                                                Ventures (1992-1994). Director/Trustee, the National
                                                Affiliated Investment Companies (until 1993).
</TABLE>
    

                                       25
<PAGE>


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                Positions Held                         Principal Occupations
Name, Address and Age           With the Fund                         During the Past 5 Years
- ----------------------------   ---------------   ----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>               <C>
*Philip R. McLoughlin (52)     Trustee and       Chairman (1997-present), Director (1995-present), Vice
56 Prospect Street             President         Chairman (1995-1997) and Chief Executive Officer
Hartford, CT 06115                               (1995-1997), Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. Director
                                                 (1994-present) and Executive Vice President, Investments
                                                 (1988-present), Phoenix Home Life Mutual Insurance
                                                 Company. Director/Trustee and President, Phoenix Funds
                                                 (1989-present). Trustee and President, Phoenix-Aberdeen
                                                 Series Fund and Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional Mutual
                                                 Funds (1996-present). Director, Duff & Phelps Utilities
                                                 Tax-Free Income Inc. (1995-present) and Duff & Phelps
                                                 Utility and Corporate Bond Trust Inc. (1995-present). Director
                                                 (1983-present) and Chairman (1995-present), Phoenix
                                                 Investment Counsel, Inc. Director (1984-present) and
                                                 President (1990-present), Phoenix Equity Planning
                                                 Corporation. Director (1993-present), Chairman (1993-
                                                 present) and Chief Executive Officer (1993-1995), National
                                                 Securities & Research Corporation. Director, Phoenix Realty
                                                 Group, Inc. (1994-present), Phoenix Realty Advisors, Inc.
                                                 (1987-present), Phoenix Realty Investors, Inc.
                                                 (1994-present), Phoenix Realty Securities, Inc.
                                                 (1994-present), PXRE Corporation (Delaware) (1985-present),
                                                 and World Trust Fund (1991-present). Director and Executive
                                                 Vice President, Phoenix Life and Annuity Company
                                                 (1996-present). Director and Executive Vice President, PHL
                                                 Variable Insurance Company (1995-present). Director,
                                                 Phoenix Charter Oak Trust Company (1996-present). Director
                                                 and Vice President, PM Holdings, Inc. (1985-present).
                                                 Director and President, Phoenix Securities Group, Inc.
                                                 (1993-1995). Director (1992-present) and President
                                                 (1992-1994), W.S. Griffith & Co., Inc. Director PHC
                                                 Associates, Inc. (1995-present). Director/Trustee, the National
                                                 Affiliated Investment Companies (until 1993).

Everett L. Morris (70)         Trustee           Vice President, W.H. Reaves and Company (1993-present).
164 Laird Road                                   Director/Trustee, Phoenix Funds (1995-present). Trustee, Duff
Colts Neck, NJ 07722                             & Phelps Mutual Funds (1994-present). Trustee, Phoenix-
                                                 Aberdeen Series Fund and Phoenix Duff & Phelps
                                                 Institutional Mutual Funds (1996-present). Director, Duff &
                                                 Phelps Utilities Tax-Free Income Inc. (1991-present) and
                                                 Duff & Phelps Utility and Corporate Bond Trust Inc.
                                                 (1993-present). Director, Public Service Enterprise Group,
                                                 Incorporated (1986-1993). President and Chief Operating
                                                 Officer, Enterprise Diversified Holdings, Incorporated
                                                 (1989-1993).
</TABLE>
    

                                       26
<PAGE>


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       Positions Held                        Principal Occupations
Name, Address and Age                  With the Fund                        During the Past 5 Years
- -----------------------------------   ---------------   --------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>               <C>
*James M. Oates (52)                  Trustee           Chairman, IBEX Capital Markets LLC (1997-present).
Managing Director                                       Managing Director, Wydown Group (1994-present). Director,
The Wydown Group                                        Phoenix Investment Partners, Ltd. (1995-present). Director/
IBEX Capital Markets LLC                                Trustee, Phoenix Funds (1987-present). Trustee, Phoenix-
60 State Street                                         Aberdeen Series Fund and Phoenix Duff & Phelps
Suite 950                                               Institutional Mutual Funds (1996-present). Director, AIB
Boston, MA 02109                                        Govett Funds (1991-present), Blue Cross and Blue Shield of
                                                        New Hampshire (1994-present), Investors Financial Service
                                                        Corporation (1995-present), Investors Bank & Trust
                                                        Corporation (1995-present), Plymouth Rubber Co.
                                                        (1995-present), Stifel Financial (1996-present) and Command
                                                        Systems, Inc. (1998-present), Vice Chairman, Massachusetts
                                                        Housing Partnership (1992-present). Member, Chief
                                                        Executives Organization (1996-present). Director
                                                        (1984-1994), President (1984-1994) and Chief Executive
                                                        Officer (1986-1994), Neworld Bank. Director/Trustee, the
                                                        National Affiliated Investment Companies (until 1993).

*Calvin J. Pedersen (56)              Trustee           Director (1986-present), President (1993-present) and
Phoenix Duff & Phelps Corporation                       Executive Vice President (1992-1993), Phoenix Investment
55 East Monroe Street                                   Partners, Ltd. Director/Trustee, Phoenix Funds
Suite 3600                                              (1995-present). Trustee, Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund and
Chicago, IL 60603                                       Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional Mutual Funds
                                                        (1996-present). President and Chief Executive Officer, Duff &
                                                        Phelps Utilities Tax-Free Income Inc. (1995-present), Duff &
                                                        Phelps Utilities Income Inc. (1994-present) and Duff &
                                                        Phelps Utility and Corporate Bond Trust Inc. (1995 present).

Herbert Roth, Jr. (70)                Trustee           Director/Trustee, Phoenix Funds (1980-present). Trustee,
134 Lake Street                                         Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund and Phoenix Duff & Phelps
P.O. Box 909                                            Institutional Mutual Funds (1996-present). Director, Boston
Sherborn, MA 01770                                      Edison Company (1978-present), Landauer, Inc. (medical
                                                        services) (1970-present), Tech Ops./Sevcon, Inc. (electronic
                                                        controllers) (1987-present), and Mark IV Industries
                                                        (diversified manufacturer) (1985-present). Member, Directors
                                                        Advisory Council, Phoenix Home Life Mutual Insurance
                                                        Company (1998-present). Director, Key Energy Group (oil rig
                                                        service) (1988-1994) and Phoenix Home Life Mutual and
                                                        Insurance Company (1972-1998). Director/Trustee, the
                                                        National Affiliated Investment Companies (until 1993).

Richard E. Segerson (52)              Trustee           Managing Director, Mullin Associates (1993-present).
102 Valley Road                                         Director/Trustee, Phoenix Funds, (1993-present). Trustee,
New Canaan, CT 06840                                    Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund and Phoenix Duff & Phelps
                                                        Institutional Mutual Funds (1996-present). Vice President and
                                                        General Manager, Coats & Clark, Inc. (previously Tootal
                                                        American, Inc.) (1991-1993). Director/Trustee, the National
                                                        Affiliated Investment Companies (1984-1993).

Lowell P. Weicker, Jr. (67)           Trustee           Trustee/Director, Phoenix Funds (1995-present). Trustee,
731 Lake Avenue                                         Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund and Phoenix Duff & Phelps
Greenwich, CT 06830                                     Institutional Mutual Funds (1996-present). Director, UST Inc.
                                                        (1995-present), HPSC Inc. (1995-present), Compuware
                                                        (1996-present) and Burroughs Wellcome Fund
                                                        (1966-present). Visiting Professor, University of Virginia
                                                        (1997-present). Director, Duty Free International (1997).
                                                        Chairman, Dresing, Lierman, Weicker (1995-1996). Governor
                                                        of the State of Connecticut (1991-1995).
</TABLE>
    

                                       27
<PAGE>


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                            Positions Held                       Principal Occupations
Name, Address and Age       With the Fund                       During the Past 5 Years
- ------------------------   ---------------   -------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>               <C>
Michael E. Haylon (40)     Executive         Director and Executive Vice President-Investments, Phoenix
                           Vice              Investment Partners, Ltd. (1995-present). Senior Vice
                           President         President, Securities Investments, Phoenix Home Life Mutual
                                             Insurance Company (1993-1995). Director (1994-present),
                                             President (1996-present), and Executive Vice President
                                             (1994-1996), National Securities & Research Corporation.
                                             Executive Vice President, Phoenix Funds (1995-present)
                                             Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund (1996-present). Executive
                                             Vice President (1997-present), Vice President (1996-1997),
                                             Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional Mutual Funds. Director
                                             (1994-present), President (1995-present) and Executive Vice
                                             President (1994-1995), Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc.
                                             Director (1994-present), President (1996-present) and
                                             Executive Vice President (1994-1996), National Securities &
                                             Research Corporation. Director, Phoenix Equity Planning
                                             Corporation (1995-present). Various other positions with
                                             Phoenix Home Life Mutual Insurance Company (1990-1993).

James D. Wehr (41)         Senior Vice       Managing Director, Fixed Income, (1996-present), Vice
                           President         President (1991-1996), Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc.
                                             Managing Director, Fixed Income, (1996-present), Vice
                                             President (1993-1996), National Securities & Research
                                             Corporation. Senior Vice President (1997-present), Vice
                                             President (1988-1997), Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund; Senior
                                             Vice President (1997-present), Vice President (1990-1997),
                                             Phoenix Series Fund; Senior Vice President (1997-present),
                                             Vice President (1991-1997), The Phoenix Edge Series Fund;
                                             Senior Vice President (1997-present), Vice President (1993-
                                             1997), Phoenix California Tax Exempt Bonds, Inc.; Senior
                                             Vice President (1997-present), Vice President (1996-1997),
                                             Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional Mutual Funds; and Senior
                                             Vice President, Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund,
                                             Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Phoenix Income
                                             and Growth Fund and Phoenix Strategic Allocation Fund, Inc.
                                             (1997-present). Senior Vice President and Chief Investment
                                             Officer, Duff & Phelps Utilities Tax Free Income Inc.
                                             (1997-present). Managing Director, Public Fixed Income,
                                             Phoenix Home Life Insurance Company (1991-1995). Various
                                             positions with Phoenix Home Life Insurance Company
                                             (1981-1991).

David L. Albrycht (37)     Vice              Managing Director, Fixed Income (1996-present), Vice
                           President         President (1995-1996), Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc.
                                             Managing Director, Fixed Income (1996-present), Investment
                                             Officer (1994-1996), National Securities & Research
                                             Corporation. Vice President, Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund
                                             (1993-present), Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
                                             (1993-present), Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
                                             (1994-present). Portfolio Manager, Phoenix Home Life Mutual
                                             Insurance Company (1989-1995).
</TABLE>
    

                                       28
<PAGE>


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               Positions Held                          Principal Occupations
Name, Address and Age          With the Fund                          During the Past 5 Years
- ---------------------------   ---------------   ------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>               <C>
William E. Keen, III (35)     Vice              Assistant Vice President (1996-present), Director of Mutual
100 Bright Meadow Blvd.       President         Fund Compliance (1995-1996), Phoenix Equity Planning
P.O. Box 2200                                   Corporation. Vice President, Phoenix Funds, Phoenix-
Enfield, CT 06083-2200                          Aberdeen Series Fund, and Phoenix Duff & Phelps
                                                Institutional Mutual Funds (1996-present). Assistant Vice
                                                President, USAffinity Investments LP, (1994-1995). Treasurer
                                                and Secretary, USAffinity Funds (1994-1995). Manager, Fund
                                                Administration, SEI Corporation (1991-1994).

William R. Moyer (54)         Vice              Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Phoenix
100 Bright Meadow Blvd.       President         Investment Partners, Ltd. (1995-present). Director
P.O. Box 2200                                   (1998-present), Senior Vice President (1990-present), Chief
Enfield, CT 06083-2200                          Financial Officer (1996-present), Finance (until 1996) and
                                                Treasurer (1994-1996 and 1998-present), Phoenix Equity
                                                Planning Corporation. Director (1998-present), Senior Vice
                                                President (1990-present), Chief Financial Officer (1996-present),
                                                Finance (until 1996) and Treasurer (1994-present), Phoenix
                                                Investment Counsel, Inc. Director (1998-present), Senior Vice
                                                President (1994-present), Chief Financial Officer (1996-present),
                                                Finance (until 1996) and Treasurer (1994-present), National
                                                Securities & Research Corporation. Vice President, Phoenix
                                                Funds (1990-present), Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional
                                                Mutual Funds (1996-present) and Phoenix-Aberdeen Series
                                                Fund (1996-present). Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
                                                Officer, Phoenix Duff & Phelps Investment Management Co.
                                                (1996-present). Vice President, Investment Products Finance,
                                                Phoenix Home Life Mutual Insurance Company (1990-1995).
                                                Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (1993-1995)
                                                and Treasurer (1994-1995), W.S. Griffith & Co., Inc. and
                                                Townsend Financial Advisors, Inc. Senior Vice President,
                                                Finance, Phoenix Securities Group, Inc. (1993-1995). Vice
                                                President, the National Affiliated Companies (until 1993).

Leonard J. Saltiel (44)       Vice              Managing Director, Operations and Service (1996-present),
                              President         Senior Vice President (1994-1996), Phoenix Equity Planning
                                                Corporation. Vice President, Phoenix Funds (1994-present),
                                                Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund and Phoenix Duff & Phelps
                                                Institutional Mutual Funds (1996-present), and National
                                                Securities & Research Corporation (1994-1996). Vice
                                                President, Investment Operations, Phoenix Home Life Mutual
                                                Insurance Company (1994-1995). Various positions with
                                                Home Life Insurance Company and Phoenix Home Life
                                                Mutual Insurance Company (1987-1994).

Nancy G. Curtiss (46)         Treasurer         Treasurer (1996-present), Vice President, Fund Accounting
                                                (1994-1996), Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation. Treasurer,
                                                Phoenix Funds (1994-present), Phoenix-Aberdeen Series
                                                Fund (1996-present) and Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional
                                                Mutual Funds (1996-present). Second Vice President and
                                                Treasurer, Fund Accounting, Phoenix Home Life Mutual
                                                Insurance Company (1994-1995). Various positions with
                                                Phoenix Home Life Insurance Company (1987-1994).
</TABLE>
    

                                       29
<PAGE>


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           Positions Held                         Principal Occupations
Name, Address and Age      With the Fund                         During the Past 5 Years
- -----------------------   ---------------   ----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>               <C>
G. Jeffrey Bohne (51)     Secretary         Vice President and General Manager, Phoenix Home Life Mutual
101 Munson Street                           Insurance Co. (1993-present). Vice President, Mutual Fund
Greenfield, MA 01301                        Customer Service (1996-present), Vice President, Transfer Agent
                                            Operations (1993-1996), Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation.
                                            Secretary/Clerk, Phoenix Funds (1993-present), Phoenix-
                                            Aberdeen Series Fund and Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional
                                            Mutual Funds (1996-present). Vice President, Home Life of New
                                            York Insurance Company (1984-1992).
</TABLE>
    

   
- ---------------
 *Messrs. Jeffries, McLoughlin, Oates and Pedersen are "interested persons" of
 the Fund within the meaning of the definition set forth in Section 2(a)(19) of
 the 1940 Act.

     For services rendered to the Fund for the fiscal year ended October 31,
1998, the Trustees received aggregate remuneration of $17,385. For services on
the Boards of Directors/Trustees of the Phoenix Funds, each Trustee who is not
a full-time employee of the Adviser or any of its affiliates currently receives
a retainer at the annual rate of $40,000 and a fee of $2,500 per joint meeting
of the Boards. Each Trustee who serves on the Audit Committee receives a
retainer at the annual rate of $2,000 and a fee of $2,000 per joint Audit
Committee meeting attended. Each Trustee who serves on the Nominating Committee
receives a retainer at the annual rate of $1,000 and a fee of $1,000 per joint
Nominating Committee meeting attended. Each Trustee who serves on the Executive
Committee and who is not an interested person of the Fund receives a retainer
at the annual rate of $2,000 and $2,000 per joint Executive Committee meeting
attended. The function of the Executive Committee is to serve as a contract
review, compliance review and performance review delegate of the full Board of
Trustees. Trustees costs are allocated equally to each of the Series and Funds
within the Fund complex. The foregoing fees do not include the reimbursement of
expenses incurred in connection with meeting attendance. Officers and employees
of the Adviser who are interested persons are compensated by the Adviser and
receive no compensation from the Fund.

     For the Fund's last fiscal year ending October 31, 1998, the Trustees
received the following compensation:
    

   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                              Total
                                                                                           Compensation
                                                  Pension or                              From Fund and
                              Aggregate      Retirement Benefits        Estimated          Fund Complex
                            Compensation       Accrued as Part       Annual Benefits        (14 Funds)
          Name                From Fund        of Fund Expenses      Upon Retirement     Paid to Trustees
- ------------------------   --------------   ---------------------   -----------------   -----------------
<S>                        <C>              <C>                     <C>                 <C>
Robert Chesek                  $1,440                                                        $59,750
E. Virgil Conway+              $1,887                                                        $78,000
Harry Dalzell-Payne+           $1,678                                                        $69,500
Francis E. Jeffries            $1,441                                                        $60,000
Leroy Keith, Jr.               $1,498                None                  None              $62,250
Philip R. McLoughlin+          $    0              for any               for any                   0
Everett L. Morris+             $1,621              Trustee               Trustee             $68,000
James M. Oates+                $1,621                                                        $67,250
Calvin J. Pedersen             $    0                                                              0
Herbert Roth, Jr.+             $1,945                                                        $79,500
Richard E. Segerson            $1,707                                                        $70,750
Lowell P. Weicker, Jr.         $1,707                                                        $70,000
</TABLE>
    

- -----------
   
*This compensation (and the earnings thereon) was deferred pursuant to the
Trustees' Deferred Compensation Plan. At October 31, 1998 the total amount of
deferred compensation (including interest and other accumulation earned on the
original amounts deferred) accrued for Messrs. Jeffries, Morris and Roth was
$----- , $-----  and $----- , respectively. At present, by agreement among the
Fund, the Distributor and the electing trustee, trustee fees that are deferred
are paid by the Fund to the Distributor. The liability for the deferred
compensation obligation appears only as a liability of the Distributor.
    
+Messrs. Conway, Dalzell-Payne, McLoughlin, Morris, Oates and Roth are members
of the Executive Committee.

   
     On February   , 1999, the Trustees and officers of the Fund beneficially
owned less than 1% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.

Principal Shareholders

     The following table sets forth information as of February   , 1999 with
respect to each person who owns of record or is known by the Fund to own of
record or beneficially own 5% or more of any class of the Fund's equity
securities.
    


                                       30
<PAGE>


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
               Name of Shareholder                   Class     Number of Shares     Percent of Class
- -------------------------------------------------   -------   ------------------   ------------------
<S>                                                 <C>       <C>                  <C>
Advest Inc.
 ATTN: Mutual Fund Operations
 90 State House Sq.
 Hartford, CT 06103-3702

Prudential Securities Inc.
 FBO Virtual World Entertainment Group
 676 N. Saint Clair St. Ste. 1000
 Chicago, IL 60611-2927

Trustees of Phoenix Savings and Investment Plan
 100 Bright Meadow Blvd.
 P.O. Box 1900
 Enfield, CT 06083-1900

MLPF&S for the sole benefit of its customers
 ATTN: Fund Administration
 4800 Deer Lake Dr. E 3rd Fl.
 Jacksonville, FL 32246-6484

Mary Ann Krausz
 7739 Lycoming Ave.
 Melrose Park, PA 19027

John S. Swift Jr.
 P.O. Box 1725
 Bodega Bay, CA 94923

Wheat First Securities, Inc.
 Georgian Court College Plant Fund
 900 Lakewood Ave.
 Lakewood, NJ 08701
</TABLE>
    

                               OTHER INFORMATION


   
Capital Stock

     The Declaration of Trust, as amended, provides that the Trustees are
authorized to create an unlimited number of series and, with respect to each
series, to issue an unlimited number of full and fractional shares of
beneficial interest of one or more classes and to divide or combine the shares
into a greater or lesser number of shares without thereby changing the
proportionate beneficial interests in the series. All shares have equal voting
rights, except that only shares of the respective series or separate classes
within a series are entitled to vote on matters concerning only that series or
class. At the date of this Prospectus, there is only one existing series of the
Fund, having three classes of shares.


     The shares of the Fund, when issued, will be fully paid and
non-assessable, have no preference, preemptive, or similar rights, and will be
freely transferable. There will normally be no meetings of shareholders for the
purpose of electing Trustees unless and until such time as less than a majority
of the Trustees holding office have been elected by shareholders, at which time
the Trustees then in office will call a shareholders' meeting for the election
of Trustees. Shareholders may, in accordance with the Declaration of Trust,
cause a meeting of shareholders to be held for the purpose of voting on the
removal of Trustees. Meetings of the shareholders may be called upon written
request of shareholders holding in the aggregate not less than 10% of the
outstanding shares having voting rights. The Trustees will provide appropriate
assistance to shareholders, in compliance with the provisions of the 1940 Act,
if such a request for a meeting is received. Except as set forth above and
subject to the 1940 Act, the Trustees will continue to hold office and appoint
successor Trustees. Shares do not have cumulative voting rights and the holders
of more than 50% of the shares of the Fund voting for the election of Trustees
can elect all of the Fund's Trustees if they choose to do so and in such event
the holders of the remaining shares would not be able to elect any Trustees.
Shareholders are entitled to redeem their shares as set forth under "How to
Redeem Shares."


     The Declaration of Trust establishing the Fund (a copy of which, together
with all amendments thereto, is on file in the office of the Secretary of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts), provides that the name "Phoenix Multi-Sector
Short Term Bond Fund" refers to the Trustees under the Declaration of Trust
collectively as Trustees, but not as individuals or personally; and no Trustee,
shareholder, officer, employee or agent of the Fund shall be held to any
personal liability, nor shall resort be had to their personal property for the
satisfaction of any obligation or claim of said Fund but the "Trust Property"
only shall be liable.
    


                                       31
<PAGE>

Independent Accountants
   
     PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, 160 Federal Street, Boston, MA 02110, has been
selected as independent accountants for the Fund. PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
audits the Fund's annual financial statements and expresses an opinion thereon.
 
    

Custodian and Transfer Agent
   
     State Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, MA 02266-8301,
serves as the Fund's custodian. Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation, 100 Bright
Meadow Boulevard, P.O. Box 2200, Enfield, CT 06083-2200, serves as the Fund's
transfer agent. As compensation, Equity Planning receives a fee equivalent to
$17.95 for each designated shareholder account plus out-of-pocket expenses.
Transfer Agent fees are also utilized to offset costs and fees paid to
subtransfer agents employed by Equity Planning. State Street Bank and Trust
Company serves as a subtransfer agent pursuant to a Subtransfer Agency
Agreement.
    

Reports to Shareholders
   
     The fiscal year of the Fund ends on October 31. The Fund will send
financial statements to the shareholders at least semiannually. An annual
report, containing financial statements audited by the Fund's independent
accountants, will be sent to shareholders each year.
    

Financial Statements
   
     The financial statements for the Fund's fiscal year ended October 31, 1998
appearing in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders, are incorporated herein
by reference.
    


                                       32
<PAGE>

                                   APPENDIX


                      Description of Certain Bond Ratings

Moody's Investor's 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 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 in 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 sometime in the future.


     Baa: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations;
i.e., they are neither highly protective 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.


     Note: Those bonds in the Aa, A and Baa groups which Moody's believes
possess the strongest investment attributes are designated by the symbols Aa1,
A1 and Baa1.


     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 safe
guarded 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 a 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
and interest.


Standard & Poor's Corporation

     AAA: Bonds rated AAA have the highest rating assigned by Standard &
Poor's. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

     AA: Bonds rated AA have a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differ from the higher rated issues only in small degree.

     A: Bonds rated A have a strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal although they are somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of
changes in circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated
categories.

     BBB: Bonds rated BBB are regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
principal and interest. Whereas they normally exhibit adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay principal and interest for bonds
in this category than for bonds in the A category.

     BB, B, CCC: Bonds rated BB, B, CCC are regarded, on balance, as
predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with terms of the obligation. BB indicates the lowest
degree of speculation and CCC the highest degree of speculation. While such
debt will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are
outweighed by large uncertainties of major risk exposure to adverse conditions.
 


Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co.

     Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Co. ("D&P") is an unaffiliated Nationally
Recognized Statistical Rating Organization by the SEC as well as State
Commissions and insurance regulatory bodies. Ratings qualify for SEC Rule 2a-7
provisions and broker/dealer capital computation guidelines on commercial paper
inventory. D&P ratings also qualify for NAIC rating designations and for ERISA
guidelines governing asset-backed securities as stated by the Department of
Labor.


                                       33
<PAGE>

Rating Scale:

     D&P offers ratings for short-term and long-term debt, preferred stock,
structured financings, and insurer's claims paying ability. D&P ratings are
specific to credit quality, i.e., the likelihood of timely payment for
principal, interest, and in the case of a preferred stock rating, preferred
stock dividends. The insurance company claims paying ability ratings reflect an
insurer's ability to meet its claims obligations.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                     Long-Term Ratings
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>
AAA                 Highest Quality
AA+, AA, AA-        High Quality
A+, A, A-           Good Quality
BBB+, BBB, BBB-     Satisfactory Quality (investment grade)
BB+, BB, BB-        Non-Investment Grade
B+, B, B-           Non-Investment Grade
CCC                 Speculative


<CAPTION>
                       Short-Term Ratings
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>
Duff 1+
Duff 1 X            A-1/P-1
Duff 1-
Duff 2              A-2/P-2
Duff 3              A-3/P-3
Duff 4              Non-Investment Grade
Duff 5              Defaulted
</TABLE>

Fitch Investor Services, 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.

     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" category.

     NR: Indicates that Fitch does not rate the specific issue.

     Conditional: A conditional rating is premised on the successful completion
of a project or the occurrence of a specific event.

     Suspended: A rating is suspended when Fitch deems the amount of
information available from the issuer to be inadequate for rating purposes.

     Withdrawn: A rating will be withdrawn when an issue matures or is called
or refinanced and, at Fitch's discretion, when an issuer fails to furnish
proper and timely information.

     FitchAlert: Ratings are placed on FitchAlert to notify investors of an
occurrence that is likely to result in a rating change and the likely direction
of such change. These are designated as "Positive", indicating a potential
upgrade; "Negative"; for potential downgrade, or "Evolving", where ratings may
be raised or lowered. FitchAlert is relatively short-term, and would be
resolved within 12 months.

     Credit Trend: Credit Trend indicators show whether credit fundamentals are
improving, stable, declining or uncertain, as follows:

      Improving
      Stable
      Declining
      Uncertain

                                       34
<PAGE>

     Credit Trend indicators are not predictions that any rating change will
occur, and have a longer-term time frame than issues placed on FitchAlert.

     Fitch speculative grade bond ratings provide a guide to investors in
determining the credit risk associated with a particular security. The ratings
("BB" to "C") represent Fitch's assessment of the likelihood of timely payment
of principal and interest in accordance with the terms of obligation for bond
issuers not in default. For defaulted bonds, the rating ("DDD" to "D") is an
assessment of the potential recovery value through reorganization or
liquidation.

     The rating takes into consideration special features of the issue, its
relationship to other obligations of the issuer, the current and prospective
financial condition and operating performance of the issuer and any guarantor
as well as the economic and political environment, that might affect the
issuer's futures financial strength.

     Bonds that have the same rating are of similar but not necessarily
identical credit quality since rating categories cannot fully reflect the
differences in degrees of credit risk.

     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.

     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, and 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 "DDD", "DD", or "D" categories.

Short-Term Ratings

     Fitch's short-term ratings apply to debt obligations that are payable on
demand or have original maturities of generally up to three years, including
commercial paper, certificates of deposit, medium-term notes, and municipal and
investment notes.

     The short-term rating places greater emphasis than a long-term rating on
the existence of liquidity necessary to meet the issuer's obligations in a
timely manner.

     Fitch's short-term ratings are as follows:

     F-1+: Exceptionally Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating are
regarded as having the strongest degree of assurance for timely payment.

     F-1: Very Strong Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating reflect an
assurance of timely payment only slightly less in degree than issues rated
"F-l+."

     F-2: Good Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have a satisfactory
degree of assurance for timely payment, but the margin of safety is not as
great as for issues assigned "F-1+" and "F-1" ratings.

     F-3: Fair Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have characteristics
suggesting that the degree of assurance for timely payment is adequate,
however, near-term adverse changes could cause these securities to be rated
below investment grade.

     F-5: Weak Credit Quality. Issues assigned this rating have characteristics
suggesting a minimal degree of assurance for timely payment and are vulnerable
to near-term adverse changes in financial and economic conditions.

     D: Default. Issues assigned this rating are in actual or imminent payment
default.

     LOC: The symbol LOC indicates that the rating is based on a letter of
credit issued by a commercial bank.

                                       35
<PAGE>

                   PHOENIX MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND


                           PART C--OTHER INFORMATION

   
Item 23. Exhibits
    

   
<TABLE>
<S>     <C>
a.1.    Declaration of Trust as amended of the Registrant, filed via EDGAR as
        Exhibit 1 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on February 25, 1997, and
        incorporated by reference.

a.2.    Amendment to Declaration of Trust changing name of Trust, filed with
        Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 on February 27, 1995 and filed via EDGAR
        as Exhibit 1.1 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on February 25, 1997,
        and incorporated by reference.

a.3.    Amendment to Declaration of Trust changing name of Trust, filed via
        EDGAR as Exhibit 1.2 with Post- effective Amendment No. 5 on February
        28, 1996, and incorporated by reference.

a.4.    Amendment to Declaration of Trust establishing Class C Shares, filed via
        EDGAR as Exhibit 1.3 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 on February 25,
        1998.

b.      By-laws of the Registrant, filed via EDGAR as Exhibit 2 with
        Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on February 25, 1997, and incorporated by
        reference.

c.      Reference is made to Article V of the Registrant's Declaration of Trust,
        as amended, and filed with the Registration Statement referred to in
        Exhibit a.1

d.1.    Management Agreement between Registrant and National Securities &
        Research Corporation dated May 14, 1993, filed with Post-Effective
        Amendment No. 2 on December 30, 1993 and filed via EDGAR as Exhibit 5
        with Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on February 25, 1997, and
        incorporated by reference.

d.2.    Amendment to Management Agreement dated January 1, 1994, filed with
        Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 on February 27, 1995 and filed via EDGAR
        as Exhibit 5.1 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on February 25, 1997,
        and incorporated by reference.

e.1.    Underwriting Agreement between Registrant and Phoenix Equity Planning
        Corporation ("Equity Planning") dated November 19, 1997, filed via EDGAR
        as Exhibit 6.1 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 9 on February 25, 1998.

e.2.    Form of Sales Agreement between Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation and
        dealers, filed via EDGAR as Exhibit 6.2 with Post Effective Amendment
        No. 9 on February 25, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference.

e.3.    Form of Supplement to Phoenix Family of Funds Sales Agreement filed via
        EDGAR as Exhibit 6.3 with Post Effective Amendment No. 9 on February 25,
        1998 and incorporated herein by reference.

e.4.    Form of Financial Institution Sales Contract for the Phoenix Family of
        Funds filed via EDGAR as Exhibit 6.4 with Post Effective Amendment No. 9
        on February 25, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference.

f.      None.

g.1.    Custodian Contract between Registrant and State Street Bank and Trust
        Company dated May 1, 1997, filed via EDGAR as Exhibit 8.1 with Post
        Effective Amendment No. 9 on February 25, 1998 and incorporated herein
        by reference.

h.1.    Transfer Agency and Service Agreement between Registrant and Phoenix
        Equity Planning Corporation dated June 1, 1994, filed with
        Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 on February 27, 1995 and filed via EDGAR
        as Exhibit 9.1 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 6 on February 25, 1997,
        and incorporated by reference.

h.2.    Sub-Transfer Agent Agreement between Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation
        and State Street Bank and Trust Company filed via EDGAR as Exhibit 9.2
        with Post Effective Amendment No. 9 on February 25, 1998 and
        incorporated herein by reference.

h.3.    Amended and Restated Financial Agent Agreement between Registrant and
        Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation dated November 19, 1997, filed via
        EDGAR as Exhibit 9.3 with Post Effective Amendment No. 9 on February 25,
        1998 and incorporated herein by reference.

h.4.    First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Financial Agent Agreement
        between Registrant and Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation effective as
        of February 27, 1998. [To be filed by amendment.]

h.5.    Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Financial Agent Agreement
        between Registrant and Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation dated July
        31, 1998. [To be filed by amendment.]
</TABLE>
    

                                      C-1
<PAGE>


   
<TABLE>
<S>       <C>
i.      Opinion as to legality of the shares, filed with Pre-Effective Amendment
        No. 3 on July 6, 1992, filed via EDGAR as Exhibit 10 with Post-Effective
        Amendment No. 6 on February 25, 1997, and incorporated by reference.

j.      Consent of Independent Accountants. [To be filed by amendment.]

k.      Not applicable.

l.      None.

m.1.    Amended and Restated Distribution Plan for Class A Shares, filed
        herewith via EDGAR as Exhibit 15.1 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 9
        on February 25, 1998, and incorporated by reference.

m.2.    Amended and Restated Distribution Plan for Class B Shares, filed
        herewith via EDGAR as Exhibit 15.2 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 9
        on February 25, 1998, and incorporated by reference.

m.3.    Amended and Restated Distribution Plan for Class C Shares, filed
        herewith via EDGAR as Exhibit 15.3 with Post-Effective Amendment No. 9
        on February 25, 1998.

n.      Financial Data Schedules, reflected on EDGAR as Exhibit 27. [To be filed
        by amendment.]

o.1.    Amended and Restated Rule 18f-3 Dual Distribution Plan effective
        November 1, 1997, filed via EDGAR as Exhibit 18.1 with Post-Effective
        Amendment No. 9 on February 25, 1998.

o.2.    First Amendment to Amended and Restated Plan pursuant to Rule 18f-3
        effective August 26, 1998. [To be filed by amendment.]

p.1.*   Powers of attorney, filed via EDGAR herewith.
</TABLE>
    

   
     *Filed herewith.

Item 24. Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control With the Fund

     No person is controlled by, or under common control with, the Fund.

Item 25. Indemnification
    
     Registrant's indemnification provision is set forth in Pre-Effective
Amendment No. 3 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 6,
1992, and is incorporated herein by reference.

   
Item 26. Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser

     See "Management of the Funds" in the Prospectus and "Services of the
Adviser" and "Management of the Trust" in the Statement of Additional
Information, each of which is included in this Post-Effective Amendment to the
Registration Statement.

     For information as to the business, profession, vocation or employment of
a substantial nature of directors and officers of Phoenix Investment Counsel,
Inc. the Adviser, reference is made to the Adviser's current Form ADV (SEC File
No. 801-5995) filed under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 and incorporated
herein by reference.

Item 27. Principal Underwriter

     (a) Equity Planning also serves as the principal underwriter for the
following other registrants: Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund, Phoenix-Aberdeen
Worldwide Opportunities Fund, Phoenix California Tax Exempt Bonds, Inc.,
Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional Mutual Funds, Phoenix-Engemann Funds,
Phoenix Equity Series Fund, Phoenix Income and Growth Fund, Phoenix Investment
Trust 97, Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund, Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund,
Inc., Phoenix Series Fund, Phoenix Strategic Allocation Fund, Inc., Phoenix
Strategic Equity Series Fund, Phoenix Home Life Variable Universal Life
Account, Phoenix Home Life Variable Accumulation Account, PHL Variable
Accumulation Account, Phoenix Life and Annuity Variable Universal Life Account
and PHL Variable Separate Account MVA1.
    

 (b) Directors and Executive Officers of Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation
 are as follows:

                                      C-2
<PAGE>


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Name and                              Position and Offices               Position and Offices
Principal Address                       with Distributor                   with Registrant
- -------------------------   ---------------------------------------   -------------------------
<S>                         <C>                                       <C>
Michael E. Haylon           Director                                  Executive Vice President
56 Prospect Street
P.O. Box 150480
Hartford, CT 06115-0480

Philip R. McLoughlin        Director and President                    Trustee and President
56 Prospect Street
P.O. Box 150480
Hartford, CT 06115-0480

William R. Moyer            Director, Senior Vice President and       Vice President
100 Bright Meadow Blvd.     Chief Financial Officer
P.O. Box 2200
Enfield, CT 06083-2200

John F. Sharry              Executive Vice President,                 Executive Vice President
100 Bright Meadow Blvd.     Retail Distributions
P.O. Box 2200
Enfield, CT 06083-2200

Leonard J. Saltiel          Managing Director,                        Vice President
56 Prospect Street          Operations and Service
P.O. Box 150480
Hartford, CT 06115-0480

G. Jeffrey Bohne            Vice President,                           Secretary
101 Munson Street           Mutual Fund
Greenfield, MA 01301        Customer Service

Nancy G. Curtiss            Vice President and Treasurer,             Treasurer
56 Prospect Street          Fund Accounting
P.O. Box 150480
Hartford, CT 06115-0480

Thomas N. Steenburg         Vice President, Counsel and Secretary     Assistant Secretary
56 Prospect Street
P.O. Box 150480
Hartford, CT 06115-0480

William E. Keen, III        Assistant Vice President,                 Vice President
100 Bright Meadow Blvd.     Mutual Fund Regulation
P.O. Box 2200
Enfield, CT 06083-2200

Jacqueline M. Porter        Assistant Vice President,                 Assistant Treasurer
56 Prospect Street          Financial Reporting
P.O. Box 150480
Hartford, CT 06115-0480
</TABLE>
    

   
     (c) To the best of the Registrant's knowledge, no commissions or other
compensation was received by any principal underwriter who is not an affiliated
person of the Registrant or an affiliated person of such affiliated person,
directly or indirectly, from the Registrant during the Registrant's last fiscal
year.
    


                                      C-3
<PAGE>

   
Item 28. Location of Accounts and Records
    
     The account books and other documents required to be maintained by the
Registrant pursuant to Section 31(a) of the Investment Company Act of 1940 and
the Rules thereunder will be maintained at the offices of the Fund, 100 Bright
Meadow Boulevard, Enfield, Connecticut 06083-1900; at the Registrant's
investment adviser, National Securities & Research Corporation, One American
Row, Hartford, CT 06102-5056; at the offices of the Fund's Custodian, State
Street Bank and Trust Company, P.O. Box 8301, Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8301
and at the offices of the Transfer Agent, Financial Agent and Principal
Underwriter, Phoenix Equity Planning Corporation, 100 Bright Meadow Boulevard,
Enfield, Connecticut 06082-1900.

   
Item 29. Management Services
    
     Not applicable.

   
Item 30. Undertakings

     Not applicable
    

                                      C-4
<PAGE>

                                  SIGNATURES

   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant has duly caused this amendment
to its registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned,
duly authorized, in the City of Hartford, and State of Connecticut on the
30th day of December, 1998.
    


                                      PHOENIX MULTI-SECTOR SHORT TERM BOND FUND


ATTEST: /s/ Thomas N. Steenburg          By: /s/ Philip R. McLoughlin
      -------------------------------       -----------------------------------
        Thomas N. Steenburg                  Philip R. McLoughlin
        Assistant Secretary                  President


   
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this amendment
to the registration statement has been signed below by the following persons in
the capacities indicated, on the 30th day of December, 1998.
    


   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
           Signature                             Title
           ---------                             ------                
<S>                               <C>
                                  
- ----------------------------      Trustee
      Robert Chesek*
                                  
- ----------------------------      Trustee
    E. Virgil Conway*


    /s/ Nancy G. Curtiss          Treasurer (Principal Financial and
- ----------------------------      Accounting Officer)
     Nancy G. Curtiss
                                  
- ----------------------------      Trustee
    Harry Dalzell-Payne*

                                  
- ----------------------------      Trustee
   Francis E. Jeffries*
                                  
- ----------------------------      Trustee
     Leroy Keith, Jr.*

  /s/ Philip R. McLoughlin        President and Trustee (Principal
- ----------------------------      Executive Officer)
    Philip R. McLoughlin

                                  
- ----------------------------      Trustee
    Everett L. Morris*

                                  
- ----------------------------      Trustee
     James M. Oates*

                                  
- ----------------------------      Trustee
    Calvin J. Pedersen*         

                                  
- ----------------------------      Trustee
    Herbert Roth, Jr.*
                                  

- ----------------------------      Trustee
    Richard E. Segerson*

                                  
- ----------------------------      Trustee
   Lowell P. Weicker, Jr.*


By: /s/ Philip R. McLoughlin
  -------------------------
    Philip R. McLoughlin
</TABLE>
    

   
     *Philip R. McLoughlin, Attorney-in-fact pursuant to powers of attorney
filed herewith.
    

                                      S-1



                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     I, the undersigned officer of the below-named mutual funds, hereby
constitute and appoint Philip R. McLoughlin and Thomas N. Steenburg, or either
of them as my true and lawful attorneys and agents with full power to sign for
me in the capacity indicated below, any or all Registration Statements or
amendments thereto filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission under the
Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment Company Act of 1940 relating to
each of said mutual funds, and hereby ratify and confirm my signature as it may
be signed by said attorneys and agents.

     Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund
     Phoenix California Tax Exempt Bonds, Inc.
     Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional Mutual Funds
     The Phoenix Edge Series Fund
     Phoenix Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Income and Growth Fund
     Phoenix Investment Trust 97
     Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
     Phoenix Series Fund
     Phoenix Strategic Allocation Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Strategic Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Worldwide Opportunities Fund

     I hereby declare that a photostatic, xerographic or other similar copy of
this original instrument shall be as effective as the original.

     I hereby further revoke any and all powers of attorney previously given by
me with respect to the above-named mutual funds, provided that this revocation
shall not affect the exercise of such powers prior to the date hereof.

     WITNESS my hand and seal on the date set forth below.


August 27, 1998                   /s/ Nancy G. Curtiss
                                  ---------------------------------------
                                  Nancy G. Curtiss, Treasurer
                                  Principal Financial and Accounting Officer
<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     I, the undersigned member of the Board of Trustees of the below-named
mutual funds, hereby constitute and appoint Philip R. McLoughlin and Thomas N.
Steenburg, or either of them as my true and lawful attorneys and agents with
full power to sign for me in the capacity indicated below, any or all
Registration Statements or amendments thereto filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment
Company Act of 1940 relating to each of said mutual funds, and hereby ratify and
confirm my signature as it may be signed by said attorneys and agents.

     Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund
     Phoenix California Tax Exempt Bonds, Inc.
     Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional Mutual Funds
     The Phoenix Edge Series Fund
     Phoenix Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Income and Growth Fund
     Phoenix Investment Trust 97
     Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
     Phoenix Series Fund
     Phoenix Strategic Allocation Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Strategic Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Worldwide Opportunities Fund

     I hereby declare that a photostatic, xerographic or other similar copy of
this original instrument shall be as effective as the original.

     I hereby further revoke any and all powers of attorney previously given by
me with respect to the above-named mutual funds, provided that this revocation
shall not affect the exercise of such powers prior to the date hereof.

     WITNESS my hand and seal on the date set forth below.


August 27, 1998                   /s/ E. Virgil Conway
                                  ---------------------------------------
                                  E. Virgil Conway, Trustee
<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     I, the undersigned member of the Board of Trustees of the below-named
mutual funds, hereby constitute and appoint Philip R. McLoughlin and Thomas N.
Steenburg, or either of them as my true and lawful attorneys and agents with
full power to sign for me in the capacity indicated below, any or all
Registration Statements or amendments thereto filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment
Company Act of 1940 relating to each of said mutual funds, and hereby ratify and
confirm my signature as it may be signed by said attorneys and agents.

     Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund
     Phoenix California Tax Exempt Bonds, Inc.
     Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional Mutual Funds
     The Phoenix Edge Series Fund
     Phoenix Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Income and Growth Fund
     Phoenix Investment Trust 97
     Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
     Phoenix Series Fund
     Phoenix Strategic Allocation Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Strategic Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Worldwide Opportunities Fund

     I hereby declare that a photostatic, xerographic or other similar copy of
this original instrument shall be as effective as the original.

     I hereby further revoke any and all powers of attorney previously given by
me with respect to the above-named mutual funds, provided that this revocation
shall not affect the exercise of such powers prior to the date hereof.

     WITNESS my hand and seal on the date set forth below.


August 27, 1998                   /s/ Harry Dalzell-Payne
                                  ---------------------------------------
                                  Harry Dalzell-Payne, Trustee
<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     I, the undersigned member of the Board of Trustees of the below-named
mutual funds hereby constitute and appoint Philip R. McLoughlin and Thomas N.
Steenburg, or either of them as my true and lawful attorneys and agents with
full power to sign for me in the capacity indicated below, any or all
Registration Statements or amendments thereto filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment
Company Act of 1940 relating to each of said mutual funds, and hereby ratify and
confirm my signature as it may be signed by said attorneys and agents.

     Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund
     Phoenix California Tax Exempt Bonds, Inc.
     Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional Mutual Funds
     The Phoenix Edge Series Fund
     Phoenix Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Income and Growth Fund
     Phoenix Investment Trust 97
     Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
     Phoenix Series Fund
     Phoenix Strategic Allocation Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Strategic Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Worldwide Opportunities Fund

     I hereby declare that a photostatic, xerographic or other similar copy of
this original instrument shall be as effective as the original.

     I hereby further revoke any and all powers of attorney previously given by
me with respect to the above-named mutual funds, provided that this revocation
shall not affect the exercise of such powers prior to the date hereof.

     WITNESS my hand and seal on the date set forth below.


August 27, 1998                   /s/ Leroy Keith, Jr.
                                  ---------------------------------------
                                  Leroy Keith, Jr., Trustee
<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     I, the undersigned member of the Board of Trustees of the below-named
mutual funds, hereby constitute and appoint Philip R. McLoughlin and Thomas N.
Steenburg, or either of them as my true and lawful attorneys and agents with
full power to sign for me in the capacity indicated below, any or all
Registration Statements or amendments thereto filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment
Company Act of 1940 relating to each of said mutual funds, and hereby ratify and
confirm my signature as it may be signed by said attorneys and agents.

     Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund
     Phoenix California Tax Exempt Bonds, Inc.
     Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional Mutual Funds
     The Phoenix Edge Series Fund
     Phoenix Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Income and Growth Fund
     Phoenix Investment Trust 97
     Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
     Phoenix Series Fund
     Phoenix Strategic Allocation Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Strategic Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Worldwide Opportunities Fund

     I hereby declare that a photostatic, xerographic or other similar copy of
this original instrument shall be as effective as the original.

     I hereby further revoke any and all powers of attorney previously given by
me with respect to the above-named mutual funds, provided that this revocation
shall not affect the exercise of such powers prior to the date hereof.

     WITNESS my hand and seal on the date set forth below.


August 27, 1998                   /s/ James M. Oates
                                  ---------------------------------------
                                  James M. Oates, Trustee
<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     I, the undersigned member of the Board of Trustees of the below-named
mutual funds, hereby constitute and appoint Philip R. McLoughlin and Thomas N.
Steenburg, or either of them as my true and lawful attorneys and agents with
full power to sign for me in the capacity indicated below, any or all
Registration Statements or amendments thereto filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment
Company Act of 1940 relating to each of said mutual funds, and hereby ratify and
confirm my signature as it may be signed by said attorneys and agents.

     Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund
     Phoenix California Tax Exempt Bonds, Inc.
     Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional Mutual Funds
     The Phoenix Edge Series Fund
     Phoenix Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Income and Growth Fund
     Phoenix Investment Trust 97
     Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
     Phoenix Series Fund
     Phoenix Strategic Allocation Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Strategic Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Worldwide Opportunities Fund

     I hereby declare that a photostatic, xerographic or other similar copy of
this original instrument shall be as effective as the original.

     I hereby further revoke any and all powers of attorney previously given by
me with respect to the above-named mutual funds, provided that this revocation
shall not affect the exercise of such powers prior to the date hereof.

     WITNESS my hand and seal on the date set forth below.


August 27, 1998                   /s/ Herbert Roth, Jr.
                                  ---------------------------------------
                                  Herbert Roth, Jr., Trustee
<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     I, the undersigned member of the Board of Trustees of the below-named
mutual funds, hereby constitute and appoint Philip R. McLoughlin and Thomas N.
Steenburg, or either of them as my true and lawful attorneys and agents with
full power to sign for me in the capacity indicated below, any or all
Registration Statements or amendments thereto filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment
Company Act of 1940 relating to each of said mutual funds, and hereby ratify and
confirm my signature as it may be signed by said attorneys and agents.

     Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund
     Phoenix California Tax Exempt Bonds, Inc.
     Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional Mutual Funds
     The Phoenix Edge Series Fund
     Phoenix Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Income and Growth Fund
     Phoenix Investment Trust 97
     Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
     Phoenix Series Fund
     Phoenix Strategic Allocation Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Strategic Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Worldwide Opportunities Fund

     I hereby declare that a photostatic, xerographic or other similar copy of
this original instrument shall be as effective as the original.

     I hereby further revoke any and all powers of attorney previously given by
me with respect to the above-named mutual funds, provided that this revocation
shall not affect the exercise of such powers prior to the date hereof.

     WITNESS my hand and seal on the date set forth below.


August 27, 1998                   /s/ Richard E. Segerson
                                  ---------------------------------------
                                  Richard E. Segerson, Trustee
<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     I, the undersigned member of the Board of Trustees of the below-named
mutual funds, hereby constitute and appoint Philip R. McLoughlin and Thomas N.
Steenburg, or either of them as my true and lawful attorneys and agents with
full power to sign for me in the capacity indicated below, any or all
Registration Statements or amendments thereto filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment
Company Act of 1940 relating to each of said mutual funds, and hereby ratify and
confirm my signature as it may be signed by said attorneys and agents.

     Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund
     Phoenix California Tax Exempt Bonds, Inc.
     Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional Mutual Funds
     The Phoenix Edge Series Fund
     Phoenix Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Income and Growth Fund
     Phoenix Investment Trust 97
     Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
     Phoenix Series Fund
     Phoenix Strategic Allocation Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Strategic Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Worldwide Opportunities Fund

     I hereby declare that a photostatic, xerographic or other similar copy of
this original instrument shall be as effective as the original.

     I hereby further revoke any and all powers of attorney previously given by
me with respect to the above-named mutual funds, provided that this revocation
shall not affect the exercise of such powers prior to the date hereof.

     WITNESS my hand and seal on the date set forth below.


August 27, 1998                   /s/ Robert Chesek
                                  ---------------------------------------
                                  Robert Chesek, Trustee
<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     I, the undersigned member of the Board of Trustees of the below-named
mutual funds, hereby constitute and appoint Philip R. McLoughlin and Thomas N.
Steenburg, or either of them as my true and lawful attorneys and agents with
full power to sign for me in the capacity indicated below, any or all
Registration Statements or amendments thereto filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment
Company Act of 1940 relating to each of said mutual funds, and hereby ratify and
confirm my signature as it may be signed by said attorneys and agents.

     Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund
     Phoenix California Tax Exempt Bonds, Inc.
     Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional Mutual Funds
     The Phoenix Edge Series Fund
     Phoenix Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Income and Growth Fund
     Phoenix Investment Trust 97
     Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
     Phoenix Series Fund
     Phoenix Strategic Allocation Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Strategic Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Worldwide Opportunities Fund

     I hereby declare that a photostatic, xerographic or other similar copy of
this original instrument shall be as effective as the original.

     I hereby further revoke any and all powers of attorney previously given by
me with respect to the above-named mutual funds, provided that this revocation
shall not affect the exercise of such powers prior to the date hereof.

     WITNESS my hand and seal on the date set forth below.


August 27, 1998                   /s/ Lowell P. Weicker, Jr.
                                  ---------------------------------------
                                  Lowell P. Weicker, Jr., Trustee
<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     I, the undersigned member of the Board of Trustees of the below-named
mutual funds, hereby constitute and appoint Philip R. McLoughlin and Thomas N.
Steenburg, or either of them as my true and lawful attorneys and agents with
full power to sign for me in the capacity indicated below, any or all
Registration Statements or amendments thereto filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment
Company Act of 1940 relating to each of said mutual funds, and hereby ratify and
confirm my signature as it may be signed by said attorneys and agents.

     Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund
     Phoenix California Tax Exempt Bonds, Inc.
     Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional Mutual Funds
     The Phoenix Edge Series Fund
     Phoenix Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Income and Growth Fund
     Phoenix Investment Trust 97
     Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
     Phoenix Series Fund
     Phoenix Strategic Allocation Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Strategic Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Worldwide Opportunities Fund

     I hereby declare that a photostatic, xerographic or other similar copy of
this original instrument shall be as effective as the original.

     I hereby further revoke any and all powers of attorney previously given by
me with respect to the above-named mutual funds, provided that this revocation
shall not affect the exercise of such powers prior to the date hereof.

     WITNESS my hand and seal on the date set forth below.


August 27, 1998                   /s/ Everett L. Morris
                                  ---------------------------------------
                                  Everett L. Morris, Trustee
<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     I, the undersigned member of the Board of Trustees of the below-named
mutual funds, hereby constitute and appoint Philip R. McLoughlin and Thomas N.
Steenburg, or either of them as my true and lawful attorneys and agents with
full power to sign for me in the capacity indicated below, any or all
Registration Statements or amendments thereto filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment
Company Act of 1940 relating to each of said mutual funds, and hereby ratify and
confirm my signature as it may be signed by said attorneys and agents.

     Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund
     Phoenix California Tax Exempt Bonds, Inc.
     Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional Mutual Funds
     The Phoenix Edge Series Fund
     Phoenix Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Income and Growth Fund
     Phoenix Investment Trust 97
     Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
     Phoenix Series Fund
     Phoenix Strategic Allocation Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Strategic Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Worldwide Opportunities Fund

     I hereby declare that a photostatic, xerographic or other similar copy of
this original instrument shall be as effective as the original.

     I hereby further revoke any and all powers of attorney previously given by
me with respect to the above-named mutual funds, provided that this revocation
shall not affect the exercise of such powers prior to the date hereof.

     WITNESS my hand and seal on the date set forth below.


August 27, 1998                   /s/ Francis E. Jeffries
                                  ---------------------------------------
                                  Francis E. Jeffries, Trustee
<PAGE>


                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

     I, the undersigned member of the Board of Trustees of the below-named
mutual funds, hereby constitute and appoint Philip R. McLoughlin and Thomas N.
Steenburg, or either of them as my true and lawful attorneys and agents with
full power to sign for me in the capacity indicated below, any or all
Registration Statements or amendments thereto filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 and/or the Investment
Company Act of 1940 relating to each of said mutual funds, and hereby ratify and
confirm my signature as it may be signed by said attorneys and agents.

     Phoenix-Aberdeen Series Fund
     Phoenix California Tax Exempt Bonds, Inc.
     Phoenix Duff & Phelps Institutional Mutual Funds
     The Phoenix Edge Series Fund
     Phoenix Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Income and Growth Fund
     Phoenix Investment Trust 97
     Phoenix Multi-Portfolio Fund
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Fixed Income Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Multi-Sector Short Term Bond Fund
     Phoenix Series Fund
     Phoenix Strategic Allocation Fund, Inc.
     Phoenix Strategic Equity Series Fund
     Phoenix Worldwide Opportunities Fund

     I hereby declare that a photostatic, xerographic or other similar copy of
this original instrument shall be as effective as the original.

     I hereby further revoke any and all powers of attorney previously given by
me with respect to the above-named mutual funds, provided that this revocation
shall not affect the exercise of such powers prior to the date hereof.

     WITNESS my hand and seal on the date set forth below.


August 27, 1998                   /s/ Calvin J. Pedersen
                                  ---------------------------------------
                                  Calvin J. Pedersen, Trustee



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