TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
497, 1998-04-07
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<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS
 
MARCH 31, 1998
 
TCW/DW Latin American Growth Fund (the "Fund") is an open-end, non-diversified
management investment company, whose investment objective is long-term capital
appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing
primarily in equity securities of Latin American issuers. THE FUND MAY INVEST UP
TO 35% OF ITS TOTAL ASSETS IN HIGH RISK DEBT SECURITIES WHICH ARE UNRATED OR
RATED BELOW INVESTMENT GRADE. INVESTMENTS IN LATIN AMERICA INVOLVE CERTAIN
SPECIAL RISK FACTORS AND THEREFORE MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR ALL INVESTORS.
 
The Fund offers four classes of shares (each, a "Class"), each with a different
combination of sales charges, ongoing fees and other features. The different
distribution arrangements permit an investor to choose the method of purchasing
shares that the investor believes is most beneficial given the amount of the
purchase, the length of time the investor expects to hold the shares and other
relevant circumstances. See "Purchase of Fund Shares--Alternative Purchase
Arrangements."
 
This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information you should know before
investing in the Fund. It should be read and retained for future reference.
Additional information about the Fund is contained in the Statement of
Additional Information, dated March 31, 1998, which has been filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, and which is available at no charge upon
request of the Fund at the address or telephone numbers listed on this page. The
Statement of Additional Information is incorporated herein by reference.
 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
Prospectus Summary /2
Summary of Fund Expenses /5
Financial Highlights /7
The Fund and its Management /10
Investment Objective and Policies /11
  Risk Considerations /13
Investment Restrictions /20
Purchase of Fund Shares /20
Shareholder Services /30
Repurchases and Redemptions /33
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes /34
Performance Information /35
Additional Information /36
 
SHARES OF THE FUND ARE NOT DEPOSITS OR OBLIGATIONS OF, OR GUARANTEED OR ENDORSED
BY, ANY BANK, AND THE SHARES ARE NOT FEDERALLY INSURED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT
INSURANCE CORPORATION, THE FEDERAL RESERVE BOARD, OR ANY OTHER AGENCY.
 
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
         TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN
            GROWTH FUND
         Two World Trade Center
         New York, New York 10048
         (212) 392-2550 or
         (800) 869-NEWS (toll-free)
 
         Dean Witter Distributors Inc.
         Distributor
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                <C>
THE                The Fund is organized as a trust, commonly known as a Massachusetts business
FUND               trust, and is an open-end, non-diversified management investment company
                   investing primarily in equity securities of Latin American issuers.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHARES             Shares of beneficial interest with $0.01 par value (see page 36). The Fund
OFFERED            offers four Classes of shares, each with a different combination of sales
                   charges, ongoing fees and other features (see pages 20-30). The Fund may in
                   the future suspend the offering of its shares from time to time as may be
                   consistent with prudent portfolio management.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MINIMUM            The minimum initial investment for each Class is $1,000 ($100 if the account
PURCHASE           is opened through EasyInvest-SM-). Class D shares are only available to
                   persons investing $5 million ($25 million for certain qualified plans) or more
                   and to certain other limited categories of investors. For the purpose of
                   meeting the minimum $5 million (or $25 million) investment for Class D shares,
                   and subject to the $1,000 minimum initial investment for each Class of the
                   Fund, an investor's existing holdings of Class A shares and concurrent
                   investments in Class D shares of the Fund and other multiple class funds for
                   which Dean Witter Services Company Inc. serves as manager and TCW Funds
                   Management, Inc. serves as investment adviser will be aggregated. The minimum
                   subsequent investment is $100 (see page 20).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT         The investment objective of the Fund is long-term capital appreciation.
OBJECTIVE
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANAGER            Dean Witter Services Company Inc. (the "Manager"), a wholly-owned subsidiary
                   of Dean Witter InterCapital Inc. ("InterCapital"), is the Fund's Manager. The
                   Manager also serves as Manager to ten other TCW/DW Funds. The Manager and
                   InterCapital serve in various investment management, advisory, management and
                   administrative capacities to a total of 101 investment companies and other
                   portfolios with assets of approximately $110 billion at February 28, 1998.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADVISER            TCW Funds Management, Inc. (the "Adviser") is the Fund's investment adviser.
                   In addition to the Fund, the Adviser serves as investment adviser to ten other
                   TCW/DW Funds. As of February 28, 1998, the Adviser and its affiliates had over
                   $50 billion under management or committed to management in various fiduciary
                   or advisory capacities, primarily from institutional investors.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MANAGEMENT         The Manager receives a monthly fee at the annual rate of 0.75% of daily net
AND ADVISORY       assets, scaled down to 0.72% on assets over $500 million. The Adviser receives
FEES               a monthly fee at an annual rate of 0.50% of daily net assets, scaled down to
                   0.48% on assets over $500 million (see page 10).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DISTRIBUTOR AND    Dean Witter Distributors Inc. (the "Distributor"). The Fund has adopted a
DISTRIBUTION FEE   distribution plan pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act (the
                   "12b-1 Plan") with respect to the distribution fees paid by the Class A, Class
                   B and Class C shares of the Fund to the Distributor. The entire 12b-1 fee
                   payable by Class A and a portion of the 12b-1 fee payable by each of Class B
                   and Class C equal to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Class are
                   currently each characterized as a service fee within the meaning of the
                   National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. guidelines. The remaining
                   portion of the 12b-1 fee, if any, is characterized as an asset-based sales
                   charge (see pages 20 and 28).
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE>
<S>                <C>
ALTERNATIVE        Four classes of shares are offered:
PURCHASE           - Class A shares are offered with a front-end sales charge, starting at 5.25%
ARRANGEMENTS       and reduced for larger purchases. Investments of $1 million or more (and
                   investments by certain other limited categories of investors) are not subject
                   to any sales charge at the time of purchase but a contingent deferred sales
                   charge ("CDSC") of 1.0% may be imposed on redemptions within one year of
                   purchase. The Fund is authorized to reimburse the Distributor for specific
                   expenses incurred in promoting the distribution of the Fund's Class A shares
                   and servicing shareholder accounts pursuant to the Fund's 12b-1 Plan.
                   Reimbursement may in no event exceed an amount equal to payments at an annual
                   rate of 0.25% of average daily net assets of the Class (see pages 20, 23 and
                   28).
                   - Class B shares are offered without a front-end sales charge, but will in
                   most cases be subject to a CDSC (scaled down from 5.0% to 1.0%) if redeemed
                   within six years after purchase. The CDSC will be imposed on any redemption of
                   shares if after such redemption the aggregate current value of a Class B
                   account with the Fund falls below the aggregate amount of the investor's
                   purchase payments made during the six years preceding the redemption. A
                   different CDSC schedule applies to investments by certain qualified plans.
                   Class B shares are also subject to a 12b-1 fee assessed at the annual rate of
                   1.0% of the lesser of: (a) the average daily net sales of the Fund's Class B
                   shares or (b) the average daily net assets of Class B. All shares of the Fund
                   held prior to July 28, 1997 have been designated Class B shares. Shares held
                   before May 1, 1997 will convert to Class A shares in May, 2007. In all other
                   instances, Class B shares convert to Class A shares approximately ten years
                   after the date of the original purchase (see pages 20, 26 and 28).
                   - Class C shares are offered without a front-end sales charge, but will in
                   most cases be subject to a CDSC of 1.0% if redeemed within one year after
                   purchase. The Fund is authorized to reimburse the Distributor for specific
                   expenses incurred in promoting the distribution of the Fund's Class C shares
                   and servicing shareholder accounts pursuant to the Fund's 12b-1 Plan.
                   Reimbursement may in no event exceed an amount equal to payments at an annual
                   rate of 1.0% of average daily net assets of the Class (see pages 20 and 28).
                   - Class D shares are offered only to investors meeting an initial investment
                   minimum of $5 million ($25 million for certain qualified plans) and to certain
                   other limited categories of investors. Class D shares are offered without a
                   front-end sales charge or CDSC and are not subject to any 12b-1 fee (see pages
                   20 and 28).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DIVIDENDS          Dividends from net investment income and distributions from net capital gains,
AND CAPITAL        if any, are paid at least once each year. The Fund may, however, determine to
GAINS              retain all or part of any net long- term capital gains in any year for
DISTRIBUTIONS      reinvestment. Dividends and capital gains distributions paid on shares of a
                   Class are automatically reinvested in additional shares of the same Class at
                   net asset value unless the shareholder elects to receive cash. Shares acquired
                   by dividend and distribution reinvestment will not be subject to any sales
                   charge or CDSC (see pages 30 and 34).
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
<TABLE>
<S>                <C>
REDEMPTION         Shares are redeemable by the shareholder at net asset value less any
                   applicable CDSC on Class A, Class B or Class C shares. An account may be
                   involuntarily redeemed if the total value of the account is less than $100 or,
                   if the account was opened through EasyInvest-SM-, if after twelve months the
                   shareholder has invested less than $1,000 in the account (see page 33).
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RISK               The net asset value of the Fund's shares will fluctuate with changes in the
CONSIDERATIONS     market value of the Fund's portfolio securities. It should be recognized that
                   the foreign securities and markets in which the Fund invests pose different
                   and greater risks than those customarily associated with domestic securities
                   and their markets, including (i) the risks generally associated with
                   international investments, such as fluctuations in foreign currency exchange
                   rates, (ii) the risks of investing in countries with smaller, less developed
                   capital markets, such as limited liquidity, price volatility, custodial
                   settlement issues and restrictions on foreign investment, and (iii) the risks
                   associated with Latin American economies, including high levels of inflation,
                   large amounts of debt and political and social uncertainties, such as the risk
                   of expropriation, nationalization or confiscation of the Fund's assets or the
                   imposition of restrictions on foreign investment or the repatriation of
                   capital invested. In addition, Latin American securities markets are subject
                   to non-uniform corporate disclosure standards and governmental regulation
                   which may lead to less publicly available and less reliable information
                   concerning Latin American issuers than is generally the case for U.S. issuers
                   (see page 13). The Fund may invest in securities issued by foreign investment
                   companies, which may result in additional costs to the Fund. The Fund is a
                   non-diversified investment company and, as such, is not subject to the
                   diversification requirements of the Investment Company Act of 1940. As a
                   result, a relatively high percentage of the Fund's assets may be invested in a
                   limited number of issuers. However, the Fund intends to continue to qualify as
                   a regulated investment company under the federal income tax laws and, as such,
                   is subject to the diversification requirements of the Internal Revenue Code
                   (see page 17). The Fund may invest in lower rated or unrated sovereign debt of
                   Latin American countries or debt securities of Latin American issuers, which
                   involves a high degree of risk (see page 15). The Fund also may engage in
                   options and futures transactions and may purchase securities on a when-issued,
                   delayed delivery or "when, as and if issued" basis, which may involve certain
                   additional risks (see pages 16-18).
</TABLE>
    
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  THE ABOVE IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY THE DETAILED INFORMATION APPEARING
               ELSEWHERE IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND IN THE STATEMENT
                           OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
SUMMARY OF FUND EXPENSES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The following table illustrates all expenses and fees that a shareholder of the
Fund will incur. The expenses and fees set forth in the table are based on
expenses and fees for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             CLASS A   CLASS B   CLASS C   CLASS D
                                                                             -------   -------   -------   -------
<S>                                                                          <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
SHAREHOLDER TRANSACTION EXPENSES
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases (as a percentage of offering
  price)...................................................................   5.25%(1)  None      None      None
Sales Charge Imposed on Dividend Reinvestments.............................   None      None      None      None
Maximum Contingent Deferred Sales Charge (as a percentage of original
  purchase price or redemption proceeds)...................................   None(2)   5.00%(3)  1.00%(4)  None
Redemption Fees............................................................   None      None      None      None
Exchange Fee...............................................................   None      None      None      None
 
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES (AS A PERCENTAGE OF AVERAGE NET ASSETS)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Management and Advisory Fees...............................................   1.25%     1.25%     1.25%     1.25%
12b-1 Fees (5) (6).........................................................   0.25%     1.00%     1.00%     None
Other Expenses.............................................................   0.56%     0.56%     0.56%     0.56%
Total Fund Operating Expenses (7)..........................................   2.06%     2.81%     2.81%     1.81%
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
(1) Reduced for purchases of $25,000 and over (see "Purchase of Fund
    Shares--Initial Sales Charge Alternative-- Class A Shares").
 
(2) Investments that are not subject to any sales charge at the time of purchase
    are subject to a CDSC of 1.00% that will be imposed on redemptions made
    within one year after purchase, except for certain specific circumstances
    (see "Purchase of Fund Shares--Initial Sales Charge Alternative--Class A
    Shares").
 
(3) The CDSC is scaled down to 1.00% during the sixth year, reaching zero
    thereafter.
 
(4) Only applicable to redemptions made within one year after purchase (see
    "Purchase of Fund Shares--Level Load Alternative--Class C Shares").
 
(5) The 12b-1 fee is accrued daily and payable monthly. The entire 12b-1 fee
    payable by Class A and a portion of the 12b-1 fee payable by each of Class B
    and Class C equal to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Class are
    currently each characterized as a service fee within the meaning of National
    Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") guidelines and are payments
    made for personal service and/or maintenance of shareholder accounts. The
    remainder of the 12b-1 fee, if any, is an asset-based sales charge, and is a
    distribution fee paid to the Distributor to compensate it for the services
    provided and the expenses borne by the Distributor and others in the
    distribution of the Fund's shares (see "Purchase of Fund Shares--Plan of
    Distribution").
 
(6) Upon conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares, such shares will be
    subject to the lower 12b-1 fee applicable to Class A shares. No sales charge
    is imposed at the time of conversion of Class B shares to Class A shares.
    Class C shares do not have a conversion feature and, therefore, are subject
    to an ongoing 1.00% distribution fee (see "Purchase of Fund
    Shares--Alternative Purchase Arrangements").
 
(7) There were no outstanding shares of Class A, Class C or Class D prior to
    July 28, 1997. Accordingly, "Total Fund Operating Expenses," as shown above
    with respect to those Classes, are estimates based upon the sum of 12b-1
    Fees, Management Fees and estimated "Other Expenses."
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXAMPLES                                                             1 YEAR       3 YEARS      5 YEARS     10 YEARS
- -----------------------------------------------------------------     -----     -----------  -----------  -----------
<S>                                                                <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment
 assuming (1) a 5% annual return and (2) redemption at the end of
 each time period:
    Class A......................................................   $      72    $     114    $     158    $     279
    Class B......................................................   $      78    $     117    $     169    $     314
    Class C......................................................   $      38    $      87    $     148    $     314
    Class D......................................................   $      18    $      57    $      98    $     213
 
You would pay the following expenses on the same $1,000
 investment assuming no redemption at the end of the period:
    Class A......................................................   $      72    $     114    $     158    $     279
    Class B......................................................   $      28    $      87    $     149    $     314
    Class C......................................................   $      28    $      87    $     148    $     314
    Class D......................................................   $      18    $      57    $      98    $     213
</TABLE>
 
    THE ABOVE EXAMPLES SHOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATION OF PAST OR
FUTURE EXPENSES OR PERFORMANCE. ACTUAL EXPENSES OF EACH CLASS MAY BE GREATER OR
LESS THAN THOSE SHOWN.
 
    The purpose of this table is to assist the investor in understanding the
various costs and expenses that an investor in the Fund will bear directly or
indirectly. For a more complete description of these costs and expenses, see
"The Fund and its Management," "Purchase of Fund Shares--Plan of Distribution"
and "Repurchases and Redemptions."
 
    Long-term shareholders of Class B and Class C may pay more in sales charges,
including distribution fees, than the economic equivalent of the maximum
front-end sales charges permitted by the NASD.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    The following ratios and per share data for a share of beneficial interest
outstanding throughout each period have been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP,
independent accountants. The financial highlights should be read in conjunction
with the financial statements, notes thereto, and the unqualified report of
independent accountants which are contained in the Statement of Additional
Information. Further information about the performance of the Fund is contained
in the Fund's Annual Report to Shareholders, which may be obtained without
charge upon request to the Fund.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                            FOR THE
                                                                                            PERIOD
                                                                                         DECEMBER 30,
                                                                                             1992*
                                          FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,                    THROUGH
                             ---------------------------------------------------------    JANUARY 31,
CLASS B SHARES               1998**++      1997        1996        1995        1994         1993++
                             ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   -------------
<S>                          <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
PER SHARE OPERATING
 PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning
 of period.................  $   11.47   $    9.48   $    9.35   $   16.05   $    9.56   $      10.00
                             ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------         ------
Net investment loss........      (0.09)      (0.04)      (0.06)      (0.17)      (0.04)         (0.01)
Net realized and unrealized
 gain (loss)...............       0.71        2.03        0.19       (6.21)       6.68          (0.43)
                             ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------         ------
Total from investment
 operations................       0.62        1.99        0.13       (6.38)       6.64          (0.44)
                             ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------         ------
Less distributions from net
 realized gain.............         --          --          --       (0.32)      (0.15)            --
                             ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------         ------
Net asset value, end of
 period....................  $   12.09   $   11.47   $    9.48   $    9.35   $   16.05   $       9.56
                             ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------         ------
                             ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------   ---------         ------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+...      5.41%      20.99%       1.39%    (40.12)%      69.49%        (4.30)%(1)
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET
 ASSETS:
Expenses...................      2.81%       2.78%       2.98%       2.87%       2.89%          3.08%(2)
Net investment loss........    (0.64)%     (0.29)%     (0.61)%     (1.46)%     (0.90)%        (1.08)%(2)
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period,
 in thousands..............   $272,710    $270,843    $261,066    $294,774    $325,956        $69,611
Portfolio turnover rate....        30%         29%         64%        145%        111%             1%(1)
Average commission rate
 paid......................    $0.0006     $0.0002          --          --          --             --
</TABLE>
 
- -------------
 * COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS.
   
 ** PRIOR TO JULY 28, 1997, THE FUND ISSUED ONE CLASS OF SHARES. ALL SHARES OF
THE FUND HELD PRIOR TO THAT DATE HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED CLASS B SHARES.
    
 ++ THE PER SHARE AMOUNTS WERE COMPUTED USING AN AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
OUTSTANDING DURING THE PERIOD.
 + DOES NOT REFLECT THE DEDUCTION OF SALES CHARGE. CALCULATED BASED ON THE NET
ASSET VALUE AS OF THE LAST BUSINESS DAY OF THE PERIOD.
(1) NOT ANNUALIZED.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         FOR THE PERIOD
                                                                         JULY 28, 1997*
                                                                            THROUGH
                                                                          JANUARY 31,
                                                                             1998++
                                                                        ----------------
<S>                                                                     <C>
CLASS A SHARES
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period..................................      $ 15.22
                                                                             ------
Net investment loss...................................................        (0.07)
Net realized and unrealized loss......................................        (3.01)
                                                                             ------
Total from investment operations......................................        (3.08)
                                                                             ------
Net asset value, end of period........................................      $ 12.14
                                                                             ------
                                                                             ------
 
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+..............................................       (20.24)%(1)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses..............................................................         2.15% (2)
Net investment loss...................................................        (1.04)%(2)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands...............................         $110
Portfolio turnover rate...............................................           30%
Average commission rate paid..........................................      $0.0006
 
CLASS C SHARES
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period..................................      $ 15.22
                                                                             ------
Net investment loss...................................................        (0.12)
Net realized and unrealized loss......................................        (3.00)
                                                                             ------
Total from investment operations......................................        (3.12)
                                                                             ------
Net asset value, end of period........................................      $ 12.10
                                                                             ------
                                                                             ------
 
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+..............................................       (20.50)%(1)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses..............................................................         2.91% (2)
Net investment loss...................................................        (1.76)%(2)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands...............................         $792
Portfolio turnover rate...............................................           30%
Average commission rate paid..........................................      $0.0006
</TABLE>
 
- -------------
 * THE DATE SHARES WERE FIRST ISSUED.
 ++ THE PER SHARE AMOUNTS WERE COMPUTED USING AN AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
OUTSTANDING DURING THE PERIOD.
 + DOES NOT REFLECT THE DEDUCTION OF SALES CHARGE. CALCULATED BASED ON THE NET
ASSET VALUE AS OF THE LAST BUSINESS DAY OF THE PERIOD.
(1) NOT ANNUALIZED.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         FOR THE PERIOD
                                                                         JULY 28, 1997*
                                                                            THROUGH
                                                                          JANUARY 31,
                                                                             1998++
                                                                        ----------------
<S>                                                                     <C>
CLASS D SHARES
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period..................................      $ 15.22
                                                                             ------
Net investment loss...................................................        (0.04)
Net realized and unrealized loss......................................        (3.02)
                                                                             ------
Total from investment operations......................................        (3.06)
                                                                             ------
Net asset value, end of period........................................      $ 12.16
                                                                             ------
                                                                             ------
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+..............................................       (20.11)%(1)
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses..............................................................         1.86% (2)
Net investment loss...................................................        (0.52)%(2)
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands...............................           $8
Portfolio turnover rate...............................................           30%
Average commission rate paid..........................................      $0.0006
</TABLE>
 
- -------------
 * THE DATE SHARES WERE FIRST ISSUED.
 ++ THE PER SHARE AMOUNTS WERE COMPUTED USING AN AVERAGE NUMBER OF SHARES
OUTSTANDING DURING THE PERIOD.
 + CALCULATED BASED ON THE NET ASSET VALUE AS OF THE LAST BUSINESS DAY OF THE
PERIOD.
(1) NOT ANNUALIZED.
(2) ANNUALIZED.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
THE FUND AND ITS MANAGEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    TCW/DW Latin American Growth Fund (the "Fund") is an open-end,
non-diversified management investment company. The Fund is a trust of the type
commonly known as a "Massachusetts business trust" and was organized under the
laws of Massachusetts on February 25, 1992.
 
    Dean Witter Services Company Inc. (the "Manager"), whose address is Two
World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048, is the Fund's Manager. The Manager
is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dean Witter InterCapital Inc. ("InterCapital").
InterCapital is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co., a
preeminent global financial services firm that maintains leading market
positions in each of its three primary businesses--securities, asset management
and credit services.
 
   
    The Manager acts as manager to ten other TCW/DW Funds. The Manager and
InterCapital serve in various investment management, advisory, management and
administrative capacities to a total of 101 investment companies, 28 of which
are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, with combined assets of approximately
$106 billion as of February 28, 1998. InterCapital also manages and advises
portfolios of pension plans, other institutions and individuals which aggregated
approximately $4 billion at such date.
    
 
    The Fund has retained the Manager to manage its business affairs, supervise
its overall day-to-day operations (other than providing investment advice) and
provide all administrative services.
 
    TCW Funds Management, Inc. (the "Adviser"), whose address is 865 South
Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017, is the Fund's
investment adviser. The Adviser was organized in 1987 as a wholly-owned
subsidiary of The TCW Group, Inc. ("TCW"), whose subsidiaries, including Trust
Company of the West and TCW Asset Management Company, provide a variety of
trust, investment management and investment advisory services. Robert A. Day,
who is Chairman of the Board of Directors of TCW, may be deemed to be a control
person of the Adviser by virtue of the aggregate ownership by Mr. Day and his
family of more than 25% of the outstanding voting stock of TCW. The Adviser
serves as investment adviser to ten other TCW/DW Funds in addition to the Fund.
As of February 28, 1998, the Adviser and its affiliated companies had over $50
billion under management or committed to management, primarily from
institutional investors.
 
    The Fund has retained the Adviser to invest the Fund's assets.
 
    The Fund's Trustees review the various services provided by the Manager and
the Adviser to ensure that the Fund's general investment policies and programs
are being properly carried out and that administrative services are being
provided to the Fund in a satisfactory manner.
 
   
    As full compensation for the services and facilities furnished to the Fund
and for expenses of the Fund assumed by the Manager, the Fund pays the Manager
monthly compensation calculated daily by applying the annual rate of 0.75% to
the Fund's net assets up to $500 million, scaled down to 0.72% on assets over
$500 million. As compensation for its investment advisory services, the Fund
pays the Adviser monthly compensation calculated daily by applying an annual
rate of 0.50% to the Fund's net assets up to $500 million, scaled down to 0.48%
on assets over $500 million. For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998, the
Fund accrued total compensation to the Manager and the Adviser amounting to
0.75% and 0.50%, respectively, of the Fund's average daily net assets. During
that period, the total expenses of Class B amounted to 2.81% of the average
daily net assets of Class B. Shares of Class A, Class C and Class D were first
issued on July 28, 1997. The expenses of the Fund include: the fees of the
Manager and the Adviser; the fee pursuant to the Plan of Distribution (see
"Purchase of Fund Shares"); taxes; transfer agent, custodian and auditing fees;
certain legal fees; and printing and other expenses relating to the Fund's
operations which are not expressly assumed by the Manager and the Adviser under
their respective Agreements with the Fund.
    
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE AND POLICIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    The investment objective of the Fund is long-term capital appreciation. This
objective is fundamental and may not be changed without shareholder approval.
There is no assurance that the objective will be achieved.
 
    The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by investing under normal
circumstances at least 65% of its total assets in equity securities of Latin
American issuers (as described below). Securities will be selected on the basis
of their potential for capital appreciation based on an evaluation of their
prospects for earnings growth; current dividend income will not be a factor. The
Fund may also invest up to 35% of its total assets under normal circumstances in
Latin American convertible securities, Latin American debt securities (as
described below) of governmental and corporate issuers, denominated in U.S.
dollars or in local currencies, including debt obligations issued or guaranteed
by Latin American governmental entities.
 
    In its investment strategy, the Adviser primarily adopts a top-down
approach, beginning with an evaluation of the country in which the proposed
investment is to be made, including relevant external developments and their
implications. Following the country level of review, investments in specific
securities will be made after completion of a fundamental analysis of
securities, industries and companies by the Adviser, including consideration of
liquidity, market capitalization, a company's existing and expected future
financial position, relative competitive position in the domestic and export
markets, technology, recent developments and profitability, together with
overall growth prospects. Other considerations include management expertise,
government regulation and costs of labor and raw materials.
 
    For purposes of this Prospectus, equity securities of Latin American issuers
are defined as follows: (a) equity securities of companies organized in a
country in Latin America or for which the principal trading market (the exchange
or over-the-counter market in which the largest portion of the shares of the
company's securities is traded) is located in Latin America, (b) equity
securities of companies that derive at least 50% of their revenues from either
goods produced or services performed in Latin America or sales made in Latin
America, and (c) equity securities in the form of depositary shares listed on
securities exchanges or traded in other regulated markets in the United States.
In addition, the Fund may invest up to 35% of its total assets in debt
securities of Latin American issuers, which consist of: (a) debt securities of
companies organized in a country in Latin America or for which the principal
trading market is located in Latin America, (b) debt securities issued or
guaranteed by the government of a country in Latin America, its agencies or
instrumentalities, or the central bank of such country ("Sovereign Debt"), (c)
debt securities denominated in a Latin American currency issued by companies to
finance operations in Latin America and (d) debt securities of companies that
derive at least 50% of their revenues from either goods produced or services
performed in Latin America or sales made in Latin America. The Fund may consider
investment companies to be located in the country or countries in which they
primarily make their portfolio investments.
 
    The Fund defines Latin America to consist of the following countries:
Argentina, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia,
Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guinea, Guatemala,
Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, the Netherlands Antilles, Nicaragua,
Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Uruguay and Venezuela.
 
    The Fund's assets will be allocated among the countries in Latin America in
accordance with the Adviser's judgment as to where the best investment
opportunities exist. Currently, except when the Fund has adopted a defensive
position, it will invest its assets among at least three Latin American
countries at all times.
 
    The Fund intends its portfolio of Latin American securities to consist
primarily of equity securities. Latin American equity securities in which the
Fund invests consist predominantly of common stock and preferred stock of
established companies listed on a recognized securities exchange or traded in
other regulated markets, although the Fund may also invest to a limited
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
extent in convertible securities, warrants and stock rights. For a discussion of
the risks of such securities, see "Risk Considerations" below.
 
    The Fund may invest in securities of Latin American issuers in the form of
American Depository Receipts ("ADRs") or other similar securities, such as
American Depository Shares and Global Depository Shares, convertible into
securities of foreign issuers. These securities may not necessarily be
denominated in the same currency as the securities into which they may be
converted. ADRs are receipts typically issued by a United States bank or trust
company evidencing ownership of the underlying securities. Generally, ADRs, in
registered form, are designed for use in United States securities markets. As a
result of the absence of established securities markets and publicly-owned
corporations in certain Latin American countries, as well as restrictions on
direct investment by foreign entities, the Fund may be able to invest in such
countries solely or primarily through ADRs or similar securities and government
approved investment vehicles. For example, due to Chile's current investment
restrictions (in most cases capital invested directly in Chile cannot be
repatriated for at least one year), the Fund's investments in Chile primarily
will be through investment in ADRs and established Chilean investment companies
not subject to repatriation restrictions.
 
    The governments of some Latin American countries, to varying degrees, have
been engaged in programs of selling part or all of their stakes in
government-owned or government-controlled enterprises ("privatizations"). The
Adviser believes that privatizations may offer investors opportunities for
significant capital appreciation and invests assets of the Fund in
privatizations in appropriate circumstances. In certain Latin American
countries, the ability of foreign persons, such as the Fund, to participate in
privatizations may be limited by local law, or the terms on which the Fund may
be permitted to participate may be less advantageous than those for local
investors. There can be no assurance that privatization programs will continue
or be successful.
 
    INVESTMENTS IN DEBT AND CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES.  As stated above, the Fund
may invest up to 35% of its total assets in Latin American convertible
securities and debt securities of governmental and corporate issuers,
denominated in U.S. dollars or local currencies. The Fund may seek capital
appreciation through investment in debt securities, such as may occur through
favorable changes in relative foreign exchange rates, in relative interest rate
levels or in creditworthiness of issuers. The Fund may also invest in debt
securities on a limited basis in order to participate in debt-to-equity
conversion programs sponsored by certain Latin American countries, or in order
to participate in corporate reorganizations. Latin American debt securities that
the Fund may acquire include bonds, notes and debentures of any maturity of
Latin American governments, obligations of such governments' agencies,
instrumentalities and central banks and of banks and other companies of Latin
American countries, determined by the Adviser to be suitable investments for the
Fund. In addition to the specific risks regarding Latin American securities and
lower rated debt securities described below, in general the value of debt
securities tends to increase during periods of declining interest rates and
decrease during periods of rising interest rates.
 
    A convertible security is a bond, debenture, note, preferred stock or other
security that may be converted into or exchanged for a prescribed amount of
common stock of the same or a different issuer within a particular period of
time at a specified price or formula. Convertible securities rank senior to
common stocks in a corporation's capital structure and, therefore, entail less
risk than the corporation's common stock. The value of a convertible security is
a function of its "investment value" (its value as if it did not have a
conversion privilege), and its "conversion value" (the security's worth if it
were to be exchanged for the underlying security, at market value, pursuant to
its conversion privilege).
 
    There is no limitation other than the overall 35% limitation described above
on the percentage of the Fund's total assets which may be invested in
convertible securities and debt securities below investment grade. Most debt
securities in which the Fund invests are not rated; when rated, such ratings
will generally be below investment grade. Securities below investment grade are
the equivalent of high yield, high risk bonds, commonly known as "junk bonds."
Investment grade is generally considered to be debt securities rated BBB or
higher by Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
Baa or higher by Moody's Investors Service, Inc. ("Moody's"). However, the Fund
will not invest in debt securities that are in default in payment of principal
or interest. A description of fixed-income securities ratings is contained in
the Appendix to the Statement of Additional Information. For a discussion of the
risks of convertible and lower rated debt securities, see "Risk Considerations"
below.
 
    Certain Latin American countries are among the largest debtors to commercial
banks and foreign governments. Trading in Sovereign Debt involves a high degree
of risk, since the governmental entity that controls the repayment of Sovereign
Debt may not be willing or able to repay the principal and/or interest of such
debt obligations when it becomes due, due to factors such as debt service
burden, political constraints, cash flow situation and other national economic
factors. As a result, Latin American governments may default on their Sovereign
Debt, which may require holders of such Sovereign Debt to participate in debt
rescheduling or additional lending to defaulting governments. There is no
bankruptcy proceeding by which defaulted Sovereign Debt may be collected in
whole or in part.
 
    The Fund may invest in a particular type of Latin American debt security
known as "Brady Bonds," which were issued under the "Brady Plan" in exchange for
loans and cash in connection with restructurings in various Latin American
external debt markets in 1990. Brady Bonds are issued in various currencies,
primarily the U.S. dollar, and are actively traded in the over-the-counter
secondary market for Latin American debt. In the case of U.S. dollar denominated
collateralized Brady Bonds, the bonds are collateralized in full as to principal
by U.S. Treasury zero coupon bonds of the same maturity. In addition, at least
one year of rolling interest payments are collateralized by cash or other
investments.
 
    The Adviser attempts to minimize the speculative risks associated with
investments in lower rated securities through credit analysis, and by carefully
monitoring current trends in interest rates, political developments and other
factors. Nonetheless, investors should carefully review the investment objective
and policies of the Fund and consider their ability to assume the investment
risks involved before making an investment.
 
   
    INVESTMENT IN OTHER INVESTMENT VEHICLES.  Under the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the "Investment Company Act"), the Fund generally may
invest up to 10% of its total assets in the aggregate in shares of other
investment companies and up to 5% of its total assets in any one investment
company. The Fund may not own more than 3% of the outstanding voting stock of
any investment company. As stated above, investment in other investment
companies or vehicles may be the sole or most practical means by which the Fund
can participate in certain Latin American securities markets. Such investment
may involve the payment of substantial premiums above the value of such issuers'
portfolio securities, and is subject to the limitations described above and
market availability. There can be no assurance that vehicles or funds for
investing in certain Latin American countries will be available for investment.
In addition, special tax considerations may apply. The Fund does not intend to
invest in such vehicles or funds unless, in the judgment of the Adviser, the
potential benefits of such investment justify the payment of any applicable
premium or sales charge. As a shareholder in an investment company, the Fund
would bear its ratable share of that investment company's expenses, including
its advisory and administration fees. At the same time the Fund would continue
to pay its own management and advisory fees and other expenses, as a result of
which the Fund and its shareholders in effect will be absorbing duplicate levels
of advisory fees with respect to investments in such other investment companies.
    
 
RISK CONSIDERATIONS
 
    The net asset value of the Fund's shares will fluctuate with changes in the
market value of the Fund's securities. The market value of the Fund's portfolio
securities will increase or decrease due to a variety of economic, market and
political factors which cannot be predicted.
 
    FOREIGN SECURITIES.  Investors should carefully consider the risks of
investing in securities of foreign issuers and securities denominated in
non-U.S. currencies. Fluctuations in the relative rates of exchange between the
currencies of different nations will affect the value
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
of the Fund's investments. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates relative
to the U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets
denominated in that currency and thereby impact upon the Fund's total return on
such assets. See the Statement of Additional Information for a discussion of
additional risk factors.
 
    Foreign currency exchange rates are determined by forces of supply and
demand on the foreign exchange markets. These forces are themselves affected by
the international balance of payments and other economic and financial
conditions, government intervention, speculation and other factors. Moreover,
foreign currency exchange rates may be affected by the regulatory control of the
exchanges on which the currencies trade.
 
    In addition, many of the currencies of Latin American countries have
experienced steady devaluations relative to the U.S. dollar, and major
devaluations have historically occurred in certain countries. Any devaluations
in the currencies in which the Fund's portfolio securities are denominated may
have a detrimental impact on the Fund.
 
    Some Latin American countries also may have managed currencies which are not
free floating against the U.S. dollar. In addition, there is a risk that certain
Latin American countries may restrict the free conversion of their currencies
into other currencies. Further, certain Latin American currencies may not be
internationally traded.
 
    Investments in foreign securities will also occasion risks relating to
political and economic developments abroad, including the possibility of
expropriations or confiscatory taxation, limitations on the use or transfer of
Fund assets and any effects of foreign social, economic or political
instability. Political and economic developments in Latin America may have
profound effects upon the value of the Fund's portfolio. In the event of
expropriation, nationalization or other complication, the Fund could lose its
entire investment in any one country. In addition, individual Latin American
countries may place restrictions on the ability of foreign entities such as the
Fund to invest in particular segments of the local economies.
 
    Latin American companies are not subject to the regulatory requirements of
U.S. companies and, as such, there may be less publicly available information
about such companies. Moreover, Latin American companies are not subject to
uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards and requirements
comparable to those applicable to U.S. companies. Also, certain Latin American
countries may impose unusually high withholding taxes on dividends payable to
the Fund, thereby effectively reducing the Fund's investment income.
 
    The securities markets of Latin American countries are substantially
smaller, less developed, less liquid and more volatile than the major securities
markets in the United States. The limited size of many Latin American securities
markets and limited trading volume in issuers compared to volume of trading in
U.S. securities could cause prices to be erratic for reasons apart from factors
that affect the quality of the securities. For example, limited market size may
cause prices to be unduly influenced by traders who control large positions.
Adverse publicity and investors' perceptions, whether or not based on
fundamental analysis, may decrease the value and liquidity of portfolio
securities, especially in these markets.
 
    In addition, Latin American exchanges and broker-dealers are generally
subject to less government and exchange scrutiny and regulation than their
American counterparts. Brokerage commissions, dealer concessions, custodial
expenses and other transaction costs may be higher in foreign markets than in
the U.S. Thus, the Fund's operating expenses are expected to be higher than
those of investment companies investing primarily in domestic or other more
established market regions. Also, differences in clearance and settlement
procedures on foreign markets may occasion delays in settlements of Fund trades
effected in such markets. Inability to dispose of portfolio securities due to
settlement delays could result in losses to the Fund due to subsequent declines
in value of such securities and the inability of the Fund to make intended
security purchases due to settlement problems could result in a failure of the
Fund to make potentially advantageous investments. In addition, certain adverse
tax consequences of the Fund's investments in passive foreign investment
companies are discussed below under "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes."
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
    Certain Latin American countries are among the largest debtors to commercial
banks and foreign governments. At times certain Latin American countries have
declared moratoria on the payment of principal and/or interest on external debt.
 
    Most Latin American countries have experienced substantial, and in some
periods extremely high, rates of inflation for many years. Inflation and rapid
fluctuations in inflation rates have had and may continue to have very negative
effects on the economies and securities markets of certain Latin American
countries.
 
    The Fund may not invest more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid
securities. The Fund will treat any Latin American securities that are subject
to restrictions on repatriation for more than seven days, as well as any
securities issued in connection with Latin American debt conversion programs
that are restricted as to remittance of invested capital or profits, as illiquid
securities for purposes of this limitation. The Fund will also treat repurchase
agreements with maturities in excess of seven days as being illiquid for this
purpose.
 
    DEBT SECURITIES.  Because of the special nature of the Fund's permitted
investments in lower rated convertible and debt securities, the Adviser must
take account of certain special considerations in assessing the risks associated
with such investments. The prices of lower rated securities have been found to
be less sensitive to changes in prevailing interest rates than higher rated
investments, but are likely to be more sensitive to adverse economic changes or
individual corporate developments. During an economic downturn or substantial
period of rising interest rates, highly leveraged issuers may experience
financial stress which would adversely affect their ability to service their
principal and interest payment obligations, to meet their projected business
goals or to obtain additional financing. If the issuer of a fixed-income
security owned by the Fund defaults, the Fund may incur additional expenses to
seek recovery. In addition, periods of economic uncertainty and change can be
expected to result in an increased volatility of market prices of lower rated
securities and a corresponding volatility in the net asset value of a share of
the Fund.
 
    The risks of other investment techniques which may be utilized by the Fund
are described under "Forward Foreign Currency Exchange Contracts," "Options and
Futures Transactions" and "Other Investment Policies" below.
 
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
 
    To hedge against adverse price movements in the securities held in its
portfolio and the currencies in which they are denominated (as well as in the
securities it might wish to purchase and their denominated currencies) the Fund
may engage in transactions in forward foreign currency contracts.
 
    A forward foreign currency exchange contract ("forward contract") involves
an obligation to purchase or sell a currency at a future date, which may be any
fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties,
at a price set at the time of the contract. The Fund may enter into forward
contracts as a hedge against fluctuations in future foreign exchange rates.
 
    Currently, only a limited market, if any, exists for hedging transactions
relating to currencies in most Latin American markets or to securities of
issuers domiciled or principally engaged in business in Latin American markets.
This may limit the Fund's ability to effectively hedge its investments in Latin
American markets. Hedging against a decline in the value of a currency does not
eliminate fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses
if the prices of such securities decline. Such transactions also limit the
opportunity for gain if the value of the hedged currencies should rise. In
addition, it may not be possible for the Fund to hedge against a devaluation
that is so generally anticipated that the Fund is not able to contract to sell
the currency at a price above the devaluation level it anticipates.
 
    If the Fund enters into forward contract transactions and the currency in
which the Fund's portfolio securities (or anticipated portfolio securities) are
denominated rises in value with respect to the currency which is being purchased
(or sold), then the Fund will have realized fewer gains than had the Fund not
entered into the forward contracts. Moreover, the precise matching of the
forward contract amounts and the value of the securities involved will not
generally be
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
possible, since the future value of such securities in foreign currencies will
change as a consequence of market movements in the value of those securities
between the date the forward contract is entered into and the date it matures.
The Fund is not required to enter into such transactions with regard to its
foreign currency-denominated securities and will not do so unless deemed
appropriate by the Adviser.
 
OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
 
    The Fund may purchase and sell (write) call and put options on portfolio
securities which are denominated in either U.S. dollars or Latin American
currencies and on the U.S. dollar and foreign currencies, which are or may in
the future be listed on several U.S. and foreign securities exchanges or are
written in over-the-counter transactions ("OTC options"). OTC options are
purchased from or sold (written) to dealers or financial institutions which have
entered into direct agreements with the Fund.
 
    The Fund is permitted to write covered call options on portfolio securities
and the U.S. dollar and Latin American currencies, without limit, in order to
hedge against the decline in the value of a security or currency in which such
security is denominated and to close out long call option positions. The Fund
may write covered put options, under which the Fund incurs an obligation to buy
the security (or currency) underlying the option from the purchaser of the put
at the option's exercise price at any time during the option period, at the
purchaser's election. The aggregate value of the obligation underlying the puts
determined as of the date the options are sold will not exceed 50% of the Fund's
net assets.
 
    The Fund may purchase listed and OTC call and put options in amounts
equalling up to 5% of its total assets. The Fund may purchase call options to
close out a covered call position or to protect against an increase in the price
of a security it anticipates purchasing or, in the case of call options on a
foreign currency, to hedge against an adverse exchange rate change of the
currency in which the security it anticipates purchasing is denominated
vis-a-vis the currency in which the exercise price is denominated. The Fund may
purchase put options on securities which it holds in its portfolio only to
protect itself against a decline in the value of the security. The Fund may also
purchase put options to close out written put positions in a manner similar to
call option closing purchase transactions. There are no other limits on the
Fund's ability to purchase call and put options.
 
    The Fund may purchase and sell futures contracts that are currently traded,
or may in the future be traded, on U.S. and foreign commodity exchanges on
underlying portfolio securities, on any of the Latin American currencies
("currency" futures), on U.S. and Latin American fixed-income securities
("interest rate" futures) and on such indexes of U.S. or Latin American equity
or fixed-income securities as may exist or come into being ("index" futures).
The Fund may purchase or sell interest rate futures contracts for the purpose of
hedging some or all of the value of its portfolio securities (or anticipated
portfolio securities) against changes in prevailing interest rates. The Fund may
purchase or sell index futures contracts for the purpose of hedging some or all
of its portfolio (or anticipated portfolio) securities against changes in their
prices (or the currency in which they are denominated.) As stated above,
currently only a limited market exists for options and futures transactions
relating to Latin America currencies or issuers. As a futures contract
purchaser, the Fund incurs an obligation to take delivery of a specified amount
of the obligation underlying the contract at a specified time in the future for
a specified price. As a seller of a futures contract, the Fund incurs an
obligation to deliver the specified amount of the underlying obligation at a
specified time in return for an agreed upon price.
 
    The Fund also may purchase and write call and put options on futures
contracts which are traded on an exchange and enter into closing transactions
with respect to such options to terminate an existing
position.
 
    New futures contracts, options and other financial products and various
combinations thereof continue to be developed. The Fund may invest in any such
futures, options or products as may be developed, to the extent consistent with
its investment objective and applicable regulatory requirements.
 
    RISKS OF OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS.  The Fund may close out its
position as writer of an option, or as a
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
buyer or seller of a futures contract, only if a liquid secondary market exists
for options or futures contracts of that series. There is no assurance that such
a market will exist, particularly in the case of OTC options, as such options
may generally only be closed out by entering into a closing purchase transaction
with the purchasing dealer. Also, exchanges may limit the amount by which the
price of many futures contracts may move on any day. If the price moves equal to
the daily limit on successive days, then it may prove impossible to liquidate a
futures position until the daily limit moves have ceased.
 
    While the futures contracts and options transactions to be engaged in by the
Fund for the purpose of hedging the Fund's portfolio securities are not
speculative in nature, there are risks inherent in the use of such instruments.
One such risk is that the Adviser could be incorrect in its expectations as to
the direction or extent of various interest rate or price movements or the time
span within which the movements take place. For example, if the Fund sold
futures contracts for the sale of securities in anticipation of an increase in
interest rates, and then interest rates went down instead, causing bond prices
to rise, the Fund would lose money on the sale. Another risk which will arise in
employing futures contracts to protect against the price volatility of portfolio
securities is that the prices of securities, currencies and indexes subject to
futures contracts (and thereby the futures contract prices) may correlate
imperfectly with the behavior of the U.S. dollar cash prices of the Fund's
portfolio securities and their denominated currencies. See the Statement of
Additional Information for a further discussion of risks.
 
OTHER INVESTMENT POLICIES
 
    While the Fund will invest primarily in equity securities of Latin American
issuers, under ordinary circumstances it may invest up to 35% of its total
assets in (i) debt securities of Latin American issuers, as described above, and
(ii) U.S. money market instruments, which are short-term (maturities of up to
thirteen months) fixed-income securities issued by private and governmental
institutions. Money market instruments in which the Fund may invest are
securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its agencies (Treasury
bills, notes and bonds); obligations of banks subject to regulation by the U.S.
Government and having total assets of $1 billion or more; Eurodollar
certificates of deposit; obligations of savings banks and savings and loan
associations having total assets of $1 billion or more; fully insured
certificates of deposit; and commercial paper rated within the two highest
grades by Moody's or S&P or, if not rated, issued by a company having an
outstanding debt issue rated AAA by S&P or Aaa by Moody's.
 
    There may be periods during which, in the opinion of the Adviser, market
conditions warrant reduction of some or all of the Fund's securities holdings.
During such periods, the Fund may adopt a temporary "defensive" posture in which
greater than 35% of its total assets is invested in money market instruments or
cash.
 
    The Fund is classified as a non-diversified investment company under the
Investment Company Act, and as such is not limited by the Investment Company Act
in the proportion of its assets that it may invest in the obligations of a
single issuer. However, the Fund intends to conduct its operations so as to
qualify as a "regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Internal
Revenue Code. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes." In order to qualify,
among other requirements, the Fund will limit its investments so that at the
close of each quarter of the taxable year, (i) not more than 25% of the market
value of the Fund's total assets will be invested in the securities of a single
issuer, and (ii) with respect to 50% of the market value of its total assets not
more than 5% will be invested in the securities of a single issuer and the Fund
will not own more than 10% of the outstanding voting securities of a single
issuer. To the extent that a relatively high percentage of the Fund's assets may
be invested in the obligations of a limited number of issuers, the Fund's
portfolio securities may be more susceptible to any single economic, political
or regulatory occurrence than the portfolio securities of a diversified
investment company. The limitations described in this paragraph are not
fundamental policies and may be revised to the extent applicable Federal income
tax requirements are revised.
 
    REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS.  The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements, which
may be viewed as a type of secured lending by the Fund, and which typically
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
involve the acquisition by the Fund of debt securities from a selling financial
institution such as a bank, savings and loan association or broker-dealer. The
agreement provides that the Fund will sell back to the institution, and that the
institution will repurchase, the underlying security at a specified price and at
a fixed time in the future, usually not more than seven days from the date of
purchase. While repurchase agreements involve certain risks not associated with
direct investments in debt securities, including the risks of default or
bankruptcy of the selling financial institution, the Fund follows procedures
designed to minimize those risks. These procedures include effecting repurchase
transactions only with large, well-capitalized and well-established financial
institutions and maintaining adequate collateralization.
 
    WHEN-ISSUED AND DELAYED DELIVERY SECURITIES AND FORWARD COMMITMENTS.  From
time to time, in the ordinary course of business, the Fund may purchase
securities on a when-issued or delayed delivery basis or may purchase or sell
securities on a forward commitment basis. When such transactions are negotiated,
the price is fixed at the time of the commitment, but delivery and payment can
take place a month or more after the date of the commitment. There is no overall
limit on the percentage of the Fund's assets which may be committed to the
purchase of securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment
basis. An increase in the percentage of the Fund's assets committed to the
purchase of securities on a when-issued, delayed delivery or forward commitment
basis may increase the volatility of the Fund's net asset value.
 
    WHEN, AS AND IF ISSUED SECURITIES.  The Fund may purchase securities on a
"when, as and if issued" basis under which the issuance of the security depends
upon the occurrence of a subsequent event, such as approval of a merger,
corporate reorganization, leveraged buyout or debt restructuring. If the
anticipated event does not occur and the securities are not issued, the Fund
will have lost an investment opportunity. There is no overall limit on the
percentage of the Fund's assets which may be committed to the purchase of
securities on a "when, as and if issued" basis. An increase in the percentage of
the Fund's assets committed to the purchase of securities on a "when, as and if
issued" basis may increase the volatility of its net asset value.
 
    ZERO COUPON SECURITIES.  A portion of the fixed-income securities purchased
by the Fund may be zero coupon securities. Such securities are purchased at a
discount from their face amount, giving the purchaser the right to receive their
full value at maturity. The interest earned on such securities is, implicitly,
automatically compounded and paid out at maturity. While such compounding at a
constant rate eliminates the risk of receiving lower yields upon reinvestment of
interest if prevailing interest rates decline, the owner of a zero coupon
security will be unable to participate in higher yields upon reinvestment of
interest received on interest-paying securities if prevailing interest rates
rise.
 
    A zero coupon security pays no interest to its holder during its life.
Therefore, to the extent the Fund invests in zero coupon securities, it will not
receive current cash available for distribution to shareholders. In addition,
zero coupon securities are subject to substantially greater price fluctuations
during periods of changing prevailing interest rates than are comparable
securities which pay interest on a current basis. Current federal tax law
requires that a holder (such as the Fund) of a zero coupon security accrue a
portion of the discount at which the security was purchased as income each year
even though the Fund receives no interest payments in cash on the security
during the year.
 
    PRIVATE PLACEMENTS.  The Fund may invest up to 5% of its total assets in
securities which are subject to restrictions on resale because they have not
been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities
Act"), or which are otherwise not readily marketable. (Securities eligible for
resale pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act, and determined to be
liquid pursuant to the procedures discussed in the following paragraph, are not
subject to the foregoing restriction.) These securities are generally referred
to as private placements or restricted securities. Limitations on the resale of
such securities may have an adverse effect on their marketability, and may
prevent the Fund from disposing of them promptly at reasonable prices. The Fund
may have to bear the expense of registering such securities for resale and the
risk of substantial delays in effecting such registration.
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
    Rule 144A under the Securities Act permits the Fund to sell restricted
securities to qualified institutional buyers without limitation. The Adviser,
pursuant to procedures adopted by the Trustees of the Fund, will make a
determination as to the liquidity of each restricted security purchased by the
Fund. If a restricted security is determined to be "liquid," such security will
not be included within the category "illiquid securities," which under current
policy may not exceed 15% of the Fund's net assets. However, investing in Rule
144A Securities could have the effect of increasing the level of Fund
illiquidity to the extent the Fund, at a particular point in time, may be unable
to find qualified institutional buyers interested in purchasing such securities.
 
    YEAR 2000.  The management services provided to the Fund by the Manager, the
investment advisory services provided to the Fund by the Adviser and the
services provided to shareholders by the Distributor and the Transfer Agent
depend on the smooth functioning of their computer systems. Many computer
software systems in use today cannot recognize the year 2000, but revert to 1900
or some other date, due to the manner in which dates were encoded and
calculated. That failure could have a negative impact on the handling of
securities trades, pricing and account services. The Manager, the Adviser, the
Distributor and the Transfer Agent have been actively working on necessary
changes to their own computer systems to prepare for the year 2000 and expect
that their systems will be adapted before that date, but there can be no
assurance that they will be successful, or that interaction with other
non-complying computer systems will not impair their services at that time.
 
    In addition, it is possible that the markets for securities in which the
Fund invests may be detrimentally affected by computer failures throughout the
financial services industry beginning January 1, 2000. Improperly functioning
trading systems may result in settlement problems and liquidity issues. In
addition, corporate and governmental data processing errors may result in
production problems for individual companies and overall economic uncertainties.
Earnings of individual issuers will be affected by remediation costs, which may
be substantial and may be reported inconsistently in U.S. and foreign financial
statements. Accordingly, the Fund's investments may be adversely affected.
 
PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT
 
    The Fund's portfolio is actively managed by its Adviser with a view to
achieving the Fund's investment objective. Michael P. Reilly, Managing Director
of the Adviser, is the primary portfolio manager of the Fund. Mr. Reilly has
been a primary portfolio manager of the Fund since December, 1994, and has been
a portfolio manager with affiliates of TCW for over five years.
 
    In determining which securities to purchase for the Fund or hold in the
Fund's portfolio, the Adviser will rely on information from various sources,
including research, analysis and appraisals of brokers and dealers, including
Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. ("DWR") Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated, and other
brokers and dealers that are affiliates of the Manager, and others regarding
economic developments and interest rate trends, and the Adviser's own analysis
of factors it deems relevant.
 
    Orders for transactions in portfolio securities and commodities are placed
for the Fund with a number of brokers and dealers, including DWR, Morgan Stanley
& Co. Incorporated and other brokers and dealers that are affiliates of the
Manager. The Fund may incur brokerage commissions on transactions conducted
through DWR, Morgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated and other brokers and dealers
that are affiliates of the Manager. Under normal circumstances it is not
anticipated that the portfolio trading will result in the Fund's portfolio
turnover rate exceeding 150% in any one year. The Fund will incur brokerage
costs commensurate with its portfolio turnover rate and thus a higher level
(over 100%) of portfolio transactions will increase the Fund's overall brokerage
expenses. See "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes" for a discussion of the tax
implications of the Fund's trading policy.
 
    Except as specifically noted, all investment policies and practices
discussed above are not fundamental policies of the Fund and, as such, may be
changed without shareholder approval.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    The investment restrictions listed below are among the restrictions which
have been adopted by the Fund as fundamental policies. Under the Investment
Company Act, a fundamental policy may not be changed without the vote of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, as defined in the
Investment Company Act. For purposes of the following limitations: (i) all
percentage limitations apply immediately after a purchase or initial investment,
and (ii) any subsequent change in any applicable percentage resulting from
market fluctuations or other changes in total or net assets does not require
elimination of any security from the portfolio.
 
    The Fund may not:
 
        1.  Invest 25% or more of the value of its total assets in securities of
    issuers in any one industry. This restriction does not apply to obligations
    issued or guaranteed by the United States Government, its agencies or
    instrumentalities.
 
        2.  Invest more than 5% of the value of its total assets in securities
    of issuers having a record, together with predecessors, of less than three
    years of continuous operation. This restriction does not apply to
    obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States Government, its
    agencies or instrumentalities.
 
    In addition, as a non-fundamental policy, the Fund may not, as to 75% of its
total assets, purchase more than 10% of the voting securities of any issuer.
 
PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
GENERAL
 
    The Fund offers each class of its shares for sale to the public on a
continuous basis. Shares of the Fund are distributed by Dean Witter Distributors
Inc. (the "Distributor"), an affiliate of the Manager. Shares of the Fund are
distributed by the Distributor and offered by DWR and other dealers (which may
include TCW Brokerage Services, an affiliate of the Adviser) who have entered
into selected dealer agreements with the Distributor ("Selected
Broker-Dealers"). The principal executive office of the Distributor is located
at Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048.
 
    The Fund offers four classes of shares (each, a "Class"). Class A shares are
sold to investors with an initial sales charge that declines to zero for larger
purchases; however, Class A shares sold without an initial sales charge are
subject to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") of 1.0% if redeemed
within one year of purchase, except for certain specific circumstances. Class B
shares are sold without an initial sales charge but are subject to a CDSC
(scaled down from 5.0% to 1.0%) payable upon most redemptions within six years
after purchase. (Class B shares purchased by certain qualified plans are subject
to a CDSC scaled down from 2.0% to 1.0% if redeemed within three years after
purchase.) Class C shares are sold without an initial sales charge but are
subject to a CDSC of 1.0% on most redemptions made within one year after
purchase. Class D shares are sold without an initial sales charge or CDSC and
are available only to investors meeting an initial investment minimum of $5
million ($25 million for certain qualified plans), and to certain other limited
categories of investors. At the discretion of the Board of Trustees of the Fund,
Class A shares may be sold to categories of investors in addition to those set
forth in this prospectus at net asset value without a front-end sales charge,
and Class D shares may be sold to certain other categories of investors, in each
case as may be described in the then current prospectus of the Fund. See
"Alternative Purchase Arrangements--Selecting a Particular Class" for a
discussion of factors to consider in selecting which Class of shares to
purchase.
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
    The minimum initial purchase is $1,000 for each Class of shares, although
Class D shares are only available to persons investing $5 million ($25 million
for certain qualified plans) or more and to certain other limited categories of
investors. For the purpose of meeting the minimum $5 million (or $25 million)
initial investment for Class D shares, and subject to the $1,000 minimum initial
investment for each Class of the Fund, an investor's existing holdings of Class
A shares and concurrent investments in Class D shares of the Fund and other
TCW/DW Funds which are multiple class funds ("TCW/DW Multi-Class Funds") will be
aggregated. Subsequent purchases of $100 or more may be made by sending a check,
payable to TCW/DW Latin American Growth Fund, directly to Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Trust FSB (the "Transfer Agent" or "MSDW Trust") at P.O. Box 1040, Jersey
City, NJ 07303, by contacting an account executive of DWR or other Selected
Broker-Dealer. When purchasing shares of the Fund, investors must specify
whether the purchase is for Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D shares. If no
Class is specified, the Transfer Agent will not process the transaction until
the proper Class is identified. The minimum initial purchase, in the case of
investments through EasyInvest, an automatic purchase plan (see "Shareholder
Services"), is $100, provided that the schedule of automatic investments will
result in investments totalling at least $1,000 within the first twelve months.
The minimum initial investment in the case of an "Education IRA" is $500, if the
Distributor has reason to believe that additional investments will increase the
investment in the account to $1,000 within three years. In the case of
investments pursuant to (i) Systematic Payroll Deduction Plans (including
Individual Retirement Plans), (ii) the InterCapital mutual fund asset allocation
program and (iii) fee-based programs approved by the Distributor, pursuant to
which participants pay an asset based fee for services in the nature of
investment advisory, administrative and/or brokerage services, the Fund, in its
discretion, may accept investments without regard to any minimum amounts which
would otherwise be required provided, in the case of Systematic Payroll
Deduction Plans, that the Distributor has reason to believe that additional
investments will increase the investment in all accounts under such Plans to at
least $1,000. Certificates for shares purchased will not be issued unless a
request is made by the shareholder in writing to the Transfer Agent.
 
    Shares of the Fund are sold through the Distributor on a normal three
business day settlement basis; that is, payment is due on the third business day
(settlement date) after the order is placed with the Distributor. Since DWR and
other Selected Broker-Dealers forward investors' funds on settlement date, they
will benefit from the temporary use of the funds if payment is made prior
thereto. As noted above, orders placed directly with the Transfer Agent must be
accompanied by payment. Investors will be entitled to receive income dividends
and capital gains distributions if their order is received by the close of
business on the day prior to the record date for such dividends and
distributions. Sales personnel of a Selected Broker-Dealer are compensated for
selling shares of the Fund by the Distributor or any of its affiliates and/or
the Selected Broker-Dealer. In addition, some sales personnel of the Selected
Broker-Dealer will receive various types of non-cash compensation as special
sales incentives, including trips, educational and/or business seminars and
merchandise. The Fund and the Distributor reserve the right to reject any
purchase orders.
 
    The Fund in the future may suspend the offering of its shares from time to
time as may be consistent with prudent portfolio management. Automatic
reinvestment of dividends and distributions will not be affected by any
suspension by the Fund of offering its shares.
 
ALTERNATIVE PURCHASE ARRANGEMENTS
 
    The Fund offers several Classes of shares to investors designed to provide
them with the flexibility of selecting an investment best suited to their needs.
The general public is offered three Classes of shares: Class A shares, Class B
shares and Class C shares, which differ principally in terms of sales charges
and rate of expenses to which they are subject. A fourth Class of shares, Class
D shares, is offered only to limited categories of investors (see "No Load
Alternative--Class D Shares" below).
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
    Each Class A, Class B, Class C or Class D share of the Fund represents an
identical interest in the investment portfolio of the Fund except that Class A,
Class B and Class C shares bear the expenses of the ongoing shareholder service
fees, Class B and Class C shares bear the expenses of the ongoing distribution
fees and Class A, Class B and Class C shares which are redeemed subject to a
CDSC bear the expense of the additional incremental distribution costs resulting
from the CDSC applicable to shares of those Classes. The ongoing distribution
fees that are imposed on Class A, Class B and Class C shares will be imposed
directly against those Classes and not against all assets of the Fund and,
accordingly, such charges against one Class will not affect the net asset value
of any other Class or have any impact on investors choosing another sales charge
option. See "Plan of Distribution" and "Repurchase and Redemption."
 
    Set forth below is a summary of the differences between the Classes and the
factors an investor should consider when selecting a particular Class. This
summary is qualified in its entirety by detailed discussion of each Class that
follows this summary.
 
    CLASS A SHARES.  Class A shares are sold at net asset value plus an initial
sales charge of up to 5.25%. The initial sales charge is reduced for certain
purchases. Investments of $1 million or more (and investments by certain other
limited categories of investors) are not subject to any sales charges at the
time of purchase but are subject to a CDSC of 1.0% on redemptions made within
one year after purchase, except for certain specific circumstances. Class A
shares are also subject to a 12b-1 fee of up to 0.25% of the average daily net
assets of the Class. See "Initial Sales Charge Alternative-- Class A Shares."
 
    CLASS B SHARES.  Class B shares are offered at net asset value with no
initial sales charge but are subject to a CDSC (scaled down from 5.0% to 1.0%)
if redeemed within six years of purchase. (Class B shares purchased by certain
qualified plans are subject to a CDSC scaled down from 2.0% to 1.0% if redeemed
within three years after purchase.) This CDSC may be waived for certain
redemptions. Class B shares are also subject to an annual 12b-1 fee of 1.0% of
the lesser of: (a) the average daily aggregate gross sales of the Fund's Class B
shares since the inception of the Fund (not including reinvestments of dividends
or capital gains distributions), less the average daily aggregate net asset
value of the Fund's Class B shares redeemed since the Fund's inception upon
which a CDSC has been imposed or waived, or (b) the average daily net assets of
Class B. The Class B shares' distribution fee will cause that Class to have
higher expenses and pay lower dividends than Class A or Class D shares.
 
    After approximately ten (10) years, Class B shares will convert
automatically to Class A shares of the Fund, based on the relative net asset
values of the shares of the two Classes on the conversion date. In addition, a
certain portion of Class B shares that have been acquired through the
reinvestment of dividends and distributions will be converted at that time. See
"Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Alternative--Class B Shares."
 
    CLASS C SHARES.  Class C shares are sold at net asset value with no initial
sales charge but are subject to a CDSC of 1.0% on redemptions made within one
year after purchase. This CDSC may be waived for certain redemptions. They are
subject to an annual 12b-1 fee of up to 1.0% of the average daily net assets of
the Class C shares. The Class C shares' distribution fee may cause that Class to
have higher expenses and pay lower dividends than Class A or Class D shares. See
"Level Load Alternative--Class C Shares."
 
    CLASS D SHARES.  Class D shares are available only to limited categories of
investors (see "No Load Alternative--Class D Shares" below). Class D shares are
sold at net asset value with no initial sales charge or CDSC. They are not
subject to any 12b-1 fees. See "No Load Alternative--Class D Shares."
 
    SELECTING A PARTICULAR CLASS.  In deciding which Class of Fund shares to
purchase, investors should consider the following factors, as well as any other
relevant facts and circumstances:
 
    The decision as to which Class of shares is more beneficial to an investor
depends on the amount and intended length of his or her investment. Investors
who prefer an initial sales charge alternative may elect to purchase Class A
shares. Investors qualifying for significantly reduced or, in the case of
purchases of $1 million
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
or more, no initial sales charges may find Class A shares particularly
attractive because similar sales charge reductions are not available with
respect to Class B or Class C shares. Moreover, Class A shares are subject to
lower ongoing expenses than are Class B or Class C shares over the term of the
investment. As an alternative, Class B and Class C shares are sold without any
initial sales charge so the entire purchase price is immediately invested in the
Fund. Any investment return on these additional investment amounts may partially
or wholly offset the higher annual expenses of these Classes. Because the Fund's
future return cannot be predicted, however, there can be no assurance that this
would be the case.
 
    Finally, investors should consider the effect of the CDSC period and any
conversion rights of the Classes in the context of their own investment time
frame. For example, although Class C shares are subject to a significantly lower
CDSC upon redemptions, they do not, unlike Class B shares, convert into Class A
shares after approximately ten years, and, therefore, are subject to an ongoing
12b-1 fee of 1.0% (rather than the 0.25% fee applicable to Class A shares) for
an indefinite period of time. Thus, Class B shares may be more attractive than
Class C shares to investors with longer term investment outlooks. Other
investors, however, may elect to purchase Class C shares if, for example, they
determine that they do not wish to be subject to a front-end sales charge and
they are uncertain as to the length of time they intend to hold their shares.
 
    For the purpose of meeting the $5 million (or $25 million) minimum
investment amount for Class D shares, holdings of Class A shares in all TCW/DW
Multi-Class Funds, and holdings of shares of "Exchange Funds" (see "Shareholder
Services-- Exchange Privilege") for which Class A shares have been exchanged,
will be included together with the current investment amount.
 
    Sales personnel may receive different compensation for selling each Class of
shares. Investors should understand that the purpose of a CDSC is the same as
that of the initial sales charge in that the sales charges applicable to each
Class provide for the financing of the distribution of shares of that Class.
 
    Set forth below is a chart comparing the sales charge, 12b-1 fees and
conversion options applicable to each Class of shares:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           CONVERSION
  CLASS      SALES CHARGE     12b-1 FEE     FEATURE
<C>        <S>                <C>         <C>
    A      Maximum 5.25%           0.25%       No
           initial sales
           charge reduced
           for purchases of
           $25,000 and over;
           shares sold
           without an
           initial sales
           charge generally
           subject to a 1.0%
           CDSC during first
           year.
    B      Maximum 5.0% CDSC       1.0%   B shares
           during the first               convert to A
           year decreasing                shares
           to 0 after six                 automatically
           years                          after
                                          approximately
                                          ten years
    C      1.0% CDSC during        1.0%        No
           first year
    D            None            None          No
</TABLE>
 
    See "Purchase of Fund Shares" and "The Fund and its Management" for a
complete description of the sales charges and service and distribution fees for
each Class of shares and "Determination of Net Asset Value," "Dividends,
Distributions and Taxes" and "Shareholder Services--Exchange Privilege" for
other differences between the Classes of shares.
 
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE--
CLASS A SHARES
 
    Class A shares are sold at net asset value plus an initial sales charge. In
some cases, reduced sales charges may be available, as described below.
Investments of $1 million or more (and investments by certain other limited
categories of investors) are not subject to any sales charges at the time of
purchase but are subject to a CDSC of 1.0% on redemptions made within one year
after purchase (calculated from the last day of the month in which the shares
were purchased), except for certain specific circumstances. The CDSC will be
assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the current market value or the
cost of the shares being redeemed. The CDSC will not be imposed (i) in the
circumstances set forth below in the section "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge
Alternative--Class B Shares--CDSC
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
Waivers," except that the references to six years in the first paragraph of that
section shall mean one year in the case of Class A shares, and (ii) in the
circumstances identified in the section "Additional Net Asset Value Purchase
Options" below. Class A shares are also subject to an annual 12b-1 fee of up to
0.25% of the average daily net assets of the Class.
 
    The offering price of Class A shares will be the net asset value per share
next determined following receipt of an order (see "Determination of Net Asset
Value" below), plus a sales charge (expressed as a percentage of the offering
price) on a single transaction as shown in the following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      SALES CHARGE
                           -----------------------------------
                            PERCENTAGE OF       APPROXIMATE
    AMOUNT OF SINGLE       PUBLIC OFFERING     PERCENTAGE OF
       TRANSACTION              PRICE         AMOUNT INVESTED
- -------------------------  ----------------  -----------------
<S>                        <C>               <C>
Less than $25,000........          5.25%             5.54%
$25,000 but less
 than $50,000............          4.75%             4.99%
$50,000 but less
 than $100,000...........          4.00%             4.17%
$100,000 but less
 than $250,000...........          3.00%             3.09%
$250,000 but less
 than $1 million.........          2.00%             2.04%
$1 million and over......             0                 0
</TABLE>
 
    Upon notice to all Selected Broker-Dealers, the Distributor may reallow up
to the full applicable sales charge as shown in the above schedule during
periods specified in such notice. During periods when 90% or more of the sales
charge is reallowed, such Selected Broker-Dealers may be deemed to be
underwriters as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933.
 
    The above schedule of sales charges is applicable to purchases in a single
transaction by, among others: (a) an individual; (b) an individual, his or her
spouse and their children under the age of 21 purchasing shares for his, her or
their own accounts; (c) a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing shares for a
single trust estate or a single fiduciary account; (d) a pension, profit-sharing
or other employee benefit plan qualified or non-qualified under Section 401 of
the Internal Revenue Code; (e) tax-exempt organizations enumerated in Section
501(c)(3) or (13) of the Internal Revenue Code; (f) employee benefit plans
qualified under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code of a single employer or
of employers who are "affiliated persons" of each other within the meaning of
Section 2(a)(3)(c) of the Act; and for investments in Individual Retirement
Accounts of employees of a single employer through Systematic Payroll Deduction
plans; or (g) any other organized group of persons, whether incorporated or not,
provided the organization has been in existence for at least six months and has
some purpose other than the purchase of redeemable securities of a registered
investment company at a discount.
 
    COMBINED PURCHASE PRIVILEGE.  Investors may have the benefit of reduced
sales charges in accordance with the above schedule by combining purchases of
Class A shares of the Fund in single transactions with the purchase of Class A
shares of other TCW/DW Multi-Class Funds. The sales charge payable on the
purchase of the Class A shares of the Fund and the Class A shares of the other
TCW/DW Multi-Class Funds will be at their respective rates applicable to the
total amount of the combined concurrent purchases of such shares.
 
    RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION.  The above persons and entities may benefit from a
reduction of the sales charges in accordance with the above schedule if the
cumulative net asset value of Class A shares purchased in a single transaction,
together with shares of the Fund and other TCW/DW Multi-Class Funds previously
purchased at a price including a front-end sales charge (including shares of the
Fund, other TCW/DW Multi-Class Funds or "Exchange Funds" (see "Shareholder
Services--Exchange Privilege") acquired in exchange for those shares, and
including in each case shares acquired through reinvestment of dividends and
distributions), which are held at the time of such transaction, amounts to
$25,000 or more. If such investor has a cumulative net asset value of Class A
and Class D shares that, together with the current investment amount, is equal
to at least $5 million ($25 million for certain qualified plans), such investor
is eligible to purchase Class D shares subject to the $1,000 minimum initial
investment requirement of that Class of the Fund. See "No Load
Alternative--Class D Shares" below.
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
    The Distributor must be notified by DWR or a Selected Broker-Dealer or the
shareholder at the time a purchase order is placed that the purchase qualifies
for the reduced charge under the Right of Accumulation. Similar notification
must be made in writing by the dealer or shareholder when such an order is
placed by mail. The reduced sales charge will not be granted if: (a) such
notification is not furnished at the time of the order; or (b) a review of the
records of the Selected Broker-Dealer or the Transfer Agent fails to confirm the
investor's represented holdings.
 
    LETTER OF INTENT.  The foregoing schedule of reduced sales charges will also
be available to investors who enter into a written Letter of Intent providing
for the purchase, within a thirteen-month period, of Class A shares of the Fund
from DWR or other Selected Broker-Dealers. The cost of Class A shares of the
Fund or Class A shares of other TCW/DW Multi-Class Funds which were previously
purchased at a price including a front-end sales charge during the 90-day period
prior to the date of receipt by the Distributor of the Letter of Intent, or of
Class A shares of the Fund or other TCW/DW Multi-Class Funds or shares of
"Exchange Funds" (see "Shareholder Services-- Exchange Privilege") acquired in
exchange for Class A shares of such funds purchased during such period at a
price including a front-end sales charge, which are still owned by the
shareholder, may also be included in determining the applicable reduction.
 
    ADDITIONAL NET ASSET VALUE PURCHASE OPTIONS.  In addition to investments of
$1 million or more, Class A shares also may be purchased at net asset value by
the following:
 
   
        (1) trusts for which MSDW Trust (an affiliate of the Manager) provides
    discretionary trustee services;
    
 
        (2) persons participating in a fee-based program approved by the
    Distributor, pursuant to which such persons pay an asset based fee for
    services in the nature of investment advisory, administrative and/or
    brokerage services (such investments are subject to all of the terms and
    conditions of such programs, which may include termination fees, mandatory
    redemption upon termination and such other circumstances as specified in the
    programs' agreements, and restrictions on transferability of Fund shares);
 
        (3) employer-sponsored 401(k) and other plans qualified under Section
    401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code ("Qualified Retirement Plans") with at
    least 200 eligible employees and for which MSDW Trust serves as Trustee or
    DWR's Retirement Plan Services serves as recordkeeper pursuant to a written
    Recordkeeping Services Agreement;
 
        (4) Qualified Retirement Plans for which MSDW Trust serves as Trustee or
    DWR's Retirement Plan Services serves as recordkeeper pursuant to a written
    Recordkeeping Services Agreement whose Class B shares have converted to
    Class A shares, regardless of the plan's asset size or number of eligible
    employees;
 
        (5) investors who are clients of a Dean Witter account executive who
    joined Dean Witter from another investment firm within six months prior to
    the date of purchase of Fund shares by such investors, if the shares are
    being purchased with the proceeds from a redemption of shares of an open-end
    proprietary mutual fund of the account executive's previous firm which
    imposed either a front-end or deferred sales charge, provided such purchase
    was made within sixty days after the redemption and the proceeds of the
    redemption had been maintained in the interim in cash or a money market
    fund; and
 
        (6) other categories of investors, at the discretion of the Board, as
    disclosed in the then current prospectus of the Fund.
 
    No CDSC will be imposed on redemptions of shares purchased pursuant to
paragraphs (1), (2) or (5), above.
 
    For further information concerning purchases of the Fund's shares, contact
DWR or another Selected Broker-Dealer or consult the Statement of Additional
Information.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
ALTERNATIVE--CLASS B SHARES
 
    Class B shares are sold at net asset value next determined without an
initial sales charge so that the full amount of an investor's purchase payment
may be immediately invested in the Fund. A CDSC, however, will be imposed on
most Class B shares redeemed within six years after purchase. The CDSC will be
imposed on any redemption of shares if after such redemption the aggregate
current value of a Class B account with the Fund falls below the aggregate
amount of the investor's purchase payments for Class B shares made during the
six years (or, in the case of shares held by certain Qualified Retirement Plans,
three years) preceding the redemption. In addition, Class B shares are subject
to an annual 12b-1 fee of 1.0% of the lesser of: (a) the average daily aggregate
gross sales of the Fund's Class B shares since the inception of the Fund (not
including reinvestments of dividends or capital gains distributions), less the
average daily aggregate net asset value of the Fund's Class B shares redeemed
since the Fund's inception upon which a CDSC has been imposed or waived, or (b)
the average daily net assets of Class B.
 
    Except as noted below, Class B shares of the Fund which are held for six
years or more after purchase (calculated from the last day of the month in which
the shares were purchased) will not be subject to any CDSC upon redemption.
Shares redeemed earlier than six years after purchase may, however, be subject
to a CDSC which will be a percentage of the dollar amount of shares redeemed and
will be assessed on an amount equal to the lesser of the current market value or
the cost of the shares being redeemed. The size of this percentage will depend
upon how long the shares have been held, as set forth in the following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          YEAR SINCE             CDSC AS A PERCENTAGE
     PURCHASE PAYMENT MADE        OF AMOUNT REDEEMED
- -------------------------------  ---------------------
<S>                              <C>
First..........................             5.0%
Second.........................             4.0%
Third..........................             3.0%
Fourth.........................             2.0%
Fifth..........................             2.0%
Sixth..........................             1.0%
Seventh and thereafter.........             None
</TABLE>
 
    In the case of Class B shares of the Fund purchased on or after July 28,
1997 by Qualified Retirement Plans for which MSDW Trust serves as Trustee or
DWR's Retirement Plan Services serves as recordkeeper pursuant to a written
Recordkeeping Services Agreement, shares held for three years or more after
purchase (calculated as described in the paragraph above) will not be subject to
any CDSC upon redemption. However, shares redeemed earlier than three years
after purchase may be subject to a CDSC (calculated as described in the
paragraph above), the percentage of which will depend on how long the shares
have been held, as set forth in the following table:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          YEAR SINCE             CDSC AS A PERCENTAGE
     PURCHASE PAYMENT MADE        OF AMOUNT REDEEMED
- -------------------------------  ---------------------
<S>                              <C>
First..........................             2.0%
Second.........................             2.0%
Third..........................             1.0%
Fourth and thereafter..........             None
</TABLE>
 
    CDSC WAIVERS.  A CDSC will not be imposed on: (i) any amount which
represents an increase in value of shares purchased within the six years (or, in
the case of shares held by certain Qualified Retirement Plans, three years)
preceding the redemption; (ii) the current net asset value of shares purchased
more than six years (or, in the case of shares held by certain Qualified
Retirement Plans, three years) prior to the redemption; and (iii) the current
net asset value of shares purchased through reinvestment of dividends or
distributions. Moreover, in determining whether a CDSC is applicable it will be
assumed that amounts described in (i), (ii) and (iii) above (in that order) are
redeemed first.
 
    In addition, the CDSC, if otherwise applicable, will be waived in the case
of:
 
        (1) redemptions of shares held at the time a shareholder dies or becomes
    disabled, only if the shares are: (a) registered either in the name of an
    individual shareholder (not a trust), or in the names of such shareholder
    and his or her spouse as joint tenants with right of survivorship; or (b)
    held in a qualified corporate or self-employed retirement plan, Individual
    Retirement Account ("IRA") or Custodial Account under Section 403(b)(7) of
    the Internal Revenue Code
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
    ("403(b) Custodial Account"), provided in either case that the redemption is
    requested within one year of the death or initial determination of
    disability;
 
        (2) redemptions in connection with the following retirement plan
    distributions:
    (a) lump-sum or other distributions from a qualified corporate or
    self-employed retirement plan following retirement (or, in the case of a
    "key employee" of a "top heavy" plan, following attainment of age 59 1/2);
    (b) distributions from an IRA or 403(b) Custodial Account following
    attainment of age 59 1/2; or (c) a tax-free return of an excess contribution
    to an IRA; and
 
        (3) all redemptions of shares held for the benefit of a participant in a
    Qualified Retirement Plan which offers investment companies managed by the
    Manager or its parent, Dean Witter InterCapital Inc., as self-directed
    investment alternatives and for which MSDW Trust serves as Trustee or DWR's
    Retirement Plan Services serves as recordkeeper pursuant to a written
    Recordkeeping Services Agreement ("Eligible Plan"), provided that either:
    (a) the plan continues to be an Eligible Plan after the redemption; or (b)
    the redemption is in connection with the complete termination of the plan
    involving the distribution of all plan assets to participants.
 
    With reference to (1) above, for the purpose of determining disability, the
Distributor utilizes the definition of disability contained in Section 72(m)(7)
of the Internal Revenue Code, which relates to the inability to engage in
gainful employment. With reference to (2) above, the term "distribution" does
not encompass a direct transfer of IRA, 403(b) Custodial Account or retirement
plan assets to a successor custodian or trustee. All waivers will be granted
only following receipt by the Distributor of confirmation of the shareholder's
entitlement.
 
    CONVERSION TO CLASS A SHARES.  All shares of the Fund held prior to July 28,
1997 have been designated Class B shares. Shares held before May 1, 1997 will
convert to Class A shares in May, 2007. In all other instances Class B shares
will convert automatically to Class A shares, based on the relative net asset
values of the shares of the two Classes on the conversion date, which will be
approximately ten (10) years after the date of the original purchase. The ten
year period is calculated from the last day of the month in which the shares
were purchased or, in the case of Class B shares acquired through an exchange or
a series of exchanges, from the last day of the month in which the original
Class B shares were purchased, provided that shares originally purchased before
May 1, 1997 will convert to Class A shares in May, 2007. The conversion of
shares purchased on or after May 1, 1997 will take place in the month following
the tenth anniversary of the purchase. There will also be converted at that time
such proportion of Class B shares acquired through automatic reinvestment of
dividends and distributions owned by the shareholder as the total number of his
or her Class B shares converting at the time bears to the total number of
outstanding Class B shares purchased and owned by the shareholder. In the case
of Class B shares held by a Qualified Retirement Plan for which MSDW Trust
serves as Trustee or DWR's Retirement Plan Services serves as recordkeeper
pursuant to a written Recordkeeping Services Agreement, the plan is treated as a
single investor and all Class B shares will convert to Class A shares on the
conversion date of the first shares of a TCW/DW Multi-Class Fund purchased by
that plan. In the case of Class B shares previously exchanged for shares of an
"Exchange Fund" (see "Shareholder Services--Exchange Privilege"), the period of
time the shares were held in the Exchange Fund (calculated from the last day of
the month in which the Exchange Fund shares were acquired) is excluded from the
holding period for conversion. If those shares are subsequently re-exchanged for
Class B shares of a TCW/DW Multi-Class Fund, the holding period resumes on the
last day of the month in which Class B shares are reacquired.
 
    If a shareholder has received share certificates for Class B shares, such
certificates must be delivered to the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to
the date for conversion. Class B shares evidenced by share certificates that are
not received by the Transfer Agent at least one week prior to any conversion
date will be converted into Class A shares on the next scheduled conversion date
after such certificates are received.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
    Effectiveness of the conversion feature is subject to the continuing
availability of a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or an opinion of
counsel that (i) the conversion of shares does not constitute a taxable event
under the Internal Revenue Code, (ii) Class A shares received on conversion will
have a basis equal to the shareholder's basis in the converted Class B shares
immediately prior to the conversion, and (iii) Class A shares received on
conversion will have a holding period that includes the holding period of the
converted Class B shares. The conversion feature may be suspended if the ruling
or opinion is no longer available. In such event, Class B shares would continue
to be subject to Class B 12b-1 fees.
 
LEVEL LOAD ALTERNATIVE--CLASS C SHARES
 
    Class C shares are sold at net asset value next determined without an
initial sales charge but are subject to a CDSC of 1.0% on most redemptions made
within one year after purchase (calculated from the last day of the month in
which the shares were purchased). The CDSC will be assessed on an amount equal
to the lesser of the current market value or the cost of the shares being
redeemed. The CDSC will not be imposed in the circumstances set forth above in
the section "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Alternative--Class B Shares--CDSC
Waivers," except that the references to six years in the first paragraph of that
section shall mean one year in the case of Class C shares. Class C shares are
subject to an annual 12b-1 fee of up to 1.0% of the average daily net assets of
the Class. Unlike Class B shares, Class C shares have no conversion feature and,
accordingly, an investor that purchases Class C shares will be subject to 12b-1
fees applicable to Class C shares for an indefinite period subject to annual
approval by the Fund's Board of Trustees and regulatory limitations.
 
NO LOAD ALTERNATIVE--CLASS D SHARES
 
    Class D shares are offered without any sales charge on purchase or
redemption and without any 12b-1 fee. Class D shares are offered only to
investors meeting an initial investment minimum of $5 million ($25 million for
Qualified Retirement Plans for which MSDW Trust serves as Trustee or DWR's
Retirement Plan Services serves as recordkeeper pursuant to a written
Recordkeeping Services Agreement) and the following categories of investors: (i)
investors participating in the InterCapital mutual fund asset allocation program
pursuant to which such persons pay an asset based fee; (ii) persons
participating in a fee-based program approved by the Distributor, pursuant to
which such persons pay an asset based fee for services in the nature of
investment advisory, administrative and/or brokerage services (subject to all of
the terms and conditions of such programs referred to in (i) and (ii) above,
which may include termination fees, mandatory redemption upon termination and
such other circumstances as specified in the programs' agreements, and
restrictions on transferability of Fund shares); (iii) certain Unit Investment
Trusts sponsored by DWR; (iv) certain other open-end investment companies whose
shares are distributed by the Distributor; and (v) other categories of
investors, at the discretion of the Board, as disclosed in the then current
prospectus of the Fund. Investors who require a $5 million (or $25 million)
minimum initial investment to qualify to purchase Class D shares may satisfy
that requirement by investing that amount in a single transaction in Class D
shares of the Fund and other TCW/DW Multi-Class Funds, subject to the $1,000
minimum initial investment required for that Class of the Fund. In addition, for
the purpose of meeting the $5 million (or $25 million) minimum investment
amount, holdings of Class A shares in all TCW/DW Multi-Class Funds, and holdings
of shares of "Exchange Funds" (see "Shareholder Services--Exchange Privilege")
for which Class A shares have been exchanged, will be included together with the
current investment amount. If a shareholder redeems Class A shares and purchases
Class D shares, such redemption may be a taxable event.
 
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
    The Fund has adopted a Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the
Act with respect to the distribution of Class A, Class B and Class C shares of
the Fund. In the case of Class A and Class C shares, the Plan provides that the
Fund will reimburse the Distributor and others for the expenses of certain
activities and services incurred by them specifically on behalf of those shares.
Reimbursements for these expenses will be made in monthly payments by the Fund
to the
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
Distributor, which will in no event exceed amounts equal to payments at the
annual rates of 0.25% and 1.0% of the average daily net assets of Class A and
Class C, respectively. In the case of Class B shares, the Plan provides that the
Fund will pay the Distributor a fee, which is accrued daily and paid monthly, at
the annual rate of 1.0% of the lesser of: (a) the average daily aggregate gross
sales of the Fund's Class B shares since the inception of the Fund (not
including reinvestments of dividends or capital gains distributions), less the
average daily aggregate net asset value of the Fund's Class B shares redeemed
since the Fund's inception upon which a CDSC has been imposed or waived, or (b)
the average daily net assets of Class B. The fee is treated by the Fund as an
expense in the year it is accrued. In the case of Class A shares, the entire
amount of the fee currently represents a service fee within the meaning of the
NASD guidelines. In the case of Class B and Class C shares, a portion of the fee
payable pursuant to the Plan, equal to 0.25% of the average daily net assets of
each of these Classes, is currently characterized as a service fee. A service
fee is a payment made for personal service and/or the maintenance of shareholder
accounts.
 
    Additional amounts paid under the Plan in the case of Class B and Class C
shares are paid to the Distributor for services provided and the expenses borne
by the Distributor and others in the distribution of the shares of those
Classes, including the payment of commissions for sales of the shares of those
Classes and incentive compensation to and expenses of DWR's account executives
and others who engage in or support distribution of shares or who service
shareholder accounts, including overhead and telephone expenses; printing and
distribution of prospectuses and reports used in connection with the offering of
the Fund's shares to other than current shareholders; and preparation, printing
and distribution of sales literature and advertising materials. In addition, the
Distributor may utilize fees paid pursuant to the Plan in the case of Class B
shares to compensate DWR and other Selected Broker-Dealers for their opportunity
costs in advancing such amounts, which compensation would be in the form of a
carrying charge on any unreimbursed expenses.
 
   
    For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998, Class B shares of the Fund
accrued payments under the Plan amounting to $3,189,480, which amount is equal
to 1.0% of the average daily net assets of Class B for the fiscal year. These
payments were calculated pursuant to clause (b) of the compensation formula
under the Plan. All shares held prior to July 28, 1997 have been designated
Class B shares. For the fiscal period July 28, 1997 through January 31, 1998,
Class A and Class C shares of the Fund accrued payments under the Plan amounting
to $120 and $3,225, respectively, which amounts on an annualized basis are equal
to 0.25% and 1.00% of the average daily net assets of Class A and Class C,
respectively, for such period.
    
 
    In the case of Class B shares, at any given time, the expenses in
distributing Class B shares of the Fund may be in excess of the total of (i) the
payments made by the Fund pursuant to the Plan, and (ii) the proceeds of CDSCs
paid by investors upon the redemption of Class B shares. For example, if $1
million in expenses in distributing Class B shares of the Fund had been incurred
and $750,000 had been received as described in (i) and (ii) above, the excess
expense would amount to $250,000. The Distributor has advised the Fund that such
excess amounts, including the carrying charge described above, totalled
$20,353,215 at January 31, 1998, which was equal to 7.46% of the net assets of
Class B on such date. Because there is no requirement under the Plan that the
Distributor be reimbursed for all distribution expenses or any requirement that
the Plan be continued from year to year, such excess amount does not constitute
a liability of the Fund. Although there is no legal obligation for the Fund to
pay expenses incurred in excess of payments made to the Distributor under the
Plan, and the proceeds of CDSCs paid by investors upon redemption of shares, if
for any reason the Plan is terminated the Trustees will consider at that time
the manner in which to treat such expenses. Any cumulative expenses incurred,
but not yet recovered through distribution fees or CDSCs, may or may not be
recovered through future distribution fees or CDSCs.
 
    In the case of Class A and Class C shares, expenses incurred pursuant to the
Plan in any calendar year in excess of 0.25% or 1.0% of the average daily net
assets of
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
Class A or Class C, respectively, will not be reimbursed by the Fund through
payments in any subsequent year, except that expenses representing a gross sales
commission credited to account executives at the time of sale may be reimbursed
in the subsequent calendar year. The Distributor has advised the Fund that
unreimbursed expenses representing a gross sales commission credited to account
executives at the time of sale totalled $7,256 in the case of Class C at
December 31, 1997, which amount was equal to 0.85% of the net assets of Class C
on such date, and that there were no such expenses that may be reimbursed in the
subsequent year in the case of Class A on such date. No interest or other
financing charges will be incurred on any Class A or Class C distribution
expenses incurred by the Distributor under the Plan or on any unreimbursed
expenses due to the Distributor pursuant to the Plan.
 
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
 
    The net asset value per share is determined once daily at 4:00 p.m., New
York time (or, on days when the New York Stock Exchange closes prior to 4:00
p.m., at such earlier time), on each day that the New York Stock Exchange is
open by taking the net assets of the Fund, dividing by the number of shares
outstanding and adjusting to the nearest cent. The assets belonging to the Class
A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares will be invested together in a single
portfolio. The net asset value of each Class, however, will be determined
separately by subtracting each Class's accrued expenses and liabilities. The net
asset value per share will not be determined on Good Friday and on such other
federal and non-federal holidays as are observed by the New York Stock Exchange.
 
    In the calculation of the Fund's net asset value: (1) an equity portfolio
security listed or traded on the New York or American Stock Exchange or other
domestic or foreign stock exchange is valued at its latest sale price on that
exchange prior to the time when assets are valued; if there were no sales that
day, the security, is valued at the latest bid price (in cases where a security
is traded on more than one exchange, the security is valued on the exchange
designated as the primary market pursuant to procedures adopted by the
Trustees); and (2) all other portfolio securities for which over-the-counter
market quotations are readily available are valued at the latest available bid
price prior to the time of valuation. When market quotations are not readily
available, including circumstances under which it is determined by the Adviser
that sale or bid prices are not reflective of a security's market value,
portfolio securities are valued at their fair value as determined in good faith
under procedures established by and under the general supervision of the Fund's
Trustees. For valuation purposes, quotations of foreign portfolio securities,
other assets and liabilities and forward contracts stated in foreign currency
are translated into U.S. dollar equivalents at the prevailing market rates prior
to the close of the New York Stock Exchange. Dividends receivable are accrued as
of the ex-dividend date or as of the time that the relevant ex-dividend date and
amounts become known.
 
    Short-term debt securities with remaining maturities of 60 days or less at
the time of purchase are valued at amortized cost, unless the Trustees determine
such does not reflect the securities' market value, in which case these
securities will be valued at their fair value as determined by the Trustees.
 
    Certain of the Fund's portfolio securities may be valued by an outside
pricing service approved by the Fund's Trustees. The pricing service may utilize
a matrix system incorporating security quality, maturity and coupon as the
evaluation model parameters, and/or research and evaluations by its staff,
including review of broker-dealer market price quotations, in determining what
it believes is the fair valuation of the portfolio securities valued by such
pricing service.
 
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS. All income dividends
and capital gains distributions are automatically paid in full and fractional
shares of the applicable Class of the Fund (or, if specified by the shareholder,
in shares of any other open-end TCW/DW Fund), unless the shareholder requests
that they be paid
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
in cash. Shares so acquired are acquired at net asset value and are not subject
to the imposition of a front-end sales charge or a CDSC (see "Repurchases and
Redemptions").
 
    INVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS OR DISTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED IN CASH.  Any shareholder
who receives a cash payment representing a dividend or capital gains
distribution may invest such dividend or distribution in shares of the
applicable Class at the net asset value per share next determined after receipt
by the Transfer Agent, by returning the check or the proceeds to the Transfer
Agent within 30 days after the payment date. Shares so acquired are acquired at
net asset value and are not subject to the imposition of a front-end sales
charge or a CDSC (see "Repurchases and Redemptions").
 
    EASYINVEST-SM-.  Shareholders may subscribe to EasyInvest, an automatic
purchase plan which provides for any amount from $100 to $5,000 to be
transferred automatically from a checking or savings account or following
redemption of shares of a Dean Witter money market fund, on a semi-monthly,
monthly or quarterly basis, to the Transfer Agent for investment in shares of
the Fund. EasyInvest is available during any period when the Fund is offering
its shares (see "Purchase of Fund Shares" and "Repurchases and Redemptions--
Involuntary Redemption").
 
   
    SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN.  A systematic withdrawal plan (the "Withdrawal
Plan") is available for shareholders who own or purchase shares of the Fund
having a minimum value of $10,000 based upon the then current net asset value.
The Withdrawal Plan provides for monthly or quarterly (March, June, September
and December) checks in any dollar amount, not less than $25, or in any whole
percentage of the account balance, on an annualized basis. Any applicable CDSC
will be imposed on shares redeemed under the Withdrawal Plan (see "Purchase of
Fund Shares"). Therefore, any shareholder participating in the Withdrawal Plan
will have sufficient shares redeemed from his or her account so that the
proceeds (net of any applicable CDSC) to the shareholder will be the designated
monthly or quarterly amount. Withdrawal plan payments should not be considered
as dividends, yields or income. If periodic withdrawal plan payments
continuously exceed net investment income and net capital gains, the
shareholder's original investment will be correspondingly reduced and ultimately
exhausted. Each withdrawal constitutes a redemption of shares and any gain or
loss realized must be recognized for federal income tax purposes.
    
 
    Shareholders should contact their DWR or other Selected Broker-Dealer
account executive or the Transfer Agent for information about any of the above
services.
 
    TAX SHELTERED RETIREMENT PLANS.  Retirement plans are available for use by
corporations, the self-employed, Individual Retirement Accounts and Custodial
Accounts under Section 403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code. Adoption of such
plans should be on advice of legal counsel or tax adviser.
 
    For further information regarding plan administration, custodial fees and
other details, investors should contact their account executive or the Transfer
Agent.
 
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
 
    Shares of each Class may be exchanged for shares of the same Class of any
other TCW/DW Multi-Class Fund without the imposition of any exchange fee. Shares
may also be exchanged for shares of TCW/DW North American Government Income
Trust and for shares of five money market funds for which InterCapital serves as
investment manager: Dean Witter Liquid Asset Fund Inc., Dean Witter U.S.
Government Money Market Trust, Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust, Dean
Witter California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust and Dean Witter New York Municipal
Money Market Trust (the foregoing six funds are hereinafter collectively
referred to as "Exchange Funds"). Exchanges may be made after the shares of the
Fund acquired by purchase (not by exchange or dividend reinvestment) have been
held for thirty days. There is no waiting period for exchanges of shares
acquired by exchange or dividend reinvestment.
 
    An exchange to another TCW/DW Multi-Class Fund or any Exchange Fund that is
not a money market fund is on the basis of the next calculated net asset value
per share of each fund after the exchange order is received. When exchanging
into a money market fund from the Fund or any other CDSC Fund, shares of the
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
Fund are redeemed out of the Fund at their next calculated net asset value and
the proceeds of the redemption are used to purchase shares of the money market
fund at their net asset value determined the following business day. Subsequent
exchanges between any of the money market funds and any of the TCW/DW Multi-
Class Funds or any Exchange Fund that is not a money market fund can be effected
on the same basis.
 
    No CDSC is imposed at the time of any exchange of shares, although any
applicable CDSC will be imposed upon ultimate redemption. During the period of
time the shareholder remains in an Exchange Fund (calculated from the last day
of the month in which the Exchange Fund shares were acquired), the holding
period (for the purpose of determining the rate of the CDSC) is frozen. If those
shares are subsequently re-exchanged for shares of a TCW/DW Multi-Class Fund,
the holding period previously frozen when the first exchange was made resumes on
the last day of the month in which shares of a TCW/DW Multi-Class Fund are
reacquired. Thus, the CDSC is based upon the time (calculated as described
above) the shareholder was invested in shares of a TCW/DW Multi-Class Fund (see
"Purchase of Fund Shares"). However, in the case of shares exchanged into an
Exchange Fund, upon a redemption of shares which results in a CDSC being
imposed, a credit (not to exceed the amount of the CDSC) will be given in an
amount equal to the Exchange Fund 12b-1 distribution fees which are attributable
to those shares. (Exchange Fund 12b-1 distribution fees are described in the
prospectuses of those funds.)
 
    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING EXCHANGES. Purchases and exchanges should
be made for investment purposes only. A pattern of frequent exchanges may be
deemed by the Manager to be abusive and contrary to the best interests of the
Fund's other shareholders and, at the Manager's discretion, may be limited by
the Fund's refusal to accept additional purchases and/or exchanges from the
investor. Although the Fund does not have any specific definition of what
constitutes a pattern of frequent exchanges, and will consider all relevant
factors in determining whether a particular situation is abusive and contrary to
the best interests of the Fund and its other shareholders, investors should be
aware that the Fund, each of the other TCW/DW Funds and each of the money market
funds may in their discretion limit or otherwise restrict the number of times
this Exchange Privilege may be exercised by any investor. Any such restriction
will be made by the Fund on a prospective basis only, upon notice to the
shareholder not later than ten days following such shareholder's most recent
exchange. Also, the Exchange Privilege may be terminated or revised at any time
by the Fund and/or any of such TCW/DW Funds or money market funds for which
shares of the Fund have been exchanged, upon such notice as may be required by
applicable regulatory agencies. Shareholders maintaining margin accounts with
DWR or another Selected Broker-Dealer are referred to their account executive
regarding restrictions on exchange of shares of the Fund pledged in the margin
account.
 
    The current prospectus for each fund describes its investment objective(s)
and policies, and shareholders should obtain a copy and examine it carefully
before investing. Exchanges are subject to the minimum investment requirement of
each Class of shares and any other conditions imposed by each fund. In the case
of a shareholder holding a share certificate or certificates, no exchanges may
be made until all applicable share certificates have been received by the
Transfer Agent and deposited in the shareholder's account. An exchange will be
treated for federal income tax purposes the same as a repurchase or redemption
of shares, on which the shareholder may realize a capital gain or loss. However,
the ability to deduct capital losses on an exchange may be limited in situations
where there is an exchange of shares within ninety days after the shares are
purchased. The Exchange Privilege is only available in states where an exchange
may legally be made.
 
    If DWR or another Selected Broker-Dealer is the current dealer of record and
its account numbers are part of the account information, shareholders may
initiate an exchange of shares of the Fund for shares of any of the funds for
which the Exchange Privilege is available pursuant to this Exchange Privilege by
contacting their DWR or other Selected Broker-Dealer account executive (no
Exchange Privilege Authorization Form is required). Other shareholders (and
those shareholders
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
who are clients of DWR or another Selected Broker-Dealer but who wish to make
exchanges directly by writing or telephoning the Transfer Agent) must complete
and forward to the Transfer Agent an Exchange Privilege Authorization Form,
copies of which may be obtained from the Transfer Agent, to initiate an
exchange. If the Authorization Form is used, exchanges may be made in writing or
by contacting the Transfer Agent at (800) 869-NEWS (toll-free).
 
    The Fund will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that exchange
instructions communicated over the telephone are genuine. The procedures may
include requiring various forms of personal identification such as name, mailing
address, social security or other tax identification number and DWR or other
Selected Broker-Dealer account number (if any). Telephone instructions will also
be recorded. If such procedures are not employed, the Fund may be liable for any
losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent transactions.
 
    Telephone exchange instructions will be accepted if received by the Transfer
Agent between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., New York time, on any day the New York
Stock Exchange is open. Any shareholder wishing to make an exchange who has
previously filed an Exchange Privilege Authorization Form and who is unable to
reach the Fund by telephone should contact his or her DWR or other Selected
Broker-Dealer account executive, if appropriate, or make a written exchange
request. Shareholders are advised that during periods of drastic economic or
market changes, it is possible that the telephone exchange procedures may be
difficult to implement, although this has not been the case in the past with
other funds managed by the Manager.
 
    Shareholders should contact their DWR or other Selected Broker-Dealer
account executive or the Transfer Agent for further information about the
Exchange Privilege.
 
REPURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    REPURCHASES.  DWR and other Selected Broker-Dealers are authorized to
repurchase shares represented by a share certificate which is delivered to any
of their offices. Shares held in a shareholder's account without a share
certificate may also be repurchased by DWR and other Selected Broker-Dealers
upon the telephonic or telegraphic request of the shareholder. The repurchase
price is the net asset value next computed (see "Purchase of Fund Shares") after
such repurchase order is received by DWR or other Selected Broker-Dealer,
reduced by any applicable CDSC (see below).
 
    The CDSC, if any, will be the only fee imposed by the Fund or the
Distributor. The offers by DWR and other Selected Broker-Dealers to repurchase
shares may be suspended without notice by them at any time. In that event,
shareholders may redeem their shares through the Fund's Transfer Agent as set
forth below under "Redemptions."
 
    REDEMPTIONS.  Shares of each Class of the Fund can be redeemed for cash at
any time at the net asset value per share next determined less the amount of any
applicable CDSC in the case of Class A, Class B or Class C shares (see "Purchase
of Fund Shares"). If shares are held in a shareholder's account without a share
certificate, a written request for redemption to the Fund's Transfer Agent at
P.O. Box 983, Jersey City, NJ 07303 is required. If certificates are held by the
shareholder, the shares may be redeemed by surrendering the certificates with a
written request for redemption, along with any additional information required
by the Transfer Agent.
 
    PAYMENT FOR SHARES REDEEMED OR REPURCHASED.  Payment for shares presented
for repurchase or redemption will be made by check within seven days after
receipt by the Transfer Agent of the certificate and/or written request in good
order. Such payment may be postponed or the right of redemption suspended under
unusual circumstances. If the shares to be redeemed have recently been purchased
by check, payment of the redemption proceeds may be delayed for the minimum time
needed to verify that the check used for investment has been honored (not more
than fifteen days from the time of receipt of the check by the Transfer Agent).
Shareholders maintaining margin accounts with DWR or another Selected
Broker-Dealer are
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
referred to their account executive regarding restrictions on redemption of
shares of the Fund pledged in the margin account.
 
    REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE.  A shareholder who has had his or her shares
repurchased or redeemed and has not previously exercised this reinstatement
privilege may, within 35 days after the date of the repurchase or redemption,
reinstate any portion or all of the proceeds of such repurchase or redemption in
shares of the Fund in the same Class from which such shares were redeemed or
repurchased, at net asset value next determined after a reinstatement request,
together with the proceeds, is received by the Transfer Agent and receive a pro
rata credit for any CDSC paid in connection with such repurchase or redemption.
 
    INVOLUNTARY REDEMPTION.  The Fund reserves the right, on 60 days' notice, to
redeem, at their net asset value, the shares of any shareholder (other than
shares held in an Individual Retirement Account or Custodial Account under
Section 403(b)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code) whose shares due to redemptions
by the shareholder have a value of less than $100 or such lesser amount as may
be fixed by the Trustees or, in the case of an account opened through
EasyInvest, if after twelve months the shareholder has invested less than $1,000
in the account. However, before the Fund redeems such shares and sends the
proceeds to the shareholder, it will notify the shareholder that the value of
the shares is less than the applicable amount and allow the shareholder 60 days
to make an additional investment in an amount which will increase the value of
the account to at least the applicable amount before the redemption is
processed. No CDSC will be imposed on any involuntary redemption.
 
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS.  The Fund declares dividends separately for
each Class of shares and intends to pay dividends and to distribute
substantially all of the Fund's net investment income and net short-term and
long-term capital gains, if any, at least once each year. The Fund may, however,
determine either to distribute or to retain all or part of any net long-term
capital gains in any year for reinvestment.
 
    The Fund may, at times, make payments from sources other than income or net
capital gains. Payments from such sources would, in effect, represent a return
of a portion of each shareholder's investment. All, or a portion, of such
payments would not be taxable to shareholders, and would reduce the
shareholder's cost basis in his or her shares.
 
    All dividends and any capital gains distributions will be paid in additional
shares of the same Class and automatically credited to the shareholder's account
without issuance of a share certificate unless the shareholder requests in
writing that all dividends and/or distributions be paid in cash. Shares acquired
by dividend and distribution reinvestments will not be subject to any front-end
sales charge or CDSC. Class B shares acquired through dividend and distribution
reinvestments will become eligible for conversion to Class A shares on a pro
rata basis. Distributions paid on Class A and Class D shares will be higher than
for Class B and Class C shares because distribution fees paid by Class B and
Class C shares are higher. (See "Shareholder Services--Automatic Investment of
Dividends and Distributions.")
 
    TAXES.  Because the Fund intends to distribute all of its net investment
income and capital gains to shareholders and otherwise continue to qualify as a
regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, it
is not expected that the Fund will be required to pay any federal income tax.
Shareholders who are required to pay taxes on their income will normally have to
pay federal income taxes, and any state income taxes, on the dividends and
distributions they receive from the Fund. Such dividends and distributions, to
the extent that they are derived from net investment income or short-term
capital gains, are taxable to the shareholder as ordinary income regardless of
whether the shareholder receives such payments in additional shares or in cash.
Any dividends declared in the last quarter of any calendar year which are paid
in
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
the following year prior to February 1 will be deemed, for tax purposes, to have
been received by the shareholder in the prior year. Dividend payments will
generally not be eligible for the federal dividends received deduction.
 
    Distributions of net long-term capital gains, if any, are taxable to
shareholders as long-term capital gains regardless of how long a shareholder has
held the Fund's shares and regardless of whether the distribution is received in
additional shares or in cash. Capital gains distributions are not eligible for
the dividends received deduction.
 
    Any dividend or capital gains distribution received by a shareholder from
any investment company will have the effect of reducing the net asset value of
the shareholder's stock in that company by the exact amount of the dividend or
capital gains distribution. Furthermore, capital gains distributions and
dividends are subject to federal income taxes. If the net asset value of the
shares should be reduced below a shareholder's cost as a result of the payment
of dividends or the distribution of realized net long-term capital gains, such
payment or distribution would be in part a return of the shareholder's
investment to the extent of such reduction below the shareholder's cost, but
nonetheless would be fully taxable at either ordinary or capital gain rates.
Therefore, an investor should consider the tax implications of purchasing Fund
shares immediately prior to a dividend or distribution record date.
 
    The Fund may at times make payments from sources other than income or net
capital gains. Payments from such sources would, in effect, represent a return
of a portion of each shareholder's investment. All, or a portion, of such
payments would not be taxable to shareholders.
 
    After the end of the calendar year, shareholders will be sent full
information on their dividends and capital gains distributions for tax purposes.
Shareholders will also be notified of their proportionate share of long-term
capital gains distributions that are eligible for a reduced rate of tax under
the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. To avoid being subject to a 31% federal backup
withholding tax on taxable dividends, capital gains distributions and the
proceeds of redemptions and repurchases, shareholders' taxpayer identification
numbers must be furnished and certified as to their accuracy.
 
    Dividends, interest and capital gains received by the Fund may give rise to
withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. If it qualifies for
and has made the appropriate election with the Internal Revenue Service, the
Fund will report annually to its shareholders the amount per share of such
taxes, to enable shareholders to claim United States foreign tax credits or
deductions with respect to such taxes. In the absence of such an election, the
Fund would deduct foreign tax in computing the amount of its distributable
income.
 
    The foregoing discussion relates solely to the federal income tax
consequences of an investment in the Fund. Distributions may also be subject to
state and local taxes; therefore, each shareholder is advised to consult his or
her own tax adviser.
 
    Shareholders should consult their tax advisers as to the applicability of
the foregoing to their current situation.
 
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    From time to time the Fund may quote its "total return" in advertisements
and sales literature. These figures are computed separately for Class A, Class
B, Class C and Class D shares. The total return of the Fund is based on
historical earnings and is not intended to indicate future performance. The
"average annual total return" of the Fund refers to a figure reflecting the
average annualized percentage increase (or decrease) in the value of an initial
investment in a Class of the Fund of $1,000 over one year, five years, as well
as over the life of the Fund. Average annual total return reflects all income
earned by the Fund, any appreciation or depreciation of the Fund's assets, all
expenses incurred by the applicable Class and all sales charges which would be
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
incurred by shareholders, for the stated periods. It also assumes reinvestment
of all dividends and distributions paid by the Fund.
 
    In addition to the foregoing, the Fund may advertise its total return for
each Class over different periods of time by means of aggregate, average, and
year-by-year or other types of total return figures. Such calculations may or
may not reflect the deduction of any sales charge which, if reflected, would
reduce the performance quoted. The Fund may also advertise the growth of
hypothetical investments of $10,000, $50,000 and $100,000 in each Class of
shares of the Fund. The Fund from time to time may also advertise its
performance relative to certain performance rankings and indexes compiled by
independent organizations (such as mutual fund performance rankings of Lipper
Analytical Services, Inc.).
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    VOTING RIGHTS.  All shares of beneficial interest of the Fund are of $0.01
par value and are equal as to earnings, assets and voting privileges except that
each Class will have exclusive voting privileges with respect to matters
relating to distribution expenses borne solely by such Class or any other matter
in which the interests of one Class differ from the interests of any other
Class. In addition, Class B shareholders will have the right to vote on any
proposed material increase in Class A's expenses, if such proposal is submitted
separately to Class A shareholders. Also, as discussed herein, Class A, Class B
and Class C bear the expenses related to the distribution of their respective
shares.
 
    The Fund is not required to hold Annual Meetings of Shareholders and in
ordinary circumstances the Fund does not intend to hold such meetings. The
Trustees may call Special Meetings of Shareholders for action by shareholder
vote as may be required by the Investment Company Act or the Declaration of
Trust. Under certain circumstances, the Trustees may be removed by action of the
Trustees or by the shareholders.
 
    Under Massachusetts law, shareholders of a business trust may, under certain
circumstances, be held personally liable as partners for obligations of the
Fund. However, the Declaration of Trust contains an express disclaimer of
shareholder liability for acts or obligations of the Fund, requires that Fund
obligations include such disclaimer, and provides for indemnification and
reimbursement of expenses out of the Fund's property for any shareholder held
personally liable for the obligations of the Fund. Thus, the risk of a
shareholder incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is
limited to circumstances in which the Fund itself would be unable to meet its
obligations. Given the above limitations on shareholder personal liability, and
the nature of the Fund's assets and operations, the possibility of the Fund
being unable to meet its obligations is remote and thus, in the opinion of
Massachusetts counsel to the Fund, the risk to Fund shareholders of personal
liability is remote.
 
    CODE OF ETHICS.  The Adviser is subject to a Code of Ethics with respect to
investment transactions in which the Adviser's officers, directors and certain
other persons have a beneficial interest to avoid any actual or potential
conflict or abuse of their fiduciary position. The Code of Ethics, as it
pertains to the TCW/DW Funds, contains several restrictions and procedures
designed to eliminate conflicts of interest including: (a) pre-clearance of
personal investment transactions to ensure that personal transactions by
employees are not being conducted at the same time as the Adviser's clients; (b)
quarterly reporting of personal securities transactions; (c) a prohibition
against personally acquiring securities in an initial public offering, entering
into uncovered short sales and writing uncovered options; (d) a seven day
"black-out period" prior or subsequent to a TCW/DW Fund transaction during which
portfolio managers are prohibited from making certain transactions in securities
which are being purchased or sold by a TCW/DW Fund; (e) a prohibition, with
respect to certain investment personnel, from profiting in the purchase and
sale, or sale and purchase, of the same (or equivalent) securities within 60
calendar
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
days; and (f) a prohibition against acquiring any security which is subject to
firm wide or, if applicable, a department restriction of the Adviser. The Code
of Ethics provides that exemptive relief may be given from certain of its
requirements, upon application. The Adviser's Code of Ethics complies with
regulatory requirements and, insofar as it relates to persons associated with
registered investment companies, the 1994 Report of the Advisory Group on
Personal Investing of the Investment Company Institute.
 
    SHAREHOLDER INQUIRIES.  All inquiries regarding the Fund should be directed
to the Fund at the telephone number or address set forth on the front cover of
this Prospectus.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
TCW/DW Latin American
Growth Fund
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
 
TRUSTEES
John C. Argue
Richard M. DeMartini
Charles A. Fiumefreddo
John R. Haire
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson
Thomas E. Larkin, Jr.
Michael E. Nugent
John L. Schroeder
Marc I. Stern
 
OFFICERS
Charles A. Fiumefreddo
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Thomas E. Larkin, Jr.
President
Barry Fink
Vice President, Secretary and
General Counsel
Michael P. Reilly
Vice President
Thomas F. Caloia
Treasurer
 
CUSTODIAN
The Chase Manhattan Bank
One Chase Plaza
New York, New York 10005
 
TRANSFER AGENT AND
DIVIDEND DISBURSING AGENT
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB
Harborside Financial Center
Plaza Two
Jersey City, New Jersey 07311
 
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Price Waterhouse LLP
1177 Avenue of the Americas
New York, New York 10036
 
MANAGER
Dean Witter Services Company Inc.
 
ADVISER
TCW Funds Management, Inc.
 
   [LOGO]
 
LATIN AMERICAN
GROWTH FUND
 
                   [PHOTO]
 
PROSPECTUS
MARCH 31, 1998
<PAGE>
                                                                       [LOGO]
                                                                  LATIN AMERICAN
                                                                     GROWTH FUND
 
STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
MARCH 31, 1998
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
TCW/DW Latin American Growth Fund (the "Fund") is an open-end, non-diversified
management investment company, whose investment objective is long-term capital
appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its investment objective by investing
primarily in equity securities of Latin American issuers. See "Investment
Objective and Policies."
 
    A Prospectus for the Fund dated March 31, 1998, which provides the basic
information you should know before investing in the Fund, may be obtained
without charge from the Fund at the address or telephone numbers listed below or
from the Fund's Distributor, Dean Witter Distributors Inc., or from Dean Witter
Reynolds Inc. at any of its branch offices. This Statement of Additional
Information is not a Prospectus. It contains information in addition to and more
detailed than that set forth in the Prospectus. It is intended to provide
additional information regarding the activities and operations of the Fund, and
should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus.
 
TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
Two World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
(212) 392-2550
or (800) 869-NEWS (toll-free)
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                    <C>
The Fund and its Management..........................................................          3
 
Trustees and Officers................................................................          7
 
Investment Practices and Policies....................................................         13
 
Investment Restrictions..............................................................         29
 
Portfolio Transactions and Brokerage.................................................         30
 
The Distributor......................................................................         32
 
Purchase of Fund Shares..............................................................         37
 
Shareholder Services.................................................................         40
 
Repurchases and Redemptions..........................................................         44
 
Dividends, Distributions and Taxes...................................................         45
 
Performance Information..............................................................         47
 
Description of Shares................................................................         49
 
Custodian and Transfer Agent.........................................................         49
 
Independent Accountants..............................................................         49
 
Reports to Shareholders..............................................................         50
 
Legal Counsel........................................................................         50
 
Experts..............................................................................         50
 
Registration Statement...............................................................         50
 
Report of Independent Accountants....................................................         51
 
Financial Statements--January 31, 1998...............................................         52
 
Appendix--Ratings of Corporate Debt Instruments......................................         69
</TABLE>
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
THE FUND AND ITS MANAGEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
THE FUND
 
    The Fund is a trust of the type commonly known as a "Massachusetts business
trust" and was organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts on
February 25, 1992. The Fund is one of the TCW/DW Funds, which currently
consist, in addition to the Fund, of TCW/DW North American Government Income
Trust, TCW/DW Income and Growth Fund, TCW/DW Small Cap Growth Fund, TCW/DW Term
Trust 2002, TCW/DW Term Trust 2003, TCW/DW Term Trust 2000, TCW/DW Emerging
Markets Opportunities Trust, TCW/DW Mid-Cap Equity Trust, TCW/DW Global Telecom
Trust and TCW/DW Total Return Trust.
 
THE MANAGER
 
   
    Dean Witter Services Company Inc. (the "Manager"), a New Jersey
corporation, whose address is Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048,
is the Fund's Manager. The Manager is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Dean Witter
InterCapital Inc. ("InterCapital") a Delaware corporation. InterCapital is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. ("MSDW"), a
Delaware corporation. In an internal reorganization which took place in
January, 1993, InterCapital assumed the management, administrative and
investment advisory activities previously performed by the InterCapital
Division of Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. ("DWR"), a broker-dealer affiliate of the
Manager. (As hereinafter used in this Statement of Additional Information, the
term "InterCapital" refers to DWR's InterCapital Division prior to the internal
reorganization and to Dean Witter InterCapital Inc. thereafter.) The daily
management of the Fund is conducted by or under the direction of officers of
the Fund and of the Manager and Adviser (see below), subject to review by the
Fund's Board of Trustees. Information as to these Trustees and officers is
contained under the caption "Trustees and Officers."
    
 
    Pursuant to a management agreement (the "Management Agreement") with the
Manager, the Fund has retained the Manager to manage the Fund's business
affairs, supervise the overall day-to-day operations of the Fund (other than
rendering investment advice) and provide all administrative services to the
Fund. Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Manager also maintains
certain of the Fund's books and furnishes, at its own expense, such office
space, facilities, equipment, supplies, clerical help and bookkeeping and legal
services as the Fund may reasonably require in the conduct of its business,
including the preparation of prospectuses, statements of additional
information, proxy statements and reports required to be filed with the federal
and state securities commissions (except insofar as the participation or
assistance of independent accountants and attorneys is, in the opinion of the
Manager, necessary or desirable). In addition, the Manager pays the salaries of
all personnel, including officers of the Fund, who are employees of the
Manager. The Manager also bears the cost of the Fund's telephone service, heat,
light, power and other utilities.
 
    As full compensation for the services and facilities furnished to the Fund
and expenses of the Fund assumed by the Manager, the Fund pays the Manager
monthly compensation calculated daily by applying the following annual rates to
the net assets of the Fund determined as of the close of each business day:
0.75% of the portion of daily net assets not exceeding $500 million; and 0.72%
of the portion of daily net assets exceeding $500 million. The management fee
is allocated among the Classes pro rata based on the net assets of the Fund
attributable to each Class. Total compensation (following expense
reimbursement, if any) accrued to the Manager for the fiscal years ended January
31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 amounted to $1,935,206, $1,930,277 and $2,394,923,
respectively. While the total fees payable under the Management Agreement and
the Advisory Agreement (described below) are higher than that paid by most
other investment companies for similar services, the Board of Trustees
determined that the total fees payable under the Management Agreement (and the
prior management agreements described below) and the Advisory Agreement are
reasonable in relation to the scope and quality of services provided
thereunder. In this regard, in evaluating the Management Agreement and the
Advisory Agreement, the Board of Trustees recognized that the Manager and the
Adviser had, pursuant to an agreement described under the section entitled "The
Adviser," agreed to
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
a division as between themselves of the total fees necessary for the management
of the business affairs of and the furnishing of investment advice to the Fund.
Accordingly, in reviewing the Management Agreement and Advisory Agreement, the
Board viewed as most significant the question as to whether the total fees
payable under the Management and Advisory Agreements were in the aggregate
reasonable in relation to the services to be provided thereunder.
 
    The Management Agreement provides that in the absence of willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its
obligations thereunder, the Manager is not liable to the Fund or any of its
investors for any act or omission by the Manager or for any losses sustained by
the Fund or its investors. The Management Agreement in no way restricts the
Manager from acting as manager to others.
 
    InterCapital paid the organizational expenses of the Fund incurred prior to
the offering of the Fund's shares. The Fund has reimbursed InterCapital for
$200,000 of such expenses, in accordance with the terms of the Underwriting
Agreement between the Fund and DWR. These reimbursed expenses have been
deferred and are being amortized by the Fund on the straight line method over a
period not to exceed five years from the date of commencement of the Fund's
operations.
 
    The Management Agreement was initially approved by the Trustees on October
22, 1993 and became effective on December 31, 1993. The Management Agreement
replaced a prior management agreement in effect between the Fund and
InterCapital, the parent company of the Manager. The nature and scope of
services provided to the Fund, and the formula to determine fees paid by the
Fund under the Management Agreement, are identical to those of the Fund's
previous management agreement. (That management agreement, in turn, had
replaced, on June 30, 1993, upon the spin-off by Sears, Roebuck and Co. of its
remaining shares of DWDC, an earlier substantially identical management
agreement (originally with DWR, and assumed by InterCapital effective January,
1993) which was approved by the Trustees on July 29, 1992.) The Management
Agreement may be terminated at any time, without penalty, on thirty days'
notice by the Trustees of the Fund.
 
    Under its terms, the Management Agreement continued in effect until April
30, 1994, and will continue in effect from year to year thereafter, provided
continuance of the Agreement is approved at least annually by the Trustees of
the Fund, including the vote of a majority of the Trustees of the Fund who are
not parties to the Management or Advisory Agreement or "interested persons" (as
defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act")), of any
such party (the "Independent Trustees"). At their meeting on April 8, 1994, the
Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, approved an
amendment to the Management Agreement lowering the fees charged on average
daily net assets of the Fund in excess of $500 million to 0.72%. Continuation
of the Management Agreement for one year until April 30, 1998, was approved by
the Trustees, including a majority of the Independent Trustees, at a meeting
called for that purpose on April 24, 1997.
 
THE ADVISER
 
    TCW Funds Management, Inc. (the "Adviser") is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
The TCW Group, Inc. ("TCW"), whose subsidiaries, including Trust Company of the
West and TCW Asset Management Company, provide a variety of trust, investment
management and investment advisory services. As of February 28, 1998, the
Adviser and its affiliates had over $50 billion under management or committed
to management. TCW and its affiliates have managed equity securities portfolios
for institutional investors since 1971. The Adviser is headquartered at 865
South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017 and is
registered as an investment adviser under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.
In addition to the Fund, the Adviser serves as investment adviser or co-adviser
to ten other TCW/DW Funds: TCW/DW North American Government Income Trust,
TCW/DW Income and Growth Fund, TCW/DW Small Cap Growth Fund, TCW/DW Term Trust
2002, TCW/DW Term Trust 2003, TCW/DW Term Trust 2000, TCW/DW Emerging Markets
Opportunities Trust, TCW/DW Total Return Trust, TCW/DW Global Telecom Trust,
and TCW/ DW Mid-Cap Equity Trust. The Adviser also serves as investment adviser
to TCW Convertible Securities Fund, Inc., a closed-end investment company
traded on the New York Stock Exchange,
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
and to TCW Galileo Funds, Inc., an open-end investment company, and acts as
adviser or sub-adviser to other investment companies.
 
    Robert A. Day, who is Chairman of the Board of Directors of TCW, may be
deemed to be a control person of the Adviser by virtue of the aggregate
ownership of Mr. Day and his family of more than 25% of the outstanding voting
stock of TCW.
 
    Pursuant to an investment advisory agreement (the "Advisory Agreement")
with the Adviser, the Fund has retained the Adviser to invest the Fund's
assets, including the placing of orders for the purchase and sale of portfolio
securities. The Adviser obtains and evaluates such information and advice
relating to the economy, securities markets, and specific securities as it
considers necessary or useful to continuously manage the assets of the Fund in
a manner consistent with its investment objective. In addition, the Adviser
pays the salaries of all personnel, including officers of the Fund, who are
employees of the Adviser.
 
    As full compensation for the services and facilities furnished to the Fund
and expenses of the Fund assumed by the Adviser, the Fund pays the Adviser
monthly compensation calculated daily by applying the following annual rates to
the net assets of the Fund determined as of the close of each business day;
0.50% of the portion of daily net assets not exceeding $500 million; and 0.48%
of the portion of daily net assets exceeding $500 million. Total compensation
(net of expense reimbursement, if any) accrued to the Adviser for the fiscal
years ended January 31, 1996, 1997 and 1998 amounted to $1,290,137, $1,286,852
and $1,596,615, respectively.
 
    The Advisory Agreement provides that in the absence of willful misfeasance,
bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of its obligations
thereunder, the Adviser is not liable to the Fund or any of its investors for
any act or omission by the Adviser or for any losses sustained by the Fund or
its Investors. The Advisory Agreement in no way restricts the Adviser from
acting as investment adviser to others.
 
    The Advisory Agreement was initially approved by the Trustees on July 29,
1992. The Advisory Agreement may be terminated at any time, without penalty, on
thirty days' notice by the Trustees of the Fund, by the holders of a majority,
as defined in the Act, of the outstanding shares of the Fund, or by the
Adviser. The Agreement will automatically terminate in the event of its
assignment (as defined in the Act).
 
    Under its terms, the Advisory Agreement continued in effect until April 30,
1994, and provides that it will continue from year to year thereafter, provided
continuance of the Agreement is approved at least annually by the vote of the
holders of a majority, as defined in the Act, of the outstanding shares of the
Fund, or by the Trustees of the Fund; provided that in either event such
continuance is approved annually by the vote of a majority of the Independent
Trustees of the Fund, which vote must be cast in person at a meeting called for
the purpose of voting on such approval. Continuation of the Advisory Agreement
until April 30, 1998 was approved by the Trustees, including a majority of the
Independent Trustees, at a meeting called for that purpose on April 24, 1997.
At their meeting on April 8, 1994, the Trustees, including a majority of the
Independent Trustees, approved an amendment to the Advisory Agreement lowering
the fees charged on average daily net assets of the Fund in excess of $500
million to 0.48%.
 
    Expenses not expressly assumed by the Manager under the Management
Agreement, by the Adviser under the Advisory Agreement or by the Distributor of
the Fund's shares, Dean Witter Distributors Inc. ("Distributors" or the
"Distributor") (see "The Distributor"), will be paid by the Fund. These
expenses will be allocated among the four classes of shares of the Fund (each,
a "Class") pro rata based on the net assets of the Fund attributable to each
Class, except as described below. Such expenses include, but are not limited
to: expenses of the Plan of Distribution pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (the "12b-1
fee") (see "The Distributor"); charges and expenses of any registrar;
custodian, stock transfer and dividend disbursing agent; brokerage commissions
and securities transaction costs; taxes; engraving and printing of share
certificates; registration costs of the Fund and its shares
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
under federal and state securities laws; the cost and expense of printing,
including typesetting, and distributing Prospectuses and Statements of
Additional Information of the Fund and supplements thereto to the Fund's
shareholders; all expenses of shareholders' and trustees' meetings and of
preparing, printing and mailing proxy statements and reports to shareholders;
fees and travel expenses of trustees or members of any advisory board or
committee who are not employees of the Manager or Adviser or any corporate
affiliate of either; all expenses incident to any dividend, withdrawal or
redemption options; charges and expenses of any outside service used for
pricing of the Fund's shares; fees and expenses of legal counsel, including
counsel to the Trustees who are not interested persons of the Fund or of the
Manager or the Adviser (not including compensation or expenses of attorneys who
are employees of the Manager or the Adviser) and independent accountants;
membership dues of industry associations; interest on Fund borrowings; postage;
insurance premiums on property or personnel (including officers and trustees)
of the Fund which inure to its benefit; extraordinary expenses (including, but
not limited to, legal claims and liabilities and litigation costs and any
indemnification relating thereto); and all other costs of the Fund's operation.
The 12b-1 fees relating to a particular Class will be allocated directly to
that Class. In addition, other expenses associated with a particular Class
(except advisory or custodial fees) may be allocated directly to that Class,
provided that such expenses are reasonably identified as specifically
attributable to that Class and the direct allocation to that Class is approved
by the Trustees.
 
   
    The following owned 5% or more of the outstanding shares of Class A on
February 27, 1998: Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB Trustee, The Julius P.
Kay IRREV Trust, FBO Bradley B. Kay, P.O. Box 957, Jersey City, NJ
07303--13.099%; Dean Witter Reynolds Custodian for Edward Bonham #1, IRA
Rollover dated 5/30/97, 469 Decker Road, Wallkill, NY 12589--12.989%; Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB Trustee, The Julius P. Kay IRREV Trust, FBO Nancy
L. Beevers, P.O. Box 957, Jersey City, NJ 07303--10.063%; Dean Witter
InterCapital Inc., Attn: Maurice Bendrihem, 2 World Trade Center 73rd Floor,
New York, NY 10048--7.806%; Dean Witter Reynolds Custodian for Mary N.
Crandall, IRA Rollover dated 8/26/97, 950 Old Mill Run, Ormond Beach, FL
32174--6.586%; Dean Witter Reynolds Custodian for James W. Crandall, IRA
Standard dated 8/26/97, 950 Old Mill Run, Ormond Beach, FL 32174--6.586%; and
Dr. Salvador Aceves-Saborio and Anna Aceves-Saborio JTTEN, 423 Charlotte
Common, Livermore, CA 94550--6.274%. The following owned 5% or more of the
outstanding shares of Class C on February 27, 1998: Richard K. Hughes and Jane
E. Hughes Trustees of the Hughes Family Trust dated 8/11/97, 605 Elliott Drive,
Pasadena, CA 91106--6.194% and East Line Company c/o Tatiana A. Alexandrova, 8A
Tarusskaya Street, Moscow, Russia 117588--5.594%. The following owned 5% or
more of the outstanding shares of Class D on February 27, 1998: Dean Witter
InterCapital Inc., Attn: Maurice Bendrihem, 2 World Trade Center 73rd Floor,
New York, NY 10048--99.820%.
    
 
    The Fund has acknowledged that each of DWR and TCW owns its own name,
initials and logo. The Fund has agreed to change its name at the request of
either the Manager or the Adviser, or if the Management Agreement between the
Manager and the Fund or the Advisory Agreement between the Adviser and the Fund
is terminated.
 
    LOCAL ADMINISTRATORS. Certain Latin American countries require a local
entity to provide administrative services for direct investments by foreigners.
Where required by local law, the Fund intends to retain a local entity to
provide such administrative services. In such event, the local administrator
will be paid a fee by the Fund for its services.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    The Trustees and Executive Officers of the Fund, their principal business
occupations during the last five years and their affiliations, if any, with the
Manager or the Adviser, and the affiliated companies of either, and with the 11
TCW/DW Funds and with the 86 investment companies of which InterCapital serves
as investment manager or investment adviser (the "Dean Witter Funds"), are
shown below.
 
   
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       NAME, AGE, POSITION WITH FUND AND ADDRESS                PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- --------------------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>
John C. Argue (66)                                        Of Counsel, Argue Pearson Harbison & Myers (law firm);
Trustee                                                   Director, Avery Dennison Corporation (manufacturer of
c/o Argue Pearson Harbison & Myers                        self-adhesive products and office supplies) and CalMat
801 South Flower Street                                   Company (producer of aggregates, asphalt and ready mixed
Los Angeles, California                                   concrete); Chairman, The Rio Hondo Memorial Foundation
                                                          (charitable foundation); advisory director, LAACO Ltd.
                                                          (owner and operator of private clubs and real estate);
                                                          director or trustee of various business and
                                                          not-for-profit corporations; Director, TCW Galileo
                                                          Funds, Inc.; Director, TCW Convertible Securities Fund,
                                                          Inc.; Director, Apex Mortgage Capital, Inc. and
                                                          Nationwide Health Properties, Inc. (real estate
                                                          investment trusts); Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds.
 
Richard M. DeMartini* (45)                                President and Chief Operating Officer of Dean Witter
Trustee                                                   Capital, a division of DWR; Director of DWR, the
Two World Trade Center                                    Manager, InterCapital, Distributors and Morgan Stanley
New York, New York                                        Dean Witter Trust FSB ("MSDW Trust"); Trustee of the
                                                          TCW/DW Funds and the Van Kampen American Capital Funds;
                                                          Director and/or officer of various MSDW subsidiaries;
                                                          formerly Vice Chairman of the Board of the National
                                                          Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. and Chairman of
                                                          the Board of Directors of the NASDAQ Market, Inc.
 
Charles A. Fiumefreddo* (64)                              Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Director of the
Chairman of the Board, Chief                              Manager, InterCapital and Distributors; Executive Vice
Executive Officer and Trustee                             President and Director of DWR; Chairman of the Board,
Two World Trade Center                                    Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of the TCW/DW
New York, New York                                        Funds; Chairman of the Board, Director or Trustee,
                                                          President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dean Witter
                                                          Funds; Chairman and Director of MSDW Trust; Director
                                                          and/or officer of various MSDW subsidiaries.
</TABLE>
    
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       NAME, AGE, POSITION WITH FUND AND ADDRESS                PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- --------------------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>
John R. Haire (73)                                        Chairman of the Audit Committee and Chairman of the
Trustee                                                   Committee of Independent Trustees and Trustee of the
Two World Trade Center                                    TCW/DW Funds; Chairman of the Audit Committee and
New York, New York                                        Chairman of the Committee of Independent Directors or
                                                          Trustees and Director or Trustee of each of the Dean
                                                          Witter Funds; formerly President, Council for Aid to
                                                          Education (1978-1989) and Chairman and Chief Executive
                                                          Officer of Anchor Corporation, an Investment Adviser
                                                          (1964-1978).
 
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson (49)                                Senior Partner, Johnson Smick International, Inc., a
Trustee                                                   consulting firm; Co-Chairman and a founder of the Group
c/o Johnson Smick International, Inc.                     of Seven Council (G7C), an international economic
1133 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.                             commission;  Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds; Director or
Washington, D.C.                                          Trustee of the Dean Witter Funds; Director of NASDAQ
                                                          (since June, 1995); Director of Greenwich Capital
                                                          Markets, Inc. (broker-dealer); Chairman and Trustee of
                                                          the Financial Accounting Foundation (oversight
                                                          organization of the Financial Accounting Standards
                                                          Board); formerly Vice Chairman of the Board of
                                                          Governors of the Federal Reserve System (1986-1990) and
                                                          Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Treasury (1982-1986).
 
Thomas E. Larkin, Jr.* (58)                               Executive Vice President and Director, The TCW Group,
President and Trustee                                     Inc.; President and Director of Trust Company of the
865 South Figueroa Street                                 West; Vice Chairman and Director of TCW Asset
Los Angeles, California                                   Management Company; Chairman of the Adviser; President
                                                          and Director of TCW Galileo Funds, Inc.; Senior Vice
                                                          President of TCW Convertible Securities Fund, Inc.;
                                                          President and Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds; Member of
                                                          the Board of Trustees of the University of Notre Dame;
                                                          Director of Orthopaedic Hospital of Los Angeles.
 
Michael E. Nugent (61)                                    General Partner, Triumph Capital, L.P., a private
Trustee                                                   investment partnership; Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds;
c/o Triumph Capital, L.P.                                 Director or Trustee of the Dean Witter Funds; formerly
237 Park Avenue                                           Vice President, Bankers Trust Company and BT Capital
New York, New York                                        Corporation (1984-1988); Director of various business
                                                          organizations.
 
John L. Schroeder (67)                                    Retired; Director or Trustee of the Dean Witter Funds;
Trustee                                                   Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds; Director of Citizens
c/o Gordon Altman Butowsky Weitzen                        Utilities Company; formerly Executive Vice President
  Shalov & Wein                                           and Chief Investment Officer of the Home Insurance
Counsel to the Independent Trustees                       Company (August, 1991-September, 1995).
114 West 47th Street
New York, New York
</TABLE>
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       NAME, AGE, POSITION WITH FUND AND ADDRESS                PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION DURING LAST FIVE YEARS
- --------------------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                       <C>
Marc I. Stern* (53)                                       President and Director, The TCW Group, Inc.; President
Trustee                                                   and Director of the Adviser; Vice Chairman and Director
865 South Figueroa Street                                 of TCW Asset Management Company; Executive Vice
Los Angeles, California                                   President and Director of Trust Company of the West;
                                                          Chairman and Director of the TCW Galileo Funds, Inc.;
                                                          Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds; Chairman of TCW Americas
                                                          Development, Inc.; Chairman of TCW Asia, Limited;
                                                          Chairman of TCW London International, Limited; Chairman,
                                                          Apex Mortgage Capital, Inc. (a real estate investment
                                                          trust); formerly President and Director of SunAmerica,
                                                          Inc. (financial services company); Director of Qualcomm,
                                                          Incorporated (wireless communications); director or
                                                          trustee of various not-for-profit organizations.
 
Barry Fink (43)                                           Senior Vice President (since March, 1997) and Secretary
Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel             and General Counsel (since February, 1997) of the
Two World Trade Center                                    Manager and InterCapital; Senior Vice President (since
New York, New York                                        March, 1997) and Assistant Secretary and Assistant
                                                          General Counsel (since February, 1997) of Distributors;
                                                          Assistant Secretary of DWR (since August, 1996); Vice
                                                          President, Secretary and General Counsel of the Dean
                                                          Witter Funds and the TCW/DW Funds (since February,
                                                          1997); previously First Vice President (June,
                                                          1993-February, 1997), Vice President (until June, 1993)
                                                          and Assistant Secretary and Assistant General Counsel
                                                          of InterCapital and the Manager and Assistant Secretary
                                                          of the Dean Witter Funds and the TCW/DW Funds.
 
Michael P. Reilly (34)                                    Managing Director of the Adviser, Trust Company of the
Vice President                                            West and TCW Asset Management Company; previously Vice
865 South Figueroa Street                                 President of Security Pacific Bank; Vice President of
Los Angeles, California                                   TCW/DW Emerging Markets Opportunities Trust.
 
Thomas F. Caloia (52)                                     First Vice President and Assistant Treasurer of the
Treasurer                                                 Manager and InterCapital; Treasurer of the Dean Witter
Two World Trade Center                                    Funds and the TCW/DW Funds.
New York, New York
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
 * Denotes Trustees who are "interested persons" of the Fund, as defined in the
Act.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
    In addition, Mitchell M. Merin, President and Chief Strategic Officer of
InterCapital and DWSC, Executive Vice President of Distributors and MSDW Trust
and Director of MSDW Trust, Executive Vice President and Director of DWR, and
Director of SPS Transaction Services, Inc. and various other MSDW subsidiaries,
Robert M. Scanlan, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Manager and
InterCapital, Executive Vice President of Distributors and MSDW Trust and
Director of MSDW Trust, and Robert S. Giambrone, Senior Vice President of
InterCapital, DWSC, Distributors and MSDW Trust and Director of MSDW Trust are
Vice Presidents of the Fund. Marilyn K. Cranney, First Vice President and
Assistant General Counsel of the Manager and InterCapital, and Lou Anne D.
McInnis, Carsten Otto and Ruth Rossi, Vice Presidents and Assistant General
Counsels of the Manager and InterCapital, and Todd Lebo and Frank Bruttomesso,
staff attorneys with InterCapital, are Assistant Secretaries of the Fund.
 
THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES, THE INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES, AND THE COMMITTEES
 
    The Board of Trustees consists of nine (9) trustees. These same individuals
also serve as trustees for all of the TCW/DW Funds. As of the date of this
Statement of Additional Information, there are a total of 11 TCW/DW Funds. As
of February 28, 1998, the TCW/DW Funds had total net assets of approximately
$4.3 billion and approximately a quarter of a million shareholders.
 
    Five Trustees (56% of the total number) have no affiliation or business
connection with TCW Funds Management, Inc. or Dean Witter Services Company Inc.
or any of their affiliated persons and do not own any stock or other securities
issued by MSDW or TCW, the parent companies of Dean Witter Services Company
Inc. and TCW Funds Management, Inc., respectively. These are the
"disinterested" or "independent" Trustees. The other four Trustees (the
"management Trustees") are affiliated with either Dean Witter Services Company
Inc. or TCW. Four of the five independent Trustees are also Independent
Trustees of the Dean Witter Funds.
 
    Law and regulation establish both general guidelines and specific duties
for the Independent Trustees. The TCW/DW Funds seek as Independent Trustees
individuals of distinction and experience in business and finance, government
service or academia; these are people whose advice and counsel are in demand by
others and for whom there is often competition. To accept a position on the
Funds' Boards, such individuals may reject other attractive assignments because
the Funds make substantial demands on their time. Indeed, by serving on the
Funds' Boards, certain Trustees who would otherwise be qualified and in demand
to serve on bank boards would be prohibited by law from doing so.
 
    All of the Independent Trustees serve as members of the Audit Committee and
the Committee of the Independent Trustees. Three of them also serve as members
of the Derivatives Committee. During the calendar year ended December 31, 1997,
the three Committees held a combined total of sixteen meetings. The Committees
hold some meetings at the offices of the Manager or Adviser and some outside
those offices. Management Trustees or officers do not attend these meetings
unless they are invited for purposes of furnishing information or making a
report.
 
    The Committee of the Independent Trustees is charged with recommending to
the full Board approval of management, advisory and administration contracts,
Rule 12b-1 plans and distribution and underwriting agreements; continually
reviewing Fund performance; checking on the pricing of portfolio securities,
brokerage commissions, transfer agent costs and performance, and trading among
Funds in the same complex; and approving fidelity bond and related insurance
coverage and allocations, as well as other matters that arise from time to
time. The Independent Trustees are required to select and nominate individuals
to fill any Independent Trustee vacancy on the Board of any Fund that has a
Rule 12b-1 plan of distribution. Each of the open-end TCW/DW Funds has such a
plan.
 
    The Audit Committee is charged with recommending to the full Board the
engagement or discharge of the Fund's independent accountants; directing
investigations into matters within the scope of the independent accountants'
duties, including the power to retain outside specialists; reviewing with the
independent accountants the audit plan and results of the auditing engagement;
approving professional services provided by the independent accountants and
other accounting firms prior to the performance of such services; reviewing the
independence of the independent
 
                                       10
<PAGE>
accountants; considering the range of audit and non-audit fees; reviewing the
adequacy of the Fund's system of internal controls; and preparing and
submitting Committee meeting minutes to the full Board.
 
    Finally, the Board of each Fund has formed a Derivatives Committee to
establish parameters for and oversee the activities of the Fund with respect to
derivative investments, if any, made by the Fund.
 
DUTIES OF CHAIRMAN OF COMMITTEE OF THE INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES AND AUDIT COMMITTEE
 
    The Chairman of the Committees maintains an office at the Funds'
headquarters in New York. He is responsible for keeping abreast of regulatory
and industry developments and the Funds' operations and management. He screens
and/or prepares written materials and identifies critical issues for the
Independent Trustees to consider, develops agendas for Committee meetings,
determines the type and amount of information that the Committees will need to
form a judgment on various issues, and arranges to have that information
furnished to Committee members. He also arranges for the services of
independent experts and consults with them in advance of meetings to help
refine reports and to focus on critical issues. Members of the Committees
believe that the person who serves as Chairman of both Committees and guides
their efforts is pivotal to the effective functioning of the Committees.
 
    The Chairman of the Committees also maintains continuous contact with the
Funds' management, with independent counsel to the Independent Trustees and
with the Funds' independent auditors. He arranges for a series of special
meetings involving the annual review of investment advisory, management and
other operating contracts of the Funds and, on behalf of the Committees,
conducts negotiations with the Investment Adviser and the Manager and other
service providers. In effect, the Chairman of the Committees serves as a
combination of chief executive and support staff of the Independent Trustees.
 
    The Chairman of the Committee of the Independent Trustees and the Audit
Committee is not employed by any other organization and devotes his time
primarily to the services he performs as Committee Chairman and Independent
Trustee of the TCW/DW Funds and as Chairman of the Committee of the Independent
Trustees and the Audit Committee and Independent Director or Trustee of the
Dean Witter Funds. The current Committee Chairman has had more than 35 years
experience as a senior executive in the investment company industry.
 
ADVANTAGES OF HAVING SAME INDIVIDUALS AS INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES FOR ALL TCW/DW
FUNDS
 
    The Independent Trustees and the Funds' management believe that having the
same Independent Trustees for each of the TCW/DW Funds avoids the duplication
of effort that would arise from having different groups of individuals serving
as Independent Trustees for each of the Funds or even of sub-groups of Funds.
They believe that having the same individuals serve as Independent Trustees of
all the Funds tends to increase their knowledge and expertise regarding matters
which affect the Fund complex generally and enhances their ability to negotiate
on behalf of each Fund with the Fund's service providers. This arrangement also
precludes the possibility of separate groups of Independent Trustees arriving
at conflicting decisions regarding operations and management of the Funds and
avoids the cost and confusion that would likely ensue. Finally, having the same
Independent Trustees serve on all Fund Boards enhances the ability of each Fund
to obtain, at modest cost to each separate Fund, the services of Independent
Trustees, and a Chairman of their Committees, of the caliber, experience and
business acumen of the individuals who serve as Independent Trustees of the
TCW/DW Funds.
 
COMPENSATION OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEES
 
    The Fund pays each Independent Trustee an annual fee of $2,225 plus a per
meeting fee of $200 for meetings of the Board of Trustees or committees of the
Board of Trustees attended by the Trustee (the Fund pays the Chairman of the
Audit Committee an annual fee of $750 and pays the Chairman of the Committee of
the Independent Trustees an additional annual fee of $1,200). If a Board meeting
and a Committee meeting, or more than one Committee meeting, take place on a
single day, the
 
                                       11
<PAGE>
Trustees are paid a single meeting fee by the Fund. The Fund also reimburses
such Trustees for travel and other out-of-pocket expenses incurred by them in
connection with attending such meetings. Trustees and officers of the Fund who
are or have been employed by the Manager or the Adviser or an affiliated
company of either receive no compensation or expense reimbursement from the
Fund. The Trustees of the TCW/DW Funds do not have retirement or deferred
compensation plans.
 
    The following table illustrates the compensation paid to the Fund's
Independent Trustees by the Fund for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998.
 
                               FUND COMPENSATION
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                         AGGREGATE
                                                     COMPENSATION FROM
NAME OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE                               THE FUND
- --------------------------------------------------  --------------------
<S>                                                 <C>
John C. Argue.....................................  $          5,425
John R. Haire.....................................             7,575
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson.............................             5,425
Michael E. Nugent.................................             5,625
John L. Schroeder.................................             5,625
</TABLE>
 
    The following table illustrates the compensation paid to the Fund's
Independent Trustees for the calendar year ended December 31, 1997 for services
to the 14 TCW/DW Funds and, in the case of Messrs. Haire, Johnson, Nugent and
Schroeder, the 84 Dean Witter Funds that were in operation at December 31,
1997, and, in the case of Mr. Argue, TCW Galileo Funds, Inc. and TCW Convertible
Securities Fund, Inc. With respect to Messrs. Haire, Johnson, Nugent and
Schroeder, the Dean Witter Funds are included solely because of a limited
exchange privilege between various TCW/DW Funds and five Dean Witter Money
Market Funds. With respect to Mr. Argue, TCW Galileo Funds, Inc. and TCW
Convertible Securities Fund, Inc. are included solely because the Fund's
Adviser, TCW Funds Management, Inc., also serves as Adviser to those investment
companies.
 
                       CASH COMPENSATION FROM FUND GROUPS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                TOTAL CASH
                                                                                                               COMPENSATION
                                                                                                                   FOR
                                                                                                               SERVICES TO
                                                                                                FOR SERVICE      84 DEAN
                                                                                FOR SERVICE     AS CHAIRMAN       WITTER
                                                                FOR SERVICE     AS CHAIRMAN         OF            FUNDS,
                                                                    AS              OF         COMMITTEES OF    14 TCW/DW
                                              FOR SERVICE AS    DIRECTOR OF    COMMITTEES OF    INDEPENDENT       FUNDS,
                                               DIRECTOR OR      TCW GALILEO     INDEPENDENT     DIRECTORS/     TCW GALILEO
                             FOR SERVICE AS    TRUSTEE AND      FUNDS, INC.      TRUSTEES        TRUSTEES      FUNDS, INC.
                              TRUSTEE AND       COMMITTEE         AND TCW        AND AUDIT       AND AUDIT       AND TCW
                               COMMITTEE       MEMBER OF 84     CONVERTIBLE     COMMITTEES      COMMITTEES     CONVERTIBLE
                              MEMBER OF 14     DEAN WITTER      SECURITIES         OF 14        OF 84 DEAN      SECURITIES
NAME OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE   TCW/DW FUNDS        FUNDS         FUND, INC.     TCW/DW FUNDS    WITTER FUNDS     FUND, INC.
- ---------------------------  --------------   --------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   ------------
<S>                          <C>              <C>              <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
John C. Argue..............      $ 71,125          --              $43,250         --              --            $114,375
John R. Haire..............        73,725         $149,702         --             $ 25,350        $157,463        406,240
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson......        71,125          145,702         --              --              --             216,827
Michael E. Nugent..........        73,725          149,702         --              --              --             223,427
John L. Schroeder..........        73,725          149,702         --              --              --             223,427
</TABLE>
 
    As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, 57 of the Dean
Witter Funds have adopted a retirement program under which an Independent
Trustee who retires after serving for at least five years (or such lesser
period as may be determined by the Board) as an Independent Director or Trustee
of any Dean Witter Fund that has adopted the retirement program (each such Fund
referred to as an "Adopting Fund" and each such Trustee referred to as an
"Eligible Trustee") is entitled to retirement payments upon reaching the
eligible retirement age (normally, after attaining age 72). Annual payments are
based upon length of service. Currently, upon retirement, each Eligible Trustee
is entitled to receive from the Adopting Fund, commencing as of his or her
retirement date
 
                                       12
<PAGE>
and continuing for the remainder of his or her life, an annual retirement
benefit (the "Regular Benefit") equal to 25.0% of his or her Eligible
Compensation plus 0.4166666% of such Eligible Compensation for each full month
of service as an Independent Director or Trustee of any Adopting Fund in excess
of five years up to a maximum of 50.0% after ten years of service. The foregoing
percentages may be changed by the Board.(1) "Eligible Compensation" is
one-fifth of the total compensation earned by such Eligible Trustee for service
to the Adopting Fund in the five year period prior to the date of the Eligible
Trustee's retirement. Benefits under the retirement program are not secured or
funded by the Adopting Funds.
 
    The following table illustrates the retirement benefits accrued to Messrs.
Haire, Johnson, Nugent and Schroeder by the 57 Dean Witter Funds for the year
ended December 31, 1997, and the estimated retirement benefits for Messrs.
Haire, Johnson, Nugent and Schroeder, to commence upon their retirement, from
the 57 Dean Witter Funds as of December 31, 1997.
 
                 RETIREMENT BENEFITS FROM ALL DEAN WITTER FUNDS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   ESTIMATED
                                                                                     ANNUAL
                                                                  RETIREMENT        BENEFITS
                                  ESTIMATED        ESTIMATED       BENEFITS           UPON
                                CREDITED YEARS     PERCENTAGE     ACCRUED AS       RETIREMENT
                                OF SERVICE AT      OF              EXPENSES         FROM ALL
                                  RETIREMENT        ELIGIBLE        BY ALL          ADOPTING
NAME OF INDEPENDENT TRUSTEE      (MAXIMUM 10)      COMPENSATION ADOPTING FUNDS      FUNDS(2)
- ---------------------------  --------------------  ----------   --------------   --------------
<S>                          <C>                   <C>          <C>              <C>
John R. Haire..............                10          50.0%      $  (19,823)(3)   $127,897
Dr. Manuel H. Johnson......                10          50.0           12,832         47,025
Michael E. Nugent..........                10          50.0           22,546         47,025
John L. Schroeder..........                 8          41.7           39,350         39,504
</TABLE>
 
- ------------
(1) An Eligible Trustee may elect alternate payments of his or her retirement
    benefits based upon the combined life expectancy of such Eligible Trustee
    and his or her spouse on the date of such Eligible Trustee's retirement. The
    amount estimated to be payable under this method, through the remainder of
    the later of the lives of such Eligible Trustee and spouse, will be the
    actuarial equivalent of the Regular Benefit. In addition, the Eligible
    Trustee may elect that the surviving spouse's periodic payment of benefits
    will be equal to either 50% or 100% of the previous periodic amount, an
    election that, respectively, increases or decreases the previous periodic
    amount so that the resulting payments will be the actuarial equivalent of
    the Regular Benefit.
 
(2) Based on current levels of compensation. Amount of annual benefits also
    varies depending on the Trustee's elections described in Footnote (1) above.
 
(3) This number reflects the effect of the extension of Mr. Haire's term as
    Director or Trustee until June 1, 1998.
 
    As of the date of this Statement of Additional Information, the aggregate
number of shares of beneficial interest of the Fund owned by the Fund's
officers and Trustees as a group was less than 1 percent of the Fund's shares
of beneficial interest outstanding.
 
INVESTMENT PRACTICES AND POLICIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
RISK FACTORS
 
    POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC RISKS.  Even though opportunities for investment may
exist in Latin American countries, any change in the leadership or policies of
the governments of those countries or in the leadership or policies of any
other government which exercises a significant influence over those countries,
may halt the expansion of or reverse the liberalization of foreign investment
policies now occurring and thereby eliminate any investment opportunities which
may currently exist.
 
    Investors should note that upon the accession to power of authoritarian
regimes, the governments of a number of Latin American countries previously
expropriated large quantities of real and personal property. The claims of
property owners against those governments were never finally settled. There can
be no assurance that any property represented by securities purchased by the
Fund will not also be expropriated, nationalized, or otherwise confiscated. If
such confiscation were to occur, the Fund could lose a substantial portion of
its investments in such countries. The Fund's
 
                                       13
<PAGE>
investments would similarly be adversely affected by exchange control
regulations in any of those countries.
 
    SECURITIES MARKETS.  The market capitalizations of listed equity securities
on major exchanges in Latin American countries is significantly smaller than in
the United States. A high proportion of the shares of many Latin American
companies may be held by a limited number of persons, which may further limit
the number of shares available for investment by the Fund. A limited number of
issuers in most, if not all, Latin American securities markets may represent a
disproportionately large percentage of market capitalization and trading value.
The limited liquidity of Latin American securities markets may also affect the
Fund's ability to acquire or dispose of securities at the price and time it
wishes to do so. In addition, certain Latin American securities markets are
susceptible to being influenced by large investors trading significant blocks
of securities or by large dispositions of securities resulting from the failure
to meet margin calls when due.
 
    The high volatility of certain Latin American securities markets, as well
as currency fluctuations, may result in greater volatility in the Fund's net
asset value than would be the case for companies investing in domestic
securities. If the Fund were to experience unexpected net redemptions, it could
be forced to sell securities in its portfolio without regard to investment
merit, thereby decreasing the asset base over which Fund expenses can be spread
and possibly reducing the Fund's rate of return.
 
    Latin American securities exchanges and brokers are generally subject to
less governmental supervision and regulation than in the U.S., and Latin
American securities exchange transactions are usually subject to fixed
commissions, which are generally higher than negotiated commissions on U.S.
transactions. In addition, Latin American securities exchange transactions may
be subject to difficulties associated with the settlement of such transactions.
Delays in settlement could result in temporary periods when assets of the Fund
are uninvested and no return is earned thereon. The inability of the Fund to
make intended security purchases due to settlement problems could cause the
Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities. Inability to dispose of a
portfolio security due to settlement problems either could result in losses to
the Fund due to subsequent declines in value of the portfolio security or, if
the Fund has entered into a contract to sell the security, could result in
possible liability to the purchaser.
 
    SOVEREIGN DEBT.  Sovereign Debt differs from debt obligations issued by
private entities in that usually remedies from defaults must be pursued in the
courts of the defaulting party. Legal recourse is therefore somewhat
diminished. Political conditions, in terms of a country or agency's willingness
to meet the terms of its debt obligations, is of considerable significance.
Also, there can be no assurance that the holders of commercial bank debt may
not contest payments to the holders of Sovereign Debt in the event of default
under commercial bank loan agreements. Investors should be aware that the
Sovereign Debt instruments in which the Fund may invest involve great risk and
are deemed to be the equivalent in terms of quality to securities rated below
investment grade by Moody's Investors Service Inc. ("Moody's") and Standard &
Poor's Corporation ("S&P").
 
    Sovereign Debt generally offers high yields, reflecting not only perceived
credit risk, but also the need to compete with other local investments in
domestic financial markets. Certain Latin American countries are among the
largest debtors to commercial banks and foreign governments. A foreign debtor's
willingness or ability to repay principal and interest due in a timely manner
may be affected by, among other factors, its cash flow situation, the extent of
its foreign reserves, the availability of sufficient foreign exchange on the
date a payment is due, the relative size of the debt service burden to the
economy as a whole, the foreign debtor's policy towards the International
Monetary Fund and the political constraints to which a sovereign debtor may be
subject. Sovereign debtors may default on their Sovereign Debt. Sovereign
debtors may also be dependent on expected disbursements from foreign
governments, multilateral agencies and others abroad to reduce principal and
interest arrearages on their debt. The commitment on the part of these
governments agencies and others to make such disbursements may be conditioned
on a sovereign debtor's implementation of economic reforms and/or economic
performance and the timely service of such debtor's obligations. Failure to
implement such reforms, achieve such levels of economic performance or repay
principal or interest when
 
                                       14
<PAGE>
due, may result in the cancellation of such third parties' commitments to lend
funds to the sovereign debtor, which may further impair such debtor's ability
or willingness to service its debts.
 
    Some of the Latin American countries in which the Fund invests have
encountered difficulties in servicing their Sovereign Debt. Some of these
countries have withheld payments of interest and/or principal of Sovereign
Debt. These difficulties have also led to agreements to restructure external
debt obligations; in particular, commercial bank loans, typically by
rescheduling principal payments, reducing interest rates and extending new
credits to finance interest payments on existing debt. In the future, holders
of Sovereign Debt may be requested to participate in similar reschedulings of
such debt.
 
    The ability of Latin American governments to make timely payments on their
Sovereign Debt is likely to be influenced strongly by a country's balance of
trade and its access to trade and other international credits. A country whose
exports are concentrated in a few commodities could be vulnerable to a decline
in the international prices of one or more of such commodities. Increased
protectionism on the part of a country's trading partners could also adversely
affect its exports. Such events could extinguish a country's trade account
surplus, if any. To the extent that a country receives payment for its exports
in currencies other than hard currencies, its ability to make hard currency
payments could be affected.
 
    The occurrence of political, social or diplomatic changes in one or more of
the countries issuing Sovereign Debt could adversely affect the Fund's
investments. The countries issuing such instruments are faced with social and
political issues and some of them have experienced high rates of inflation in
recent years and have extensive internal debt. Among other effects, high
inflation and internal debt service requirements may adversely affect the cost
and availability of future domestic sovereign borrowing to finance governmental
programs, and may have other adverse social, political and economic
consequences. Political changes or a deterioration of a country's domestic
economy or balance of trade may affect the willingness of countries to service
their Sovereign Debt. While the Adviser intends to invest the Fund's portfolio
in a manner that will minimize the exposure to such risks, there can be no
assurance that adverse political changes will not cause the Fund to suffer a
loss of interest or principal on any of its holdings.
 
    Periods of economic uncertainty may result in the volatility of market
prices of Sovereign Debt and in turn, the Fund's net asset value, to a greater
extent than the volatility inherent in domestic securities. The value of
Sovereign Debt will likely vary inversely with changes in prevailing interest
rates, which are subject to considerable variance in the international market.
 
    RESTRICTIONS ON INVESTMENTS. The Fund may be prohibited under the Act from
purchasing the securities of any company that, in its most recent fiscal year,
derived more than 15% of its gross revenues from securities related activities.
In a number of Latin American countries, commercial banks act as securities
brokers and dealers, investment advisers and underwriters or otherwise engaged
in securities-related activities, which may limit the Fund's ability to hold
securities issued by the banks.
 
    FOREIGN INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS. Certain countries prohibit or impose
substantial restrictions on investments in their capital markets, particularly
their equity markets, by foreign entities such as the Fund. For example,
certain countries require governmental approval prior to investments  by foreign
persons or limit the amount of investment by foreign persons in a particular
company or limit the investment by foreign persons to only a specific class of
securities of a company that may have less advantageous terms than securities
of the company available for purchase by nationals. Moreover, the national
policies of certain countries may restrict investment opportunities in issuers
or industries deemed sensitive to national interests. In addition, some
countries require governmental approval for the repatriation of investment
income, capital or the proceeds of securities sales by foreign investors. The
Fund could be adversely affected by delays in or a refusal to grant any
required governmental approval for repatriation, such as by the application to
it of other restrictions on investments.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>
    DEBT-TO-EQUITY CONVERSIONS. The Fund may participate with respect to up to
5% of its total assets in debt-to-equity conversions. Debt-to-equity conversion
programs are sponsored in varying degrees by certain Latin American countries
and permit investors to use external debt of a country to make equity
investments in local companies. Many conversion programs relate primarily to
investments in transportation, communication, utilities and similar
infrastructure related areas. The terms of the programs vary from country to
country, but include significant restrictions on the application of the
proceeds received in the conversion and on the repatriation of investment
profits and capital. In inviting conversion applications by holders of eligible
debt, a government will usually specify a minimum discount from par value that
it will accept for conversion. The Adviser believes that Latin American
debt-to-equity conversion programs may offer investors opportunities to invest
in otherwise restricted Latin American equity securities with a potential for
significant capital appreciation and, to a limited extent, intends to invest
assets of the Fund in such programs in appropriate circumstances. There can be
no assurance that debt-to-equity conversion programs will continue or be
successful or that the Fund will be able to convert all or any of its Latin
American debt portfolio into equity investments.
 
MONEY MARKET SECURITIES
 
    As stated in the Prospectus, the U.S. money market instruments which the
Fund may purchase include U.S. Government securities, bank obligations,
Eurodollar certificates of deposit, obligations of savings institutions, fully
insured certificates of deposit and commercial paper. Such securities are
limited to:
 
    U.S. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES.  Obligations issued or guaranteed as to
principal and interest by the United States or its agencies (such as the
Export-Import Bank of the United States, Federal Housing Administration and
Government National Mortgage Association) or its instrumentalities (such as the
Federal Home Loan Bank), including Treasury bills, notes and bonds;
 
    BANK OBLIGATIONS.  Obligations (including certificates of deposit and
bankers' acceptances) of banks subject to regulation by the U.S. Government and
having total assets of $1 billion or more, and instruments secured by such
obligations, not including obligations of foreign branches of domestic banks
except to the extent below;
 
    EURODOLLAR CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT.  Eurodollar certificates of deposit
issued by foreign branches of domestic banks having total assets of $1 billion
or more (investments in Eurodollar certificates may be affected by changes in
currency rates or exchange control regulations, or changes in governmental
administration or economic or monetary policy in the United States and abroad);
 
    OBLIGATIONS OF SAVINGS INSTITUTIONS.  Certificates of deposit of savings
banks and savings and loan associations, having total assets of $1 billion or
more (investments in savings institutions above $100,000 in principal amount
are not protected by Federal deposit insurance);
 
    FULLY INSURED CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT.  Certificates of deposit of banks
and savings institutions, having total assets of less than $1 billion, if the
principal amount of the obligation is insured by the Bank Insurance Fund or the
Savings Association Insurance Fund (each of which is administered by the
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation), limited to $100,000 principal amount
per certificate and to 15% or less of the Fund's net assets in all such
obligations and in all illiquid assets, in the aggregate; and
 
    COMMERCIAL PAPER.  Commercial paper rated within the two highest grades by
S&P Corporation or Moody's or, if not rated, issued by a company having an
outstanding debt issue rated at least AAA by S&P or Aaa by Moody's.
 
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY EXCHANGE CONTRACTS
 
    As discussed in the Prospectus, the Fund may enter into forward foreign
currency exchange contracts ("forward contracts") as a hedge against
fluctuations in future foreign exchange rates. The Fund will conduct its
foreign currency exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at
the spot rate prevailing in the foreign currency exchange market, or through
entering into forward
 
                                       16
<PAGE>
contracts to purchase or sell foreign currencies. A forward contract involves
an obligation to purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which
may be any fixed number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by
the parties, at a price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are
traded in the interbank market conducted directly between currency traders
(usually large, commercial and investment banks) and their customers. Such
forward contracts will only be entered into with United States banks and their
foreign branches or foreign banks whose assets total $1 billion or more. A
forward contract generally has no deposit requirement, and no commissions are
charged at any stage for trades.
 
    The Fund will enter into forward contracts under various circumstances.
When the Fund enters into a contract for the purchase or sale of a security
denominated in a foreign currency, it may, for example, desire to "lock in" the
price of the security in U.S. dollars or some other foreign currency which the
Fund is holding in its portfolio. By entering into a forward contract for the
purchase or sale, for a fixed amount of dollars or other currency, of the
amount of foreign currency involved in the underlying security transactions,
the Fund will be able to protect itself against a possible loss resulting from
an adverse change in the relationship between the U.S. dollar or other currency
which is being used for the security purchase and the foreign currency in which
the security is denominated during the period between the date on which the
security is purchased or sold and the date on which payment is made or received.
 
    At other times, when, for example, the Adviser believes that the currency
of a particular foreign country may suffer a substantial decline against the
U.S. dollar or some other foreign currency, the Fund may enter into a forward
contract to sell, for a fixed amount of dollars or other currency, the amount
of foreign currency approximating the value of some or all of the Fund's
portfolio securities (or securities which the Fund has purchased for its
portfolio) denominated in such foreign currency. Under identical circumstances,
the Fund may enter into a forward contract to sell, for a fixed amount of U.S.
dollars or other currency, an amount of foreign currency other than the
currency in which the securities to be hedged are denominated approximating the
value of some or all of the portfolio securities to be hedged. This method of
hedging, called "cross-hedging," will be selected by the Adviser when it is
determined that the foreign currency in which the portfolio securities are
denominated has insufficient liquidity or is trading at a discount as compared
with some other foreign currency with which it tends to move in tandem.
 
    In addition, when the Adviser anticipates purchasing securities at some
time in the future, and wishes to lock in the current exchange rate of the
currency in which those securities are denominated against the U.S. dollar or
some other foreign currency, the Fund may enter into a forward contract to
purchase an amount of currency equal to some or all of the value of the
anticipated purchase, for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars or other currency.
 
    Finally, the Fund is permitted to enter into forward contracts with respect
to currencies in which certain of its portfolio securities are denominated and
on which options have been written (see "Options and Futures Transactions,"
below).
 
    The Fund will not enter into such forward contracts or maintain a net
exposure to such contracts where the consummation of the contracts would
obligate the Fund to deliver an amount of foreign currency in excess of the
value of the Fund's portfolio securities or other assets denominated in that
currency. Under normal circumstances, consideration of the prospect for
currency parities will be incorporated into the longer term investment
decisions made with regard to overall diversification strategies. However, the
management of the Fund believes that it is important to have the flexibility to
enter into such forward contracts when it determines that the best interests of
the Fund will be served. The Fund's custodian bank will place cash, U.S.
Government securities or other appropriate liquid portfolio securities in a
segregated account of the Fund in an amount equal to the value of the Fund's
total assets committed to the consummation of forward contracts entered into
under the circumstances set forth above. If the value of the securities placed
in the segregated account declines, additional cash or securities will be
placed in the account on a daily basis so that the value of the account will
equal the amount of the Fund's commitments with respect to such contracts.
 
                                       17
<PAGE>
    Where, for example, the Fund is hedging a portfolio position consisting of
foreign fixed-income securities denominated in a foreign currency against
adverse exchange rate moves vis-a-vis the U.S. dollar, at the maturity of the
forward contract for delivery by the Fund of a foreign currency, the Fund may
either sell the portfolio security and make delivery of the foreign currency,
or it may retain the security and terminate its contractual obligation to
deliver the foreign currency by purchasing an "offsetting" contract with the
same currency trader obligating it to purchase, on the same maturity date, the
same amount of the foreign currency. It is impossible to forecast the market
value of portfolio securities at the expiration of the contract. Accordingly,
it may be necessary for the Fund to purchase additional foreign currency on the
spot market (and bear the expense of such purchase) if the market value of the
security is less than the amount of foreign currency the Fund is obligated to
deliver and if a decision is made to sell the security and make delivery of the
foreign currency. Conversely, it may be necessary to sell on the spot market
some of the foreign currency received upon the sale of the portfolio securities
if its market value exceeds the amount of foreign currency the Fund is
obligated to deliver.
 
    If the Fund retains the portfolio securities and engages in an offsetting
transaction, the Fund will incur a gain or loss to the extent that there has
been movement in spot or forward contract prices. If the Fund engages in an
offsetting transaction, it may subsequently enter into a new forward contract
to sell the foreign currency. Should forward prices decline during the period
between the Fund's entering into a forward contract for the sale of a foreign
currency and the date it enters into an offsetting contract for the purchase of
the foreign currency, the Fund will realize a gain to the extent the price of
the currency it has agreed to sell exceeds the price of the currency it has
agreed to purchase. Should forward prices increase, the Fund will suffer a loss
to the extent the price of the currency it has agreed to purchase exceeds the
price of the currency it has agreed to sell.
 
    If the Fund purchases a fixed-income security which is denominated in U.S.
dollars but which will pay out its principal based upon a formula tied to the
exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and a foreign currency, it may hedge
against a decline in the principal value of the security by entering into a
forward contract to sell or purchase an amount of the relevant foreign currency
equal to some or all of the principal value of the security.
 
    At times when the Fund has written a call or put option on a fixed-income
security or the currency in which it is denominated, it may wish to enter into
a forward contract to purchase or sell the foreign currency in which the
security is denominated. A forward contract would, for example, hedge the risk
of the security on which a call currency option has been written declining in
value to a greater extent than the value of the premium received for the
option. The Fund will maintain with its Custodian at all times, cash, U.S.
Government securities or other appropriate liquid portfolio securities in a
segregated account equal in value to all forward contract obligations and
option contract obligations entered into in hedge situations such as this.
 
    Although the Fund values its assets daily in terms of U.S. dollars, it does
not intend to convert its holdings of foreign currencies into U.S. dollars on a
daily basis. It will, however, do so from time to time, and investors should be
aware of the costs of currency conversion. Although foreign exchange dealers do
not charge a fee for conversion, they do realize a profit based on the spread
between the prices at which they are buying and selling various currencies.
Thus, a dealer may offer to sell a foreign currency to the Fund at one rate,
while offering a lesser rate of exchange should the Fund desire to resell that
currency to the dealer.
 
    The Fund generally will not enter into a forward contract with a term of
greater than one year, although it may enter into forward contracts for periods
of up to five years. The Fund may be limited in its ability to enter into
hedging transactions involving forward contracts by the Internal Revenue Code
requirements relating to qualification as a regulated investment company (see
"Dividends, Distributions and Taxes").
 
OPTIONS AND FUTURES TRANSACTIONS
 
    As stated in the Prospectus, the Fund may write covered call options
against securities held in its portfolio and covered put options on eligible
portfolio securities and purchase options of the same
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
series to effect closing transactions, and may hedge against potential changes
in the market value of its investments (or anticipated investments) by
purchasing put and call options on portfolio (or eligible portfolio) securities
(and the currencies in which they are denominated) and engaging in transactions
involving futures contracts and options on such contracts.
 
    Call and put options on U.S. Treasury notes, bonds and bills and on various
foreign currencies are listed on several U.S. and foreign securities exchanges
and are written in over-the-counter transactions ("OTC options"). Listed
options are issued or guaranteed by the exchange on which they trade or by a
clearing corporation such as the Options Clearing Corporation ("OCC").
Ownership of a listed call option gives the Fund the right to buy from the OCC
(in the U.S.) or other clearing corporation or exchange, the underlying
security or currency covered by the option at the stated exercise price (the
price per unit of the underlying security or currency) by filing an exercise
notice prior to the expiration date of the option. The writer (seller) of the
option would then have the obligation to sell, to the OCC (in the U.S.) or
other clearing corporation or exchange, the underlying security or currency at
that exercise price prior to the expiration date of the option, regardless of
its then current market price. Ownership of a listed put option would give the
Fund the right to sell the underlying security or currency to the OCC (in the
U.S.) or other clearing corporation or exchange at the stated exercise price.
Upon notice of exercise of the put option, the writer of the option would have
the obligation to purchase the underlying security or currency from the OCC (in
the U.S.) or other clearing corporation or exchange at the exercise price.
 
    OPTIONS ON FOREIGN CURRENCIES.  The Fund may purchase and write options on
foreign currencies for purposes similar to those involved with investing in
forward foreign currency exchange contracts. For example, in order to protect
against declines in the dollar value of portfolio securities which are
denominated in a foreign currency, the Fund may purchase put options on an
amount of such foreign currency equivalent to the current value of the
portfolio securities involved. As a result, the Fund would be enabled to sell
the foreign currency for a fixed amount of U.S. dollars, thereby "locking in"
the dollar value of the portfolio securities (less the amount of the premiums
paid for the options). Conversely, the Fund may purchase call options on
foreign currencies in which securities it anticipates purchasing are
denominated to secure a set U.S. dollar price for such securities and protect
against a decline in the value of the U.S. dollar against such foreign
currency. The Fund may also purchase call and put options to close out written
option positions.
 
    The Fund may also write call options on foreign currency to protect against
potential declines in its portfolio securities which are denominated in foreign
currencies. If the U.S. dollar value of the portfolio securities falls as a
result of a decline in the exchange rate between the foreign currency in which
it is denominated and the U.S. dollar, then a loss to the Fund occasioned by
such value decline would be ameliorated by receipt of the premium on the option
sold. At the same time, however, the Fund gives up the benefit of any rise in
value of the relevant portfolio securities above the exercise price of the
option and, in fact, only receives a benefit from the writing of the option to
the extent that the value of the portfolio securities falls below the price of
the premium received. The Fund may also write options to close out long call
option positions. A put option on a foreign currency would be written by the
Fund for the same reason it would purchase a call option, namely, to hedge
against an increase in the U.S. dollar value of a foreign security which the
Fund anticipates purchasing. Here, the receipt of the premium would offset, to
the extent of the size of the premium, any increased cost to the Fund resulting
from an increase in the U.S. dollar value of the foreign security. However, the
Fund could not benefit from any decline in the cost of the foreign security
which is greater than the price of the premium received. The Fund may also
write options to close out long put and call option positions.
 
    The markets in foreign currency options are relatively new and the Fund's
ability to establish and close out positions on such options is subject to the
maintenance of a liquid secondary market. Although the Fund will not purchase
or write such options unless and until, in the opinion of the Adviser, the
market for them has developed sufficiently to ensure that the risks in
connection with such options are not greater than the risks in connection with
the underlying currency, there can be no assurance that a liquid secondary
market will exist for a particular option at any specific time. In
 
                                       19
<PAGE>
addition, options on foreign currencies are affected by all of those factors
which influence foreign exchange rates and investments generally.
 
    The value of a foreign currency option depends upon the value of the
underlying currency relative to the U.S. dollar. As a result, the price of the
option position may vary with changes in the value of either or both currencies
and have no relationship to the investment merits of a foreign security,
including foreign securities held in a "hedged" investment portfolio. Because
foreign currency transactions occurring in the interbank market involve
substantially larger amounts than those that may be involved in the use of
foreign currency options, investors may be disadvantaged by having to deal in
an odd lot market (generally consisting of transactions of less than $1
million) for the underlying foreign currencies at prices that are less
favorable than for round lots.
 
    There is no systematic reporting of last sale information for foreign
currencies or any regulatory requirement that quotations available through
dealers or other market sources be firm or revised on a timely basis. Quotation
information available is generally representative of very large transactions in
the interbank market and thus may not reflect relatively smaller transactions
(i.e., less than $1 million) where rates may be less favorable. The interbank
market in foreign currencies is a global, around-the-clock market. To the
extent that the U.S. options markets are closed while the markets for the
underlying currencies remain open, significant price and rate movements may
take place in the underlying markets that are not reflected in the options
market.
 
    OTC OPTIONS.  Exchange-listed options are issued by the OCC (in the U.S.)
or other clearing corporation or exchange which assures that all transactions
in such options are properly executed. OTC options are purchased from or sold
(written) to dealers or financial institutions which have entered into direct
agreements with the Fund. With OTC options, such variables as expiration date,
exercise price and premium will be agreed upon between the Fund and the
transacting dealer, without the intermediation of a third party such as the
OCC. If the transacting dealer fails to make or take delivery of the securities
or amount of foreign currency underlying an option it has written, in
accordance with the terms of that option, the Fund would lose the premium paid
for the option as well as any anticipated benefit of the transaction. The Fund
will engage in OTC option transactions only with member banks of the Federal
Reserve System or primary dealers in U.S. Government securities or with
affiliates of such banks or dealers which have capital of at least $50 million
or whose obligations are guaranteed by an entity having capital of at least $50
million.
 
    COVERED CALL WRITING.  As stated in the Prospectus, the Fund is permitted
to write covered call options on portfolio securities and on the U.S. Dollar
and foreign currencies in which they are denominated, without limit, in order
to aid in achieving its investment objective. Generally, a call option is
"covered" if the Fund owns, or has the right to acquire, without additional
cash consideration (or for additional cash consideration held for the Fund by
its Custodian in a segregated account) the underlying security (currency)
subject to the option except that in the case of call options on U.S. Treasury
Bills, the Fund might own U.S. Treasury Bills of a different series from those
underlying the call option, but with a principal amount and value corresponding
to the exercise price and a maturity date no later than that of the security
(currency) deliverable under the call option. A call option is also covered if
the Fund holds a call on the same security as the underlying security
(currency) of the written option, where the exercise price of the call used for
coverage is equal to or less than the exercise price of the call written or
greater than the exercise price of the call written if the mark to market
difference is maintained by the Fund in cash, U.S. Government securities or
other liquid portfolio securities which the Fund holds in a segregated account
maintained with its Custodian.
 
    The Fund will receive from the purchaser, in return for a call it has
written, a "premium"; i.e., the price of the option. Receipt of these premiums
may better enable the Fund to earn a higher level of current income than it
would earn from holding the underlying securities (currencies) alone. Moreover,
the premium received will offset a portion of the potential loss incurred by
the Fund if the securities (currencies) underlying the option are ultimately
sold (exchanged) by the Fund at a loss. Furthermore, a premium received on a
call written on a foreign currency will ameliorate any potential
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
loss of value on the portfolio security due to a decline in the value of the
currency. However, during the option period, the covered call writer has, in
return for the premium or the option, given up the opportunity for capital
appreciation above the exercise price should the market price of the underlying
security (or the exchange rate of the currency in which it is denominated)
increase, but has retained the risk of loss should the price of the underlying
security (or the exchange rate of the currency in which it is denominated)
decline. The premium received will fluctuate with varying economic market
conditions. If the market value of the portfolio securities (or the currencies
in which they are denominated) upon which call options have been written
increases, the Fund may receive a lower total return from the portion of its
portfolio upon which calls have been written than it would have had such calls
not been written.
 
    As regards listed options and certain OTC options, during the option
period, the Fund may be required, at any time, to deliver the underlying
security (currency) against payment of the exercise price on any calls it has
written (exercise of certain listed and OTC options may be limited to specific
expiration dates). This obligation is terminated upon the expiration of the
option period or at such earlier time when the writer effects a closing
purchase transaction. A closing purchase transaction is accomplished by
purchasing an option of the same series as the option previously written.
However, once the Fund has been assigned an exercise notice, the Fund will be
unable to effect a closing purchase transaction.
 
    Closing purchase transactions are ordinarily effected to realize a profit
on an outstanding call option, to prevent an underlying security (currency)
from being called, to permit the sale of an underlying security (or the
exchange of the underlying currency) or to enable the Fund to write another
call option on the underlying security (currency) with either a different
exercise price or expiration date or both. The Fund may realize a net gain or
loss from a closing purchase transaction depending upon whether the amount of
the premium received on the call option is more or less than the cost of
effecting the closing purchase transaction. Any loss incurred in a closing
purchase transaction may be wholly or partially offset by unrealized
appreciation in the market value of the underlying security (currency).
Conversely, a gain resulting from a closing purchase transaction could be
offset in whole or in part or exceeded by a decline in the market value of the
underlying security (currency).
 
    If a call option expires unexercised, the Fund realizes a gain in the
amount of the premium on the option less the commission paid. Such a gain,
however, may be offset by depreciation in the market value of the underlying
security (currency) during the option period. If a call option is exercised, the
Fund realizes a gain or loss from the sale of the underlying security
(currency) equal to the difference between the purchase price of the underlying
security (currency) and the proceeds of the sale of the security (currency)
plus the premium received on the option less the commission paid.
 
    Options written by the Fund will normally have expiration dates of up to
eighteen months from the date written. The exercise price of a call option may
be below, equal to or above the current market value of the underlying security
at the time the option is written. See "Risks of Transactions in Futures
Contracts and Related Options," below.
 
    COVERED PUT WRITING.  As a writer of a covered put option, the Fund incurs
an obligation to buy the security underlying the option from the purchaser of
the put, at the option's exercise price at any time during the option period,
at the purchaser's election (certain listed and OTC put options written by the
Fund will be exercisable by the purchaser only on a specific date). A put is
"covered" if, at all times, the Fund maintains, in a segregated account
maintained on its behalf at the Fund's Custodian, cash, U.S. Government
securities or other liquid portfolio securities in an amount equal to at least
the exercise price of the option, at all times during the option period.
Similarly, a short put position could be covered by the Fund by its purchase of
a put option on the same security (currency) as the underlying security of the
written option, where the exercise price of the purchased option is equal to or
more than the exercise price of the put written or less than the exercise price
of the put written if the marked to market difference is maintained by the Fund
in cash, U.S. Government securities or
 
                                       21
<PAGE>
other liquid portfolio securities which the Fund holds in a segregated account
maintained at its Custodian. In writing puts, the Fund assumes the risk of loss
should the market value of the underlying security (currency) decline below the
exercise price of the option (any loss being decreased by the receipt of the
premium on the option written). In the case of listed options, during the
option period, the Fund may be required, at any time, to make payment of the
exercise price against delivery of the underlying security (currency). The
operation of and limitations on covered put options in other respects are
substantially identical to those of call options.
 
    The Fund will write put options for three purposes: (1) to receive the
income derived from the premiums paid by purchasers; (2) when the Adviser
wishes to purchase the security (or a security denominated in the currency
underlying the option) underlying the option at a price lower than its current
market price, in which case it will write the covered put at an exercise price
reflecting the lower purchase price sought; and (3) to close out a long put
option position. The potential gain on a covered put option is limited to the
premium received on the option (less the commissions paid on the transaction)
while the potential loss equals the differences between the exercise price of
the option and the current market price of the underlying securities
(currencies) when the put is exercised, offset by the premium received (less
the commissions paid on the transaction).
 
    PURCHASING CALL AND PUT OPTIONS.  As stated in the Prospectus, the Fund may
purchase listed and OTC call and put options in amounts equalling up to 5% of
its total assets. The Fund may purchase a call option in order to close out a
covered call position (see "Covered Call Writing" above), to protect against an
increase in price of a security it anticipates purchasing or, in the case of a
call option on foreign currency, to hedge against an adverse exchange rate move
of the currency in which the security it anticipates purchasing is denominated
vis-a-vis the currency in which the exercise price is denominated. The purchase
of the call option to effect a closing transaction on a call written over-the-
counter may be a listed or an OTC option. In either case, the call purchased is
likely to be on the same securities (currencies) and have the same terms as the
written option. If purchased over-the-counter, the option would generally be
acquired from the dealer or financial institution which purchased the call
written by the Fund.
 
    The Fund may purchase put options on securities (currencies) which it holds
in its portfolio to protect itself against a decline in the value of the
security and to close out written put option positions. If the value of the
underlying security (currency) were to fall below the exercise price of the put
purchased in an amount greater than the premium paid for the option, the Fund
would incur no additional loss. In addition, the Fund may sell a put option
which it has previously purchased prior to the sale of the securities
(currencies) underlying such option. Such a sale would result in a net gain or
loss depending on whether the amount received on the sale is more or less than
the premium and other transaction costs paid on the put option which is sold.
And such gain or loss could be offset in whole or in part by a change in the
market value of the underlying security (currency). If a put option purchased
by the Fund expired without being sold or exercised, the premium would be lost.
 
    RISKS OF OPTIONS TRANSACTIONS.  The successful use of options depends on
the ability of the Adviser to forecast correctly interest rates and market
movements. If the market value of the portfolio securities (or the currencies
in which they are denominated) upon which call options have been written
increases, the Fund may receive a lower total return from the portion of its
portfolio upon which calls have been written than it would have had such calls
not been written. During the option period, the covered call writer has, in
return for the premium on the option, given up the opportunity for capital
appreciation above the exercise price should the market price of the underlying
security (or the value of its denominated currency) increase, but has retained
the risk of loss should the price of the underlying security (or the value of
its denominated currency) decline. The writer has no control over the time when
it may be required to fulfill its obligation as a writer of the option. Once an
option writer has received an exercise notice, it cannot effect a closing
purchase transaction in order to terminate its obligation under the option and
must deliver or receive the underlying securities at the exercise price.
 
                                       22
<PAGE>
    Prior to exercise or expiration, an option position can only be terminated
by entering into a closing purchase or sale transaction. If a covered call
option writer is unable to effect a closing purchase transaction or to purchase
an offsetting OTC option, it cannot sell the underlying security until the
option expires or the option is exercised. Accordingly, a covered call option
writer may not be able to sell an underlying security at a time when it might
otherwise be advantageous to do so. A secured put option writer who is unable
to effect a closing purchase transaction or to purchase an offsetting OTC
option would continue to bear the risk of decline in the market price of the
underlying security until the option expires or is exercised. In addition, a
secured put writer would be unable to utilize the amount held in cash or U.S.
Government or other liquid portfolio securities as security for the put option
for other investment purposes until the exercise or expiration of the option.
 
    As discussed in the Prospectus, the Fund's ability to close out its
position as a writer of an option is dependent upon the existence of a liquid
secondary market on Option Exchanges. There is no assurance that such a market
will exist, particularly in the case of OTC options, as such options will
generally only be closed out by entering into a closing purchase transaction
with the purchasing dealer. However, the Fund may be able to purchase an
offsetting option which does not close out its position as a writer but
constitutes an asset of equal value to the obligation under the option written.
If the Fund is not able to either enter into a closing purchase transaction or
purchase an offsetting position, it will be required to maintain the securities
subject to the call, or the collateral underlying the put, even though it might
not be advantageous to do so, until a closing transaction can be entered into
(or the option is exercised or expires).
 
    Among the possible reasons for the absence of a liquid secondary market on
an Exchange are: (i) insufficient trading interest in certain options; (ii)
restrictions on transactions imposed by an Exchange; (iii) trading halts,
suspensions or other restrictions imposed with respect to particular classes or
series of options or underlying securities; (iv) interruption of the normal
operations on an Exchange; (v) inadequacy of the facilities of an Exchange or
the OCC to handle current trading volume; or (vi) a decision by one or more
Exchanges to discontinue the trading of options (or a particular class or
series of options), in which event the secondary market on that Exchange (or in
that class or series of options) would cease to exist, although outstanding
options on that Exchange that had been issued by the OCC as a result of trades
on that Exchange would generally continue to be exercisable in accordance with
their terms.
 
    In the event of the bankruptcy of a broker through which the Fund engages
in transactions in options, the Fund could experience delays and/or losses in
liquidating open positions purchased or sold through the broker and/or incur a
loss of all or part of its margin deposits with the broker. Similarly, in the
event of the bankruptcy of the writer of an OTC option purchased by the Fund,
the Fund could experience a loss of all or part of the value of the option.
Transactions are entered into by the Fund only with brokers or financial
institutions deemed creditworthy by the Fund's management.
 
    Each of the Exchanges has established limitations governing the maximum
number of options on the same underlying security or futures contract (whether
or not covered) which may be written by a single investor, whether acting alone
or in concert with others (regardless of whether such options are written on
the same or different Exchanges or are held or written on one or more accounts
or through one or more brokers). An Exchange may order the liquidation of
positions found to be in violation of these limits and it may impose other
sanctions or restrictions. These position limits may restrict the number of
listed options which the Fund may write.
 
    The hours of trading for options may not conform to the hours during which
the underlying securities are traded. To the extent that the option markets
close before the markets for the underlying securities, significant price and
rate movements can take place in the underlying markets that cannot be
reflected in the option markets.
 
    The extent to which the Fund may enter into transactions involving options
may be limited by the Internal Revenue Code's requirements for qualification as
a regulated investment company and the Fund's intention to qualify as such (see
"Dividends, Distributions and Taxes").
 
                                       23
<PAGE>
    FUTURES CONTRACTS.  As stated in the Prospectus, the Fund may purchase and
sell interest rate, currency, and index futures contracts ("futures
contracts"), that are traded on U.S. and foreign commodity exchanges, on such
underlying securities as U.S. Treasury bonds, notes and bills and/or any
foreign government fixed-income security ("interest rate" futures), on various
currencies ("currency futures") and on such indexes of U.S. and foreign
securities as may exist or come into being ("index" futures).
 
    The Fund will purchase or sell interest rate futures contracts for the
purpose of hedging some or all of the value of its portfolio securities (or
anticipated portfolio securities) against changes in prevailing interest rates.
If the Adviser anticipates that interest rates may rise and, concomitantly, the
price of certain of its portfolio securities fall, the Fund may sell an
interest rate futures contract. If declining interest rates are anticipated,
the Fund may purchase an interest rate futures contract to protect against a
potential increase in the price of securities the Fund intends to purchase.
Subsequently, appropriate securities may be purchased by the Fund in an orderly
fashion; as securities are purchased, corresponding futures positions would be
terminated by offsetting sales of contracts.
 
    The Fund will purchase or sell index futures contracts for the purpose of
hedging some or all of its portfolio (or anticipated portfolio) securities
against changes in their prices. If the Adviser anticipates that the prices of
securities held by the Fund may fall, the Fund may sell an index futures
contract. Conversely, if the Fund wishes to hedge against anticipated price
rises in those securities which the Fund intends to purchase, the Fund may
purchase an index futures contract.
 
    The Fund will purchase or sell currency futures on currencies in which its
portfolio securities (or anticipated portfolio securities) are denominated for
the purposes of hedging against anticipated changes in currency exchange rates.
The Fund will enter into currency futures contracts for the same reasons as set
forth above for entering into forward foreign currency contracts; namely, to
"lock-in" the value of a security purchased or sold in a given currency
vis-a-vis a different currency or to hedge against an adverse currency exchange
rate movement of a portfolio security's (or anticipated portfolio security's)
denominated currency vis-a-vis a different currency.
 
    In addition to the above, interest rate, index and currency futures will be
bought or sold in order to close out a short or long position maintained by the
Fund in a corresponding futures contract.
 
    Although most interest rate futures contracts call for actual delivery or
acceptance of securities, the contracts usually are closed out before the
settlement date without the making or taking of delivery. A futures contract
sale is closed out by effecting a futures contract purchase for the same
aggregate amount of the specific type of security (currency) and the same
delivery date. If the sale price exceeds the offsetting purchase price, the
seller would be paid the difference and would realize a gain. If the offsetting
purchase price exceeds the sale price, the seller would pay the difference and
would realize a loss. Similarly, a futures contract purchase is closed out by
effecting a futures contract sale for the same aggregate amount of the specific
type of security (currency) and the same delivery date. If the offsetting sale
price exceeds the purchase price, the purchaser would realize a gain, whereas
if the purchase price exceeds the offsetting sale price, the purchaser would
realize a loss. There is no assurance that the Fund will be able to enter into
a closing transaction.
 
    INTEREST RATE FUTURES CONTRACTS.  When the Fund enters into an interest
rate futures contract, it is initially required to deposit with the Fund's
Custodian, in a segregated account in the name of the broker performing the
transaction, an "initial margin" of cash or U.S. Government securities or other
liquid portfolio securities equal to approximately 2% of the contract amount.
Initial margin requirements are established by the Exchanges on which futures
contracts trade and may, from time to time, change. In addition, brokers may
establish margin deposit requirements in excess of those required by the
Exchanges.
 
    Initial margin in futures transactions is different from margin in
securities transactions in that initial margin does not involve the borrowing
of funds by a brokers' client but is, rather, a good faith deposit on the
futures contract which will be returned to the Fund upon the proper termination
of the
 
                                       24
<PAGE>
futures contract. The margin deposits made are marked to market daily and the
Fund may be required to make subsequent deposits of cash or U.S. Government
securities called "variation margin," with the Fund's futures contract clearing
broker, which are reflective of price fluctuations in the futures contract.
 
    CURRENCY FUTURES.  Generally, foreign currency futures provide for the
delivery of a specified amount of a given currency, on the exercise date, for a
set exercise price denominated in U.S. dollars or other currency. Foreign
currency futures contracts would be entered into for the same reason and under
the same circumstances as forward foreign currency exchange contracts. The
Adviser will assess such factors as cost spreads, liquidity and transaction
costs in determining whether to utilize futures contracts or forward contracts
in its foreign currency transactions and hedging strategy.
 
    Purchasers and sellers of foreign currency futures contracts are subject to
the same risks that apply to the buying and selling of futures generally. In
addition, there are risks associated with foreign currency futures contracts
and their use as a hedging device similar to those associated with options on
foreign currencies described above. Further, settlement of a foreign currency
futures contract must occur within the country issuing the underlying currency.
Thus, the Fund must accept or make delivery of the underlying foreign currency
in accordance with any U.S. or foreign restrictions or regulations regarding
the maintenance of foreign banking arrangements by U.S. residents and may be
required to pay any fees, taxes or charges associated with such delivery which
are assessed in the issuing country.
 
    Options on foreign currency futures contracts may involve certain
additional risks. Trading options on foreign currency futures contracts is
relatively new. The ability to establish and close out positions on such
options is subject to the maintenance of a liquid secondary market. To reduce
this risk, the Fund will not purchase or write options on foreign currency
futures contracts unless and until, in the Adviser's opinion, the market for
such options has developed sufficiently that the risks in connection with such
options are not greater than the risks in connection with transactions in the
underlying foreign currency futures contracts.
 
    INDEX FUTURES CONTRACTS.  As discussed in the Prospectus, the Fund may
invest in index futures contracts. An index futures contract sale creates an
obligation by the Fund, as seller, to deliver cash at a specified future time.
An index futures contract purchase would create an obligation by the Fund, as
purchaser, to take delivery of cash at a specified future time. Futures
contracts on indexes do not require the physical delivery of securities, but
provide for a final cash settlement on the expiration date which reflects
accumulated profits and losses credited or debited to each party's account.
 
    The Fund is required to maintain margin deposits with brokerage firms
through which it effects index futures contracts in a manner similar to that
described above for interest rate futures contracts. In addition, due to
current industry practice, daily variations in gains and losses on open
contracts are required to be reflected in cash in the form of variation margin
payments. The Fund may be required to make additional margin payments during
the term of the contract.
 
    At any time prior to expiration of the futures contract, the Fund may elect
to close the position by taking an opposite position which will operate to
terminate the Fund's position in the futures contract. A final determination of
variation margin is then made, additional cash is required to be paid by or
released to the Fund and the Fund realizes a loss or gain.
 
    OPTIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS.  The Fund may purchase and write call and put
options on futures contracts which are traded on an exchange and enter into
closing transactions with respect to such options to terminate an existing
position. An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right (in
return for the premium paid) to assume a position in a futures contract (a long
position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put)
at a specified exercise price at any time during the term of the option. Upon
exercise of the option, the delivery of the futures position by the writer of
the option to the holder of the option is accompanied by delivery of the
accumulated balance in the writer's futures margin account, which represents
the amount by which the market
 
                                       25
<PAGE>
price of the futures contract at the time of exercise exceeds, in case of a
call, or is less than, in the case of a put, the exercise price of the option
on the futures contract.
 
    The Fund will purchase and write options on futures contracts for identical
purposes to those set forth above for the purchase of a futures contract
(purchase of a call option or sale of a put option) and the sale of a futures
contract (purchase of a put option or sale of a call option), or to close out a
long or short position in futures contracts. If, for example, the Adviser
wished to protect against an increase in interest rates and the resulting
negative impact on the value of a portion of its fixed-income portfolio, it
might write a call option on an interest rate futures contract, the underlying
security of which correlates with the portion of the portfolio the Adviser
seeks to hedge. Any premiums received in the writing of options on futures
contracts may, of course, provide a further hedge against losses resulting from
price declines in portions of the Fund's portfolio.
 
    LIMITATIONS ON FUTURES CONTRACTS AND OPTIONS ON FUTURES.  The Fund may not
enter into futures contracts or purchase related options thereon if,
immediately thereafter, the amount committed to margin plus the amount paid for
premiums for unexpired options on futures contracts exceeds 5% of the value of
the Fund's total assets, after taking into account unrealized gains and
unrealized losses on such contracts it has entered into, provided, however,
that in the case of an option that is in-the-money (the exercise price of the
call (put) option is less (more) than the market price of the underlying
security) at the time of purchase, the in-the- money amount may be excluded in
calculating the 5%. However, there is no overall limitation on the percentage
of the Fund's assets which may be subject to a hedge position. Except as
described above, there are no other limitations on the use of futures and
options thereon by the Fund.
 
    The writer of an option on a futures contract is required to deposit
initial and variation margin pursuant to requirements similar to those
applicable to futures contracts. Premiums received from the writing of an
option on a futures contract are included in initial margin deposits.
 
    RISKS OF TRANSACTIONS IN FUTURES CONTRACTS AND RELATED OPTIONS.  As stated
in the Prospectus, the Fund may sell a futures contract to protect against the
decline in the value of securities (or the currency in which they are
denominated) held by the Fund. However, it is possible that the futures market
may advance and the value of securities (or the currency in which they are
denominated) held in the portfolio of the Fund may decline. If this occurred,
the Fund would lose money on the futures contract and also experience a decline
in value of its portfolio securities. However, while this could occur for a
very brief period or to a very small degree, over time the value of a
diversified portfolio will tend to move in the same direction as the futures
contracts.
 
    If the Fund purchases a futures contract to hedge against the increase in
value of securities it intends to buy (or the currency in which they are
denominated), and the value of such securities (currencies) decreases, then the
Fund may determine not to invest in the securities as planned and will realize
a loss on the futures contract that is not offset by a reduction in the price
of the securities.
 
    If the Fund has sold a call option on a futures contract, it will cover
this position by holding in a segregated account maintained at its Custodian,
cash, U.S. Government securities or other liquid portfolio securities equal in
value (when added to any initial or variation margin on deposit) to the market
value of the securities (currencies) underlying the futures contract or the
exercise price of the option. Such a position may also be covered by owning the
securities (currencies) underlying the futures contract, or by holding a call
option permitting the Fund to purchase the same contract at a price no higher
than the price at which the short position was established.
 
    In addition, if the Fund holds a long position in a futures contract it
will hold cash, U.S. Government securities or other liquid portfolio securities
equal to the purchase price of the contract (less the amount of initial or
variation margin on deposit) in a segregated account maintained for the Fund by
its Custodian. Alternatively, the Fund could cover its long position by
purchasing a put option on the same futures contract with an exercise price as
high or higher than the price of the contract held by the Fund.
 
    Exchanges limit the amount by which the price of a futures contract may
move on any day. If the price moves equal the daily limit on successive days,
then it may prove impossible to liquidate a
 
                                       26
<PAGE>
futures  position  until the  daily limit  moves  have ceased.  In the  event of
adverse price movements, the  Fund would continue to  be required to make  daily
cash   payments  of  variation  margin  on   open  futures  positions.  In  such
situations, if the  Fund has insufficient  cash, it may  have to sell  portfolio
securities  to meet daily variation margin requirements at a time when it may be
disadvantageous to do so. In addition, the Fund may be required to take or  make
delivery  of the instruments underlying interest rate futures contracts it holds
at a  time when  it is  disadvantageous to  do so.  The inability  to close  out
options  and futures positions could  also have an adverse  impact on the Fund's
ability to effectively hedge its portfolio.
 
    Futures contracts  and  options  thereon  which are  purchased  or  sold  on
foreign  commodities exchanges may have greater price volatility than their U.S.
counterparts. Furthermore, foreign commodities  exchanges may be less  regulated
and   under   less  governmental   scrutiny   than  U.S.   exchanges.  Brokerage
commissions, clearing costs and other transaction costs may be higher on foreign
exchanges. Greater margin  requirements may  limit the Fund's  ability to  enter
into  certain commodity transactions on foreign exchanges. Moreover, differences
in clearance and delivery requirements on foreign exchanges may occasion  delays
in the settlement of the Fund's transactions effected on foreign exchanges.
 
    In  the event of the  bankruptcy of a broker  through which the Fund engages
in transactions in futures or options thereon, the Fund could experience  delays
and/or  losses  in  liquidating open  positions  purchased or  sold  through the
broker and/or  incur a  loss of  all or  part of  its margin  deposits with  the
broker.  Similarly in the event of the bankruptcy of the writer of an OTC option
purchased by the Fund, the  Fund could experience a loss  of all or part of  the
value  of  the option.  Transactions  are entered  into  by the  Fund  only with
brokers or financial institutions deemed creditworthy by the Adviser.
 
    While the futures  contracts and options  transactions to be  engaged in  by
the  Fund for  the purpose  of hedging the  Fund's portfolio  securities are not
speculative in nature, there are risks inherent in the use of such  instruments.
One  such risk which may arise in employing futures contracts to protect against
the price volatility of portfolio securities  (and the currencies in which  they
are  denominated)  is  that the  prices  of  securities and  indexes  subject to
futures contracts  (and  thereby  the futures  contract  prices)  may  correlate
imperfectly  with  the  behavior of  the  cash  prices of  the  Fund's portfolio
securities (and the currencies in which they are denominated). Another such risk
is that prices of interest  rate futures contracts may  not move in tandem  with
the  changes in prevailing interest rates against  which the Fund seeks a hedge.
A correlation may  also be  distorted by  the fact  that the  futures market  is
dominated  by short-term traders seeking to profit from the difference between a
contract or security  price objective  and their  cost of  borrowed funds.  Such
distortions  are generally minor  and would diminish  as the contract approached
maturity.
 
    There may  exist an  imperfect correlation  between the  price movements  of
futures  contracts purchased by the Fund and  the movements in the prices of the
securities (currencies) which are the subject  of the hedge. If participants  in
the  futures  market  elect  to close  out  their  contracts  through offsetting
transactions rather than  meet margin deposit  requirements, distortions in  the
normal  relationship between the debt securities or currency markets and futures
markets could  result.  Price distortions  could  also result  if  investors  in
futures  contracts opt to make or  take delivery of underlying securities rather
than engage  in closing  transactions  due to  the  resultant reduction  in  the
liquidity  of the futures  market. In addition,  due to the  fact that, from the
point of view of  speculators, the deposit requirements  in the futures  markets
are  less  onerous  than  margin  requirements  in  the  cash  market, increased
participation by speculators in the  futures market could cause temporary  price
distortions.  Due to the possibility of  price distortions in the futures market
and because of  the imperfect  correlation between  movements in  the prices  of
securities  and movements in the prices of futures contracts, a correct forecast
of  interest  rate  trends  may  still  not  result  in  a  successful   hedging
transaction.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>
    As  stated in the Prospectus, there is  no assurance that a liquid secondary
market will exist for  futures contracts and related  options in which the  Fund
may  invest. In the event a liquid market does not exist, it may not be possible
to close out a futures  position, and in the  event of adverse price  movements,
the  Fund would continue to be required to make daily cash payments of variation
margin. In addition,  limitations imposed by  an exchange or  board of trade  on
which  futures contracts are traded may compel  or prevent the Fund from closing
out a contract which may result in  reduced gain or increased loss to the  Fund.
The  absence of  a liquid market  in futures  contracts might cause  the Fund to
make or take delivery of the  underlying securities (currencies) at a time  when
it may be disadvantageous to do so.
 
    The  extent to which the Fund  may enter into transactions involving futures
contracts and options  thereon may  be limited  by the  Internal Revenue  Code's
requirements  for qualification as a regulated investment company and the Fund's
intention to qualify as such (see "Dividends, Distributions and Taxes").
 
    Compared to the purchase or sale of futures contracts, the purchase of  call
or  put options on  futures contracts involves  less potential risk  to the Fund
because the maximum amount  at risk is  the premium paid  for the options  (plus
transaction  costs). However, there may be  circumstances when the purchase of a
call or put  option on a  futures contract would  result in a  loss to the  Fund
notwithstanding  that  the purchase  or  sale of  a  futures contract  would not
result in a loss, as  in the instance where there  is no movement in the  prices
of the futures contract or underlying securities (currencies).
 
LENDING OF PORTFOLIO SECURITIES
 
    Consistent  with applicable regulatory  requirements, the Fund  may lend its
portfolio securities  to  brokers,  dealers and  other  financial  institutions,
provided  that  such loans  are callable  at any  time by  the Fund  (subject to
notice provisions described  below), and  are at all  times secured  by cash  or
money  market instruments, which are maintained in a segregated account pursuant
to applicable  regulations and  that are  equal to  at least  the market  value,
determined  daily, of the loaned securities. The advantage of such loans is that
the Fund continues to receive the income  on the loaned securities while at  the
same  time earning interest  on the cash amounts  deposited as collateral, which
will be  invested  in  short-term  obligations.  The  Fund  will  not  lend  its
portfolio  securities if such loans are not permitted by the laws or regulations
of any state in which its shares are  qualified for sale and will not lend  more
than  25% of  the value of  its total  assets. A loan  may be  terminated by the
borrower on one  business day's notice,  or by  the Fund on  two business  days'
notice.  If the borrower fails to deliver  the loaned securities within two days
after receipt  of notice,  the Fund  could  use the  collateral to  replace  the
securities  while holding the borrower liable for any excess of replacement cost
over collateral. As with any extensions of  credit, there are risks of delay  in
recovery  and in  some cases even  loss of  rights in the  collateral should the
borrower of the securities fail  financially. However, these loans of  portfolio
securities  will only  be made to  firms deemed  by the Fund's  management to be
creditworthy and when the income which  can be earned from such loans  justifies
the  attendant risks. Upon termination of the  loan, the borrower is required to
return the securities to the Fund. Any  gain or loss in the market price  during
the  loan period would inure to the Fund. The creditworthiness of firms to which
the Fund lends its  portfolio securities will be  monitored on an ongoing  basis
by  the  Adviser pursuant  to  procedures adopted  and  reviewed, on  an ongoing
basis, by the Board of Trustees of the Fund.
 
    When voting or consent rights which accompany loaned securities pass to  the
borrower,  the Fund will follow the policy  of calling the loaned securities, to
be delivered within one day after notice, to permit the exercise of such  rights
if  the matters involved would  have a material effect  on the Fund's investment
in  such   loaned   securities.  The   Fund   will  pay   reasonable   finder's,
administrative and custodial fees in connection with a loan of its securities.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>
REPURCHASE AGREEMENTS
 
    When  cash may be available for  only a few days, it  may be invested by the
Fund in repurchase agreements  until such time as  it may otherwise be  invested
or  used for payments of obligations of the Fund. These agreements, which may be
viewed as  a  type  of  secured  lending by  the  Fund,  typically  involve  the
acquisition  by the Fund of debt securities from a selling financial institution
such as a  bank, savings and  loan association or  broker-dealer. The  agreement
provides  that  the  Fund  will  sell back  to  the  institution,  and  that the
institution  will  repurchase,  the  underlying  security  ("collateral")  at  a
specified  price and at a fixed time in  the future, usually not more than seven
days from  the  date  of  purchase.  The collateral  will  be  maintained  in  a
segregated  account and  will be  marked to market  daily to  determine that the
value of the collateral, as specified in the agreement, does not decrease  below
the  purchase price plus  accrued interest. If  such decrease occurs, additional
collateral will  be  requested and,  when  received,  added to  the  account  to
maintain  full  collateralization.  The  Fund  will  accrue  interest  from  the
institution until the time when the  repurchase is to occur. Although such  date
is  deemed by the  Fund to be the  maturity date of  a repurchase agreement, the
maturities of securities  subject to  repurchase agreements are  not subject  to
any limits.
 
    While  repurchase  agreements  involve  certain  risks  not  associated with
direct investments in debt securities,  the Fund follows procedures designed  to
minimize  such risks. These procedures include effecting repurchase transactions
only with large,  well-capitalized and  well-established financial  institutions
whose  financial condition will be continually  monitored by the Adviser subject
to procedures established by the Board of Trustees of the Fund. In addition,  as
described   above,  the  value  of  the  collateral  underlying  the  repurchase
agreement will be at least equal to the repurchase price, including any  accrued
interest  earned  on the  repurchase agreement.  In  the event  of a  default or
bankruptcy by a selling financial institution,  the Fund will seek to  liquidate
such  collateral. However, the exercising of  the Fund's right to liquidate such
collateral could  involve  certain costs  or  delays  and, to  the  extent  that
proceeds  from any sale upon a default of the obligation to repurchase were less
than the repurchase  price, the  Fund could  suffer a  loss. It  is the  current
policy  of the Fund  not to invest  in repurchase agreements  that do not mature
within seven  days if  any such  investment, together  with any  other  illiquid
assets held by the Fund, amounts to more than 15% of its net assets.
 
WARRANTS AND STOCK RIGHTS
 
    The  Fund may invest  up to 5% of  the value of its  net assets in warrants,
including not more  than 2% in  warrants not listed  on either the  New York  or
American  Stock Exchange. Warrants are, in  effect, an option to purchase equity
securities at a specific price, generally  valid for a specific period of  time,
and  have no voting rights, pay no dividends  and have no rights with respect to
the corporations issuing them. The Fund  may acquire warrants attached to  other
securities without reference to the foregoing limitations.
 
    The  Fund may also invest up  to 5% of the value  of its net assets in stock
rights.
 
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER
 
    It is anticipated  that the  Fund's portfolio turnover  rate generally  will
not  exceed 150%. A 100% turnover rate would  occur, for example, if 100% of the
securities  held  in  the  Fund's  portfolio  (excluding  all  securities  whose
maturities  at acquisition were one year or  less) were sold and replaced within
one year.
 
INVESTMENT RESTRICTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    In addition to  the investment  restrictions enumerated  in the  Prospectus,
the  investment  restrictions listed  below  have been  adopted  by the  Fund as
fundamental  policies,  except  as  otherwise   indicated.  Under  the  Act,   a
fundamental  policy may  not be changed  without the  vote of a  majority of the
outstanding voting  securities  of the  Fund,  as defined  in  the Act.  Such  a
majority  is defined as the lesser of (a) 67% or more of the shares present at a
meeting of shareholders, if the holders of 50% of
 
                                       29
<PAGE>
the outstanding shares of the  Fund are present or  represented by proxy or  (b)
more than 50% of the outstanding shares of the Fund.
 
    The Fund may not:
 
         1.  Purchase  or  sell  real  estate  or  interests  therein (including
    limited partnership interests),  although the Fund  may purchase  securities
    of  issuers which engage in real estate operations and securities secured by
    real estate or interests therein.
 
         2. Purchase  oil,  gas  or  other mineral  leases,  rights  or  royalty
    contracts  or exploration or development programs,  except that the Fund may
    invest in the securities of companies  which operate, invest in, or  sponsor
    such programs.
 
         3.  Borrow  money, except  that the  Fund  may borrow  from a  bank for
    temporary or emergency purposes  in amounts not exceeding  5% (taken at  the
    lower  of cost  or current  value) of  its total  assets (not  including the
    amount borrowed).
 
         4. Pledge its  assets or assign  or otherwise encumber  them except  to
    secure  borrowings effected within the  limitations set forth in restriction
    (3). For  the  purpose of  this  restriction, collateral  arrangements  with
    respect  to initial  or variation  margin for futures  are not  deemed to be
    pledges of assets.
 
         5. Issue senior securities as defined in the Act except insofar as  the
    Fund  may  be deemed  to  have issued  a senior  security  by reason  of (a)
    entering into any repurchase agreement;  (b) purchasing any securities on  a
    when-issued  or  delayed  delivery  basis;  (c)  purchasing  or  selling any
    financial futures  contracts  or options  thereon;  (d) borrowing  money  in
    accordance  with  restrictions  described above;  or  (e)  lending portfolio
    securities.
 
         6. Make loans of  money or securities, except:  (a) by the purchase  of
    portfolio  securities  in  which the  Fund  may invest  consistent  with its
    investment  objective  and  policies;   (b)  by  investment  in   repurchase
    agreements; or (c) by lending its portfolio securities.
 
         7. Make short sales of securities.
 
         8.  Purchase securities on margin, except  for such short-term loans as
    are necessary  for the  clearance of  portfolio securities.  The deposit  or
    payment  by  the Fund  of  initial or  variation  margin in  connection with
    futures contracts is not considered the purchase of a security on margin.
 
         9. Purchase or  sell commodities or  commodities contracts except  that
    the Fund may purchase or sell futures contracts or options on futures.
 
        10.  Engage in  the underwriting  of securities,  except insofar  as the
    Fund may  be deemed  an underwriter  under  the Securities  Act of  1933  in
    disposing  of  a  portfolio security.  (The  Fund may  invest  in restricted
    securities subject  to  the  non-fundamental limitations  contained  in  the
    Prospectus.)
 
        11.  Invest for the  purpose of exercising control  or management of any
    other issuer.
 
    If (except  with  respect to  Restriction  3) a  percentage  restriction  is
adhered  to  at  the  time  of  investment,  a  later  increase  or  decrease in
percentage resulting from a change in  values of portfolio securities or  amount
of  total  or net  assets  will not  be  considered a  violation  of any  of the
foregoing restrictions.
 
PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS AND BROKERAGE
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    Subject  to  the  general  supervision  of  the  Trustees,  the  Adviser  is
responsible  for  decisions  to  buy  and  sell  securities  for  the  Fund, the
selection  of  brokers  and  dealers   to  effect  the  transactions,  and   the
negotiation  of brokerage commissions, if any. Purchases and sales of securities
on a stock exchange are
 
                                       30
<PAGE>
effected through brokers  who charge  a commission  for their  services. In  the
over-the-counter  market, securities are generally 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  includes a profit to the dealer. In
addition, securities may be purchased  at times in underwritten offerings  where
the  price includes a fixed amount of compensation, generally referred to as the
underwriter's concession  or  discount.  Futures transactions  will  usually  be
effected  through a broker  and a commission  will be charged.  On occasion, the
Fund may  also  purchase  certain  money market  instruments  directly  from  an
issuer,  in which case no  commissions or discounts are  paid. During the fiscal
years ended  January  31,  1996,  1997  and 1998,  the  Fund  paid  a  total  of
$1,090,809, $561,946, and $600,660, respectively, in brokerage commissions.
 
    The  Adviser currently serves as investment  adviser to a number of clients,
including other investment companies,  and may in the  future act as  investment
adviser  to others. It is the practice of the Adviser to cause purchase and sale
transactions to be allocated among the  Fund and others whose assets it  manages
in  such manner as it deems equitable. In making such allocations among the Fund
and other  client  accounts, the  main  factors considered  are  the  respective
investment  objectives, the relative  size of portfolio holdings  of the same or
comparable securities,  the availability  of cash  for investment,  the size  of
investment   commitments  generally  held  and   the  opinions  of  the  persons
responsible for managing the portfolios of the Fund and other client accounts.
 
    The policy of the Fund regarding  purchases and sales of securities for  its
portfolio  is that  primary consideration  will be  given to  obtaining the most
favorable prices and efficient executions of transactions. Consistent with  this
policy,  when  securities transactions  are effected  on  a stock  exchange, the
Fund's policy is  to pay commissions  which are considered  fair and  reasonable
without  necessarily determining that  the lowest possible  commissions are paid
in all circumstances. The  Fund believes that a  requirement always to seek  the
lowest  possible commission cost could impede effective portfolio management and
preclude the Fund  and the Adviser  from obtaining a  high quality of  brokerage
and  research services. In seeking to  determine the reasonableness of brokerage
commissions paid in any transaction, the Adviser relies upon its experience  and
knowledge  regarding commissions generally charged by various brokers and on its
judgment in evaluating  the brokerage  and research services  received from  the
broker   effecting   the  transaction.   Such  determinations   are  necessarily
subjective and  imprecise, as  in most  cases an  exact dollar  value for  those
services is not ascertainable.
 
    The  Fund  anticipates that  certain of  its transactions  involving foreign
securities will be effected on  securities exchanges. Fixed commissions on  such
transactions  are  generally  higher  than  negotiated  commissions  on domestic
transactions.  There  is   also  generally  less   government  supervision   and
regulation  of  foreign  securities exchanges  and  brokers than  in  the United
States.
 
    In  seeking  to   implement  the  Fund's   policies,  the  Adviser   effects
transactions  with those  brokers and dealers  who the  Adviser believes provide
the most favorable prices and are capable of providing efficient executions.  If
the  Adviser believes such  prices and executions are  obtainable from more than
one  broker  or  dealer,  it   may  give  consideration  to  placing   portfolio
transactions  with those brokers and dealers who also furnish research and other
services to the  Fund or the  Adviser. Such  services may include,  but are  not
limited  to,  any  one or  more  of  the following:  reports  on  industries and
companies, economic  analyses  and  review  of  business  conditions,  portfolio
strategy,  analytic  computer software,  account performance  services, computer
terminals and  various trading  and/or quotation  equipment. They  also  include
advice  from  broker-dealers  as to  the  value of  securities,  availability of
securities, availability of  buyers, and availability  of sellers. In  addition,
they  include recommendations as  to purchase and  sale of individual securities
and timing of such transactions.  The Fund will not  purchase at a higher  price
or  sell  at a  lower  price in  connection  with transactions  affected  with a
dealer, acting as principal,  who furnishes research services  to the Fund  than
would  be  the  case  if no  weight  were  given  by the  Fund  to  the dealer's
furnishing of such services. During the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998,  the
Fund   directed   the  payment   of   $596,759  in   brokerage   commissions  in
 
                                       31
<PAGE>
connection with transactions in the aggregate amount of $173,845,093 to  brokers
because of research services provided.
 
    The  information  and  services received  by  the Adviser  from  brokers and
dealers may be of benefit to the  Adviser in the management of accounts of  some
of  its other clients and may not in  all cases benefit the Fund directly. While
the receipt of such  information and services is  useful in varying degrees  and
would  generally reduce the  amount of research  or services otherwise performed
by the Adviser and  thereby reduce its expenses,  it is of indeterminable  value
and  the advisory fee paid to the Adviser  is not reduced by any amount that may
be attributable to the value of such services.
 
    Consistent with  the  policy  described  above,  brokerage  transactions  in
securities  listed on exchanges  or admitted to  unlisted trading privileges may
be effected through  DWR, Morgan Stanley  & Co. Incorporated  ("MS & Co."),  and
other  affiliated brokers and dealers. In  order for an affiliated broker-dealer
to effect any  portfolio transactions  for the  Fund, the  commissions, fees  or
other  remuneration received by the  affiliated broker-dealer must be reasonable
and fair compared to the commissions,  fees or other remuneration paid to  other
brokers  in connection with comparable transactions involving similar securities
being purchased or sold on an exchange during a comparable period of time.  This
standard  would allow DWR to  receive no more than  the remuneration which would
be expected  to  be  received  by  an  unaffiliated  broker  in  a  commensurate
arm's-length  transaction.  Furthermore,  the  Board of  Trustees  of  the Fund,
including a majority  of the Trustees  who are not  "interested" persons of  the
Fund,  as  defined in  the  Act, have  adopted  procedures which  are reasonably
designed to provide that any commissions, fees or other remuneration paid to  an
affiliated  broker-dealer are consistent  with the foregoing  standard. The Fund
does not reduce  the management fee  it pays  to the Investment  Manager by  any
amount  of the brokerage commissions it may  pay to DWR. During the fiscal years
ended January  31, 1996,  1997 and  1998, the  Fund did  not pay  any  brokerage
commissions  to DWR. During  the period June  1, 1997 through  January 31, 1998,
the Fund paid  a total of  $3,901 in brokerage  commissions to MS  & Co.,  which
broker-dealer  became  an affiliate  of  the Distributor  on  May 31,  1997 upon
consummation of the merger  of Dean Witter, Discover  & Co. with Morgan  Stanley
Group  Inc. The brokerage commissions paid to MS & Co. represented approximately
0.65% of the total brokerage  commissions paid by the  Fund for this period  and
were  paid on account of transactions having  an aggregate dollar value equal to
approximately 0.23% of the aggregate dollar value of all portfolio  transactions
of the Fund during the period for which commissions were paid.
 
THE DISTRIBUTOR
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    As  discussed in the Prospectus, shares of  the Fund are distributed by Dean
Witter Distributors Inc. (the "Distributor").  The Distributor has entered  into
a  selected dealer agreement with DWR,  which through its own sales organization
sells shares of  the Fund, and  may enter into  selected dealer agreements  with
others.The  Distributor, a Delaware corporation, is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
MSDW. The  Trustees  of  the  Fund, including  a  majority  of  the  Independent
Trustees,  approved,  at  their  meeting  held on  June  30,  1997,  the current
Distribution Agreement appointing  the Distributor as  exclusive distributor  of
the  Fund's  shares  and  providing for  the  Distributor  to  bear distribution
expenses not borne by the Fund. By its terms, the Distribution Agreement had  an
initial  term ending April 30, 1998, and  provides that it will remain in effect
from year to year thereafter if approved by the Board.
 
    The Distributor bears all expenses it may incur in providing services  under
the  Distribution Agreement.  Such expenses  include the  payment of commissions
for  sales  of  the  Fund's   shares  and  incentive  compensation  to   account
executives.  The Distributor also  pays certain expenses  in connection with the
compensation to account executives. The  Distributor also pays certain  expenses
in  connection with the  distribution of the Fund's  shares, including the costs
of preparing, printing  and distributing advertising  or promotional  materials,
and  the costs of printing and distributing prospectuses and supplements thereto
used in  connection  with  the offering  and  sale  of the  Fund's  shares.  The
 
                                       32
<PAGE>
Fund  bears  the  costs of  initial  typesetting, printing  and  distribution of
prospectuses and supplements thereto  to shareholders. The  Fund also bears  the
costs  of registering the Fund  and its shares under  federal securities law and
pays filing  fees  in  accordance  with state  securities  laws.  The  Fund  and
Distributor  have agreed  to indemnify  each other  against certain liabilities,
including liabilities under  the Securities Act  of of 1933,  as amended.  Under
the  Distribution Agreement, the Distributor uses  its best efforts in rendering
services to the  Fund, but  in the absence  of willful  misfeasance, bad  faith,
gross  negligence or reckless  disregard of its  obligations, the Distributor is
not liable to the Fund or any of  its shareholders for any error of judgment  or
mistake  of law or  for any act or  omission or for any  losses sustained by the
Fund or its shareholders.
 
   
    PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION.  The Fund has adopted a Plan of Distribution  pursuant
to  Rule 12b-1 under  the Act (the  "Plan") pursuant to  which each Class, other
than Class  D,  pays the  Distributor  compensation accrued  daily  and  payable
monthly  at the following annual rates: 0.25%  and 1.0% of the average daily net
assets of Class A and Class C, respectively, and, with respect to Class B,  1.0%
of  the lesser  of: (a) the  average daily  aggregate gross sales  of the Fund's
Class B shares since the inception  of the Fund (not including reinvestments  of
dividends  or capital gains distributions), less the average daily aggregate net
asset value of  the Fund's Class  B shares redeemed  since the Fund's  inception
upon  which a contingent  deferred sales charge  has been imposed  or upon which
such charge has been  waived; or (b)  the average daily net  assets of Class  B.
The  Distributor also  receives the proceeds  of front-end sales  charges and of
contingent deferred  sales charges  imposed on  certain redemptions  of  shares,
which  are  separate and  apart from  payments  made pursuant  to the  Plan (see
"Purchase of Fund Shares" in the  Prospectus). The Distributor has informed  the
Fund  that it  and/or DWR  received (a)  approximately $1,455,000,  $997,000 and
$1,105,599 in contingent  deferred sales  charges from  Class B  for the  fiscal
years  ended January 31, 1996,  1997 and 1998, respectively,  (b) $0 and $339 in
contingent deferred sales charges  from Class A and  Class C, respectively,  for
the  fiscal  period ended  January  31, 1998,  and  (c) approximately  $6,000 in
front-end sales charges  from Class A  for the fiscal  period ended January  31,
1998, none of which was retained by the Distributor.
    
 
    The  Distributor has informed the Fund that  the entire fee payable by Class
A and a portion of  the fees payable by  each of Class B  and Class C each  year
pursuant  to the Plan equal  0.25% of such Class's  average daily net assets are
currently each  characterized  as  a  "service  fee"  under  the  Rules  of  the
Association  of the National  Association of Securities  Dealers, Inc. (of which
the Distributor is a  member). The service  fee is a  payment made for  personal
service  and/or the maintenance  of shareholder accounts.  The remaining portion
of the Plan fees payable  by a Class, if  any, is characterized an  "asset-based
sales charge" as such is defined by the aforementioned Rules of the Association.
 
    Under  its terms, the  Plan had an  initial term ending  April 30, 1993, and
provides that it will  remain in effect from  year to year thereafter,  provided
such  continuance is approved  annually by a  vote of the  Trustees, including a
majority of  the Trustees  who are  not  "interested persons"  of the  Fund  (as
defined  in the Act), and  who have no direct  or indirect financial interest in
the operation  of the  Plan (the  "Independent 12b-1  Trustees"). The  Plan  was
submitted  to and approved by the Trustees  of the Fund, including a majority of
the Independent 12b-1 Trustees, at their meeting held on July 29, 1992. DWR,  as
the then sole shareholder of the Fund, approved the Plan on September 9, 1992.
 
    At  their  meeting held  on  October 30,  1992,  the Trustees  of  the Fund,
including all of the Independent 12b-1 Trustees, approved certain amendments  to
the  Plan which took  effect in January,  1993 and were  designed to reflect the
fact  that  upon   an  internal  reorganization   described  above,  the   share
distribution  activities theretofore performed for the  Fund by DWR were assumed
by the Distributor and DWR's sales  activities are now being performed  pursuant
to  the terms of  a selected dealer  agreement between the  Distributor and DWR.
The amendments  provide  that  payments under  the  Plan  will be  made  to  the
Distributor   rather  than  to  DWR  as  before  the  amendment,  and  that  the
Distributor in turn  is authorized to  make payments to  DWR, its affiliates  or
other  selected  broker-dealers  (or  direct that  the  Fund  pay  such entities
directly). The Distributor  is also  authorized to retain  part of  such fee  as
compensation  for  its  own  distribution-related  expenses.  At  their  meeting
 
                                       33
<PAGE>
held on April 28,  1993, the Trustees, including  a majority of the  Independent
12b-1  Trustees, approved certain technical amendments to the Plan in connection
with amendments adopted by the National Association of Securities Dealers,  Inc.
to  its Rules of the Association. At their meeting held on October 26, 1995, the
Trustees of the Fund, including all the Independent 12b-1 Trustees, approved  an
amendment  to the Plan to permit payments to be made under the Plan with respect
to certain distribution  expenses incurred in  connection with the  distribution
of  shares, including personal services to shareholders with respect to holdings
of such shares, of an investment company  whose assets are acquired by the  Fund
in  a  tax-free reorganization.  At their  meeting  held on  June 30,  1997, the
Trustees, including  a  majority of  the  Independent 12b-1  Trustees,  approved
amendments  to the  Plan to reflect  the multiple-class structure  for the Fund,
which took effect on July 28, 1997.
 
    Under the  Plan and  as required  by Rule  12b-1, the  Trustees receive  and
review  promptly after the end of each  fiscal quarter a written report provided
by the Distributor of the  amounts expended under the  Plan and the purpose  for
which  such expenditures  were made. In  the Trustees' quarterly  reviews of the
Plan, they  will  consider  its  continued  appropriateness  and  the  level  of
compensation  provided  therein.  Class B  shares  of the  Fund  accrued amounts
payable to the Distributor under the Plan, during the fiscal year ended  January
31,  1998, of $3,189,480. This  amount is equal to  payments required to be paid
monthly by the  Fund which  were computed  at the annual  rate of  1.00% of  the
average  daily net  assets of  Class B  for the  fiscal year  and was calculated
pursuant to clause (b) of the  compensation formula under the Plan. This  amount
is  treated by the Fund as an expense in  the year it is accrued. For the fiscal
period July 28, 1997  through January 31,  1998, Class A and  Class C shares  of
the  Fund  accrued  payments  under  the  Plan  amounting  to  $120  and $3,225,
respectively, which amounts are  equal to 0.25% and  1.00% of the average  daily
net assets of Class A and Class C, respectively, for such period.
 
    The  Plan was adopted  in order to  permit the implementation  of the Fund's
method of  distribution. Under  this distribution  method the  Fund offers  four
Classes  of shares,  each with  a distribution arrangement  as set  forth in the
Prospectus.
 
   
    With respect to Class  A shares, DWR compensates  its account executives  by
paying  them, from proceeds  of the front-end sales  charge, commissions for the
sale of Class  A shares, currently  a gross sales  credit of up  to 5.0% of  the
amount  sold  (except  as provided  in  the  following sentence)  and  an annual
residual commission, currently a  residual of up to  0.25% of the current  value
of  the respective accounts for which they are the account executives or dealers
of record in  all cases. On  orders of $1  million or more  (for which no  sales
charge  was paid) or net asset  value purchases by employer-sponsored 401(k) and
other plans  qualified  under  Section  401(a)  of  the  Internal  Revenue  Code
("Qualified  Retirement Plans") for which MSDW  Trust serves as Trustee or DWR's
Retirement  Plan  Services  serves  as   recordkeeper  pursuant  to  a   written
Recordkeeping   Services  Agreement,  InterCapital   compensates  DWR's  account
executives by paying them, from its own  funds, a gross sales credit of 1.0%  of
the amount sold.
    
 
    With  respect to Class  B shares, DWR compensates  its account executives by
paying them, from its  own funds, commissions  for the sale  of Class B  shares,
currently  a gross  sales credit  of up to  5.0% of  the amount  sold (except as
provided  in  the  following  sentence)  and  an  annual  residual   commission,
currently  a  residual  of up  to  0.25%  of the  current  value  (not including
reinvested dividends or distributions) of the  amount sold in all cases. In  the
case  of  Class  B shares  purchased  on or  after  July 28,  1997  by Qualified
Retirement Plans for  which MSDW  Trust serves  as Trustee  or DWR's  Retirement
Plan  Services  serves  as  recordkeeper  pursuant  to  a  written Recordkeeping
Services Agreement, DWR compensates its account executives by paying them,  from
its own funds, a gross sales credit of 3.0% of the amount sold.
 
    With  respect to Class  C shares, DWR compensates  its account executives by
paying them, from its  own funds, commissions  for the sale  of Class C  shares,
currently  a gross sales credit of  up to 1.0% of the  amount sold and an annual
residual commission, currently a residual of up to 1.0% of the current value  of
the respective accounts for which they are the account executives of record.
 
                                       34
<PAGE>
    With  respect to Class  D shares other  than shares held  by participants in
the InterCapital mutual fund asset allocation program, InterCapital  compensates
DWR's  account executives  by paying them,  from its own  funds, commissions for
the sale of Class D shares, currently a gross sales credit of up to 1.0% of  the
amount  sold. There is  a chargeback of 100%  of the amount paid  if the Class D
shares are redeemed  in the first  year and a  chargeback of 50%  of the  amount
paid  if the  Class D  shares are  redeemed in  the second  year after purchase.
InterCapital also compensates DWR's account executives by paying them, from  its
own  funds, an annual residual  commission, currently a residual  of up to 0.10%
of the current value of the respective  accounts for which they are the  account
executives   of  record   (not  including   accounts  of   participants  in  the
InterCapital mutual fund asset allocation program).
 
    The gross sales credit  is a charge which  reflects commissions paid by  DWR
to   its  account  executives  and  DWR's  Fund-associated  distribution-related
expenses, including sales  compensation, and  overhead and  other branch  office
distribution-related  expenses  including (a)  the  expenses of  operating DWR's
branch offices  in connection  with the  sale of  Fund shares,  including  lease
costs,  the  salaries  and employee  benefits  of operations  and  sales support
personnel, utility costs, communications costs  and the costs of stationery  and
supplies,  (b) the costs of client sales seminars, (c) travel expenses of mutual
fund sales  coordinators  to promote  the  sale of  Fund  shares and  (d)  other
expenses  relating to branch promotion of  Fund sales. The distribution fee that
the Distributor  receives from  the  Fund under  the  Plan, in  effect,  offsets
distribution  expenses incurred under the Plan on behalf of the Fund and, in the
case of Class B shares, opportunity costs, such as the gross sales credit and an
assumed interest  charge  thereon  ("carrying  charge").  In  the  Distributor's
reporting  of the  distribution expenses  to the  Fund, in  the case  of Class B
shares, such assumed interest  (computed at the "broker's  call rate") has  been
calculated  on the  gross credit  as it  is reduced  by amounts  received by the
Distributor under the Plan  and any contingent  deferred sales charges  received
by  the Distributor  upon redemption  of shares of  the Fund.  No other interest
charge is included as  a distribution expense  in the Distributor's  calculation
of  its  distribution costs  for this  purpose.  The broker's  call rate  is the
interest rate charged to securities brokers on loans secured by  exchange-listed
securities.
 
    The  Fund is authorized to reimburse expenses  incurred or to be incurred in
promoting the distribution  of the  Fund's Class  A and  Class C  shares and  in
servicing  shareholder accounts. Reimbursement will  be made through payments at
the end  of each  month. The  amount of  each monthly  payment may  in no  event
exceed  an amount equal to a payment at the annual rate of 0.25%, in the case of
Class A, and 1.0%,  in the case  of Class C,  of the average  net assets of  the
respective  Class during the  month. No interest or  other financing charges, if
any, incurred on  any distribution expenses  on behalf  of Class A  and Class  C
will  be reimbursable under  the Plan. With respect  to Class A,  in the case of
all expenses other than expenses representing the service fee, and, with respect
to Class C,  in the  case of  all expenses  other than  expenses representing  a
gross  sales credit or a  residual to account executives,  such amounts shall be
determined  at  the  beginning  of  each  calendar  quarter  by  the   Trustees,
including,  a majority of the  Independent 12b-1 Trustees. Expenses representing
the service fee (for Class A) or a  gross sales credit or a residual to  account
executives  (for Class C) may be  reimbursed without prior determination. In the
event that the Distributor  proposes that monies shall  be reimbursed for  other
than  such expenses, then in making quarterly determinations of the amounts that
may be reimbursed  by the Fund,  the Distributor will  provide and the  Trustees
will  review  a  quarterly  budget  of  projected  distribution  expenses  to be
incurred on behalf of the Fund,  together with a report explaining the  purposes
and   anticipated  benefits  of  incurring  such  expenses.  The  Trustees  will
determine which  particular expenses,  and  the portions  thereof, that  may  be
borne  by the Fund, and in making  such a determination shall consider the scope
of the  Distributor's commitment  to promoting  the distribution  of the  Fund's
Class A and Class C shares.
 
    The  Fund paid 100%  of the amounts  accrued under the  Plan with respect to
that Class for the fiscal  year ended January 31,  1998 to the Distributor.  The
Distributor  and  DWR  estimate that  they  have  spent, pursuant  to  the Plan,
$38,846,671 on  behalf  of Class  B  since the  inception  of the  Plan.  It  is
estimated  that this amount  was spent in approximately  the following ways: (i)
5.70% ($2,215,875)--
 
                                       35
<PAGE>
advertising  and  promotional  expenses;  (ii)  0.60%  ($232,482)--printing   of
prospectuses  for  distribution to  other than  current shareholders;  and (iii)
93.70% ($36,398,314)--other expenses, including the  gross sales credit and  the
carrying  charge,  of  which 11.14%  ($4,056,307)  represents  carrying charges,
35.57% ($2,946,505)  represents commission  credits to  DWR branch  offices  for
payments   of  commissions  to  account   executives  and  53.29%  ($19,395,502)
represents overhead and other  branch office distribution-related expenses.  The
amounts  accrued  by Class  A and  Class  C for  distribution during  the fiscal
period July 28, 1997 through January 31, 1998 were for expenses which relate  to
compensation of sales personnel and associated overhead expenses.
 
    In  the  case  of  Class  B  shares, at  any  given  time,  the  expenses of
distributing shares of the Fund  may be more or less  than the total of (i)  the
payments  made  by  the Fund  pursuant  to the  Plan  and (ii)  the  proceeds of
contingent deferred sales charges paid  by investors upon redemption of  shares.
The  Distributor has  advised the Fund  that in the  case of Class  B shares the
excess  distribution  expenses,  including  the  carrying  charge  designed   to
approximate  the opportunity  costs incurred by  DWR which arise  from it having
advanced monies without having received the amount of any sales charges  imposed
at  the time of  sale of the Fund's  Class B shares,  totalled $20,353,215 as of
January 31,  1998. Because  there is  no  requirement under  the Plan  that  the
Distributor  be reimbursed for all  its expenses with respect  to Class B shares
or any requirement that  the Plan be  continued from year  to year, this  excess
amount  does not constitute a liability of  the Fund. Although there is no legal
obligation for the Fund to pay expenses  incurred in excess of payments made  to
the  Distributor under  the Plan and  the proceeds of  contingent deferred sales
charges paid by investors upon redemption of shares, if for any reason the  Plan
is  terminated, the Trustees will  consider at that time  the manner in which to
treat such  expenses. Any  cumulative  expenses incurred  by  DWR, but  not  yet
recovered  through distribution fees  or contingent deferred  sales charges, may
or may not be recovered through future distribution fees or contingent  deferred
sales charges.
 
    No  interested person of the Fund, nor any Trustee of the Fund who is not an
interested person  of  the Fund,  as  defined in  the  Act, has  any  direct  or
indirect  financial interest in the  operation of the Plan  except to the extent
that DWR, InterCapital,  the Distributor  or the  Manager, or  certain of  their
employees,  may  be deemed  to have  such an  interest as  a result  of benefits
derived from the successful operation of the Plan or as a result of receiving  a
portion of the amounts expended thereunder by the Fund.
 
    Under  its terms, the Plan remained in effect until April 30, 1993, and will
continue from year  to year  thereafter, provided such  continuance is  approved
annually  by a vote of the Trustees in  the manner described above. Prior to the
Board's approval  of  amendments to  the  Plan  to reflect  the  multiple  class
structure  for the Fund, the  most recent continuance of  the Plan for one year,
until April  30, 1998,  was  approved by  the Board  of  Trustees of  the  Fund,
including  a majority of the Independent 12b-1 Trustees, at a Board meeting held
on April  24,  1997.  Prior to  approving  the  continuation of  the  Plan,  the
Trustees  requested  and  received from  the  Distributor and  reviewed  all the
information which they deemed necessary to arrive at an informed  determination.
In  making their  determination to continue  the Plan,  the Trustees considered:
(1) the Fund's experience under the  Plan and whether such experience  indicates
that  the  Plan is  operating  as anticipated;  (2)  the benefits  the  Fund had
obtained, was obtaining and would  be likely to obtain  under the Plan; and  (3)
what  services had been  provided and were  continuing to be  provided under the
Plan to the Fund and its shareholders. Based upon their review, the Trustees  of
the  Fund, including  each of  the Independent  12b-1 Trustees,  determined that
continuation of the Plan  would be in  the best interest of  the Fund and  would
have  a  reasonable  likelihood  of  continuing  to  benefit  the  Fund  and its
shareholders. In the Trustees' quarterly review of the Plan, they will  consider
its continued appropriateness and the level of compensation provided herein.
 
    The  Plan may not be  amended to increase materially  the amount to be spent
for the services described therein without  approval of the shareholders of  the
affected  Class or Classes of the Fund,  and all material amendments of the Plan
must also be approved by  the Trustees in the  manner described above. The  Plan
may  be  terminated  at  any  time, without  payment  of  any  penalty,  by vote
 
                                       36
<PAGE>
of a majority of the  Independent 12b-1 Trustees or by  a vote of a majority  of
the  outstanding voting securities  of the Fund  (as defined in  the Act) on not
more than thirty days' written  notice to any other party  of the Plan. So  long
as  the Plan is in  effect, the election and  nomination of Independent Trustees
shall be committed to the discretion of the Independent Trustees.
 
DETERMINATION OF NET ASSET VALUE
 
    As stated  in  the Prospectus,  short-term  debt securities  with  remaining
maturities  of 60 days or  less at the time of  purchase are valued at amortized
cost, unless  the  Trustees determine  such  does not  reflect  the  securities'
market  value, in which case these securities will be valued at their fair value
as determined by the Trustees. Other  short-term debt securities will be  valued
on  a mark-to-market basis until such time as they reach a remaining maturity of
60 days, whereupon they will  be valued at amortized  cost using their value  on
the   61st  day  unless  the  Trustees  determine  such  does  not  reflect  the
securities' market  value, in  which case  these securities  will be  valued  at
their  fair  value  as  determined  by  the  Trustees.  Listed  options  on debt
securities are valued at  the latest sale  price on the  exchange on which  they
are  listed unless no sales of such options  have taken place that day, in which
case they will be valued at the mean between their latest bid and asked  prices.
Unlisted  options on  debt securities and  all options on  equity securities are
valued at  the mean  between their  latest  bid and  asked prices.  Futures  are
valued  at the latest sale price on the commodities exchange on which they trade
unless the Trustees determine  such price does not  reflect their market  value,
in  which case  they will  be valued at  their fair  value as  determined by the
Trustees. All other securities and other  assets are valued at their fair  value
as  determined  in good  faith  under procedures  established  by and  under the
supervision of the Trustees.
 
    The net  asset value  per share  for each  Class of  shares of  the Fund  is
determined  once daily  at 4:00 p.m.,  New York time  (or, on days  when the New
York Stock Exchange closes prior  to 4:00 p.m., at  such earlier time), on  each
day  that the New York Stock Exchange is  open by taking the value of all assets
of the  Fund, subtracting  its liabilities,  dividing by  the number  of  shares
outstanding  and  adjusting to  the nearest  cent. The  New York  Stock Exchange
currently observes the following holidays:  New Year's Day, Reverend Dr.  Martin
Luther  King, Jr. Day, Presidents' Day,  Good Friday, Memorial Day, Independence
Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
 
PURCHASE OF FUND SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    As discussed in the  Prospectus, the Fund offers  four Classes of shares  as
follows:
 
INITIAL SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE--CLASS A SHARES
 
    Class  A shares  are sold  to investors  with an  initial sales  charge that
declines to zero for larger purchases;  however, Class A shares sold without  an
initial  sales charge are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC")
of 1.0% if  redeemed within one  year of purchase,  except in the  circumstances
discussed in the Prospectus.
 
    RIGHT  OF  ACCUMULATION.   As  discussed  in the  Prospectus,  investors may
combine the  current value  of  shares purchased  in separate  transactions  for
purposes  of benefitting from the reduced  sales charges available for purchases
of shares  of the  Fund  totalling at  least $25,000  in  net asset  value.  For
example,  if any person or entity who qualifies for this privilege holds Class A
shares of the  Fund and/or  other TCW/DW Funds  which are  multiple class  funds
("TCW/DW  Multi-Class Funds") purchased  at a price  including a front-end sales
charge having a  current value of  $5,000, and purchases  $20,000 of  additional
shares  of the Fund, the  sales charge applicable to  the $20,000 purchase would
be 4.75% of the offering price.
 
    The Distributor  must  be notified  by  the selected  broker-dealer  or  the
shareholder  at the time a purchase order  is placed that the purchase qualifies
for the reduced  charge under  the Right of  Accumulation. Similar  notification
must  be made in writing by the  selected broker-dealer or shareholder when such
an order is placed by mail. The reduced sales charge will not be granted if: (a)
such notification is not furnished at the time of the order; or (b) a review  of
the records of the Distributor
 
                                       37
<PAGE>
or  Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB (the "Transfer Agent") fails to confirm
the investor's represented holdings.
 
    LETTER OF INTENT.   As discussed  in the Prospectus,  reduced sales  charges
are  available to investors who enter into  a written Letter of Intent providing
for the purchase, within a thirteen-month period, of Class A shares of the  Fund
from the Distributor or from a single Selected Broker-Dealer.
 
    A  Letter of Intent permits an investor to establish a total investment goal
to be achieved  by any number  of purchases over  a thirteen-month period.  Each
purchase  of Class  A shares  made during  the period  will receive  the reduced
sales commission applicable  to the  amount represented by  the goal,  as if  it
were  a single purchase. A number  of shares equal in value  to 5% of the dollar
amount of the Letter of Intent will be held in escrow by the Transfer Agent,  in
the  name of the shareholder. The initial purchase under a Letter of Intent must
be equal to at least 5% of the stated investment goal.
 
    The Letter of  Intent does not  obligate the investor  to purchase, nor  the
Fund  to sell, the indicated  amount. In the event the  Letter of Intent goal is
not achieved within the thirteen-month period,  the investor is required to  pay
the  difference between the  sales charge otherwise  applicable to the purchases
made during this  period and sales  charges actually paid.  Such payment may  be
made  directly to the Distributor or, if not paid, the Distributor is authorized
by the  shareholder to  liquidate a  sufficient number  of his  or her  escrowed
shares to obtain such difference.
 
    If  the goal is exceeded and purchases pass the next sales charge level, the
sales charge on the entire amount of  the purchase that results in passing  that
level  and  on subsequent  purchases will  be subject  to further  reduced sales
charges in the  same manner as  set forth above  under "Right of  Accumulation,"
but  there  will  be  no  retroactive reduction  of  sales  charges  on previous
purchases. For the purpose of determining whether the investor is entitled to  a
further  reduced sales charge applicable to purchases at or above a sales charge
level which  exceeds the  stated goal  of  a Letter  of Intent,  the  cumulative
current  net asset value of any shares owned by the investor in any other TCW/DW
Multi-Class Funds held by the shareholder  which were previously purchased at  a
price  including a front-end  sales charge (including shares  of the Fund, other
TCW/DW   Multi-Class    Funds   or    "Exchange   Funds"    (see    "Shareholder
Services--Exchange  Privilege")  acquired  in  exchange  for  those  shares, and
including in each  case shares  acquired through reinvestment  of dividends  and
distributions)  will be added  to the cost or  net asset value  of shares of the
Fund owned  by  the  investor.  However, shares  of  "Exchange  Funds"  and  the
purchase  of shares of  other TCW/DW Funds  will not be  included in determining
whether the stated goal of a Letter of Intent has been reached.
 
    At any time while  a Letter of  Intent is in effect,  a shareholder may,  by
written  notice to the Distributor,  increase the amount of  the stated goal. In
that event, only shares  purchased during the previous  90-day period and  still
owned  by the shareholder  will be included  in the new  sales charge reduction.
The 5% escrow and  minimum purchase requirements will  be applicable to the  new
stated  goal. Investors electing  to purchase shares  of the Fund  pursuant to a
Letter of Intent should carefully read such Letter of Intent.
 
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE ALTERNATIVE--CLASS B SHARES
 
    Class B shares are sold without an  initial sales charge but are subject  to
a  CDSC payable upon most redemptions within six years after purchase. As stated
in the Prospectus, a CDSC  will be imposed on any  redemption by an investor  if
after  such redemption the current value of the investor's Class B shares of the
Fund is less than the dollar amount  of all payments by the shareholder for  the
purchase  of Class B shares  during the preceding six years  (or, in the case of
shares held by  certain Qualified  Retirement Plans, three  years). However,  no
CDSC  will be  imposed to  the extent  that the  net asset  value of  the shares
redeemed does not exceed:  (a) the current net  asset value of shares  purchased
more  than  six years  (or,  in the  case of  shares  held by  certain Qualified
Retirement Plans, three  years) prior to  the redemption, plus  (b) the  current
net  asset  value  of  shares purchased  through  reinvestment  of  dividends or
distributions  of   the  Fund   or  another   TCW/DW  Fund   (see   "Shareholder
Services--Targeted  Dividends"), plus  (c) increases in  the net  asset value of
the investor's shares
 
                                       38
<PAGE>
above the total amount of payments for  the purchase of Fund shares made  during
the preceding six (three) years. The CDSC will be paid to the Distributor.
 
    In  determining the applicability of the CDSC to each redemption, the amount
which represents an  increase in the  net asset value  of the investor's  shares
above  the amount of  the total payments  for the purchase  of shares within the
last six years (or, in the case  of shares held by certain Qualified  Retirement
Plans,  three years) will be redeemed first.  In the event the redemption amount
exceeds such increase in value, the next portion of the amount redeemed will  be
the  amount  which  represents the  net  asset  value of  the  investor's shares
purchased more than  six (three)  years prior  to the  redemption and/or  shares
purchased  through reinvestment of dividends or  distributions. A portion of the
amount redeemed which exceeds an amount  which represents both such increase  in
value  and the value of shares purchased more than six years (or, in the case of
shares held by  certain Qualified Retirement  Plans, three years)  prior to  the
redemption   and/or  shares  purchased  through  reinvestment  of  dividends  or
distributions will be subject to a CDSC.
 
    The amount of the CDSC, if any,  will vary depending on the number of  years
from  the time of payment for  the purchase of Class B  shares of the Fund until
the time of redemption  of such shares. For  purposes of determining the  number
of  years from the time of any payment  for the purchase of shares, all payments
made during a month will be aggregated and deemed to have been made on the  last
day  of  the  month.  The following  table  sets  forth the  rates  of  the CDSC
applicable to most Class B shares of the Fund:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             YEAR SINCE
                              PURCHASE                                  CDSC AS A PERCENTAGE
                            PAYMENT MADE                                 OF AMOUNT REDEEMED
- --------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------------------
<S>                                                                   <C>
First...............................................................                5.0%
Second..............................................................                4.0%
Third...............................................................                3.0%
Fourth..............................................................                2.0%
Fifth...............................................................                2.0%
Sixth...............................................................                1.0%
Seventh and thereafter..............................................            None
</TABLE>
 
    The following table sets forth the rates  of the CDSC applicable to Class  B
shares  of the purchased on or after July 28, 1997 by Qualified Retirement Plans
for which MSDW Trust serves as Trustee or DWR's Retirement Plan Services  serves
as recordkeeper pursuant to a written Recordkeeping Services Agreement:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                             YEAR SINCE
                              PURCHASE                                  CDSC AS A PERCENTAGE
                            PAYMENT MADE                                 OF AMOUNT REDEEMED
- --------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------------------
<S>                                                                   <C>
First...............................................................                2.0%
Second..............................................................                2.0%
Third...............................................................                1.0%
Fourth and thereafter...............................................            None
</TABLE>
 
    In  determining the rate of  the CDSC, it will  be assumed that a redemption
is made of shares  held by the  investor for the longest  period of time  within
the  applicable six-year or three-year period. This will result in any such CDSC
being imposed  at  the  lowest possible  rate.  The  CDSC will  be  imposed,  in
accordance  with the table shown above, on any redemptions within six years (or,
in the case of shares held  by certain Qualified Retirement Plans, three  years)
of  purchase which are in  excess of these amounts  and which redemptions do not
qualify for waiver of the CDSC, as described in the Prospectus.
 
LEVEL LOAD ALTERNATIVE--CLASS C SHARES
 
    Class C shares are sold without a sales charge but are subject to a CDSC  of
1.0%  on most  redemptions made  within one year  after purchase,  except in the
circumstances discussed in the Prospectus.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>
NO LOAD ALTERNATIVE--CLASS D SHARES
 
    Class D  shares  are  offered  without  any  sales  charge  on  purchase  or
redemption.  Class  D  shares are  offered  only  to those  persons  meeting the
qualifications set forth in the Prospectus.
 
SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    Upon the purchase of  shares of the Fund,  a Shareholder Investment  Account
is  opened for  the Investor  on the  books of  the Fund  and maintained  by the
Transfer Agent. This is an  open account in which  shares owned by the  investor
are  credited by the Transfer Agent in  lieu of issuance of a share certificate.
If a share  certificate is desired,  it must  be requested in  writing for  each
transaction.   Certificates  are  issued  only  for   full  shares  and  may  be
redeposited in the account at any time.  There is no charge to the investor  for
issuance  of a certificate. Whenever  a shareholder-instituted transaction takes
place in the Shareholder  Investment Account, the shareholder  will be mailed  a
confirmation  of the  transaction from  the Fund or  from DWR  or other selected
broker-dealer.
 
    AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT  OF DIVIDENDS  AND  DISTRIBUTIONS.   As stated  in  the
Prospectus,   all  income   dividends  and   capital  gains   distributions  are
automatically paid in full and fractional shares of the applicable Class of  the
Fund,  unless the shareholder requests that they  be paid in cash. Each purchase
of shares of  the Fund is  made upon the  condition that the  Transfer Agent  is
thereby  automatically  appointed  as  agent  of  the  investor  to  receive all
dividends and capital gains distributions on shares owned by the investor.  Such
dividends  and distributions will be paid, at  the net asset value per share, in
shares of the applicable  Class of the  Fund (or in cash  if the shareholder  so
requests)  as  of the  close of  business on  the  record date.  At any  time an
investor may  request  the  Transfer  Agent,  in  writing,  to  have  subsequent
dividends  and/or capital gains distributions paid to  him or her in cash rather
than shares.  To assure  sufficient time  to process  the change,  such  request
should  be received by the  Transfer Agent at least  five business days prior to
the record  date  of the  dividend  or distribution.  In  the case  of  recently
purchased  shares for which registration instructions  have not been received on
the record  date, cash  payments  will be  made to  DWR  or the  other  selected
broker-dealer,  and will  be forwarded to  the shareholder, upon  the receipt of
proper instructions. It  has been  and remains  the Fund's  policy and  practice
that,  if checks for dividends or distributions paid in cash remain uncashed, no
interest will accrue on amounts represented by such uncashed checks.
 
    TARGETED  DIVIDENDS.-SM-    In  states  where  it  is  legally  permissible,
shareholders  may also have all income dividends and capital gains distributions
automatically invested in shares of any  Class of an open-end TCW/DW Fund  other
than  TCW/DW Latin  American Growth  Fund or  in another  Class of  TCW/DW Latin
American Growth  Fund. Such  investment  will be  made  as described  above  for
automatic  investment in shares of the applicable  Class of the Fund, at the net
asset value per share of  the selected TCW/DW Fund as  of the close of  business
on  the payment  date of  the dividend  or distribution  and will  begin to earn
dividends, if  any,  in the  selected  TCW/DW Fund  the  next business  day.  To
participate  in  the  Targeted Dividends  program,  shareholders  should contact
their DWR  or other  selected broker-dealer  account executive  or the  Transfer
Agent.  Shareholders of the Fund  must be shareholders of  the selected Class of
the TCW/DW Fund targeted to receive investments from dividends at the time  they
enter  the Targeted Dividends program. Investors should review the prospectus of
the targeted TCW/DW Fund before entering the program.
 
    EASYINVEST.-SM-   Shareholders may  subscribe  to EasyInvest,  an  automatic
purchase  plan  which  provides  for  any  amount  from  $100  to  $5,000  to be
transferred automatically  from  a  checking or  savings  account  or  following
redemption  of shares  of a  Dean Witter money  market fund,  on a semi-monthly,
monthly or quarterly basis,  to the Transfer Agent  for investment in shares  of
the   Fund.  Shares   purchased  through  EasyInvest   will  be   added  to  the
shareholder's existing  account  at the  net  asset value  calculated  the  same
business  day the transfer of funds is effected (subject to any applicable sales
charges). Shares of the  Dean Witter money market  funds redeemed in  connection
with  EasyInvest  are redeemed  on the  business day  preceding the  transfer of
funds. For further information
 
                                       40
<PAGE>
or to subscribe to EasyInvest, shareholders should contact their account
executive or the Transfer Agent.
 
    INVESTMENT OF DIVIDENDS OR DISTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED IN CASH.  As discussed in
the Prospectus, any shareholder who receives a cash payment representing a
dividend or distribution may invest such dividend or distribution in shares of
the applicable Class at the net asset value per share, without the imposition
of a CDSC upon redemption, by returning the check or the proceeds to the
Transfer Agent within 30 days after the payment date. If the shareholder
returns the proceeds of a dividend or distribution, such funds must be
accompanied by a signed statement indicating that the proceeds constitute a
dividend or distribution to be invested. Such investment will be made at the net
asset value per share next determined after receipt of the check or proceeds by
the Transfer Agent.
 
    SYSTEMATIC WITHDRAWAL PLAN.  As discussed in the Prospectus, a systematic
withdrawal plan (the "Withdrawal Plan") is available for shareholders who own or
purchase shares of the Fund having a minimum value of $10,000 based upon the
then current net asset value. The Withdrawal Plan provides for monthly or
quarterly (March, June, September and December) checks in any dollar amount, not
less than $25, or in any whole percentage of the account balance, on an
annualized basis. Any applicable CDSC will be imposed on shares redeemed under
the Withdrawal Plan (see "Purchase of Fund Shares"). Therefore, any shareholder
participating in the Withdrawal Plan will have sufficient shares redeemed from
his or her account so that the proceeds (net of any applicable CDSC) to the
shareholder will be the designated monthly or quarterly amount.
 
    The Transfer Agent acts as agent for the shareholder in tendering to the
Fund for redemption sufficient full and fractional shares to provide the amount
of the periodic withdrawal payment designated in the application. The shares
will be redeemed at their net asset value determined, at the shareholder's
option, on the tenth or twenty-fifth day (or next following business day) of the
relevant month or quarter and normally a check for the proceeds will be mailed
by the Transfer Agent, or amounts credited to a shareholder's DWR brokerage
account, within five business days after the date of redemption. The Withdrawal
Plan may be terminated at any time by the Fund.
 
    Withdrawal Plan payments should not be considered as dividends, yields or
income. If Withdrawal Plan payments continuously exceed net investment income
and net capital gains, the shareholder's original investment will be
correspondingly reduced and ultimately exhausted.
 
    Each withdrawal constitutes a redemption of shares and any gain or loss
realized must be recognized for federal income tax purposes. Although the
shareholder may make additional investments of $2,500 or more under the
Withdrawal Plan, withdrawals made concurrently with purchases of additional
shares may be inadvisable because of sales charges which may be applicable to
purchases of redemptions of shares (see "Purchase of Fund Shares").
 
    Any shareholder who wishes to have payments under the Withdrawal Plan made
to a third party or sent to an address other than the one listed on the account
must send complete written instructions to the Transfer Agent to enroll in the
Withdrawal Plan. The shareholder's signature on such instructions must be
guaranteed by an eligible guarantor acceptable to the Transfer Agent
(shareholders should contact the Transfer Agent for a determination as to
whether a particular institution is such an eligible guarantor). A shareholder
may, at any time, change the amount and interval of withdrawal payments through
his or her DWR or other selected dealer account executive or by written
notification to the Transfer Agent. In addition, the party and/or the address to
which checks are mailed may be changed by written notification to the Transfer
Agent, with signature guarantees required in the manner described above. The
shareholder may also terminate the Withdrawal Plan at any time by written notice
to the Transfer Agent. In the event of such termination, the account will be
continued as a regular shareholder investment account. The shareholder may also
redeem all or part of the shares held in the Withdrawal Plan account (see
"Repurchases and Redemptions" in the Prospectus) at any time. Shareholders
wishing to enroll in the Withdrawal Plan should contact their account executive
or the Transfer Agent.
 
    DIRECT INVESTMENTS THROUGH TRANSFER AGENT.  As discussed in the Prospectus,
shareholders may make additional investments in any Class of shares of the Fund
for which they qualify at any time by sending a check in any amount, not less
than $100, payable to TCW/DW Latin American Growth Fund, and indicating the
 
                                       41
<PAGE>
selected Class, directly to the Fund's Transfer Agent. In the case of Class A
shares, after deduction of any applicable sales charge, the balance will be
applied to the purchase of Fund shares, and, in the case of shares of the other
Classes, the entire amount will be applied to the purchase of Fund shares, at
the net asset value per share next computed after receipt of the check or
purchase payment by the Transfer Agent. The shares so purchased will be credited
to the investor's account.
 
EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE
 
    As discussed in the Prospectus, the Fund makes available to its shareholders
an Exchange Privilege whereby shareholders of each Class of shares of the Fund
may exchange their shares for shares of the same Class of shares of any other
TCW/DW Multi-Class Fund without the imposition of any exchange fee. Shares may
also be exchanged for TCW/DW North American Government Income Trust and five
money market funds for which InterCapital serves as investment manager (the
foregoing six funds are hereinafter collectively referred to in this Section as
the "Exchange Funds"). Exchanges may be made after the shares of the fund
acquired by purchase (not by exchange or dividend reinvestment) have been held
for thirty days. There is no waiting period for exchanges of shares acquired by
exchange or dividend reinvestment. An exchange will be treated for federal
income tax purposes the same as a repurchase or redemption of shares, on which
the shareholder may realize a capital gain or loss.
 
    Shareholders utilizing the Fund's Exchange Privilege may subsequently
re-exchange such shares back to the Fund. However, no exchange privilege is
available between the Fund and any other fund managed by the Manager or
InterCapital,TCW/DW Funds and the five money market funds other than other
listed in the Prospectus.
 
    Any new account established through the Exchange Privilege will have the
same registration and cash dividend or dividend reinvestment plan as the present
account, unless the Transfer Agent receives written notification to the
contrary. For telephone exchanges, the exact registration of the existing
account and the account number must be provided.
 
    Any shares held in certificate form cannot be exchanged but must be
forwarded to the Transfer Agent and deposited into the shareholder's account
before being eligible for exchange. (Certificates mailed in for deposit should
not be endorsed.)
 
    As described below, and in the Prospectus under the caption "Purchase of
Fund Shares," a CDSC may be imposed upon a redemption, depending on a number of
factors, including the number of years from the time of purchase until the time
of redemption or exchange ("holding period"). When shares of a TCW/DW Multi-
Class Fund are exchanged for shares of an Exchange Fund, the exchange is
executed at no charge to the shareholder, without the imposition of the CDSC at
the time of the exchange. During the period of time the shareholder remains in
the Exchange Fund (calculated from the last day of the month in which shares
were acquired), the holding period or "year since purchase payment made" is
frozen. When shares are redeemed out of the Exchange Fund, they will be subject
to a CDSC which would be based upon the period of time the shareholder held
shares in a TCW/DW Multi-Class Fund. However, in the case of shares exchanged
into an Exchange Fund, upon a redemption of shares which results in a CDSC being
imposed, a credit (not to exceed the amount of the CDSC) will be given in an
amount equal to the Exchange Fund 12b-1 distribution fees which are attributable
to those shares. Shareholders acquiring shares of an Exchange Fund pursuant to
this exchange privilege may exchange those shares back into a TCW/DW Multi-Class
Fund from the Exchange Fund, with no charge being imposed on such exchange. The
holding period previously frozen when shares were first exchanged for shares of
an Exchange Fund resumes on the last day of the month in which shares of a
TCW/DW Multi-Class Fund are reacquired. A CDSC is imposed only upon an ultimate
redemption, based upon the time (calculated as described above) the shareholder
was invested in a CDSC Fund.
 
    When shares initially purchased in a TCW/DW Multi-Class Fund are exchanged
for shares of a TCW/DW Multi-Class Fund or shares of an Exchange Fund, the date
of purchase of the shares of the fund exchanged into, for purposes of the CDSC
upon redemption, will be the last day of the month in which the shares being
exchanged were originally purchased. In allocating the purchase payments between
funds for purposes of the CDSC the amount which represents the current net asset
value of shares at the time of the exchange which were (i) purchased more than
one, three or six years (depending on the CDSC schedule applicable to the
shares)
 
                                       42
<PAGE>
prior to the exchange and (ii) originally acquired through reinvestment of
dividends or distributions (all such shares called "Free Shares") will be
exchanged first. After an exchange, all dividends earned on shares in the
Exchange Fund will be considered Free Shares. If the exchanged amount exceeds
the value of such Free Shares, an exchange is made, on a block-by-block basis,
of non-Free Shares held for the longest period of time. Shares equal to any
appreciation in the value of non-Free Shares exchanged will be treated as Free
Shares, and the amount of the purchase payments for the non-Free Shares of the
fund exchanged into will be equal to the lesser of (a) the purchase payments
for, or (b) the current net asset value of, the exchanged non-Free Shares. If an
exchange between funds would result in exchange of only part of a particular
block of non-Free Shares, then shares equal to any appreciation in the value of
the block (up to the amount of the exchange) will be treated as Free Shares and
exchanged first, and the purchase payment for the block will be allocated on a
pro rata basis between the non-Free Shares of that block to be retained and the
non-Free Shares to be exchanged. The prorated amount of such purchase payment
attributable to the retained non-Free Shares will remain as the purchase payment
for such shares, and the amount of purchase payment for the exchanged non-Free
Shares will be equal to the lesser of (a) the prorated amount of the purchase
payment for, or (b) the current net asset value of, those exchanged non-Free
Shares. Based upon the procedures described in the Prospectus under the caption
"Purchase of Fund Shares," any applicable CDSC will be imposed upon the ultimate
redemption of shares of any fund, regardless of the number of exchanges since
those shares were originally purchased.
 
    With respect to the redemption or repurchase of shares of the Fund, the
application of proceeds to the purchase of new shares in the Fund or any other
of the funds and the general administration of the Exchange Privilege, the
Transfer Agent acts as agent for the Distributor and for the shareholder's
selected broker-dealer, if any, in the performance of such functions. With
respect to exchanges, redemptions or repurchases, the Transfer Agent shall be
liable for its own negligence and not for the default or negligence of its
correspondents or for losses in transit. The Fund shall not be liable for any
default or negligence of the Transfer Agent, the Distributor or any selected
broker-dealer.
 
    The Distributor and any selected broker-dealer have authorized and appointed
the Transfer Agent to act as their agent in connection with the application of
proceeds of any redemption of Fund shares to the purchase of shares of any other
fund and the general administration of the Exchange Privilege. No commission or
discounts will be paid to the Distributor or any selected broker-dealer for any
transactions pursuant to this Exchange Privilege.
 
    Exchanges are subject to the minimum investment requirement and any other
conditions imposed by each fund. (The minimum initial investment for the
Exchange Privilege account of each Class is $5,000 for Dean Witter Liquid Asset
Fund Inc., Dean Witter Tax-Free Daily Income Trust, Dean Witter New York
Municipal Money Market Trust and Dean Witter California Tax-Free Daily Income
Trust, although those funds may, at their discretion, accept initial investments
of as low as $1,000. The minimum initial investment for the Exchange Privilege
account of each Class for Dean Witter U.S. Government Money Market Trust and all
TCW/DW Funds is $1,000.) Upon exchange into an Exchange Fund, the shares of the
fund will be held in a special Exchange Privilege Account separately from
accounts of those shareholders who have acquired their shares directly from that
fund. As a result, certain services normally available to shareholders of money
market funds, including the check writing feature, will not be available for
funds held in that account.
 
    The Fund, each of the other TCW/DW Funds and and each of the money market
funds may limit the number of times this Exchange Privilege may be exercised by
any investor within a specified period of time. Also, the Exchange Privilege may
be terminated or revised at any time by the Fund and/or any of the funds for
which shares of the Fund have been exchanged, upon such notice as may be
required by applicable regulatory agencies (presently sixty days for termination
or material revision), provided that six months prior written notice of
termination will be given to the shareholders who hold shares of the Exchange
Funds, pursuant to this Exchange Privilege, and provided further that the
Exchange Privilege may be terminated or materially revised without notice at
times (a) when the New York Stock Exchange is closed for other than customary
weekends and holidays, (b) when trading on that Exchange is restricted, (c) when
an emergency exists as a result of which disposal by the Fund of securities
owned by it is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably practicable
for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets, (d) during any
other period when the Securities and Exchange Commission by order so permits
(provided that applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission
 
                                       43
<PAGE>
shall govern as to whether the conditions prescribed in (b) or (c) exist) or (e)
if the Fund would be unable to invest amounts effectively in accordance with its
investment objective, policies and restrictions.
 
    For further information regarding the Exchange Privilege, shareholders
should contact their DWR or other selected broker-dealer account executive or
the Transfer Agent.
 
REPURCHASES AND REDEMPTIONS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    REDEMPTION.  As stated in the Prospectus, shares of each Class of the Fund
can be redeemed for cash at any time at the net asset value per share next
determined; however, such redemption proceeds will be reduced by the amount of
any applicable CDSC. If shares are held in a shareholder's account without a
share certificate, a written request for redemption to the Fund's Transfer Agent
at P.O. Box 983, Jersey City, NJ 07303 is required. If certificates are held by
the shareholder, the shares may be redeemed by surrendering the certificates
with a written request for redemption. The share certificate, or an accompanying
stock power, and the request for redemption, must be signed by the shareholder
or shareholders exactly as the shares are registered. Each request for
redemption, whether or not accompanied by a share certificate, must be sent to
the Fund's Transfer Agent, which will redeem the shares at their net asset value
next computed (see "Purchase of Fund Shares") after it receives the request, and
certificate, if any, in good order. Any redemption request received after such
computation will be redeemed at the next determined net asset value. The term
'good order' means that the share certificate, if any, and request for
redemption are properly signed, accompanied by any documentation required by the
Transfer Agent, and bear signature guarantees when required by the Fund or the
Transfer Agent. If redemption is requested by a corporation, partnership, trust
or fiduciary, the Transfer Agent may require that written evidence of authority
acceptable to the Transfer Agent be submitted before such request is accepted.
 
    Whether certificates are held by the shareholder or shares are held in a
shareholder's account, if the proceeds are to be paid to any person other than
the record owner, or if the proceeds are to be paid to a corporation (other than
the Distributor or a selected broker-dealer for the account of the shareholder),
partnership, trust or fiduciary, or sent to the shareholder at an address other
than the registered address, signatures must be guaranteed by an eligible
guarantor acceptable to the Transfer Agent (shareholders should contact the
Transfer Agent for a determination as to whether a particular institution is
such an eligible guarantor). A stock power may be obtained from any dealer or
commercial bank. The Fund may change the signature guarantee requirements from
time to time upon notice to shareholders, which may be by means of a supplement
to the prospectus or a revised prospectus.
 
    REPURCHASE.  As stated in the Prospectus, DWR and other selected
broker-dealers are authorized to repurchase shares represented by a share
certificate which is delivered to any of their offices. Shares held in a
shareholder's account without a share certificate may also be repurchased by DWR
and other selected broker-dealers upon the telephonic request of the
shareholder. The repurchase price is the net asset value next computed after
such purchase order is received by DWR or other selected broker-dealer reduced
by any applicable CDSC.
 
    PAYMENT FOR SHARES REPURCHASED OR REDEEMED.  As discussed in the Prospectus,
payment for shares of any Class presented for repurchase or redemption will be
made by check within seven days after receipt by the Transfer Agent of the
certificate and/or written request in good order. Such payment may be postponed
or the right of redemption suspended at times (a) when the New York Stock
Exchange is closed for other than customary weekends and holidays, (b) when
trading on that Exchange is restricted, (c) when an emergency exists as a result
of which disposal by the Fund of securities owned by it is not reasonably
practicable or it is not reasonably practicable for the Fund fairly to determine
the value of its net assets, or (d) during any other period when the Securities
and Exchange Commission by order so permits; provided that applicable rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission shall govern as to whether
the conditions prescribed in (b) or (c) exist. If the shares to be redeemed have
recently been purchased by check, payment of the redemption proceeds may be
delayed for the minimum time needed to verify that the check used for investment
has been honored (not more than fifteen days from the time of receipt of the
check by the Transfer Agent). It has been and remains the Fund's policy and
practice that, if checks for redemption proceeds remain uncashed, no interest
 
                                       44
<PAGE>
will accrue on amounts represented by such uncashed checks. Shareholders
maintaining margin accounts with DWR or another selected broker-dealer are
referred to their account executive regarding restrictions on redemption of
shares of the Fund pledged in the margin account.
 
    TRANSFERS OF SHARES.  In the event a shareholder requests a transfer of any
shares to a new registration, such shares will be transferred without sales
change at the time of transfer. With regard to the status of shares which are
either subject to the CDSC or free of such charge (and with regard to the length
of time shares subject to the charge have been held), any transfer involving
less than all of the shares in an account will be made on a pro rata basis (that
is, by transferring shares in the same proportion that the transferred shares
bear to the total shares in the account immediately prior to the transfer). The
transferred shares will continue to be subject to any applicable CDSC as if they
had not been so transferred.
 
    REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE.  As discussed in the Prospectus, a shareholder who
has had his or her shares redeemed or repurchased and has not previously
exercised this reinstatement privilege may within 35 days after the date of
redemption or repurchase reinstate any portion of all of the proceeds of such
redemption or repurchase in shares of the Fund in the same Class at the net
asset value next determined after a reinstatement request, together with such
proceeds, is received by the Transfer Agent.
 
    Exercise of the reinstatement privilege will not affect the federal income
tax treatment of any gain or loss realized upon the redemption or repurchase,
except that if the redemption or repurchase, resulted in a loss and
reinstatement is made in shares of the Fund, some or all of the loss, depending
on the amount reinstated, will not be allowed as a deduction for federal income
tax purposes, but will be applied to adjust the cost basis of the shares
acquired upon reinstatement.
 
DIVIDENDS, DISTRIBUTIONS AND TAXES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    The Fund intends to continue to qualify and elect to be treated as a
regulated investment company for each taxable year under the Internal Revenue
Code of 1986 (the "Code"). To so qualify, the Fund must meet certain
requirements as to the nature of its income and the nature of its assets.
 
    As a regulated investment company, the Fund will not be subject to United
States federal income tax on its income that it distributes to its shareholders,
provided that an amount equal to at least 90% of its investment company taxable
income (i.e., 90% of its taxable income minus the excess, if any, of its net
realized long-term capital gains over its net realized short-term capital losses
(including any capital loss carryovers), plus or minus certain other adjustments
as specified in section 852 of the Code) for the taxable year is distributed,
but will be subject to tax at regular corporate rates on any income or gains
that it does not distribute. Furthermore, the Fund will be subject to a United
States corporate income tax with respect to such distributed amounts in any year
that it fails to qualify as a regulated investment company or fails to meet this
distribution requirement.
 
    Gains or losses on the Fund's transactions in certain listed options on
securities and on futures and options on futures traded on U.S. exchanges
generally are treated as 60% long-term gain or loss and 40% short-term gain or
loss. When the Fund engages in options and futures transactions, various tax
regulations applicable to the Fund may have the effect of causing the Fund to
recognize a gain or loss for tax purposes before that gain or loss is realized,
or to defer recognition of a realized loss for tax purposes. Recognition, for
tax purposes, of an unrealized loss may result in a lesser amount of the Fund's
realized net gains being available for distribution.
 
    As discussed in the Prospectus, the Fund will determine either to distribute
or to retain all or part of any net long-term capital gains in any year for
reinvestment. If any such gains are retained, the Fund expects to designate such
retained amounts as undistributed capital gains in a notice to its shareholders
who (a) will be required to include in income for United States federal income
tax purposes, as long-term capital gains, their proportionate shares of the
undistributed amount, (b) will be entitled to credit their proportionate shares
of the 35% tax paid by the Fund on the undistributed amount against their United
States federal income tax liabilities, if any, and to claim refunds to the
extent their credits exceed their liabilities, if any, and (c) will be entitled
to increase their tax basis, for United States federal income tax purposes, in
their shares by an amount equal to 65% of the amount of undistributed capital
gains included in the shareholder's income.
 
                                       45
<PAGE>
    Distributions of net long-term capital gains, if any, are taxable to
shareholders as long-term capital gains regardless of how long a shareholder has
held the Fund's shares and regardless of whether the distribution is received in
additional shares or in cash. Capital gains distributions are not eligible for
the dividends received deduction. It is expected that the Treasury will issue
regulations or other guidance to permit shareholders to take into account their
proportionate share of the Fund's capital gains distributions that will be
subject to a reduced rate under the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. The Taxpayer
Relief Act reduces the maximum tax on long-term capital gains from 28% to 20%;
however, it also lengthens the required holding period to obtain the lower rate
from more than 12 months to more than 18 months. The lower rates do not apply to
collectibles and certain other assets. Additionally, the maximum capital gain
rate for assets that are held more than five years and that are acquired after
December 31, 2000 is 18%.
 
    The Code imposes a 4% nondeductible excise tax on the Fund to the extent the
Fund does not distribute by the end of any calendar year at least 98% of its net
investment income for that year and 98% of the net amount of its capital gains
(both long- and short-term) for the one-year period ending, as a general rule,
on October 31 of that year. For this purpose, however, any income or gain
retained by the Fund that is subject to corporate income tax will be considered
to have been distributed by year-end. The Fund anticipates that it will pay such
dividends and will make such distributions as are necessary in order to avoid
the application of this tax.
 
    Any dividend or capital gains distribution received by a shareholder from
any investment company will have the effect of reducing the net asset value of
the shareholder's stock in that company by the exact amount of the dividend or
capital gains distribution. Furthermore, capital gains distributions and
dividends are subject to federal income taxes. If the net asset value of the
shares should be reduced below a shareholder's cost as a result of the payment
of dividends or the distribution of realized net long-term capital gains, such
payment or distribution would be in part a return of the shareholder's
investment to the extent of such reduction below the shareholder's cost, but
nonetheless would be fully taxable at either ordinary or capital gain rates.
Therefore, an investor should consider the tax implications of purchasing Fund
shares immediately prior to a dividend or distribution record date.
 
    Dividends, interest and capital gains received by the Fund may give rise to
withholding and other taxes imposed by foreign countries. Tax conventions
between certain countries and the United States may reduce or eliminate such
taxes. Investors may be entitled to claim United States foreign tax credits with
respect to such taxes, subject to certain provisions and limitations contained
in the Internal Revenue Code. If more than 50% of the Fund's total assets at the
close of its fiscal year consist of securities of foreign corporations, the Fund
would be eligible and would determine whether or not to file an election with
the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to which shareholders of the Fund will be
required to include their respective pro rata portions of such withholding taxes
in their United States income tax returns as gross income, treat such respective
pro rata portions as taxes paid by them, and deduct such respective pro rata
portions in computing their taxable income or, alternatively, use them as
foreign tax credits against their United States income taxes. If the Fund does
elect to file the election with the Internal Revenue Service, the Fund will
report annually to its shareholders the amount per share of such withholding.
 
    SPECIAL RULES FOR CERTAIN FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSACTIONS.  In general, gains
from foreign currencies and forward foreign exchange contracts relating to
investments in stock, securities or foreign currencies are currently considered
to be qualifying income for purposes of determining whether the Fund qualifies
as a regulated investment company. It is currently unclear, however, who will be
treated as the issuer of certain foreign currency instruments or how foreign
currency contracts will be valued for purposes of the regulated investment
company diversification requirements applicable to the Fund. Until such time as
these uncertainties are resolved, the Fund will utilize the more conservative,
or limiting, definition or approach with respect to determining permissible
investments in the Fund's portfolio.
 
    Under Code Section 988, special rules are provided for certain transactions
in a foreign currency other than the taxpayer's functional currency (I.E.,
unless certain special rules apply, currencies other than the U.S. dollar). In
general, foreign currency gains or losses from forward contracts will be treated
as ordinary income or loss under Code Section 988. Also, certain foreign
exchange gains or losses derived with respect to foreign fixed-income securities
are also subject to Section 988 treatment. In general, therefore, Code Section
988 gains
 
                                       46
<PAGE>
or losses will increase or decrease the amount of the Fund's investment company
taxable income available to be distributed to shareholders as ordinary income,
rather than increasing or decreasing the amount of the Fund's net capital gain.
Additionally, if Code Section 988 losses exceed other investment company taxable
income during a taxable year, the Fund would not be able to make any ordinary
dividend distributions.
 
    Exchange control regulations may restrict repatriations of investment income
and capital or the proceeds of securities sales by foreign investors such as the
Fund and may limit the Fund's ability to pay sufficient dividends and to make
sufficient distributions to satisfy the 90% and excise tax distribution
requirements.
 
    The Fund's transactions, if any, in foreign currencies, forward contracts,
options and futures contracts (including options and futures contracts on
foreign currencies) may be subject to special provisions of the Code that, among
other things, may affect the character of gains and losses realized by the Fund
(i.e., may affect whether gains or losses are ordinary or capital), accelerate
recognition of income to the Fund and defer Fund losses. These rules could
therefore affect the character, amount and timing of distributions to
shareholders. These rules also (a) could require the Fund to market-to-market
certain types of the positions in its portfolio (i.e., treat them as if they
were closed out) and (b) may cause the Fund to recognize income without
receiving cash with which to pay dividends or make distributions in amounts
necessary to satisfy the distribution requirements for avoiding income and
excise taxes.
 
    The Fund may be subject to taxes in foreign countries in which it invests.
If the Fund invests in an entity which is classified as a "passive foreign
investment company" ("PFIC") for U.S. tax purposes, the application of certain
technical tax provisions applying to such companies could result in the
imposition of federal income tax with respect to such investments at the Fund
level which could not be eliminated by distributions to shareholders. It is not
anticipated that any taxes on the Fund with respect to investments in PFICs
would be significant. Gain on the sale of such holdings will be deemed to be
ordinary income regardless of how long the Fund holds its shares. The Fund may
make an election to mark such investments to market at the close of its taxable
year and thus avoid imposition of tax.
 
    Shareholders receiving dividends or distributions in the form of additional
Fund shares should be treated for United States federal income tax purposes as
receiving a distribution in an amount equal to the amount of money that the
shareholders receiving cash dividends or distributions will receive, and should
have a cost basis in the shares received equal to such amount.
 
    Any loss realized on the redemption by a shareholder of his shares will be
disallowed to the extent the shares disposed of are replaced, including
replacement through the reinvesting of dividends and capital gains distributions
in the Fund, within a period (of 61 days) beginning 30 days before and ending 30
days after the disposition of the shares. In such a case, the basis of the
shares acquired will be increased to reflect the disallowed loss. Any loss
realized by a shareholder on the sale of a Fund share held by the shareholder
for six months or less will be treated for United States income tax purposes as
a long-term capital loss to the extent of any distributions or deemed
distributions of long-term capital gains received by the shareholder with
respect to such share.
 
    The foregoing discussion is a general summary of certain of the current
Federal income tax laws regarding the Fund and investors. The discussion does
not purport to deal with all of the Federal income tax consequences applicable
to the Fund, or to all categories of investors, some of which may be subject to
special rules. Investors should consult their own tax advisors regarding the
federal, state and local, and foreign tax consequences to them of investments in
shares of the Fund.
 
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    As discussed in the Prospectus, from time to time the Fund may quote its
"total return" in advertisements and sales literature. These figures are
computed separately for Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares. The Fund's
"average annual total return" represents an annualization of the Fund's total
return over a particular period and is computed by finding the annual percentage
rate which will result in the ending redeemable value of a hypothetical $1,000
investment made at the beginning of a one, five or ten year period, or for the
period from the date of commencement of the Fund's operations, if shorter than
any of the foregoing. The ending
 
                                       47
<PAGE>
redeemable value is reduced by any CDSC at the end of the one, five or ten year
or other period. For the purpose of this calculation, it is assumed that all
dividends and distributions are reinvested. The formula for computing the
average annual total return involves a percentage obtained by dividing the
ending redeemable value by the amount of the initial investment, taking a root
of the quotient (where the root is equivalent to the number of years in the
period) and subtracting 1 from the result. The average annual total returns of
Class B for the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998, for the five year period
ended January 31, 1998 and for the period from December 30, 1992 (commencement
of operations) through January 31, 1998 were 0.41%, 5.26% and 4.41%,
respectively.
 
    For periods of less than one year, the Fund quotes its total return on a
non-annualized basis. Accordingly, the Fund may compute its aggregate total
return for each of Class A, Class C and Class D for specified periods by
determining the aggregate percentage rate which will result in the ending value
of a hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the beginning of the period. For the
purpose of this calculation, it is assumed that all dividends and distributions
are reinvested. The formula for computing aggregate total return involves a
percentage obtained by dividing the ending value by the initial $1,000
investment and subtracting 1 from the result. The ending redeemable value is
reduced by any CDSC at the end of the period. Based on the foregoing
calculations, the total returns for the period July 28, 1997 through January 31,
1998 were -24.42%, -21.29% and -20.11% for Class A, Class C and Class D,
respectively.
 
    In addition to the foregoing, the Fund may advertise its total return for
each Class over different periods of time by means of aggregate, year-by-year or
other types of total return figures. Such calculations may or may not reflect
the imposition of the maximum front-end sales charge for Class A or the
deduction of the CDSC for each of Class B and Class C which, if reflected, would
reduce the performance quoted. For example, the average annual total return of
the Fund may be calculated in the manner described above, but without deduction
for any applicable contingent deferred sales charge. Based on this calculation,
the average annual total returns of Class B for the fiscal year ended January
31, 1998, for the five year period ended January 31, 1998 and for the period
from December 30, 1992 through January 31, 1998 were 5.41%, 5.58% and 4.58%,
respectively.
 
    In addition, the Fund may compute its aggregate total return for each Class
for specified periods by determining the aggregate percentage rate which will
result in the ending value of a hypothetical $1,000 investment made at the
beginning of the period. For the purpose of this calculation, it is assumed that
all dividends and distributions are reinvested. The formula for computing
aggregate total return involves a percentage obtained by dividing the ending
value (without the reduction for any sales charge) by the initial $1,000
investment and subtracting 1 from the result. Based on the foregoing
calculation, the total returns of Class B for the fiscal year ended January 31,
1998, for the five year period ended January 31, 1998 and for the period from
December 30, 1992 through January 31, 1998 were 5.41%, 31.22% and 25.58%,
respectively. Based on the foregoing calculations, the total returns for Class
A, Class C and Class D for the period July 28 through January 31, 1998 were
- -20.24%, -20.50% and -20.11%, respectively.
 
    The Fund may also advertise the growth of hypothetical investments of
$10,000, $50,000 and $100,000 in each Class of shares of the Fund by adding 1 to
the Fund's aggregate total return (expressed as a decimal and without reduction
for any contingent deferred sales charges) and multiplying by $9,475, $48,000
and $97,000 in the case of Class A (investments of $10,000, $50,000 or $100,000
adjusted for the initial sales charge), or by $10,000, $50,000 and $100,000 in
the case of each of Class B, Class C and Class D, as the case may be.
Investments of $10,000, $50,000 and $100,000 in each Class at inception of the
Class would have grown or declined to the following amounts at January 31, 1998:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    INVESTMENT AT INCEPTION OF:
                                                                       INCEPTION  --------------------------------
CLASS                                                                    DATE      $10,000    $50,000    $100,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------  ---------  ---------  ---------  ----------
<S>                                                                    <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Class A..............................................................    7/28/97  $   7,558  $  38,285  $   77,367
Class B..............................................................   12/30/92     12,558     62,790     125,580
Class C..............................................................    7/28/97      7,950     39,750      79,500
Class D..............................................................    7/28/97      7,989     39,945      79,890
</TABLE>
 
    The Fund from time to time may also advertise its performance relative to
certain performance rankings and indices compiled by independent organizations.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF SHARES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    The shareholders of the Fund are entitled to a full vote for each full share
held. The Trustees have been elected by InterCapital in September, 1992 as the
then sole shareholder of the Fund. The Trustees themselves have the power to
alter the number and the terms of office of the Trustees, and they may at any
time lengthen their own terms or make their terms of unlimited duration and
appoint their own successors, provided that always at least a majority of the
Trustees has been elected by the shareholders of the Fund. Under certain
circumstances the Trustees may be removed by action of the Trustees. The
shareholders also have the right to remove the Trustees following a meeting
called for that purpose requested in writing by the record holders of not less
than ten percent of the Fund's outstanding shares. The voting rights of
shareholders are not cumulative, so that holders of more than 50 percent of the
shares voting can, if they choose, elect all Trustees being selected, while the
holders of the remaining shares would be unable to elect any Trustees.
 
    The Declaration of Trust permits the Trustees to authorize the creation of
additional series of shares (the proceeds of which would be invested in
separate, independently managed portfolios) and additional classes of shares
within any series (which would be used to distinguish among the rights of
different categories of shareholders, as might be required by future regulations
or other unforeseen circumstances). The Trustees have not presently authorized
any such additional series or classes of shares other than as set forth in the
Prospectus.
 
    The Declaration of Trust provides that no Trustee, officer, employee or
agent of the Fund is liable to the Fund or to a shareholder, nor is any Trustee,
officer, employee or agent liable to any third persons in connection with the
affairs of the Fund, except as such liability may arise from his own bad faith,
willful misfeasance, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of his duties. It
also provides that all third persons shall look solely to the Fund's property
for satisfaction of claims arising in connection with the affairs of the Fund.
With the exceptions stated, the Declaration of Trust provides that a Trustee,
officer, employee or agent is entitled to be indemnified against all liabilities
in connection with the affairs of the Fund.
 
    The Fund is authorized to issue an unlimited number of shares of beneficial
interest. The Fund shall be of unlimited duration subject to the provisions of
the Declaration of Trust concerning termination by action of the shareholders.
 
CUSTODIAN AND TRANSFER AGENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    The Chase Manhattan Bank, One Chase Plaza, New York, New York 10005 is the
Custodian of the Fund's assets. The Chase Manhattan Bank has contracted with
various foreign banks and depositaries to hold securities of Latin American
issuers on behalf of the Fund. Any of the Fund's cash balances with the
Custodian in excess of $100,000 are unprotected by federal deposit insurance.
Such balances may, at times, be substantial.
 
    Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB ("MSDW Trust"), Harborside Financial
Center, Plaza Two, Jersey City, New Jersey 07311 is the Transfer Agent of the
Fund's shares and Dividend Disbursing Agent for payment of dividends and
distributions on Fund shares and Agent for shareholders under various investment
plans described herein. MSDW Trust is an affiliate of Dean Witter Services
Company Inc., the Fund's Manager, and of Dean Witter Distributors Inc., the
Fund's Distributor. As Transfer Agent and Dividend Disbursing Agent, MSDW
Trust's responsibilities include maintaining shareholder accounts, disbursing
cash dividends and reinvesting dividends, processing account registration
changes, handling purchase and redemption transactions, mailing prospectuses and
reports, mailing and tabulating proxies, processing share certificate
transactions, and maintaining shareholder records and lists. For these services
MSDW Trust receives a per shareholder account fee.
 
INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    Price Waterhouse LLP serves as the independent accountants of the Fund. The
independent accountants are responsible for auditing the annual financial
statements of the Fund.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>
REPORTS TO SHAREHOLDERS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    The Fund will send to shareholders, at least semi-annually, reports showing
the Fund's portfolio and other information. An annual report containing
financial statements audited by independent accountants will be sent to
shareholders each year.
 
    The Fund's fiscal year ends on January 31. The financial statements of the
Fund must be audited at least once a year by independent accountants whose
selection is made annually by the Fund's Board of Trustees.
 
LEGAL COUNSEL
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    Barry Fink, Esq., who is an officer and the General Counsel of the Manager,
is an officer and the General Counsel of the Fund.
 
EXPERTS
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    The financial statements of the Fund included in this Statement of
Additional Information and incorporated by reference into the Prospectus have
been so included and incorporated in reliance on the report of Price Waterhouse
LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm as experts in
auditing and accounting.
 
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
    This Statement of Additional Information and the Prospectus do not contain
all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement the Fund has
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The complete Registration
Statement may be obtained from the Securities and Exchange Commission upon
payment of the fee prescribed by the rules and regulations of the Commission.
 
                                       50
<PAGE>
TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
TO THE SHAREHOLDERS AND TRUSTEES
OF TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
 
In our opinion, the accompanying statement of assets and liabilities, including
the portfolio of investments, and the related statements of operations and of
changes in net assets and the financial highlights present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of TCW/DW Latin American Growth Fund
(the "Fund") at January 31, 1998, the results of its operations for the year
then ended, the changes in its net assets for each of the two years in the
period then ended and the financial highlights for each of the periods
presented, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These
financial statements and financial highlights (hereafter referred to as
"financial statements") are the responsibility of the Fund's management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We conducted our audits of these financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted auditing standards which require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates
made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits, which included confirmation of securities at January
31, 1998 by correspondence with the custodian and brokers and the application of
alternative auditing procedures where confirmations from brokers were not
received, provide a reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.
 
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
1177 AVENUE OF THE AMERICAS
NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10036
MARCH 13, 1998
 
                                       51
<PAGE>
TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS JANUARY 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          NUMBER OF
            SHARES                                                                                     VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                             <S>                                                                 <C>
                                COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCKS (97.7%)
                                ARGENTINA (12.2%)
                                BANKS
                       147,339  Banco de Galicia y Buenos Aires S.A. de C.V. (ADR)................  $  3,232,249
                       134,200  Banco Rio de la Plata S.A. (ADR)..................................     1,652,338
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                       4,884,587
                                                                                                    ------------
                                BREWERY
                       152,700  Quilmes Industrial S.A. (ADR).....................................     1,918,294
                                                                                                    ------------
                                FOOD, BEVERAGE, TOBACCO, & HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS
                       315,363  Molinos Rio de la Plata S.A. (Class B)*...........................       599,411
                                                                                                    ------------
                                MULTI-INDUSTRY
                     1,244,164  Perez Companc S.A. (Class B)......................................     8,177,183
                                                                                                    ------------
                                OIL & GAS
                       263,364  Yacimentos Petroliferos Fiscales S.A. (ADR).......................     8,016,142
                                                                                                    ------------
                                STEEL
                     1,396,570  Siderca S.A. (Class A)............................................     3,185,358
                                                                                                    ------------
                                TELECOMMUNICATIONS
                        72,103  Telecom Argentina Stet - France Telecom S.A. (Class B)............       449,368
                        52,140  Telecom Argentina Stet - France Telecom S.A. (ADR)................     1,635,893
                       133,735  Telefonica de Argentina S.A. (ADR)................................     4,630,574
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                       6,715,835
                                                                                                    ------------
 
                                TOTAL ARGENTINA...................................................    33,496,810
                                                                                                    ------------
 
                                BRAZIL (34.6%)
                                BANKING
                     2,495,156  Banco Itau S.A. (Pref.)+..........................................     1,362,004
                                                                                                    ------------
                                BREWERY
                     5,817,564  Companhia Cervejaria Brahma (Pref.)+*.............................     3,988,891
                                                                                                    ------------
                                BUILDING MATERIALS
                     3,469,000  Companhia Cimento Portland Itau (Pref.)+..........................       586,919
                                                                                                    ------------
 
<CAPTION>
          NUMBER OF
            SHARES                                                                                     VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                             <S>                                                                 <C>
                                ELECTRIC
                        56,500  Companhia Paranaense de Energia - Copel (ADR)+....................  $    678,000
                   152,900,000  Companhia Paranaense de Energia - Copel (Pref.)+..................     1,850,321
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                       2,528,321
                                                                                                    ------------
                                FINANCIAL SERVICES
                     5,008,300  Itausa Investimentos Itau S.A. (Pref.)+...........................     3,121,825
                                                                                                    ------------
                                METALS & MINING
                       266,358  Companhia Vale do Rio Doce S.A. 12/31/99 (Debentures)*............       --
                       269,258  Companhia Vale do Rio Doce S.A. (Pref.)+..........................     5,202,937
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                       5,202,937
                                                                                                    ------------
                                OIL & GAS
                    49,900,000  Petrobras Distribuidora S.A. (Pref.)+.............................       844,256
                    39,073,000  Petroleo Brasileiro S.A. (Pref.)+.................................     8,350,419
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                       9,194,675
                                                                                                    ------------
                                TELECOMMUNICATIONS
                        63,300  Telecomunicacoes Brasileiras S.A. (ADR)+..........................     7,026,300
                   239,383,140  Telecomunicacoes Brasileiras S.A. (Pref.)+........................    26,219,169
                    49,422,000  Telecomunicacoes Brasileiras S.A.+................................     4,532,917
                    17,663,300  Telecomunicacoes de Sao Paulo S.A. (Pref.)+*......................     5,111,976
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                      42,890,362
                                                                                                    ------------
                                TEXTILES
                     3,026,600  Empresa Nacional de Comercio Redito e Participacoes S.A.
                                  (Pref.)*........................................................         9,837
                                                                                                    ------------
                                UTILITIES - ELECTRIC
                    72,754,030  Centrais Electricas Brasileiras S.A. (Class B) (Pref.)+...........     3,271,664
                   102,223,380  Centrais Electricas Brasileiras S.A.+.............................     4,414,812
                        33,656  Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais S.A. (ADR) - 144A**+.........     1,312,584
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       52
<PAGE>
TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS JANUARY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          NUMBER OF
            SHARES                                                                                     VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                             <S>                                                                 <C>
                       185,725  Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais S.A. (Pref.) (ADR)+..........  $  7,243,275
                    80,971,000  Companhia Energetica de Minas Gerais S.A. (Pref.)+................     3,201,347
                    24,493,900  Light Participacoes S.A.+.........................................     4,580,338
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                      24,024,020
                                                                                                    ------------
                                WATER
                     9,790,000  Companhia de Saneamento Basico do Estado de Sao Paulo+............     1,891,745
                                                                                                    ------------
                                TOTAL BRAZIL......................................................    94,801,536
                                                                                                    ------------
 
                                CHILE (4.9%)
                                BANKS
                        76,350  Banco Santander Chile (ADR).......................................       916,200
                                                                                                    ------------
                                FOOD, BEVERAGE, TOBACCO, & HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS
                       112,340  Embotelladora Andina S.A. (Series A) (ADR)........................     2,246,800
                        73,140  Embotelladora Andina S.A. (Series B) (ADR)........................     1,289,092
                        58,400  Vina Concha Y Toro (ADR)..........................................     1,693,600
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                       5,229,492
                                                                                                    ------------
                                INVESTMENT COMPANIES
                        37,953  Genesis Chile Fund Ltd............................................     1,238,217
                       550,809  The Five Arrows Chile Investment Trust Ltd........................     1,184,239
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                       2,422,456
                                                                                                    ------------
                                TELECOMMUNICATIONS
                        88,145  Compania de Telecommunicaciones de Chile S.A. (ADR)...............     2,120,989
                                                                                                    ------------
                                UTILITIES - ELECTRIC
                        49,500  Chilectra S.A. (ADR) - 144A**.....................................     1,194,188
                        54,723  Enersis S.A. (ADR)................................................     1,446,739
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                       2,640,927
                                                                                                    ------------
 
                                TOTAL CHILE.......................................................    13,330,064
                                                                                                    ------------
 
<CAPTION>
          NUMBER OF
            SHARES                                                                                     VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                             <S>                                                                 <C>
 
                                COLOMBIA (3.2%)
                                BANKING
                       319,623  Banco de Bogota...................................................  $  1,475,531
                        59,000  Banco Industrial Colombiano S.A. (ADR)............................       704,313
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                       2,179,844
                                                                                                    ------------
                                BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
                       160,529  Compania de Cementos Argos S.A....................................       765,107
                                                                                                    ------------
                                FINANCIAL SERVICES
                       114,868  Compania Suramericana de Seguros S.A..............................     1,839,188
                       220,682  Valores Bavaria S.A.*.............................................       904,060
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                       2,743,248
                                                                                                    ------------
                                FOOD, BEVERAGE, TOBACCO, & HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS
                       220,682  Bavaria S.A.......................................................     1,495,536
                       149,299  Compania Nacional de Chocolates S.A...............................       922,835
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                       2,418,371
                                                                                                    ------------
                                RETAIL
                       193,527  Almacenes Exito S.A...............................................       533,252
                                                                                                    ------------
 
                                TOTAL COLOMBIA....................................................     8,639,822
                                                                                                    ------------
 
                                MEXICO (37.2%)
                                AUTOMOTIVE
                        56,440  Sanluis Corporacion S.A. de C.V. (Units)++........................       360,255
                                                                                                    ------------
                                BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION
                       132,900  Empresas ICA Sociedad Controladora S.A. de C.V. (ADR)*............     1,810,763
                                                                                                    ------------
                                BUILDING MATERIALS
                       667,400  Apasco S.A. de C.V................................................     4,338,889
                     1,893,200  Cemex S.A. de C.V. (B Shares).....................................     8,145,683
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                      12,484,572
                                                                                                    ------------
                                CONGLOMERATES
                     1,013,899  Grupo Carso S.A. de C.V. (Series A1)*.............................     5,944,372
                                                                                                    ------------
                                FINANCIAL SERVICES
                     1,006,688  Grupo Financiero Inbursa S.A. de C.V. (B Shares)..................     3,200,935
                                                                                                    ------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       53
<PAGE>
TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS JANUARY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          NUMBER OF
            SHARES                                                                                     VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                             <S>                                                                 <C>
                                FOOD, BEVERAGE, TOBACCO, & HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS
                       720,200  Fomento Economico Mexicano S.A. de C.V. (B Shares)................  $  4,673,638
                       482,900  Grupo Industrial Bimbo S.A. de C.V. (Series A)....................     4,737,672
                       636,100  Grupo Modelo S.A. de C.V. (Series C)..............................     5,188,050
                       107,400  Industrias Bachoco, S.A. (ADR)....................................     1,772,100
                        91,800  Panamerican Beverages, Inc. (Class A).............................     2,983,500
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                      19,354,960
                                                                                                    ------------
                                MEDIA GROUP
                       223,500  Grupo Televisa S.A. de C.V. (GDR)*................................     7,193,906
                                                                                                    ------------
                                MULTI-INDUSTRY
                       498,800  DESC S.A. de C.V. (Series B)......................................     3,626,028
                                                                                                    ------------
                                PAPER & FOREST PRODUCTS
                     2,436,100  Kimberly-Clark de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (A Shares)..................    10,524,758
                                                                                                    ------------
                                RETAIL
                     5,760,418  Cifra S.A. de C.V. (Series C).....................................     9,736,877
                     1,038,417  Cifra S.A. de C.V. (Series V).....................................     1,887,808
                       771,800  Organizacion Soriana S.A. de C.V. (Series B)......................     2,755,125
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                      14,379,810
                                                                                                    ------------
                                STEEL & IRON
                       244,844  Tubos de Acero de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (ADR)*......................     4,070,532
                                                                                                    ------------
                                TELECOMMUNICATIONS
                       381,173  Telefonos de Mexico S.A. de C.V. (Series L) (ADR).................    18,772,770
                                                                                                    ------------
 
                                TOTAL MEXICO......................................................   101,723,661
                                                                                                    ------------
 
<CAPTION>
          NUMBER OF
            SHARES                                                                                     VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                             <S>                                                                 <C>
 
                                PERU (3.4%)
                                BREWERY
                     1,909,060  Union de Cervecerias Peruanas Backus & Johnston S.A. (T Shares)...  $  1,636,730
                                                                                                    ------------
                                BUILDING MATERIALS
                       799,911  Cementos Lima, S.A................................................     1,579,075
                                                                                                    ------------
                                FINANCIAL SERVICES
                       100,028  Credicorp Ltd. (ADR)..............................................     1,737,986
                                                                                                    ------------
                                METALS & MINING
                        12,800  Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A. (ADR)*........................       152,000
                       228,930  Compania de Minas Buenaventura S.A. (B Shares)....................     1,344,222
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                       1,496,222
                                                                                                    ------------
                                TELECOMMUNICATIONS
                        12,100  CPT Telefonica del Peru S.A. (ADR)................................       237,463
                     1,354,220  CPT Telefonica del Peru S.A. (B Shares)...........................     2,658,681
                                                                                                    ------------
                                                                                                       2,896,144
                                                                                                    ------------
 
                                TOTAL PERU........................................................     9,346,157
                                                                                                    ------------
 
                                VENEZUELA (2.2%)
                                BANKING
                       261,280  Banco Provincial, S.A.............................................       440,287
                                                                                                    ------------
                                TELECOMMUNICATIONS
                        93,925  Compania Anonima Nacional Telefonos de Venezuela (ADR)*...........     3,451,744
                                                                                                    ------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       54
<PAGE>
TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
PORTFOLIO OF INVESTMENTS JANUARY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          NUMBER OF
            SHARES                                                                                     VALUE
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<C>                             <S>                                                                 <C>
                                UTILITIES - ELECTRIC
                     2,179,912  C.A. la Electricidad de Caracas S.A.C.A...........................  $  2,092,989
                                                                                                    ------------
                                TOTAL VENEZUELA...................................................     5,985,020
                                                                                                    ------------
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                        <C>     <C>
TOTAL COMMON AND PREFERRED STOCKS
(IDENTIFIED COST $208,492,116) (a).......................................................   97.7 %   267,323,070
 
CASH AND OTHER ASSETS IN EXCESS OF LIABILITIES...........................................    2.3       6,297,097
                                                                                           ------  -------------
 
NET ASSETS...............................................................................  100.0 % $ 273,620,167
                                                                                           ------  -------------
                                                                                           ------  -------------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------
 
ADR  American Depository Receipt.
GDR  Global Depository Receipt.
 *   Non-income producing security.
**   Resale is restricted to qualified institutional investors.
++   Consists of more than one class of securities traded together as a unit;
     common stocks with attached warrants.
 +   Some or all of these securities are segregated in connection with open
     forward foreign currency contracts.
(a)  The aggregate cost for federal income tax purposes approximates identified
     cost. The aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is $70,328,914 and the
     aggregate gross unrealized depreciation is $11,497,960, resulting in net
     unrealized appreciation of $58,830,954.
 
FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY CONTRACTS OPEN AT JANUARY 31, 1998:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CONTRACTS TO       IN       DELIVERY     UNREALIZED
  RECEIVE     EXCHANGE FOR    DATE      DEPRECIATION
- ------------------------------------------------------
<S>           <C>           <C>       <C>
$  2,316,880  MXN 19,670,310 02/02/98   $    (8,216)
$ 21,003,000  BRL 25,203,600 04/29/98      (690,579)
$  1,400,000  BRL  1,649,900 04/29/98       (20,124)
$ 21,003,000  BRL 25,203,600 04/30/98      (683,112)
                                      ----------------
      Total unrealized
      depreciation..................    $(1,402,031)
                                      ----------------
                                      ----------------
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       55
<PAGE>
TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS JANUARY 31, 1998
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          PERCENT OF
INDUSTRY                                                           VALUE                  NET ASSETS
<S>                                                         <C>                   <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Automotive................................................  $            360,255                       0.1  %
Banking...................................................             3,982,135                       1.5
Banks.....................................................             5,800,787                       2.1
Brewery...................................................             7,543,915                       2.8
Building & Construction...................................             2,575,870                       0.9
Building Materials........................................            14,650,566                       5.4
Conglomerates.............................................             5,944,372                       2.2
Electric..................................................             2,528,321                       0.9
Financial Services........................................            10,803,994                       3.9
Food, Beverage, Tobacco, & Household Products.............            27,602,234                      10.1
Investment Companies......................................             2,422,456                       0.9
Media Group...............................................             7,193,906                       2.6
Metals & Mining...........................................             6,699,159                       2.4
Multi-Industry............................................            11,803,211                       4.3
Oil & Gas.................................................            17,210,817                       6.3
Paper & Forest Products...................................            10,524,758                       3.8
 
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          PERCENT OF
INDUSTRY                                                           VALUE                  NET ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                         <C>                   <C>
Retail....................................................  $         14,913,062                       5.5  %
Steel.....................................................             3,185,358                       1.2
Steel & Iron..............................................             4,070,532                       1.5
Telecommunications........................................            76,847,844                      28.1
Textiles..................................................                 9,837                       0.0
Utilities - Electric......................................            28,757,936                      10.5
Water.....................................................             1,891,745                       0.7
                                                            --------------------                       ---
                                                            $        267,323,070                      97.7  %
                                                            --------------------                       ---
                                                            --------------------                       ---
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          PERCENT OF
TYPE OF INVESTMENT                                                 VALUE                  NET ASSETS
<S>                                                         <C>                   <C>
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stocks.............................................  $        196,958,230                      72.0  %
Preferred Stocks..........................................            70,364,840                      25.7
                                                            --------------------                       ---
                                                            $        267,323,070                      97.7  %
                                                            --------------------                       ---
                                                            --------------------                       ---
</TABLE>
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       56
<PAGE>
TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
JANUARY 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                             <C>
ASSETS:
Investments in securities, at value
  (identified cost $208,492,116)..............................................................  $267,323,070
Cash..........................................................................................     5,670,152
Receivable for:
    Investments sold..........................................................................     2,603,586
    Shares of beneficial interest sold........................................................     1,544,231
    Dividends.................................................................................        37,361
    Interest..................................................................................        26,245
Prepaid expenses..............................................................................        67,257
                                                                                                ------------
     TOTAL ASSETS.............................................................................   277,271,902
                                                                                                ------------
LIABILITIES:
Unrealized depreciation on forward foreign currency contracts.................................     1,402,031
Payable for:
    Investments purchased.....................................................................       818,422
    Shares of beneficial interest repurchased.................................................       619,559
    Plan of distribution fee..................................................................       240,509
    Management fee............................................................................       180,444
    Investment advisory fee...................................................................       120,296
Accrued expenses..............................................................................       270,474
                                                                                                ------------
     TOTAL LIABILITIES........................................................................     3,651,735
                                                                                                ------------
     NET ASSETS...............................................................................  $273,620,167
                                                                                                ------------
                                                                                                ------------
COMPOSITION OF NET ASSETS:
Paid-in-capital...............................................................................  $314,309,724
Net unrealized appreciation...................................................................    57,437,096
Accumulated net investment loss...............................................................      (733,256)
Accumulated net realized loss.................................................................   (97,393,397)
                                                                                                ------------
     NET ASSETS...............................................................................  $273,620,167
                                                                                                ------------
                                                                                                ------------
CLASS A SHARES:
Net Assets....................................................................................      $110,000
Shares Outstanding (UNLIMITED AUTHORIZED, $.01 PAR VALUE).....................................         9,058
     NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE................................................................        $12.14
                                                                                                ------------
                                                                                                ------------
     MAXIMUM OFFERING PRICE PER SHARE,
      (NET ASSET VALUE PLUS 5.54% OF NET
       ASSET VALUE)...........................................................................        $12.81
                                                                                                ------------
                                                                                                ------------
CLASS B SHARES:
Net Assets....................................................................................  $272,710,385
Shares Outstanding (UNLIMITED AUTHORIZED, $.01 PAR VALUE).....................................    22,551,545
     NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE................................................................        $12.09
                                                                                                ------------
                                                                                                ------------
CLASS C SHARES:
Net Assets....................................................................................      $791,780
Shares Outstanding (UNLIMITED AUTHORIZED, $.01 PAR VALUE).....................................        65,457
     NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE................................................................        $12.10
                                                                                                ------------
                                                                                                ------------
CLASS D SHARES:
Net Assets....................................................................................        $8,002
Shares Outstanding (UNLIMITED AUTHORIZED, $.01 PAR VALUE).....................................           658
     NET ASSET VALUE PER SHARE................................................................        $12.16
                                                                                                ------------
                                                                                                ------------
</TABLE>
 
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 1998*
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                              <C>
NET INVESTMENT INCOME:
 
INCOME
Dividends (net of $362,708 foreign withholding tax)............................................  $ 6,545,347
Interest.......................................................................................      381,957
                                                                                                 -----------
     TOTAL INCOME..............................................................................    6,927,304
                                                                                                 -----------
EXPENSES
Plan of distribution fee (Class A shares)......................................................          120
Plan of distribution fee (Class B shares)......................................................    3,189,480
Plan of distribution fee (Class C shares)......................................................        3,225
Management fee.................................................................................    2,394,923
Investment advisory fee........................................................................    1,596,615
Custodian fees.................................................................................      766,558
Transfer agent fees and expenses...............................................................      589,387
Foreign exchange provisional tax...............................................................      146,048
Shareholder reports and notices................................................................       82,959
Professional fees..............................................................................       69,149
Registration fees..............................................................................       55,375
Trustees' fees and expenses....................................................................       37,171
Organizational expenses........................................................................       35,803
Other..........................................................................................       19,176
                                                                                                 -----------
     TOTAL EXPENSES............................................................................    8,985,989
                                                                                                 -----------
     NET INVESTMENT LOSS.......................................................................   (2,058,685)
                                                                                                 -----------
NET REALIZED AND UNREALIZED GAIN (LOSS):
Net realized gain (loss) on:
    Investments................................................................................   26,074,858
    Foreign exchange transactions..............................................................     (129,279)
                                                                                                 -----------
     NET GAIN..................................................................................   25,945,579
                                                                                                 -----------
Net change in unrealized appreciation/ depreciation on:
    Investments................................................................................   (7,213,718)
    Translation of forward foreign currency contracts, other assets and liabilities denominated
      in foreign currencies....................................................................   (1,393,193)
                                                                                                 -----------
     NET DEPRECIATION..........................................................................   (8,606,911)
                                                                                                 -----------
     NET GAIN..................................................................................   17,338,668
                                                                                                 -----------
NET INCREASE...................................................................................  $15,279,983
                                                                                                 -----------
                                                                                                 -----------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------
 
 *   Class A, Class C and Class D shares were issued July 28, 1997.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       57
<PAGE>
TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS, CONTINUED
 
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 FOR THE YEAR         FOR THE YEAR
                                                                    ENDED                ENDED
                                                              JANUARY 31, 1998*     JANUARY 31, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>                  <C>
 
INCREASE (DECREASE) IN NET ASSETS:
 
OPERATIONS:
Net investment loss.........................................  $      (2,058,685)   $         (744,793)
Net realized gain (loss)....................................         25,945,579            (7,342,055)
Net change in unrealized appreciation/depreciation..........         (8,606,911)           57,021,883
                                                              ------------------   ------------------
 
     NET INCREASE...........................................         15,279,983            48,935,035
Net decrease from transactions in shares of beneficial
  interest..................................................        (12,503,040)          (39,157,667)
                                                              ------------------   ------------------
 
     NET INCREASE...........................................          2,776,943             9,777,368
 
NET ASSETS:
Beginning of period.........................................        270,843,224           261,065,856
                                                              ------------------   ------------------
 
     END OF PERIOD
    (INCLUDING ACCUMULATED NET INVESTMENT LOSSES OF $733,256
    AND $571,980, RESPECTIVELY).............................  $     273,620,167    $      270,843,224
                                                              ------------------   ------------------
                                                              ------------------   ------------------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------
 
 *   Class A, Class C and Class D shares were issued July 28, 1997.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                       58
<PAGE>
TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS JANUARY 31, 1998
 
1. ORGANIZATION AND ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
TCW/DW Latin American Growth Fund (the "Fund") is registered under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "Act"), as a non-diversified,
open-end management investment company. The Fund's investment objective is
long-term capital appreciation. The Fund seeks to achieve its objective by
investing primarily in equity securities of Latin American issuers. The Fund was
organized as a Massachusetts business trust on February 25, 1992 and commenced
operations on December 30, 1992. On July 28, 1997, the Fund commenced offering
three additional classes of shares, with the then current shares designated as
Class B shares.
 
The Fund offers Class A shares, Class B shares, Class C shares and Class D
shares. The four classes are substantially the same except that most Class A
shares are subject to a sales charge imposed at the time of purchase, some Class
A shares, and most Class B shares and Class C shares are subject to a contingent
deferred sales charge imposed on shares redeemed within one year, six years and
one year, respectively. Class D shares are not subject to a sales charge.
Additionally, Class A shares, Class B shares and Class C shares incur
distribution expenses.
 
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts and disclosures. Actual results could differ from
those estimates.
 
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies:
 
A. VALUATION OF INVESTMENTS -- (1) an equity security listed or traded on the
New York, American or other domestic or foreign stock exchange is valued at its
latest sale price on that exchange prior to the time when assets are valued; if
there were no sales that day, the security is valued at the latest bid price (in
cases where securities are traded on more than one exchange, the securities are
valued on the exchange designated as the primary market pursuant to procedures
adopted by the Trustees); (2) all other portfolio securities for which
over-the-counter market quotations are readily available are valued at the
latest available bid price prior to the time of valuation; (3) when market
quotations are not readily available, including circumstances under which it is
determined by TCW Funds Management, Inc. (the "Adviser") that sale or bid prices
are not reflective of a security's market value, portfolio securities are valued
at their fair value as determined in good faith under procedures established by
and under the general supervision of the Trustees (valuation of debt securities
for which market quotations are not readily available may be based upon current
market prices of securities which are comparable in coupon, rating and maturity
or an appropriate matrix utilizing similar factors); and (4) short-term debt
securities having a maturity date of more than sixty days at
 
                                       59
<PAGE>
TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS JANUARY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
 
time of purchase are valued on a mark-to-market basis until sixty days prior to
maturity and thereafter at amortized cost based on their value on the 61st day.
Short-term debt securities having a maturity date of sixty days or less at the
time of purchase are valued at amortized cost.
 
B. ACCOUNTING FOR INVESTMENTS -- Security transactions are accounted for on the
trade date (date the order to buy or sell is executed). Realized gains and
losses on security transactions are determined by the identified cost method.
Dividend income and other distributions are recorded on the ex-dividend date
except for certain dividends on foreign securities which are recorded as soon as
the Fund is informed after the ex-dividend date. Discounts are accreted over the
life of the respective securities. Interest income is accrued daily.
 
C. MULTIPLE CLASS ALLOCATIONS -- Investment income, expenses (other than
distribution fees), and realized and unrealized gains and losses are allocated
to each class of shares based upon the relative net asset value on the date such
items are recognized. Distribution fees are charged directly to the respective
class.
 
D. FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION -- The books and records of the Fund are
maintained in U.S. dollars as follows: (1) the foreign currency market value of
investment securities, other assets and liabilities and forward foreign currency
contracts are translated at the exchange rates prevailing at the end of the
period; and (2) purchases, sales, income and expenses are translated at the
exchange rates prevailing on the respective dates of such transactions. The
resultant exchange gains and losses are included in the Statement of Operations
as realized and unrealized gain/loss on foreign exchange transactions. Pursuant
to U.S. federal income tax regulations, certain foreign exchange gains/losses
included in realized and unrealized gain/loss are included in or are a reduction
of ordinary income for federal income tax purposes. The Fund does not isolate
that portion of the results of operations arising as a result of changes in the
foreign exchange rates from the changes in the market prices of the securities.
 
E. FORWARD CURRENCY CONTRACTS -- The Fund may enter into forward foreign
currency contracts which are valued daily at the appropriate exchange rates. The
resultant unrealized exchange gains and losses are included in the Statement of
Operations as unrealized foreign currency gain or loss. The Fund records
realized gains or losses on delivery of the currency or at the time the forward
contract is extinguished (compensated) by entering into a closing transaction
prior to delivery.
 
F. FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS -- It is the Fund's policy to comply with the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment
companies and to distribute all of its taxable income to its shareholders.
Accordingly, no federal income tax provision is required.
 
                                       60
<PAGE>
TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS JANUARY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
 
G. DIVIDENDS AND DISTRIBUTIONS TO SHAREHOLDERS -- The Fund records dividends and
distributions to its shareholders on the ex-dividend date. The amount of
dividends and distributions from net investment income and net realized capital
gains are determined in accordance with federal income tax regulations which may
differ from generally accepted accounting principles. These "book/tax"
differences are either considered temporary or permanent in nature. To the
extent these differences are permanent in nature, such amounts are reclassified
within the capital accounts based on their federal tax-basis treatment;
temporary differences do not require reclassification. Dividends and
distributions which exceed net investment income and net realized capital gains
for financial reporting purposes but not for tax purposes are reported as
dividends in excess of net investment income or distributions in excess of net
realized capital gains. To the extent they exceed net investment income and net
realized capital gains for tax purposes, they are reported as distributions of
paid-in-capital.
 
H. ORGANIZATIONAL EXPENSES -- Dean Witter InterCapital Inc. ("InterCapital"), an
affiliate of Dean Witter Services Company Inc. (the "Manager"), paid the
organizational expenses in the amount of approximately $244,000 of which
approximately $200,000 have been reimbursed. The balance has been absorbed by
InterCapital. Such expenses were fully amortized as of December 30, 1997.
 
2. MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT
 
Pursuant to a Management Agreement, the Fund pays the Manager a management fee,
accrued daily and payable monthly, by applying the following annual rates to the
net assets of the Fund determined as of the close of each business day: 0.75% to
the portion of daily net assets not exceeding $500 million and 0.72% to the
portion of the daily net assets exceeding $500 million.
 
Under the terms of the Management Agreement, the Manager maintains certain of
the Fund's books and records and furnishes, at its own expense, office space,
facilities, equipment, clerical, bookkeeping and certain legal services and pays
the salaries of all personnel, including officers of the Fund who are employees
of the Manager. The Manager also bears the cost of telephone services, heat,
light, power and other utilities provided to the Fund.
 
3. INVESTMENT ADVISORY AGREEMENT
 
Pursuant to an Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund pays the Adviser an
advisory fee, accrued daily and payable monthly, by applying the following
annual rates to the net assets of the Fund determined as of the close of each
business day: 0.50% to the portion of daily net assets not exceeding $500
million and 0.48% to the portion of the daily net assets exceeding $500 million.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>
TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS JANUARY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
 
Under the terms of the Investment Advisory Agreement, the Fund has retained the
Adviser to invest the Fund's assets, including placing orders for the purchase
and sale of portfolio securities. The Adviser obtains and evaluates such
information and advice relating to the economy, securities markets, and specific
securities as it considers necessary or useful to continuously manage the assets
of the Fund in a manner consistent with its investment objective. In addition,
the Adviser pays the salaries of all personnel, including officers of the Fund,
who are employees of the Adviser.
 
4. PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
Shares of the Fund are distributed by Dean Witter Distributors Inc. (the
"Distributor"), an affiliate of the Manager. The Fund has adopted a Plan of
Distribution (the "Plan") pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the Act. The Plan
provides that the Fund will pay the Distributor a fee which is accrued daily and
paid monthly at the following annual rates: (i) Class A -- up to 0.25% of the
average daily net assets of Class A; (ii) Class B -- 1.0% of the lesser of: (a)
the average daily aggregate gross sales of the Class B shares since the
inception of the Fund (not including reinvestment of dividend or capital gain
distributions) less the average daily aggregate net asset value of the Class B
shares redeemed since the Fund's inception upon which a contingent deferred
sales charge has been imposed or waived; or (b) the average daily net assets of
Class B; and (iii) Class C -- up to 1.0% of the average daily net assets of
Class C. In the case of Class A shares, amounts paid under the Plan are paid to
the Distributor for services provided. In the case of Class B and Class C
shares, amounts paid under the Plan are paid to the Distributor for services
provided and the expenses borne by it and others in the distribution of the
shares of these Classes, including the payment of commissions for sales of these
Classes and incentive compensation to, and expenses of, the account executives
of Dean Witter Reynolds Inc. ("DWR"), an affiliate of the Manager and
Distributor, and others who engage in or support distribution of the shares or
who service shareholder accounts, including overhead and telephone expenses;
printing and distribution of prospectuses and reports used in connection with
the offering of these shares to other than current shareholders; and
preparation, printing and distribution of sales literature and advertising
materials. In addition, the Distributor may utilize fees paid pursuant to the
Plan, in the case of Class B shares, to compensate DWR and other selected
broker-dealers for their opportunity costs in advancing such amounts, which
compensation would be in the form of a carrying charge on any unreimbursed
expenses.
 
In the case of Class B shares, provided that the Plan continues in effect, any
cumulative expenses incurred by the Distributor but not yet recovered may be
recovered through the payment of future distribution fees from the Fund pursuant
to the Plan and contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors upon
redemption of Class B shares. Although there is no legal obligation for the Fund
to
 
                                       62
<PAGE>
TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS JANUARY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
 
pay expenses incurred in excess of payments made to the Distributor under the
Plan and the proceeds of contingent deferred sales charges paid by investors
upon redemption of shares, if for any reason the Plan is terminated, the
Trustees will consider at that time the manner in which to treat such expenses.
The Distributor has advised the Fund that such excess amounts, including
carrying charges, totaled $20,353,215 at January 31, 1998.
 
In the case of Class A shares and Class C shares, expenses incurred pursuant to
the Plan in any calendar year in excess of 0.25% or 1.0% of the average daily
net assets of Class A or Class C, respectively, will not be reimbursed by the
Fund through payments in any subsequent year, except that expenses representing
a gross sales credit to account executives may be reimbursed in the subsequent
calendar year. For the period ended January 31, 1998, the distribution fee was
accrued for Class A shares and Class C shares at the annual rate of 0.25% and
1.0%, respectively.
 
The Distributor has informed the Fund that for the year ended January 31, 1998,
it received contingent deferred sales charges from certain redemptions of the
Fund's Class B shares and Class C shares of $1,105,599 and $339, respectively
and received approximately $6,000 in front-end sales charges from sales of the
Fund's Class A shares. The respective shareholders pay such charges which are
not an expense of the Fund.
 
5. SECURITY TRANSACTIONS AND TRANSACTION WITH AFFILIATES
 
The cost of purchases and proceeds from sales of portfolio securities, excluding
short-term investments, for the year ended January 31, 1998 aggregated
$92,188,514 and $107,843,981, respectively.
 
For the period May 31, 1997 through January 31, 1998, the Fund incurred
brokerage commissions of $3,901 with Morgan Stanley & Co., Inc., an affiliate of
the Manager since May 31, 1997, for portfolio transactions executed on behalf of
the Fund.
 
Dean Witter Trust FSB, an affiliate of the Manager and Distributor, is the
Fund's transfer agent. At January 31, 1998, the Fund had transfer agent fees and
expenses payable of approximately $6,000.
 
                                       63
<PAGE>
TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS JANUARY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
 
6. SHARES OF BENEFICIAL INTEREST
 
Transactions in shares of beneficial interest were as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           FOR THE YEAR                  FOR THE YEAR
                                                                              ENDED                         ENDED
                                                                         JANUARY 31, 1998              JANUARY 31, 1997
                                                                   ----------------------------   --------------------------
                                                                     SHARES          AMOUNT         SHARES         AMOUNT
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
<S>                                                                <C>           <C>              <C>           <C>
CLASS A SHARES*
Sold.............................................................       10,002   $      142,946       --             --
Redeemed.........................................................         (944)         (11,957)      --             --
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
Net increase - Class A...........................................        9,058          130,989       --             --
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
 
CLASS B SHARES
Sold.............................................................    5,890,546       80,346,802     2,700,960   $ 27,087,984
Redeemed.........................................................   (6,955,022)     (93,949,547)   (6,631,601)   (66,245,651)
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
Net decrease - Class B...........................................   (1,064,476)     (13,602,745)   (3,930,641)   (39,157,667)
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
 
CLASS C SHARES*
Sold.............................................................       72,243        1,050,903       --             --
Redeemed.........................................................       (6,786)         (92,205)      --             --
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
Net increase - Class C...........................................       65,457          958,698       --             --
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
 
CLASS D SHARES*
Sold.............................................................          658           10,018       --             --
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
 
Net decrease in Fund.............................................     (989,303)  $  (12,503,040)   (3,930,641)  $(39,157,667)
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
                                                                   -----------   --------------   -----------   ------------
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------
 
 *   For the period July 28, 1997 (issue date) through January 31, 1998.
 
7. FEDERAL INCOME TAX STATUS
 
During the year ended January 31, 1998, the Fund utilized approximately
$24,442,000 of its net capital loss carryover. At January 31, 1998, the Fund had
a net capital loss carryover of approximately $93,089,000 of which $73,250,000
will be available through January 31, 2004 and $19,839,000 will be available
through January 31, 2005 to offset future capital gains to the extent provided
by regulations.
 
Foreign currency losses incurred after October 31 ("post-October" losses) within
the taxable year are deemed to arise on the first business day of the Fund's
next taxable year. The Fund incurred and will elect to defer net foreign
currency losses of approximately $2,102,000 during fiscal 1998.
 
As of January 31, 1998, the Fund had temporary book/tax differences primarily
attributable to capital loss deferrals on wash sales, mark-to-market of open
forward foreign currency exchange contracts and post-October losses. The Fund
had permanent book/tax differences primarily attributable to foreign currency
losses, a net operating loss and tax adjustments on passive foreign investment
 
                                       64
<PAGE>
TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS JANUARY 31, 1998, CONTINUED
 
companies sold by the Fund. To reflect reclassifications arising from the
permanent differences, paid-in-capital was charged $1,520,555, accumulated net
realized loss was charged $376,854 and accumulated net investment loss was
credited $1,897,409.
 
8. PURPOSES OF AND RISKS RELATING TO CERTAIN FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
The Fund may enter into forward foreign currency contracts ("forward contracts")
to facilitate settlement of foreign currency denominated portfolio transactions
or to manage foreign currency exposure associated with foreign currency
denominated securities.
 
Forward contracts involve elements of market risk in excess of the amounts
reflected in the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. The Fund bears the risk of
an unfavorable change in foreign exchange rates underlying the forward
contracts. Risks may also arise upon entering into these contracts from the
potential inability of the counterparties to meet the terms of their contracts.
 
At January 31, 1998, there were outstanding forward contracts used to facilitate
settlement of foreign currency denominated portfolio transactions and forward
contracts used to manage foreign currency exposure.
 
At January 31, 1998, the Fund's cash balance consisted principally of interest
bearing deposits with Chase Manhattan N.A., the Fund's custodian.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>
TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
 
Selected ratios and per share data for a share of beneficial interest
outstanding throughout each period:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            FOR THE
                                                                             PERIOD
                                                                            DECEMBER
                                                                           30, 1992*
                              FOR THE YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31,                THROUGH
                  -------------------------------------------------------   JANUARY
                   1998**++     1997       1996        1995       1994     31, 1993++
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<S>               <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
CLASS B SHARES
 
PER SHARE
OPERATING
PERFORMANCE:
 
Net asset value,
 beginning of
 period.......... $   11.47   $   9.48   $   9.35   $   16.05   $   9.56   $   10.00
                  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ----------
 
Net investment
 loss............     (0.09)     (0.04)     (0.06)      (0.17)     (0.04)      (0.01)
 
Net realized and
 unrealized gain
 (loss)..........      0.71       2.03       0.19       (6.21)      6.68       (0.43)
                  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ----------
 
Total from
 investment
 operations......      0.62       1.99       0.13       (6.38)      6.64       (0.44)
                  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ----------
 
Less
 distributions
 from net
 realized gain...    --          --         --          (0.32)     (0.15)     --
                  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ----------
 
Net asset value,
 end of period... $   12.09   $  11.47   $   9.48   $    9.35   $  16.05   $    9.56
                  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ----------
                  ----------  ---------  ---------  ----------  ---------  ----------
 
TOTAL INVESTMENT
RETURN+..........      5.41%     20.99%      1.39%     (40.12)%    69.49%      (4.30)%(1)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE
NET ASSETS:
Expenses.........      2.81%      2.78%      2.98%       2.87%      2.89%       3.08% (2)
 
Net investment
 loss............     (0.64)%    (0.29)%    (0.61)%     (1.46)%    (0.90)%     (1.08)%(2)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end
 of period, in
 thousands.......   $272,710   $270,843   $261,066    $294,774   $325,956   $ 69,611
 
Portfolio
 turnover rate...        30%        29%        64%        145%       111%          1%(1)
 
Average
 commission rate
 paid............  $ 0.0006   $ 0.0002      --         --          --         --
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------
 
 *   Commencement of operations.
**   Prior to July 28, 1997, the Fund issued one class of shares. All Shares of
     the Fund held prior to that date have been designated Class B shares.
++   The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
     outstanding during the period.
 +   Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net
     asset value as of the last business day of the period.
(1)  Not annualized.
(2)  Annualized.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                       66
<PAGE>
TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, CONTINUED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         FOR THE PERIOD
                                                                         JULY 28, 1997*
                                                                            THROUGH
                                                                          JANUARY 31,
                                                                             1998++
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                                     <C>
CLASS A SHARES
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period..................................      $ 15.22
                                                                             ------
Net investment loss...................................................        (0.07)
Net realized and unrealized loss......................................        (3.01)
                                                                             ------
Total from investment operations......................................        (3.08)
                                                                             ------
Net asset value, end of period........................................      $ 12.14
                                                                             ------
                                                                             ------
 
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+..............................................       (20.24)%(1)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses..............................................................         2.15% (2)
Net investment loss...................................................        (1.04)%(2)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands...............................         $110
Portfolio turnover rate...............................................           30%
Average commission rate paid..........................................          $ 0.0006
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                                     <C>
CLASS C SHARES
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
Net asset value, beginning of period..................................      $ 15.22
                                                                             ------
Net investment loss...................................................        (0.12)
Net realized and unrealized loss......................................        (3.00)
                                                                             ------
Total from investment operations......................................        (3.12)
                                                                             ------
Net asset value, end of period........................................      $ 12.10
                                                                             ------
                                                                             ------
 
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+..............................................       (20.50)%(1)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses..............................................................         2.91% (2)
Net investment loss...................................................        (1.76)%(2)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands...............................         $792
Portfolio turnover rate...............................................           30%
Average commission rate paid..........................................          $ 0.0006
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------
 
 *   The date shares were first issued.
++   The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
     outstanding during the period.
 +   Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net
     asset value as of the last business day of the period.
(1)  Not annualized.
(2)  Annualized.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                       67
<PAGE>
TCW/DW LATIN AMERICAN GROWTH FUND
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS, CONTINUED
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         FOR THE PERIOD
                                                                         JULY 28, 1997*
                                                                            THROUGH
                                                                          JANUARY 31,
                                                                             1998++
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
<S>                                                                     <C>
CLASS D SHARES
 
PER SHARE OPERATING PERFORMANCE:
 
Net asset value, beginning of period..................................      $ 15.22
                                                                             ------
 
Net investment loss...................................................        (0.04)
 
Net realized and unrealized loss......................................        (3.02)
                                                                             ------
 
Total from investment operations......................................        (3.06)
                                                                             ------
 
Net asset value, end of period........................................      $ 12.16
                                                                             ------
                                                                             ------
 
TOTAL INVESTMENT RETURN+..............................................       (20.11)%(1)
 
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS:
Expenses..............................................................         1.86% (2)
 
Net investment loss...................................................        (0.52)%(2)
 
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA:
Net assets, end of period, in thousands...............................           $8
 
Portfolio turnover rate...............................................           30%
 
Average commission rate paid..........................................          $ 0.0006
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------------
 
 *   The date shares were first issued.
++   The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
     outstanding during the period.
 +   Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of the
     period.
(1)  Not annualized.
(2)  Annualized.
 
                       SEE NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
                                       68
<PAGE>
                            COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
 
    Moody's Commercial Paper ratings are opinions of the ability to repay
punctually promissory obligations not having an original maturity in excess of
nine months. The ratings apply to Municipal Commercial Paper as well as taxable
Commercial Paper. Moody's employs the following three designations, all judged
to be investment grade, to indicate the relative repayment capacity of rated
issuers: Prime-1, Prime-2, Prime-3.
 
    Issuers rated Prime-1 have a superior capacity for repayment of short-term
promissory obligations. Issuers rated Prime-2 have a strong capacity for
repayment of short-term promissory obligations; and Issuers rated Prime-3 have
an acceptable capacity for repayment of short-term promissory obligations.
Issuers rated Not Prime do not fall within any of the Prime rating categories.
 
STANDARD & POOR'S CORPORATION ("STANDARD & POOR'S")
 
                         FIXED-INCOME SECURITY RATINGS
 
    A Standard & Poor's fixed-income security rating is a current assessment of
the creditworthiness of an obligor with respect to a specific obligation. This
assessment may take into consideration obligors such as guarantors, insurers, or
lessees.
 
    The ratings are based on current information furnished by the issuer or
obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it considers reliable. The
ratings are based, in varying degrees, on the following considerations: (1)
likelihood of default-capacity and willingness of the obligor as to the timely
payment of interest and repayment of principal in accordance with the terms of
the obligation; (2) nature of and provisions of the obligation; and (3)
protection afforded by, and relative position of, the obligation in the event of
bankruptcy, reorganization or other arrangement under the laws of bankruptcy and
other laws affecting creditors' rights.
 
    Standard & Poor's does not perform an audit in connection with any rating
and may, on occasion, rely on unaudited financial information. The ratings may
be changed, suspended or withdrawn as a result of changes in, or unavailability
of, such information, or for other reasons.
 
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>
AAA        Fixed-income securities rated "AAA" have the highest rating assigned by Standard &
           Poor's. Capacity to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.
 
AA         Fixed-income securities rated "AA" have a very strong capacity to pay interest and
           repay principal and differs from the highest-rated issues only in small degree.
 
A          Fixed-income securities 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 fixed-income securities in
           higher-rated categories.
 
BBB        Fixed-income securities rated "BBB" are regarded as having an adequate capacity to
           pay interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
           parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more likely
           to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
           fixed-income securities in this category than for fixed-income securities in
           higher-rated categories.
 
           Fixed-income securities rated AAA, AA, A and BBB are considered investment grade.
 
BB         Fixed-income securities rated "BB" have less near-term vulnerability to default
           than other speculative grade fixed-income securities. However, it faces major
           ongoing uncertainties or exposure to adverse business, financial or economic
           conditions which could lead to inadequate capacity or willingness to pay interest
           and repay principal.
 
B          Fixed-income securities rated "B" have a greater vulnerability to default but
           presently has the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments
           Adverse business, financial or economic conditions would likely impair capacity or
           willingness to pay interest and repay principal.
</TABLE>
 
                                       69
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>
CCC        Fixed-income securities rated "CCC" have a current identifiable vulnerability to
           default, and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic
           conditions to meet timely payments of interest and repayments of principal. In the
           event of adverse business, financial or economic conditions, it is not likely to
           have the capacity to pay interest and repay principal.
 
CC         The rating "CC" is typically applied to fixed-income securities subordinated to
           senior debt which is assigned an actual or implied "CCC" rating.
 
C          The rating "C" is typically applied to fixed-income securities subordinated to
           senior debt which is assigned an actual or implied "CCC-" rating.
 
CI         The rating "CI" is reserved for fixed-income securities on which no interest is
           being paid.
 
NR         Indicates that no rating has been requested, that there is insufficient
           information on which to base a rating or that Standard & Poor's does not rate a
           particular type of obligation as a matter of policy.
 
           Fixed-income securities rated "BB", "B", "CCC", "CC" and "C" are regarded as
           having predominantly speculative characteristics with respect to capacity to pay
           interest and repay principal. "BB" indicates the least degree of speculation and
           "C" the highest degree of speculation. While such fixed-income securities will
           likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are outweighed by
           large uncertainties or major risk exposures to adverse conditions.
 
           Plus (+) or minus (-): The rating from "AA" to "CCC" may be modified by the
           addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing with the major ratings
           categories.
</TABLE>
 
                            COMMERCIAL PAPER RATINGS
 
    Standard and Poor's commercial paper rating is a current assessment of the
likelihood of timely payment of debt having an original maturity of no more than
365 days. The commercial paper rating is not a recommendation to purchase or
sell a security. The ratings are based upon current information furnished by the
issuer or obtained by Standard & Poor's from other sources it considers
reliable. The ratings may be changed, suspended, or withdrawn as a result of
changes in or unavailability of such information. Ratings are graded into group
categories, ranging from "A" for the highest quality obligations to "D" for the
lowest. Ratings are applicable to both taxable and tax-exempt commercial paper.
The categories are as follows:
 
    Issues assigned A ratings are regarded as having the greatest capacity for
timely payment. Issues in this category are further refined with the designation
1, 2, and 3 to indicate the relative degree of safety.
 
<TABLE>
<S>        <C>
A-1        indicates that the degree of safety regarding timely payment is very strong.
 
A-2        indicates capacity for timely payment on issues with this designation is strong.
           However, the relative degree of safety is not as overwhelming as for issues
           designated "A-1."
 
A-3        indicates a satisfactory capacity for timely payment. Obligations carrying this
           designation are, however, somewhat more vulnerable to the adverse effects of changes
           in circumstances than obligations carrying the higher designations.
</TABLE>
 
                                       70


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