VAN KAMPEN SERIES FUND INC
497, 2000-11-01
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<PAGE>

                                   VAN KAMPEN
                              EUROPEAN EQUITY FUND

Van Kampen European Equity Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term
capital appreciation. Under normal market conditions, the Fund's investment
adviser seeks to achieve the Fund's investment objective by investing primarily
in a portfolio of equity securities of European issuers based on individual
stock selection.

Shares of the Fund have not been approved or disapproved by the Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) or any state regulator, and neither the SEC nor any
state regulator has passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

                   THIS PROSPECTUS IS DATED OCTOBER 27, 2000

                                     [LOGO]
<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

   Risk/Return Summary .....................................................3
   Fees and Expenses of the Fund ...........................................5
   Investment Objective, Policies and Risks ................................6
   Investment Advisory Services ...........................................11
   Purchase of Shares .....................................................13
   Redemption of Shares ...................................................20
   Distributions from the Fund ............................................22
   Shareholder Services ...................................................22
   Federal Income Taxation ................................................24
   Financial Highlights ...................................................26

No dealer, salesperson or any other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations, other than those contained in this
prospectus, in connection with the offer contained in this prospectus and, if
given or made, such other information or representations must not be relied upon
as having been authorized by the Fund, the Fund's investment adviser or the
Fund's distributor. This prospectus does not constitute an offer by the Fund or
by the Fund's distributor to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of
the securities offered hereby in any jurisdiction to any person to whom it is
unlawful for the Fund to make such an offer in such jurisdiction.
<PAGE>
                              RISK/RETURN SUMMARY

                              INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
The Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation.

                             INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
Under normal market conditions, the Fund's investment adviser seeks to achieve
the Fund's investment objective by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity
securities of European issuers based on individual stock selection. The Fund's
investment adviser uses a bottom-up, value-driven approach to investing that
seeks to identify securities that it believes are undervalued relative to their
market values and other financial measurements with an emphasis on cash flow and
the intrinsic value of company assets. Portfolio securities are typically sold
when they reach the investment adviser's fair value target or reappraised fair
value. Equity securities include common and preferred stocks, convertible
securities, rights and warrants to purchase common stock and depositary
receipts. Under normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 65% of its
total assets in equity securities of European issuers. The Fund may purchase and
sell certain derivative instruments, such as options, futures, options on
futures and currency-related transactions involving options, futures, forward
contracts and swaps, for various portfolio management purposes.

                                INVESTMENT RISKS
An investment in the Fund is subject to risks, and you could lose money on your
investment in the Fund. There can be no assurance that the Fund will achieve its
investment objective.

MARKET RISK. Market risk is the possibility that the market values of securities
owned by the Fund will decline. Market risk may affect a single issuer,
industry, sector of the economy or the market as a whole. Investments in common
stocks and other equity securities generally are affected by changes in the
stock markets, which fluctuate substantially over time, sometimes suddenly and
sharply. Foreign markets may, but often do not, move in tandem with U.S.
markets, and foreign markets, especially developing or emerging market
countries, may be more volatile than U.S. markets. Thus, the value of the Fund's
investments will vary and at times may be lower or higher than that of other
types of investments. During an overall stock market decline, stock prices of
small- or medium-sized companies (in which the Fund may invest) often fluctuate
more and may fall more than stock prices of larger companies.

FOREIGN RISKS AND EUROPEAN REGION RISKS. Because the Fund owns securities of
foreign issuers, it is subject to risks not usually associated with owning
securities of U.S. issuers. These risks include fluctuations in foreign
currencies, foreign currency exchange controls, political and economic
instability, differences in financial reporting, differences in securities
regulation and trading and foreign taxation issues. The risks of investing in
developing or emerging market countries (in which the Fund may invest) are
greater than the risks generally associated with foreign investments, including
investment and trading limitations, greater credit and liquidity concerns,
greater political uncertainties, an economy's dependence on international trade
or development assistance, greater foreign currency exchange risks and currency
transfer restrictions, and greater delays and disruptions in settlement
transactions. Because the Fund's investments are focused in a single region, its
portfolio is more susceptible to factors adversely affecting issuers located in
that region than a more geographically diverse portfolio of investments.

RISKS OF USING DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS. In general terms, a derivative instrument
is one whose value depends on (or is derived from) the value of an underlying
asset, interest rate or index. Options, futures, options on futures and
currency-related transactions involving options, futures, forward contracts and
swaps are examples of derivative instruments. Derivative instruments involve
risks different from direct investments in underlying securities. These risks
include imperfect correlation between the value of the instruments and the
underlying assets; risks of default by the other party to certain transactions;
risks that the transactions may result in losses that partially or completely
offset gains in portfolio positions; and risks that the transactions may not be
liquid.

MANAGER RISK. As with any managed fund, the Fund's investment adviser may not be
successful in selecting the best-performing securities or investment techniques,
and the Fund's performance may lag behind that of similar funds.

                                       3
<PAGE>
                                INVESTOR PROFILE
In light of the Fund's investment objective and strategies, the Fund may be
appropriate for investors who:

- Seek capital appreciation over the long term

- Do not seek current income from their investment

- Are willing to take on the increased risks associated with investing in
  foreign securities from countries in a single region

- Can withstand substantial volatility in the value of their Fund shares

- Wish to add to their investment portfolio a fund that invests primarily in
  equity securities of European issuers

An investment in the Fund is not a deposit of any bank or other insured
depository institution. An investment in the Fund is not insured or guaranteed
by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

An investment in the Fund may not be appropriate for all investors. The Fund is
not intended to be a complete investment program, and investors should consider
their long-term investment goals and financial needs when making an investment
decision about the Fund. An investment in the Fund is intended to be a long-term
investment, and the Fund should not be used as a trading vehicle.

                               ANNUAL PERFORMANCE
One way to measure the risks of investing in the Fund is to look at how its
performance has varied from year-to-year. The following chart shows the annual
returns of the Fund's Class A Shares over the one calendar year prior to the
date of this prospectus. Sales loads are not reflected in this chart. If these
sales loads had been included, the return shown below would have been lower.
Remember that the past performance of the Fund is not indicative of its future
performance.

EDGAR REPRESENTATION OF DATA POINTS USED IN PRINTED GRAPHIC

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ANNUAL RETURN
<S>            <C>
1999           10.10%
</TABLE>

The Fund's return for the nine-month period ended September 30, 2000 was -2.94%.
As a result of market activity, current performance may vary from the figures
shown.

The annual return variability of the Fund's Class B Shares and Class C Shares
would be substantially similar to that shown for the Class A Shares because all
of the Fund's shares are invested in the same portfolio of securities; however,
the actual annual returns of the Class B Shares and Class C Shares would be
lower than the annual returns shown for the Fund's Class A Shares because of
differences in the expenses borne by each class of shares.

During the one-year period shown in the bar chart, the highest quarterly return
for Class A Shares was 8.69% (for the quarter ended December 31, 1999) and the
lowest quarterly return for Class A Shares was -3.72% (for the quarter ended
March 31, 1999).

                            COMPARATIVE PERFORMANCE
As a basis for evaluating the Fund's performance and risks, the table below
shows how the Fund's performance compares with the Morgan Stanley Capital
International ("MSCI") Europe Index*, a broad-based market index that the Fund's
investment adviser believes is an appropriate index for the Fund. The Fund's
performance figures listed below include the maximum sales charges paid by
investors. The index's performance figures do not include commissions or sales
charges that would be paid by investors purchasing the securities represented by
the index. An investment cannot be made directly in the index. Average annual
total returns are shown for the periods ended December 31, 1999 (the most
recently

                                       4
<PAGE>
completed calendar year prior to the date of this prospectus). Remember that the
past performance of the Fund is not indicative of its future performance.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE ANNUAL
TOTAL RETURNS
FOR THE PERIODS ENDED                               PAST            SINCE
DECEMBER 31, 1999                                  1 YEAR         INCEPTION
<S>                                            <C>              <C>
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Van Kampen European Equity Fund
-- Class A Shares                                        3.73%           9.23%(1)
MSCI Europe Index                                       15.89%          29.09%(2)
 .............................................................................
Van Kampen European Equity Fund
-- Class B Shares                                        4.27%          10.63%(1)
MSCI Europe Index                                       15.89%          29.09%(2)
 .............................................................................
Van Kampen European Equity Fund
-- Class C Shares                                        8.19%          13.46%(1)
MSCI Europe Index                                       15.89%          29.09%(2)
 .............................................................................
INCEPTION DATES: (1) 9/25/98, (2) 9/30/98.
* MSCI EUROPE INDEX MEASURES THE PERFORMANCE OF SECURITIES WITH REINVESTED
  DIVIDENDS ON THE EXCHANGES OF EUROPEAN COUNTRIES.
</TABLE>

                               FEES AND EXPENSES
                                  OF THE FUND
This table describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you buy and
hold shares of the Fund.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                           CLASS A     CLASS B     CLASS C
                            SHARES      SHARES      SHARES
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                        <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
SHAREHOLDER FEES
(FEES PAID DIRECTLY FROM YOUR INVESTMENT)
---------------------------------------
Maximum sales charge
(load) imposed on
purchases (as a
percentage of
offering price)              5.75%(1)     None        None
 ......................................................................
Maximum deferred
sales charge (load)
(as a percentage of
the lesser of
original purchase
price or redemption
proceeds)                     None(2)    5.00%(3)    1.00%(4)
 ......................................................................
Maximum sales charge
(load) imposed on
reinvested dividends          None        None        None
 ......................................................................
Redemption fee                None        None        None
 ......................................................................
Exchange fee                  None        None        None
 ......................................................................
</TABLE>

ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
(EXPENSES THAT ARE DEDUCTED FROM FUND ASSETS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

<S>                        <C>         <C>         <C>
-----------------------------------------------------------
Management fees(5)           1.00%       1.00%       1.00%
 ..........................................................
Distribution and/or
service (12b-1)
fees(6)                      0.25%       1.00%(7)    1.00%(7)
 ..........................................................
Other expenses(5)            2.55%       2.55%       2.55%
 ..........................................................
Total annual fund
operating expenses(5)        3.80%       4.55%       4.55%
 ..........................................................
</TABLE>

(1) REDUCED FOR PURCHASES OF $50,000 AND OVER. SEE "PURCHASE OF SHARES --
    CLASS A SHARES."
(2) INVESTMENTS OF $1 MILLION OR MORE ARE NOT SUBJECT TO ANY SALES CHARGE AT
    THE TIME OF PURCHASE, BUT A DEFERRED SALES CHARGE OF 1.00% MAY BE IMPOSED
    ON CERTAIN REDEMPTIONS MADE WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE PURCHASE. SEE "PURCHASE
    OF SHARES -- CLASS A SHARES."
(3) THE MAXIMUM DEFERRED SALES CHARGE IS 5.00% IN THE FIRST YEAR AFTER
    PURCHASE, DECLINING THEREAFTER AS FOLLOWS:

                          YEAR 1-5.00%
                          YEAR 2-4.00%
                          YEAR 3-3.00%
                          YEAR 4-2.50%
                          YEAR 5-1.50%
                           AFTER-NONE

    SEE "PURCHASE OF SHARES -- CLASS B SHARES."
(4) THE MAXIMUM DEFERRED SALES CHARGE IS 1.00% IN THE FIRST YEAR AFTER PURCHASE
    AND 0.00% THEREAFTER. SEE "PURCHASE OF SHARES -- CLASS C SHARES."
(5) THE FUND'S INVESTMENT ADVISER IS CURRENTLY WAIVING OR REIMBURSING A PORTION
    OF THE FUND'S MANAGEMENT FEES AND OTHER EXPENSES SUCH THAT THE ACTUAL TOTAL
    ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES WERE 1.70% FOR CLASS A SHARES, 2.45% FOR
    CLASS B SHARES AND 2.45% FOR CLASS C SHARES FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED
    JUNE 30, 2000. THE FEE WAIVERS OR EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS CAN BE TERMINATED
    AT ANY TIME.
(6) CLASS A SHARES ARE SUBJECT TO AN ANNUAL SERVICE FEE OF UP TO 0.25% OF THE
    AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS ATTRIBUTABLE TO SUCH CLASS OF SHARES. CLASS B
    SHARES AND CLASS C SHARES ARE EACH SUBJECT TO A COMBINED ANNUAL
    DISTRIBUTION AND SERVICE FEE OF UP TO 1.00% OF THE AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS
    ATTRIBUTABLE TO SUCH CLASS OF SHARES. SEE "PURCHASE OF SHARES."
(7) BECAUSE DISTRIBUTION AND/OR SERVICE (12b-1) FEES ARE PAID OUT OF THE FUND'S
    ASSETS ON AN ONGOING BASIS, OVER TIME THESE FEES WILL INCREASE THE COST OF
    YOUR INVESTMENT AND MAY COST YOU MORE THAN PAYING OTHER TYPES OF SALES
    CHARGES.

                                       5
<PAGE>
EXAMPLE:

The following example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in
the Fund with the costs of investing in other mutual funds.

The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund for the time periods
indicated and then redeem all of your shares at the end of those periods. The
example also assumes that your investment has a 5% return each year and that the
Fund's operating expenses remain the same each year (except for the ten-year
amounts for Class B Shares which reflect the conversion of Class B Shares to
Class A Shares after eight years). Although your actual costs may be higher or
lower, based on these assumptions your costs would be:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         ONE       THREE       FIVE       TEN
                         YEAR      YEARS      YEARS      YEARS
----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Class A Shares          $  935     $1,669     $2,420     $4,379
 ...............................................................
Class B Shares          $  956     $1,674     $2,451     $4,503*
 ...............................................................
Class C Shares          $  556     $1,374     $2,301     $4,654
 ...............................................................
</TABLE>

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

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         ONE       THREE       FIVE       TEN
                         YEAR      YEARS      YEARS      YEARS
----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>
Class A Shares          $  935     $1,669     $2,420     $4,379
 ...............................................................
Class B Shares          $  456     $1,374     $2,301     $4,503*
 ...............................................................
Class C Shares          $  456     $1,374     $2,301     $4,654
 ...............................................................
</TABLE>

* BASED ON CONVERSION TO CLASS A SHARES AFTER EIGHT YEARS.

                             INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE,
                               POLICIES AND RISKS

The Fund's investment objective is to seek long-term capital appreciation. Any
income received from the investment of portfolio securities is incidental to the
Fund's investment objective. The Fund's investment objective is a fundamental
policy and may not be changed without shareholder approval of a majority of the
Fund's outstanding voting securities, as defined in the Investment Company Act
of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). There are risks inherent in all
investments in securities; accordingly there can be no assurance that the Fund
will achieve its investment objective.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund's investment adviser seeks to achieve
the Fund's investment objective by investing primarily in a portfolio of equity
securities of European issuers based on individual stock selection. European
issuers include issuers from Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Italy,
Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and the United Kingdom and issuers located in
the developing or emerging market countries of Europe. The Fund's investments in
equity securities include common and preferred stocks, convertible securities,
rights and warrants to purchase common stock and depositary receipts. Under
normal market conditions, the Fund invests at least 65% of its total assets in
equity securities of European issuers.

Under normal market conditions, the Fund's investment adviser selects securities
from a universe of all listed European companies. The Fund's investment process
is value-driven and based on individual stock selection. In assessing investment
opportunities, the Fund's investment adviser considers value criteria with an
emphasis on cash flow and the intrinsic value of company assets. Securities
which appear undervalued according to these criteria are then subjected to
in-depth fundamental analysis. The Fund's investment adviser conducts a thorough
investigation of the issuer's balance sheet, cash flow and income statement and
assesses the company's business franchise, including product competitiveness,
market positioning and industry structure. The Fund's investment adviser makes
company visits, reviews the quality of management and considers meetings with
senior company management as a factor in the investment process.

While the Fund is not subject to any specific geographic diversification
requirements, it currently intends to diversify investments among European
countries. To the extent the Fund focuses more of its assets in a single
country, it will be more susceptible to factors adversely affecting issuers in
that country. Investments will be made primarily in equity securities of
companies domiciled in developed countries, but may be made in the securities of

                                       6
<PAGE>
companies in developing or emerging market countries as well. Securities in
developing or emerging market countries may not be as liquid as those in
developed markets and pose greater risks. Although the Fund intends to invest
primarily in securities listed on stock exchanges, it will also invest in
securities traded in over-the-counter markets. Unlisted securities may not be as
liquid as listed securities and pose greater risks to the Fund. The Fund will
not, in normal circumstances, invest in the equity securities of U.S. issuers.
Because of the Fund's policy of concentrating its investments in a single
region, it is more susceptible than a fund without such a policy to any single
economic, political or regulatory occurrence affecting issuers located in that
region.

The Fund invests primarily in common stocks. Common stocks are shares of a
corporation or other entity that entitle the holder to a pro rata share of the
profits of the corporation, if any, without preference over any other class of
securities, including such entity's debt securities, preferred stock and other
senior equity securities. Common stock usually carries with it the right to vote
and frequently an exclusive right to do so.

While the Fund invests primarily in common stocks, the Fund also may invest in
other equity securities including preferred stocks, convertible securities,
warrants or rights to purchase common stock and depositary receipts. Preferred
stock generally has a preference as to dividends and liquidation over an
issuer's common stock but ranks junior to debt securities in an issuer's capital
structure. Unlike interest payments on debt securities, preferred stock
dividends are payable only if declared by the issuer's board of directors.
Preferred stock also may be subject to optional or mandatory redemption
provisions. The ability of common stocks and preferred stocks to generate income
is dependent on the earnings and continuing declaration of dividends by the
issuers of such securities.

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 or other equity security of the same or a different issuer or into
cash within a particular period of time at a specified price or formula. A
convertible security generally entitles the holder to receive interest paid or
accrued on debt or the dividend paid on preferred stock until the convertible
security matures or is redeemed, converted or exchanged. Before conversion,
convertible securities generally have characteristics similar to both debt and
equity securities. The value of convertible securities tends to decline as
interest rates rise and, because of the conversion feature, tends to vary with
fluctuations in the market value of the underlying equity securities.
Convertible securities generally rank senior to common stock in a corporation's
capital structure but are usually subordinated to comparable nonconvertible
securities. Convertible securities generally do not participate directly in any
dividend increases or decreases of the underlying equity securities although the
market prices of convertible securities may be affected by any such dividend
changes or other changes in the underlying equity securities.

Rights and warrants entitle the holder to buy equity securities at a specific
price for a specific period of time. Rights typically have a substantially
shorter term than do warrants. Rights and warrants may be considered more
speculative and less liquid than certain other types of investments in that they
do not entitle a holder to dividends or voting rights with respect to the
underlying securities nor do they represent any right in the assets of the
issuing company. Rights and warrants may lack a secondary market.

The Fund may invest in securities of certain issuers indirectly through
investments in other investment companies. Such investments are commonly used
when direct investments in certain countries are not permitted by foreign
investors. Investments in other investment companies may involve duplication of
management fees and certain other expenses.

The Fund may invest in small-, medium- or large-sized companies. The securities
of small- or medium-sized companies may be subject to more abrupt or erratic
market movements than securities of larger-sized companies or the market
averages in general. In addition, such companies typically are subject to a
greater degree of change in earnings and business prospects than are larger
companies. Thus, to the extent the Fund invests in small- and medium-sized
companies, the Fund may be subject to greater investment risk than that assumed
through

                                       7
<PAGE>
investment in the equity securities of larger companies.

                        RISKS OF INVESTING IN SECURITIES
                               OF FOREIGN ISSUERS
The Fund invests in securities of foreign issuers. Securities of foreign issuers
may be denominated in U.S. dollars or in currencies other than U.S. dollars. The
percentage of assets invested in securities of a particular country or
denominated in a particular currency will vary in accordance with the investment
adviser's assessment of the relative yield, appreciation potential and the
relationship of a country's currency to the U.S. dollar, which is based upon
such factors as fundamental economic strength, credit quality and interest rate
trends. Investments in foreign securities present certain risks not ordinarily
associated with investments in securities of U.S. issuers. These risks include
fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, political, economic or legal
developments (including war or other instability, expropriation of assets,
nationalization and confiscatory taxation), the imposition of foreign exchange
limitations (including currency blockage), withholding taxes on income or
capital transactions or other restrictions, higher transaction costs (including
higher brokerage, custodial and settlement costs and currency conversion costs)
and possible difficulty in enforcing contractual obligations or taking judicial
action. Foreign securities may not be as liquid and may be more volatile than
comparable domestic securities.

In addition, there often is less publicly available information about many
foreign issuers, and issuers of foreign securities are subject to different,
often less comprehensive, auditing, accounting and financial reporting
disclosure requirements than domestic issuers. There is generally less
government regulation of stock exchanges, brokers and listed companies abroad
than in the United States, and, with respect to certain foreign countries, there
is a possibility of expropriation or confiscatory taxation, or diplomatic
developments which could affect investment in those countries. Because there is
usually less supervision and governmental regulation of foreign exchanges,
brokers and dealers than there is in the United States, the Fund may experience
settlement difficulties or delays not usually encountered in the United States.

Delays in making trades in foreign securities relating to volume constraints,
limitations or restrictions, clearance or settlement procedures, or otherwise
could impact returns and result in temporary periods when assets of the Fund are
not fully invested or attractive investment opportunities are foregone.

The Fund may invest in securities of issuers in developing or emerging market
countries. Investments in securities of issuers in developing or emerging market
countries are subject to greater risks than investments in securities of
developed countries since emerging market countries tend to have economic
structures that are less diverse and mature and political systems that are less
stable than developed markets. Emerging market countries may be more likely to
experience political turmoil or rapid changes in economic conditions than more
developed countries and the financial condition of issuers in emerging market
countries may be more precarious than in other countries.

In addition to the increased risks of investing in foreign securities, there are
often increased transaction costs associated with investing in foreign
securities, including the costs incurred in connection with converting
currencies, higher foreign brokerage or dealer costs, and higher settlement
costs or custodial costs.

Since the Fund invests in securities denominated or quoted in currencies other
than the U.S. dollar, the Fund will be affected by changes in foreign currency
exchange rates (and exchange control regulations) which affect the value of
investments in the Fund and the accrued income and appreciation or depreciation
of the investments. Changes in foreign currency exchange ratios relative to the
U.S. dollar will affect the U.S. dollar value of the Fund's assets denominated
in that currency and the Fund's return on such assets as well as any temporary
uninvested reserves in bank deposits in foreign currencies. In addition, the
Fund will incur costs in connection with conversions between various currencies.

The Fund may purchase and sell foreign currency on a spot (i.e., cash) basis in
connection with the settlement of transactions in securities traded in such
foreign currency. The Fund also may enter into contracts with banks, brokers or
dealers to purchase

                                       8
<PAGE>
or sell securities or foreign currencies at a future date ("forward contracts").
A foreign currency forward contract is a negotiated agreement between the
contracting parties to exchange a specified amount of currency at a specified
future time at a specified rate. The rate can be higher or lower than the spot
rate between the currencies that are the subject of the contract.

The Fund may attempt to protect against adverse changes in the value of the U.S.
dollar in relation to a foreign currency by entering into a forward contract for
the purchase or sale of the amount of foreign currency invested or to be
invested, or by buying or selling a foreign currency option or futures contract
for such amount. Such strategies may be employed before the Fund purchases a
foreign security traded in the currency which the Fund anticipates acquiring or
between the date the foreign security is purchased or sold and the date on which
payment therefor is made or received. Seeking to protect against a change in the
value of a foreign currency in the foregoing manner does not eliminate
fluctuations in the prices of portfolio securities or prevent losses if the
prices of such securities decline. Furthermore, such transactions reduce or
preclude the opportunity for gain if the value of the currency should move in
the direction opposite to the position taken. Unanticipated changes in currency
prices may result in poorer overall performance for the Fund than if it had not
entered into such contracts.

Investors should consider carefully the risks of foreign investments before
investing in the Fund.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING INVESTING IN EUROPEAN ISSUERS. Many European
countries have adopted or are in the process of adopting a single European
currency, commonly referred to as the "euro." The long-term consequences of the
euro conversion on foreign exchange rates, interest rates and the value of
European securities, all of which may adversely affect the Fund, are still
uncertain.

Governments across Europe have initiated major privatization programs shifting a
greater share of economic activity into the more efficient private sector.
Private companies have sought quotation, following the need to compete in the
capital markets, as much as in the market place for their products and services.
To achieve a high rating on their equity, companies need to produce transparent
accounts, communicate effectively with their shareholders and manage their
businesses and assets to their shareholders' advantage. The restructuring,
management incentives and rationalization of companies has led to lower wage
structures and greater flexibility. This has enabled European companies to match
the competitive cost environment of developing economies.

                             DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
The Fund may, but is not required to, use various investment strategic
transactions described below to earn income, facilitate portfolio management and
mitigate risks. Although the Fund's investment adviser seeks to use the
practices to further the Fund's investment objective, no assurance can be given
that these practices will achieve this result.

The Fund may purchase and sell derivative instruments such as exchange-listed
and over-the-counter put and call options on securities, financial futures,
equity, fixed-income and interest rate indices, and other financial instruments,
futures contracts and options thereon (including but not limited to securities
index futures, foreign currency exchange futures, interest rate futures and
other financial futures), structured notes, swaps, caps, floors or collars and
enter into various currency transactions such as currency forward contracts,
currency futures contracts, currency swaps or options on currency or currency
futures. In addition, the Fund may invest in other derivative instruments that
are developed over time if their use would be consistent with the objective of
the Fund. Collectively, all of the above are referred to as "Strategic
Transactions." The Fund generally seeks to use Strategic Transactions as a
portfolio management or hedging technique to seek to protect against possible
adverse changes in the market value of securities held in or to be purchased for
the Fund's portfolio, protect the Fund's unrealized gains, facilitate the sale
of certain securities for investment purposes, protect against changes in
currency exchange rates or to adjust the exposure to a particular currency,
manage the effective maturity or duration of the Fund's portfolio, establish
positions in the derivatives markets as a substitute for purchasing or selling
particular securities, including, for example, when the Fund adjusts its
exposure to a market in

                                       9
<PAGE>
response to changes in investment strategy, when doing so provides more
liquidity than the direct purchase of the securities underlying such
derivatives, when the Fund is restricted from directly owning the underlying
securities due to foreign investment restrictions or other reasons, or when
doing so provides a price advantage over purchasing the underlying securities
directly, either because of a pricing differential between the derivatives and
securities markets or because of lower transaction costs associated with the
derivatives transaction. The Fund may invest up to 33 1/3% of its total assets
in Strategic Transactions for non-hedging purposes (measured by the aggregate
notional amount of outstanding derivatives). In addition, the Fund may invest up
to 20% of its total assets in futures contracts and options on futures contracts
(measured by the aggregate notional amount of such outstanding contracts).

Strategic Transactions have risks including the imperfect correlation between
the value of such instruments and the underlying assets, the possible default of
the other party to the transaction or illiquidity of the derivative instruments.
Furthermore, the ability to successfully use Strategic Transactions depends on
the ability of the Fund's investment adviser to predict pertinent market
movements, which cannot be assured. Thus, the use of Strategic Transactions may
result in losses greater than if they had not been used, may require the Fund to
sell or purchase portfolio securities at inopportune times or for prices other
than current market values, may limit the amount of appreciation the Fund can
otherwise realize on an investment, or may cause the Fund to hold a security
that it might otherwise sell. The use of currency transactions can result in the
Fund incurring losses because of the imposition of exchange controls, suspension
of settlements or the inability of the Fund to deliver or receive a specified
currency. In addition, amounts paid as premiums or cash or other assets held in
margin accounts with respect to Strategic Transactions are not otherwise
available to the Fund for investment purposes.

When conducted outside the United States, Strategic Transactions may not be
regulated as rigorously as in the United States, may not involve a clearing
mechanism and related guarantees, and are subject to the risk of governmental
actions affecting trading in, or the prices of, foreign securities, currencies
and other instruments. The value of such positions also could be adversely
affected by: (i) other complex foreign political, legal and economic factors,
(ii) lesser availability than in the United States of data on which to make
trading decisions, (iii) delays in the Fund's ability to act upon economic
events occurring in foreign markets during non-business hours in the United
States, (iv) the imposition of different exercise and settlement terms and
procedures and margin requirements than in the United States and (v) lower
trading volume and liquidity.

A more complete discussion of Strategic Transactions and their risks is
contained in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information. The Statement of
Additional Information can be obtained by investors free of charge as described
on the back cover of this prospectus.

                       OTHER INVESTMENTS AND RISK FACTORS
For cash management purposes, the Fund may engage in repurchase agreements with
broker-dealers, banks and other financial institutions to earn a return on
temporarily available cash. Such transactions are subject to the risk of default
by the other party.

The Fund may lend its portfolio securities in an amount up to 33 1/3% of its
total assets to broker-dealers, banks or other institutional borrowers of
securities. The Fund may incur lending fees and other costs in connection with
securities lending, and securities lending is subject to the risk of default by
the other party.

The Fund may invest up to 15% of the Fund's net assets in illiquid securities
and certain restricted securities. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Fund may
not invest more than 10% of its total assets in securities subject to legal or
contractual restrictions on resale. Such securities may be difficult or
impossible to sell at the time and the price that the Fund would like. Thus, the
Fund may have to sell such securities at a lower price, sell other securities
instead to obtain cash or forego other investment opportunities.

Further information about these types of investments and other investment
practices that may be used by

                                       10
<PAGE>
the Fund is contained in the Fund's Statement of Additional Information.

The Fund may sell securities without regard to the length of time they have been
held in order to take advantage of new investment opportunities, or when the
Fund's investment adviser believes the potential for capital appreciation has
lessened, or for other reasons. The portfolio turnover rate may vary from year
to year. A high portfolio turnover rate (100% or more) increases a fund's
transaction costs (including brokerage commissions or dealer costs) which would
adversely impact a fund's performance. Higher portfolio turnover may result in
the realization of more short-term capital gains than if a fund had lower
portfolio turnover. The turnover rate will not be a limiting factor, however, if
the Fund's investment adviser considers portfolio changes appropriate.

TEMPORARY DEFENSIVE STRATEGY. When market conditions dictate a more "defensive"
investment strategy, the Fund may, on a temporary basis, hold cash or invest a
portion or all of its assets in money-market instruments including obligations
of the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities, obligations of
foreign sovereignties, other high-quality debt securities, including prime
commercial paper, repurchase agreements and bank obligations, such as bankers'
acceptances and certificates of deposit (including Eurodollar certificates of
deposit). Under normal market conditions, the potential for capital appreciation
on these securities will tend to be lower than the potential for capital
appreciation on other securities that may be owned by the Fund. In taking such a
defensive position, the Fund would temporarily not be pursuing and may not
achieve its investment objective.

                              INVESTMENT ADVISORY
                                    SERVICES

                               INVESTMENT ADVISER
Van Kampen Investment Advisory Corp. is the investment adviser (the "Adviser" or
"Advisory Corp.") and administrator of the Fund. The Adviser is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Van Kampen Investments Inc. ("Van Kampen Investments"). Van Kampen
Investments is a diversified asset management company that administers more than
three million retail investor accounts, has extensive capabilities for managing
institutional portfolios, and has more than $100 billion under management or
supervision as of September 30, 2000. Van Kampen Investments has more than 50
open-end funds, 38 closed-end funds and more than 2,700 unit investment trusts
that are professionally distributed by leading authorized dealers nationwide.
Van Kampen Funds Inc., the distributor of the Fund (the "Distributor") and the
sponsor of the funds mentioned above, is also a wholly owned subsidiary of Van
Kampen Investments. Van Kampen Investments is an indirect wholly owned
subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. The Adviser's principal office is
located at 1 Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181-5555.

ADVISORY AGREEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION AGREEMENT. The Fund retains the Adviser to
manage the investment of its assets and to place orders for the purchase and
sale of its portfolio securities. Under an investment advisory agreement between
the Adviser and the Fund (the "Advisory Agreement"), the Fund pays the Adviser a
monthly fee computed based upon an annual rate applied to the average daily net
assets of the Fund as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
AVERAGE DAILY NET ASSETS  % PER ANNUM
-------------------------------------
<S>                       <C>
First $500 million             1.00%
 ....................................
Next $500 million              0.95%
 ....................................
Over $1 billion                0.90%
 ....................................
</TABLE>

Applying this fee schedule, the effective advisory fee was 1.00% of the Fund's
average daily net assets for the Fund's fiscal year ended June 30, 2000. The
Fund's average daily net assets are determined by taking the average of all the
determinations of the net assets during a given calendar month. Such fee is
payable for each calendar month as soon as practicable after the end of that
month.

                                       11
<PAGE>
The Fund also retains the Adviser to provide administrative services for the
Fund's day-to-day operations. Under an administration agreement between the Fund
and the Adviser, the Fund pays a monthly administration fee computed based upon
an annual rate of 0.25% applied to the average daily net assets of the Fund.

The Adviser furnishes offices, necessary facilities and equipment, and provides
administrative services to the Fund. The Fund pays all charges and expenses of
its day-to-day operations, including service fees, distribution fees, custodian
fees, legal and independent accountant fees, the costs of reports and proxies to
shareholders, compensation of directors of the Fund (other than those who are
affiliated persons of the Adviser, Distributor or Van Kampen Investments) and
all other ordinary business expenses not specifically assumed by the Adviser.

The Adviser may utilize, at its own expense, credit analysis, research and
trading support services provided by its affiliate, Van Kampen Asset Management
Inc. ("Asset Management").

                             INVESTMENT SUBADVISER
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management Inc. is the Fund's investment
subadviser (the "Subadviser"). The Subadviser is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. The Subadviser conducts a worldwide portfolio
management business and provides a broad range of portfolio management services
to customers in the United States and abroad. At September 30, 2000, the
Subadviser, together with its affiliated institutional asset management
companies (collectively, the "MSDW Investment Management Group"), managed assets
of approximately $178 billion, including assets under fiduciary advice. The
Subadviser's principal office is located at 1221 Avenue of the Americas, New
York, New York 10020. On December 1, 1998, Morgan Stanley Asset Management Inc.
changed its name to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Investment Management Inc. but
continues to do business in certain instances using the name Morgan Stanley
Asset Management.

SUBADVISORY AGREEMENT. The Adviser has entered into a subadvisory agreement with
the Subadviser to assist the Adviser in performing its investment advisory
functions. The Adviser pays the Subadviser on a monthly basis a portion of the
net advisory fees the Adviser receives from the Fund.

                                    GENERAL
From time to time, the Adviser, the Subadviser or the Distributor may
voluntarily undertake to reduce the Fund's expenses by reducing the fees payable
to them or by reducing other expenses of the Fund in accordance with such
limitations as the Adviser, the Subadviser or Distributor may establish.

PERSONAL INVESTMENT POLICIES. The Fund, the Adviser, the Subadviser and the
Distributor have adopted Codes of Ethics designed to recognize the fiduciary
relationships among the Fund, the Adviser, the Subadviser, the Distributor and
their respective employees. The Codes of Ethics permit directors, trustees,
officers and employees to buy and sell securities for their personal accounts
subject to certain restrictions. Persons with access to certain sensitive
information are subject to pre-clearance and other procedures designed to
prevent conflicts of interest.

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT. Margaret Naylor, Nathalie Degans and Willem Vinke are
responsible for the day-to-day management of the Fund's investment portfolio.

Ms. Naylor, a Managing Director, joined the MSDW Investment Management Group in
1987. She has overall responsibility for investment strategy and stock selection
for the Fund. Prior to joining the MSDW Investment Management Group, she spent
three years at the Trade Policy Research Centre, an independent research unit.
Ms. Naylor is a graduate of the University of York, United Kingdom. Ms. Naylor
has been managing the Fund since April 1999.

Ms. Degans, a Principal, joined the MSDW Investment Management Group in 1996.
From 1993 to 1995 she worked in Morgan Stanley & Co.'s Corporate Treasury
Division, and prior to that, she was with Banque Indosuez New York from 1986 to
1992. Ms. Degens is a graduate of ISG, France and INSEAD, France. Ms. Degens has
been managing the Fund since July 2000.

                                       12
<PAGE>
Mr. Vinke, a Principal, joined the MSDW Investment Management Group in 1995.
Prior to 1995, he worked for Morgan Stanley & Co.'s Investment Banking and Fixed
Income Divisions. Mr. Vinke is a graduate of the University of Manchester and
the London School of Economics. Mr. Vinke has been managing the Fund since July
2000.

                               PURCHASE OF SHARES

                                    GENERAL
The Fund offers three classes of shares designated as Class A Shares, Class B
Shares and Class C Shares. By offering three classes of shares, the Fund permits
each investor to choose the class of shares that is most beneficial given the
amount to be invested and the length of time the investor expects to hold the
shares.

Initial investments generally must be at least $1,000 per investor account, and
subsequent investments must be at least $25 per investor account. Minimum
investment amounts may be waived by the Distributor for plans involving periodic
investments and for certain retirement accounts.

Each class of shares represents an interest in the same portfolio of investments
of the Fund and has the same rights except that (i) Class A Shares generally
bear the sales charge expenses at the time of purchase while Class B Shares and
Class C Shares generally bear the sales charge expenses at the time of
redemption and any expenses (including higher distribution fees and transfer
agency costs) resulting from such deferred sales charge arrangement, (ii) each
class of shares has exclusive voting rights with respect to approvals of the
Rule 12b-1 distribution plan and the service plan (each as described below)
under which the class's distribution fee and/ or the service fee is paid,
(iii) each class of shares has different exchange privileges, (iv) certain
classes of shares are subject to a conversion feature and (v) certain classes of
shares have different shareholder service options available.

The offering price of the Fund's shares is based upon the Fund's net asset value
per share (plus sales charges, where applicable). The net asset values per share
of the Class A Shares, Class B Shares and Class C Shares are generally expected
to be substantially the same. In certain circumstances, however, the per share
net asset values of the classes of shares may differ from one another,
reflecting the daily expense accruals of the higher distribution fees and
transfer agency costs applicable to the Class B Shares and Class C Shares and
the differential in the dividends that may be paid on each class of shares.

The net asset value per share for each class of shares of the Fund is determined
once daily as of the close of trading on the New York Stock Exchange (the
"Exchange") (currently 4:00 p.m., New York time) each day the Exchange is open
for trading except on any day on which no purchase or redemption orders are
received or there is not a sufficient degree of trading in the Fund's portfolio
securities such that the Fund's net asset value per share might be materially
affected. The Fund's Board of Directors reserves the right to calculate the net
asset value per share and adjust the offering price more frequently than once
daily if deemed desirable. Net asset value per share for each class is
determined by dividing the value of the Fund's portfolio securities, cash and
other assets (including accrued interest) attributable to such class, less all
liabilities (including accrued expenses) attributable to such class, by the
total number of shares of the class outstanding. Such computation is made by
using prices as of the close of trading on the Exchange and (i) valuing
securities listed or traded on a national securities exchange at the closing
price, or, if no closing price is available, at the last reported sale price
and, if there has been no sale that day, at the mean between the last reported
bid and asked prices, (ii) valuing over-the-counter securities at the last
reported sale price from the National Association of Securities Dealers
Automated Quotations ("NASDAQ") and, if there has been no sale that day, at the
mean between the last reported bid and asked prices, (iii) valuing unlisted
securities at the average of the mean between the current reported bid and asked
prices obtained from reputable brokers and (iv) valuing any securities for which
market quotations are not readily available and any other assets at fair value
as determined in good faith by the Adviser in accordance with procedures

                                       13
<PAGE>
established by the Fund's Board of Directors. Securities with remaining
maturities of 60 days or less are valued at amortized cost, which approximates
market value.

Trading in securities on many foreign securities exchanges (including European
securities exchanges) and over-the-counter markets is normally completed before
the close of business on each U.S. business day. In addition, securities trading
in a particular country or countries may not take place on all U.S. business
days or may take place on days which are not U.S. business days. Changes in
valuations on certain securities may occur at times or on days on which the
Fund's net asset value is not calculated and on which the Fund does not effect
sales, redemptions and exchanges of its shares.

The Fund calculates net asset value per share, and therefore effects sales,
redemptions and exchanges of its shares, as of the close of trading on the
Exchange each day the Exchange is open for trading. Such calculation does not
take place contemporaneously with the determination of the prices of certain
foreign portfolio securities used in such calculation.

If events materially affecting the value of foreign portfolio securities or
other portfolio securities occur between the time when their price is determined
and the time when the Fund's net asset value is calculated, such securities may
be valued at fair value as determined in good faith by the Adviser based in
accordance with procedures established by the Fund's Board of Directors.

The Fund has adopted a distribution plan (the "Distribution Plan") with respect
to each class of its shares pursuant to Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act. The Fund
also has adopted a service plan (the "Service Plan") with respect to each class
of its shares. Under the Distribution Plan and the Service Plan, the Fund pays
distribution fees in connection with the sale and distribution of its shares and
service fees in connection with the provision of ongoing services to
shareholders and the maintenance of shareholder accounts.

The amount of distribution and service fees varies among the classes offered by
the Fund. Because these fees are paid out of the Fund's assets on an ongoing
basis, these fees will increase the cost of your investment in the Fund. By
purchasing a class of shares subject to higher distribution and service fees,
you may pay more over time than on a class of shares with other types of sales
charge arrangements. Long-term shareholders may pay more than the economic
equivalent of the maximum front-end sales charges permitted by the rules of the
National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD"). The net income
attributable to a class of shares will be reduced by the amount of the
distribution fees and service fees and other expenses of the Fund associated
with that class of shares. To assist investors in comparing classes of shares,
the tables under the Prospectus heading "Fees and Expenses of the Fund" provide
a summary of sales charges and expenses and an example of the sales charges and
expenses of the Fund applicable to each class of shares.

The shares are offered on a continuous basis through the Distributor as
principal underwriter, which is located at 1 Parkview Plaza, Oakbrook Terrace,
Illinois 60181-5555. Shares may be purchased through members of the NASD who are
acting as securities dealers ("dealers") and NASD members or eligible non-NASD
members who are acting as brokers or agents for investors ("brokers"). "Dealers"
and "brokers" are sometimes referred to herein as "authorized dealers."

Shares may be purchased on any business day by completing the account
application form and forwarding the account application form, directly or
through an authorized dealer, to the Fund's shareholder service agent, Van
Kampen Investor Services Inc. ("Investor Services"), a wholly owned subsidiary
of Van Kampen Investments. When purchasing shares of the Fund, investors must
specify whether the purchase is for Class A Shares, Class B Shares or Class C
Shares by selecting the correct Fund number on the account application form.
Sales personnel of authorized dealers distributing the Fund's shares are
entitled to receive compensation for selling such shares and may receive
differing compensation for selling Class A Shares, Class B Shares or Class C
Shares.

The offering price for shares is based upon the next calculation of net asset
value per share (plus sales

                                       14
<PAGE>
charges, where applicable) after an order is received by Investor Services.
Orders received by authorized dealers prior to the close of the Exchange are
priced based on the date of receipt provided such order is transmitted to
Investor Services prior to Investor Services' close of business on such date.
Orders received by authorized dealers after the close of the Exchange or
transmitted to Investor Services after its close of business are priced based on
the date of the next determined net asset value per share provided they are
received by Investor Services prior to Investor Services' close of business on
such date. It is the responsibility of authorized dealers to transmit orders
received by them to Investor Services so they will be received in a timely
manner.

The Fund and the Distributor reserve the right to refuse any order for the
purchase of shares. The Fund also reserves the right to suspend the sale of the
Fund's shares in response to conditions in the securities markets or for other
reasons. Shares of the Fund may be sold in foreign countries where permissible.

Investor accounts will automatically be credited with additional shares of the
Fund after any Fund distributions, such as dividends and capital gain dividends,
unless the investor instructs the Fund otherwise. Investors wishing to receive
cash instead of additional shares should contact the Fund by telephone at
(800) 341-2911 or by writing to the Fund, c/o Van Kampen Investor Services Inc.,
PO Box 218256, Kansas City, MO 64121-8256.

                                 CLASS A SHARES
Class A Shares of the Fund are sold at net asset value plus an initial maximum
sales charge of up to 5.75% of the offering price (or 6.10% of the net amount
invested), reduced on investments of $50,000 or more as follows:

                                 CLASS A SHARES
                             SALES CHARGE SCHEDULE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               AS % OF        AS % OF
SIZE OF                        OFFERING      NET AMOUNT
INVESTMENT                      PRICE         INVESTED
-------------------------------------------------------
<S>                            <C>           <C>
Less than $50,000               5.75%           6.10%
 ......................................................
$50,000 but less than
$100,000                        4.75%           4.99%
 ......................................................
$100,000 but less than
$250,000                        3.75%           3.90%
 ......................................................
$250,000 but less than
$500,000                        2.75%           2.83%
 ......................................................
$500,000 but less than
$1,000,000                      2.00%           2.04%
 ......................................................
$1,000,000 or more               *              *
 ......................................................
</TABLE>

     * NO SALES CHARGE IS PAYABLE AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE ON INVESTMENTS OF $1
       MILLION OR MORE, ALTHOUGH FOR SUCH INVESTMENTS THE FUND MAY IMPOSE A
       CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE OF 1.00% ON CERTAIN REDEMPTIONS MADE
       WITHIN ONE YEAR OF THE PURCHASE. THE CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE IS
       ASSESSED ON AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO THE LESSER OF THE THEN CURRENT MARKET
       VALUE OR THE COST OF THE SHARES BEING REDEEMED. ACCORDINGLY, NO SALES
       CHARGE IS IMPOSED ON INCREASES IN NET ASSET VALUE ABOVE THE INITIAL
       PURCHASE PRICE.

No sales charge is imposed on Class A Shares received from reinvestment of
dividends or capital gain dividends.

Under the Distribution Plan and the Service Plan, the Fund may spend up to a
total of 0.25% per year of the Fund's average daily net assets with respect to
Class A Shares of the Fund. From such amount, under the Service Plan, the Fund
may spend up to 0.25% per year of the Fund's average daily net assets with
respect to Class A Shares of the Fund.

                                       15
<PAGE>
                                 CLASS B SHARES
Class B Shares of the Fund are sold at net asset value and are subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge if redeemed within five years of purchase as
shown in the table as follows:

                                 CLASS B SHARES
                             SALES CHARGE SCHEDULE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         CONTINGENT
                          DEFERRED
                        SALES CHARGE
                     AS A PERCENTAGE OF
                       DOLLAR AMOUNT
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE  SUBJECT TO CHARGE
---------------------------------------
<S>                  <C>
First                       5.00%
 ......................................
Second                      4.00%
 ......................................
Third                       3.00%
 ......................................
Fourth                      2.50%
 ......................................
Fifth                       1.50%
 ......................................
Sixth and After              None
 ......................................
</TABLE>

The contingent deferred sales charge is assessed on an amount equal to the
lesser of the then current market value or the cost of the shares being
redeemed. Accordingly, no sales charge is imposed on increases in net asset
value above the initial purchase price. In addition, no sales charge is assessed
on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gain dividends. It
is presently the policy of the Distributor not to accept any order for Class B
Shares in an amount of $500,000 or more because it ordinarily will be more
advantageous for an investor making such an investment to purchase Class A
Shares.

The amount of the contingent deferred sales charge, if any, varies depending on
the number of years from the time of payment for each purchase of Class B Shares
until the time of redemption of such shares.

In determining whether a contingent deferred sales charge applies to a
redemption, it is assumed that the shares being redeemed first are any shares in
the shareholder's Fund account that are not subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge, followed by shares held the longest in the shareholder's account.
Under the Distribution Plan, the Fund may spend up to 0.75% per year of the
Fund's average daily net assets with respect to Class B Shares of the Fund. In
addition, under the Service Plan, the Fund may spend up to 0.25% per year of the
Fund's average daily net assets with respect to Class B Shares of the Fund.

                                 CLASS C SHARES
Class C Shares of the Fund are sold at net asset value and are subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% of the dollar amount subject to charge
if redeemed within one year of purchase.

The contingent deferred sales charge is assessed on an amount equal to the
lesser of the then current market value or the cost of the shares being
redeemed. Accordingly, no sales charge is imposed on increases in net asset
value above the initial purchase price. In addition, no sales charge is assessed
on shares derived from reinvestment of dividends or capital gain dividends. It
is presently the policy of the Distributor not to accept any order for Class C
Shares in an amount of $1 million or more because it ordinarily will be more
advantageous for an investor making such an investment to purchase Class A
Shares.

In determining whether a contingent deferred sales charge applies to a
redemption, it is assumed that the shares being redeemed first are any shares in
the shareholder's Fund account that are not subject to a contingent deferred
sales charge, followed by shares held the longest in the shareholder's account.

Under the Distribution Plan, the Fund may spend up to 0.75% per year of the
Fund's average daily net assets with respect to Class C Shares of the Fund. In
addition, under the Service Plan, the Fund may spend up to 0.25% per year of the
Fund's average daily net assets with respect to Class C Shares of the Fund.

                               CONVERSION FEATURE
Class B Shares, including Class B Shares received from reinvestment of
distributions through the dividend reinvestment plan, automatically convert to
Class A Shares eight years after the end of the

                                       16
<PAGE>
calendar month in which the shares were purchased. Such conversion will be on
the basis of the relative net asset values per share, without the imposition of
any sales load, fee or other charge. The conversion schedule applicable to a
share of the Fund acquired through the exchange privilege from another Van
Kampen fund participating in the exchange program is determined by reference to
the Van Kampen fund from which such share was originally purchased.

The conversion of such shares to Class A Shares is subject to the continuing
availability of an opinion of counsel to the effect that (i) the assessment of
the higher distribution fee and transfer agency costs with respect to such
shares does not result in the Fund's dividends or capital gain dividends
constituting "preferential dividends" under the federal income tax law and
(ii) the conversion of shares does not constitute a taxable event under federal
income tax law. The conversion may be suspended if such an opinion is no longer
available and such shares might continue to be subject to the higher aggregate
fees applicable to such shares for an indefinite period.

                   WAIVER OF CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE
The contingent deferred sales charge is waived on redemptions of Class B Shares
and Class C Shares (i) within one year following the death or disability (as
disability is defined by federal income tax law) of a shareholder, (ii) for
required minimum distributions from an individual retirement account ("IRA") or
certain other retirement plan distributions, (iii) for withdrawals under the
Fund's systematic withdrawal plan but limited to 12% annually of the initial
value of the account, (iv) if no commission or transaction fee is paid to
authorized dealers at the time of purchase of such shares and (v) if made by the
Fund's involuntary liquidation of a shareholder's account as described under the
Prospectus heading "Redemption of Shares." Subject to certain limitations, a
shareholder who has redeemed Class C Shares of the Fund may reinvest in Class C
Shares at net asset value with credit for any contingent deferred sales charge
if the reinvestment is made within 180 days after the redemption. For a more
complete description of contingent deferred sales charge waivers, please refer
to the Fund's Statement of Additional Information or contact your authorized
dealer.

                               QUANTITY DISCOUNTS
Investors purchasing Class A Shares may, under certain circumstances described
below, be entitled to pay reduced or no sales charges. Investors, or their
authorized dealers, must notify the Fund at the time of the purchase order
whenever a quantity discount is applicable to purchases. Upon such notification,
an investor will pay the lowest applicable sales charge. Quantity discounts may
be modified or terminated at any time. For more information about quantity
discounts, investors should contact their authorized dealer or the Distributor.

A person eligible for a reduced sales charge includes an individual, his or her
spouse and children under 21 years of age and any corporation, partnership or
sole proprietorship which is 100% owned, either alone or in combination, by any
of the foregoing; a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing for a single trust or
for a single fiduciary account, or a "company" as defined in Section 2(a)(8) of
the 1940 Act.

As used herein, "Participating Funds" refers to certain open-end investment
companies advised by Asset Management or Advisory Corp. and distributed by the
Distributor as determined from time to time by the Fund's Board of Directors.

VOLUME DISCOUNTS. The size of investment shown in the Class A Shares sales
charge table applies to the total dollar amount being invested by any person in
shares of the Fund, or in any combination of shares of the Fund and shares of
other Participating Funds, although other Participating Funds may have different
sales charges.

CUMULATIVE PURCHASE DISCOUNT. The size of investment shown in the Class A Shares
sales charge table may also be determined by combining the amount being invested
in shares of the Participating Funds plus the current offering price of all
shares of the Participating Funds currently owned.

LETTER OF INTENT. A Letter of Intent provides an opportunity for an investor to
obtain a reduced sales charge by aggregating investments over a 13-month period
to determine the sales charge as outlined in the Class A Shares sales charge
table. The size of investment shown in the Class A Shares sales charge table
includes purchases of shares of the Participating

                                       17
<PAGE>
Funds over a 13-month period based on the total amount of intended purchases
plus the value of all shares of the Participating Funds previously purchased and
still owned. An investor may elect to compute the 13-month period starting up to
90 days before the date of execution of a Letter of Intent. Each investment made
during the period receives the reduced sales charge applicable to the total
amount of the investment goal. The initial purchase must be for an amount equal
to at least 5% of the minimum total purchase amount of the level selected. If
trades not initially made under a Letter of Intent subsequently qualify for a
lower sales charge through the 90-day backdating provisions, an adjustment will
be made at the expiration of the Letter of Intent to give effect to the lower
sales charge. Such adjustment in sales charge will be used to purchase
additional shares. The Fund initially will escrow shares totaling 5% of the
dollar amount of the Letter of Intent to be held by Investor Services in the
name of the shareholder. In the event the Letter of Intent goal is not achieved
within the specified period, the investor must pay the difference between the
sales charge applicable to the purchases made and the reduced sales charges
previously paid. Such payments may be made directly to the Distributor or, if
not paid, the Distributor will liquidate sufficient escrowed shares to obtain
the difference.

                            OTHER PURCHASE PROGRAMS
Purchasers of Class A Shares may be entitled to reduced or no initial sales
charges in connection with the unit investment trust reinvestment program and
purchases by registered representatives of selling firms or purchases by persons
affiliated with the Fund or the Distributor. The Fund reserves the right to
modify or terminate these arrangements at any time.

UNIT INVESTMENT TRUST REINVESTMENT PROGRAM. The Fund permits unitholders of unit
investment trusts to reinvest distributions from such trusts in Class A Shares
of the Fund at net asset value per share and with no minimum initial or
subsequent investment requirement, if the administrator of an investor's unit
investment trust program meets certain uniform criteria relating to cost savings
by the Fund and the Distributor. The total sales charge for all other
investments made from unit investment trust distributions will be 1.00% of the
offering price (1.01% of net asset value). Of this amount, the Distributor will
pay to the authorized dealer, if any, through which such participation in the
qualifying program was initiated 0.50% of the offering price as a dealer
concession or agency commission. Persons desiring more information with respect
to this program, including the terms and conditions that apply to the program,
should contact their authorized dealer or the Distributor.

The administrator of such a unit investment trust must have an agreement with
the Distributor pursuant to which the administrator will (1) submit a single
bulk order and make payment with a single remittance for all investments in the
Fund during each distribution period by all investors who choose to invest in
the Fund through the program and (2) provide Investor Services with appropriate
backup data for each investor participating in the program in a computerized
format fully compatible with Investor Services' processing system.

To obtain these special benefits, all dividends and other distributions from the
Fund must be reinvested in additional shares and there can not be any systematic
withdrawal program. There will be no minimum for reinvestments from unit
investment trusts. The Fund will send account activity statements to such
participants on a quarterly basis only, even if their investments are made more
frequently. The Fund reserves the right to modify or terminate this program at
any time.

NET ASSET VALUE PURCHASE OPTIONS. Class A Shares of the Fund may be purchased at
net asset value, generally upon written assurance that the purchase is made for
investment purposes and that the shares will not be resold except through
redemption by the Fund, by:

(1)  Current or retired trustees or directors of funds advised by Morgan Stanley
     Dean Witter & Co. and any of its subsidiaries and such persons' families
     and their beneficial accounts.

(2)  Current or retired directors, officers and employees of Morgan Stanley Dean
     Witter & Co. and any of its subsidiaries; employees of an investment
     subadviser to any fund described in

                                       18
<PAGE>
     (1) above or an affiliate of such subadviser; and such persons' families
     and their beneficial accounts.

(3)  Directors, officers, employees and, when permitted, registered
     representatives, of financial institutions that have a selling group
     agreement with the Distributor and their spouses and children under 21
     years of age when purchasing for any accounts they beneficially own, or, in
     the case of any such financial institution, when purchasing for retirement
     plans for such institution's employees; provided that such purchases are
     otherwise permitted by such institutions.

(4)  Registered investment advisers who charge a fee for their services, trust
     companies and bank trust departments investing on their own behalf or on
     behalf of their clients. The Distributor may pay authorized dealers through
     which purchases are made an amount up to 0.50% of the amount invested, over
     a 12-month period.

(5)  Trustees and other fiduciaries purchasing shares for retirement plans which
     invest in multiple fund families through broker-dealer retirement plan
     alliance programs that have entered into agreements with the Distributor
     and which are subject to certain minimum size and operational requirements.
     Trustees and other fiduciaries should refer to the Statement of Additional
     Information for further details with respect to such alliance programs.

(6)  Beneficial owners of shares of Participating Funds held by a retirement
     plan or held in a tax-advantaged retirement account who purchase shares of
     the Fund with proceeds from distributions from such a plan or retirement
     account other than distributions taken to correct an excess contribution.

(7)  Accounts as to which a bank or broker-dealer charges an account management
     fee ("wrap accounts"), provided the bank or broker-dealer has a separate
     agreement with the Distributor.

(8)  Trusts created under pension, profit sharing or other employee benefit
     plans qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
     as amended (the "Code"), or custodial accounts held by a bank created
     pursuant to Section 403(b) of the Code and sponsored by nonprofit
     organizations defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Code and assets held
     by an employer or trustee in connection with an eligible deferred
     compensation plan under Section 457 of the Code. Such plans will qualify
     for purchases at net asset value provided, for plans initially establishing
     accounts with the Distributor in the Participating Funds after January 1,
     2000, that (1) the total plan assets are at least $1 million or (2) such
     shares are purchased by an employer sponsored plan with more than 100
     eligible employees. Such plans that have been established with a
     Participating Fund or have received proposals from the Distributor prior to
     January 1, 2000 based on net asset value purchase privileges previously in
     effect will be qualified to purchase shares of the Participating Funds at
     net asset value. Section 403(b) and similar accounts for which Van Kampen
     Trust Company serves as custodian will not be eligible for net asset value
     purchases based on the aggregate investment made by the plan or the number
     of eligible employees, except under certain uniform criteria established by
     the Distributor from time to time. A commission will be paid to authorized
     dealers who initiate and are responsible for such purchases within a
     rolling twelve-month period as follows: 1.00% on sales to $2 million, plus
     0.80% on the next $1 million, plus 0.50% on the next $47 million, plus
     0.25% on the excess over $50 million.

(9)  Individuals who are members of a "qualified group." For this purpose, a
     qualified group is one which (i) has been in existence for more than six
     months, (ii) has a purpose other than to acquire shares of the Fund or
     similar investments, (iii) has given and continues to give its endorsement
     or authorization, on behalf of the group, for purchase of shares of the
     Fund and Participating Funds, (iv) has a membership that the authorized
     dealer can certify as to the group's members and (v) satisfies other
     uniform criteria established by the Distributor for the purpose of
     realizing economies of scale in distributing such shares. A qualified group
     does not include one whose sole organizational nexus, for example, is that
     its participants are credit card holders of the same institution, policy
     holders of an insurance company, customers of a bank or broker-dealer,
     clients of an investment adviser or other similar groups. Shares purchased
     in each group's participants account in connection

                                       19
<PAGE>
     with this privilege will be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge
     of 1.00% in the event of redemption within one year of purchase, and a
     commission will be paid to authorized dealers who initiate and are
     responsible for such sales to each individual as follows: 1.00% on sales to
     $2 million, plus 0.80% on the next $1 million and 0.50% on the excess over
     $3 million.

The term "families" includes a person's spouse, children and grandchildren under
21 years of age, parents, and a person's spouse's parents.

Purchase orders made pursuant to clause (4) may be placed either through
authorized dealers as described above or directly with Investor Services by the
investment adviser, trust company or bank trust department, provided that
Investor Services receives federal funds for the purchase by the close of
business on the next business day following acceptance of the order. An
authorized dealer may charge a transaction fee for placing an order to purchase
shares pursuant to this provision or for placing a redemption order with respect
to such shares. Authorized dealers will be paid a service fee as described above
on purchases made under options (3) through (9) above. The Fund may terminate,
or amend the terms of, offering shares of the Fund at net asset value to such
groups at any time.

                                 REDEMPTION OF
                                     SHARES

Generally shareholders may redeem for cash some or all of their shares without
charge by the Fund (other than applicable sales charge) at any time. As
described under the Prospectus heading "Purchase of Shares," redemptions of
Class B Shares and Class C Shares may be subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge. In addition, certain redemptions of Class A Shares for shareholder
accounts of $1 million or more may be subject to a contingent deferred sales
charge. Redemptions completed through an authorized dealer or a
custodian/trustee of a retirement plan account may involve additional fees
charged by the dealer or custodian/trustee.

Except as specified below under "Telephone Redemption Requests," payment for
shares redeemed generally will be made by check mailed within seven days after
receipt by Investor Services of the redemption request and any other necessary
documents in proper form as described below. Such payment may be postponed or
the right of redemption suspended as provided by the rules of the SEC. Such
payment may, under certain circumstances, be paid wholly or in part by a
distribution-in-kind of portfolio securities. A distribution-in-kind will result
in recognition by the shareholder of a gain or loss for federal income tax
purposes when such securities are distributed, and the shareholder may have
brokerage costs and a gain or loss for federal income tax purposes upon the
shareholder's disposition of such securities. If the shares to be redeemed have
been recently purchased by check, Investor Services may delay the payment of
redemption proceeds until it confirms the purchase check has cleared, which may
take up to 15 days from the date of purchase. A taxable gain or loss may be
recognized by the shareholder upon redemption of shares. Certificated shares
must be properly endorsed for transfer and must accompany a written redemption
request.

WRITTEN REDEMPTION REQUESTS. Shareholders may request a redemption of shares by
written request in proper form sent directly to Van Kampen Investor Services
Inc., PO Box 218256, Kansas City, MO 64121-8256. The request for redemption
should indicate the number of shares or dollar amount to be redeemed, the Fund
name and class designation of such shares and the shareholder's account number.
The redemption request must be signed by all persons in whose names the shares
are registered. Signatures must conform exactly to the account registration. If
the proceeds of the redemption exceed $100,000, or if the proceeds are not to be
paid to the record owner at the record address, or if the record address has
changed within the previous 15 days, signature(s) must be guaranteed by one of
the following: a bank or trust company; a broker-dealer; a credit union; a
national securities exchange, registered securities association or clearing
agency; a savings and loan association; or a federal savings bank.

Generally, a properly signed written request with any required signature
guarantee is all that is required for a redemption request to be in proper form.
In some

                                       20
<PAGE>
cases, however, additional documents may be necessary. Certificated shares may
be redeemed only by written request. The certificates for the shares being
redeemed must be properly endorsed for transfer and must accompany the written
redemption request. Generally, in the event a redemption is requested by and
registered to a corporation, partnership, trust, fiduciary, estate or other
legal entity owning shares of the Fund, a copy of the corporate resolution or
other legal documentation appointing the authorized signer and certified within
the prior 120 days must accompany the redemption request. Retirement plan
distribution requests should be sent to the plan custodian/trustee to be
forwarded to Investor Services. Contact the plan custodian/trustee for further
information.

In the case of written redemption requests sent directly to Investor Services,
the redemption price is the net asset value per share next determined after the
request in proper form is received by Investor Services.

AUTHORIZED DEALER REDEMPTION REQUESTS. Shareholders may place redemption
requests through an authorized dealer. The redemption price for such shares is
the net asset value per share next calculated after an order in proper form is
received by an authorized dealer provided such order is transmitted to the
Distributor prior to the Distributor's close of business on such day. It is the
responsibility of authorized dealers to transmit redemption requests received by
them to the Distributor so they will be received prior to such time. Redemptions
completed through an authorized dealer may involve additional fees charged by
the dealer.

TELEPHONE REDEMPTION REQUESTS. The Fund permits redemption of shares by
telephone and for redemption proceeds to be sent to the address of record for
the account or to the bank account of record as described below. A shareholder
automatically has telephone redemption privileges unless the shareholder
indicates otherwise by checking the applicable box on the account application
form. For accounts that are not established with telephone redemption
privileges, a shareholder may call the Fund at (800) 341-2911 to request that a
copy of the Telephone Redemption Authorization form be sent to the shareholder
for completion. To redeem shares, contact the telephone transaction line at
(800) 421-5684. Shares may also be redeemed by telephone through
FundInfo-Registered Trademark- (automated telephone system), which is generally
accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (800) 847-2424. Van Kampen
Investments and its subsidiaries, including Investor Services, and the Fund
employ procedures considered by them to be reasonable to confirm that
instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. Such procedures include
requiring certain personal identification information prior to acting upon
telephone instructions, tape-recording telephone communications and providing
written confirmation of instructions communicated by telephone. If reasonable
procedures are employed, none of Van Kampen Investments, Investor Services or
the Fund will be liable for following telephone instructions which it reasonably
believes to be genuine. Telephone redemptions may not be available if the
shareholder cannot reach Investor Services by telephone, whether because all
telephone lines are busy or for any other reason; in such case, a shareholder
would have to use the Fund's other redemption procedure previously described.
Requests received by Investor Services prior to 4:00 p.m., New York time, will
be processed at the next determined net asset value per share. These privileges
are available for most accounts other than retirement accounts or accounts with
shares represented by certificates. If an account has multiple owners, Investor
Services may rely on the instructions of any one owner.

For redemptions authorized by telephone, amounts of $50,000 or less may be
redeemed daily if the proceeds are to be paid by check and amounts of at least
$1,000 up to $1 million may be redeemed daily if the proceeds are to be paid by
wire. The proceeds must be payable to the shareholder(s) of record and sent to
the address of record for the account or wired directly to their predesignated
bank account. This privilege is not available if the address of record has been
changed within 15 days prior to a telephone redemption request. Proceeds from
redemptions payable by wire transfer are expected to be wired on the next
business day following the date of redemption. The Fund reserves the right at
any time to terminate, limit or otherwise modify this redemption privilege.

OTHER REDEMPTION INFORMATION. The Fund may redeem any shareholder account that
has a value on the date of the notice of redemption less than the

                                       21
<PAGE>
minimum initial investment as specified in this prospectus. At least 60 days'
advance written notice of any such involuntary redemption will be provided to
the shareholder and such shareholder will be given an opportunity to purchase
the required value of additional shares at the next determined net asset value
without sales charge. Any involuntary redemption may only occur if the
shareholder account is less than the minimum initial investment due to
shareholder redemptions.

                               DISTRIBUTIONS FROM
                                    THE FUND

In addition to any increase in the value of shares which the Fund may achieve,
shareholders may receive distributions from the Fund of dividends and capital
gain dividends.

DIVIDENDS. Dividends from stocks and interest earned from other investments are
the Fund's main sources of net investment income. The Fund's present policy,
which may be changed at any time by the Fund's Board of Directors, is to
distribute all, or substantially all, of this net investment income at least
annually as dividends to shareholders. Dividends are automatically applied to
purchase additional shares of the Fund at the next determined net asset value
unless the shareholder instructs otherwise.

The per share dividends on Class B Shares and Class C Shares may be lower than
the per share dividends on Class A Shares as a result of the higher distribution
fees and transfer agency costs applicable to such classes of shares.

CAPITAL GAIN DIVIDENDS. The Fund may realize capital gains or losses when it
sells securities, depending on whether the sales prices for the securities are
higher or lower than purchase prices. The Fund distributes any net capital gain
to shareholders as capital gain dividends at least annually. As in the case of
dividends, capital gain dividends are automatically reinvested in additional
shares of the Fund at the next determined net asset value unless the shareholder
instructs otherwise.
                              SHAREHOLDER SERVICES

Listed below are some of the shareholder services the Fund offers to investors.
For a more complete description of the Fund's shareholder services, such as
investment accounts, share certificates, retirement plans, automated clearing
house deposits, dividend diversification and the systematic withdrawal plan,
please refer to the Fund's Statement of Additional Information or contact your
authorized dealer.

INTERNET TRANSACTIONS. In addition to performing transactions on your account
through written instruction or by telephone, you may also perform certain
transactions through the internet. Please refer to our web site at
www.vankampen.com for further instructions regarding internet transactions. Van
Kampen Investments and its subsidiaries, including Investor Services, and the
Fund employ procedures considered by them to be reasonable to confirm that
instructions communicated through the internet are genuine. Such procedures
include requiring use of a personal identification number prior to acting upon
internet instructions and providing written confirmation of instructions
communicated through the internet. If reasonable procedures are employed, none
of Van Kampen Investments, Investor Services or the Fund will be liable for
following instructions received through the internet which it reasonably
believes to be genuine. If an account has multiple owners, Investor Services may
rely on the instructions of any one owner.

REINVESTMENT PLAN. A convenient way for investors to accumulate additional
shares is by accepting dividends and capital gain dividends in shares of the
Fund. Such shares are acquired at net asset value per share (without sales
charge) on the applicable payable date of the dividend or capital gain dividend.
Unless the shareholder instructs otherwise, the reinvestment plan is automatic.
This instruction may be made by telephone by calling (800) 341-2911
((800) 421-2833 for the hearing impaired) or by writing to Investor Services.
The investor may, on the account application form or prior to any declaration,
instruct that dividends and/or capital gain dividends be paid in cash, be
reinvested in the Fund at the next determined net asset value, or be invested

                                       22
<PAGE>
in another Participating Fund at the next determined net asset value.

AUTOMATIC INVESTMENT PLAN. An automatic investment plan is available under which
a shareholder can authorize Investor Services to debit the shareholder's bank
account on a regular basis to invest predetermined amounts in the Fund.
Additional information is available from the Distributor or your authorized
dealer.

EXCHANGE PRIVILEGE. Shares of the Fund may be exchanged for shares of the same
class of any Participating Fund based on the next determined net asset value per
share of each fund after requesting the exchange without any sales charge,
subject to certain limitations. Shares of the Fund may be exchanged for shares
of any Participating Fund only if shares of that Participating Fund are
available for sale; however, during periods of suspension of sales, shares of a
Participating Fund may be available for sale only to existing shareholders of a
Participating Fund. Shareholders seeking an exchange into a Participating Fund
should obtain and read the current prospectus for such fund prior to
implementing an exchange. A prospectus of any of the Participating Funds may be
obtained from an authorized dealer or the Distributor.

To be eligible for exchange, shares of the Fund must have been registered in the
shareholder's name for at least 30 days prior to an exchange. Shares of the Fund
registered in a shareholder's name for less than 30 days may only be exchanged
upon receipt of prior approval of the Adviser. It is the policy of the Adviser,
under normal circumstances, not to approve such requests.

When shares that are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge are exchanged
among Participating Funds, the holding period for purposes of computing the
contingent deferred sales charge is based upon the date of the initial purchase
of such shares from a Participating Fund. When such shares are redeemed and not
exchanged for shares of another Participating Fund, the shares are subject to
the contingent deferred sales charge schedule imposed by the Participating Fund
from which such shares were originally purchased.

Exchanges of shares are sales of shares of one Participating Fund and purchases
of shares of another Participating Fund. The sale may result in a gain or loss
for federal income tax purposes. If the shares sold have been held for less than
91 days, the sales charge paid on such shares is carried over and included in
the tax basis of the shares acquired.

A shareholder wishing to make an exchange may do so by sending a written request
to Investor Services, by contacting the telephone transaction line at
(800) 421-5684, through FundInfo-Registered Trademark- (automated telephone
system) at (800) 847-2424 or through the internet at www.vankampen.com. A
shareholder automatically has these exchange privileges unless the shareholder
indicates otherwise by checking the applicable box on the account application
form. Van Kampen Investments and its subsidiaries, including Investor Services,
and the Fund employ procedures considered by them to be reasonable to confirm
that instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. Such procedures include
requiring certain personal identification information prior to acting upon
telephone instructions, tape-recording telephone communications, and providing
written confirmation of instructions communicated by telephone. If reasonable
procedures are employed, none of Van Kampen Investments, Investor Services or
the Fund will be liable for following telephone instructions which it reasonably
believes to be genuine. If the exchanging shareholder does not have an account
in the fund whose shares are being acquired, a new account will be established
with the same registration, dividend and capital gain dividend options (except
dividend diversification) and authorized dealer of record as the account from
which shares are exchanged, unless otherwise specified by the shareholder. In
order to establish a systematic withdrawal plan for the new account or reinvest
dividends from the new account into another fund, however, an exchanging
shareholder must submit a specific request. The Fund reserves the right to
reject any order to acquire its shares through exchange. In addition, the Fund
and other Participating Funds may restrict exchanges by shareholders engaged in
excessive trading by limiting or disallowing the exchange privilege to such
shareholders. For further information on these restrictions, see the Fund's
Statement of Additional Information. The Fund may modify, restrict or terminate
the exchange privilege at any time on 60 days' notice

                                       23
<PAGE>
to its shareholders of any termination or material amendment.

For purposes of determining the sales charge rate previously paid on Class A
Shares, all sales charges paid on the exchanged security and on any security
previously exchanged for such security or for any of its predecessors shall be
included. If the exchanged security was acquired through reinvestment, that
security is deemed to have been sold with a sales charge rate equal to the rate
previously paid on the security on which the dividend or distribution was paid.
If a shareholder exchanges less than all of such shareholder's securities, the
security upon which the highest sales charge rate was previously paid is deemed
exchanged first.

Exchange requests received on a business day prior to the time shares of the
funds involved in the request are priced will be processed on the date of
receipt. "Processing" a request means that shares of the fund which the
shareholder is redeeming will be redeemed at the net asset value per share next
determined on the date of receipt. Shares of the fund that the shareholder is
purchasing will also normally be purchased at the net asset value per share,
plus any applicable sales charge, next determined on the date of receipt.
Exchange requests received on a business day after the time that shares of the
funds involved in the request are priced will be processed on the next business
day in the manner described herein.

                                 FEDERAL INCOME
                                    TAXATION

Distributions of the Fund's investment company taxable income (consisting
generally of ordinary income and net short-term capital gain) are taxable to
shareholders as ordinary income to the extent of the Fund's earnings and
profits, whether paid in cash or reinvested in additional shares. Distributions
of the Fund's net capital gain (which is the excess of net long-term capital
gain over net short-term capital loss) as capital gain dividends, if any, are
taxable to shareholders as long-term capital gains, whether paid in cash or
reinvested in additional shares, and regardless of how long the shares of the
Fund have been held by such shareholders. The Fund expects that its
distributions will consist primarily of ordinary income and capital gain
dividends. Distributions in excess of the Fund's earnings and profits will first
reduce the adjusted tax basis of a holder's shares and, after such adjusted tax
basis is reduced to zero, will constitute capital gains to such holder (assuming
such shares are held as a capital asset). Although distributions generally are
treated as taxable in the year they are paid, distributions declared in October,
November or December, payable to shareholders of record on a specified date in
such month and paid during January of the following year will be treated as
having been distributed by the Fund and received by the shareholders on the
December 31st prior to the date of payment. The Fund will inform shareholders of
the source and tax status of all distributions promptly after the close of each
calendar year.

The sale or exchange of shares may be a taxable transaction for federal income
tax purposes. Shareholders who sell their shares will generally recognize a gain
or loss in an amount equal to the difference between their adjusted tax basis in
the shares sold and the amount received. If the shares are held by the
shareholder as a capital asset, the gain or loss will be a capital gain or loss.
Any recognized capital gains may be taxed at different rates depending on how
long the shareholder held such shares.

The Fund is required, in certain circumstances, to withhold 31% of dividends and
certain other payments, including redemptions, paid to shareholders who do not
furnish to the Fund their correct taxpayer identification number (in the case of
individuals, their social security number) and certain required certifications
or who are otherwise subject to backup withholding.

Foreign shareholders, including shareholders who are non-resident aliens, may be
subject to U.S. withholding tax on certain distributions (whether received in
cash or in shares) at a rate of 30% or such lower rate as prescribed by an
applicable treaty. Accordingly, investment in the Fund is likely to be
appropriate for a foreign shareholder only if such person can utilize a foreign
tax credit or corresponding tax benefit in respect of such U.S. withholding tax.
Prospective foreign investors should consult their

                                       24
<PAGE>
tax advisers concerning the tax consequences to them of an investment in shares.

The Fund intends to qualify as a regulated investment company under federal
income tax law. If the Fund so qualifies and distributes each year to its
shareholders at least 90% of its investment company taxable income, the Fund
will not be required to pay federal income taxes on any income it distributes to
shareholders. If the Fund distributes less than an amount equal to the sum of
98% of its ordinary income and 98% of its capital gain net income, then the Fund
will be subject to a 4% excise tax on the undistributed amounts.

The federal income tax discussion set forth above is for general information
only. Prospective investors should consult their own tax advisers regarding the
specific federal tax consequences of purchasing, holding and disposing of shares
of the Fund, as well as the effects of state, local and foreign tax law and any
proposed tax law changes.

                                       25
<PAGE>

                                       FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The financial highlights table is intended to help you understand the Fund's
financial performance for the periods indicated. Certain information reflects
financial results for a single Fund share. The total returns in the table
represent the rate that an investor would have earned (or lost) on an investment
in the Fund (assuming reinvestment of all dividends and distributions). This
information for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2000 has been audited by Deloitte
& Touche LLP, independent auditors, whose report, along with the Fund's most
recent financial statements, is included in the Statement of Additional
Information and may be obtained by shareholders without charge by calling the
telephone number on the back cover of this prospectus. The information for the
fiscal period September 25, 1998 (commencement of operations) to June 30, 1999
has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. This information should be read
in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in the
Statement of Additional Information.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     CLASS A SHARES                         CLASS B SHARES
                                            YEAR ENDED     SEPTEMBER 25, 1998*     YEAR ENDED      SEPTEMBER 25, 1998*
   SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS     JUNE 30, 2000#    TO JUNE 30, 1999#    JUNE 30, 2000#     TO JUNE 30, 1999#
<S>                                       <C>              <C>                  <C>                <C>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period....      $10.65            $  10.00             $10.62             $  10.00
                                              ======            --------             ======             --------
Income From Investment Operations
  Net Investment Income.................        0.11                0.13               0.04                 0.08
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gain......        1.27                0.54               1.26                 0.55
                                              ------            --------             ------             --------
Total From Investment Operations........        1.38                0.67               1.30                 0.63
                                              ------            --------             ------             --------
Distributions
  Net Investment Income.................       (0.14)              (0.02)             (0.06)               (0.01)
----------------------------------------      ------            --------             ------             --------
  Net Realized Gain.....................       (0.10)                 --              (0.10)                  --
                                              ------            --------             ------             --------
Total Distributions.....................       (0.24)              (0.02)             (0.16)               (0.01)
                                              ------            --------             ------             --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..........      $11.79            $  10.65             $11.76             $  10.62
                                              ======            ========             ======             ========
Total Return (1)........................       13.15%               6.75%**           12.43%                6.26%**
                                              ======            ========             ======             ========
Ratios and Supplemental Data
Net Assets, End of Period (000's).......      $6,649            $  2,020             $7,177             $  3,082
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
Assets..................................        1.70%               1.70%              2.45%                2.45%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets......................        0.99%               1.64%              0.45%                0.96%
Portfolio Turnover Rate.................          49%                 51%**              49%                  51%**
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Effect of Voluntary Expense Reductions
 During the Period Per Share Benefit to
Net Investment Income...................      $ 0.23            $   0.36             $ 0.23             $   0.34
Ratios Before Expense Reductions:
  Expenses to Average Net Assets........        3.80%               6.20%              4.55%                6.61%
  Net Investment Income/Loss to Average
    Net Assets..........................       (1.11%)             (2.87%)            (1.65%)              (3.20%)

<CAPTION>
                                                      CLASS C SHARES
                                             YEAR ENDED      SEPTEMBER 25, 1998*
   SELECTED PER SHARE DATA AND RATIOS      JUNE 30, 2000#     TO JUNE 30, 1999#
<S>                                       <C>                <C>
----------------------------------------  --------------------------------------
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period....       $10.59             $  10.00
                                               ======             --------
Income From Investment Operations
  Net Investment Income.................         0.01                 0.07
  Net Realized and Unrealized Gain......         1.28                 0.53
                                               ------             --------
Total From Investment Operations........         1.29                 0.60
                                               ------             --------
Distributions
  Net Investment Income.................        (0.06)               (0.01)
----------------------------------------       ------             --------
  Net Realized Gain.....................        (0.10)                  --
                                               ------             --------
Total Distributions.....................        (0.16)               (0.01)
                                               ------             --------
Net Asset Value, End of Period..........       $11.72             $  10.59
                                               ======             ========
Total Return (1)........................        12.37%                5.96%**
                                               ======             ========
Ratios and Supplemental Data
Net Assets, End of Period (000's).......       $2,026             $  1,457
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net
Assets..................................         2.45%                2.45%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to
Average Net Assets......................         0.01%                0.81%
Portfolio Turnover Rate.................           49%                  51%**
----------------------------------------  --------------------------------------
Effect of Voluntary Expense Reductions
 During the Period Per Share Benefit to
Net Investment Income...................       $ 0.24             $   0.40
Ratios Before Expense Reductions:
  Expenses to Average Net Assets........         4.55%                7.33%
  Net Investment Income/Loss to Average
    Net Assets..........................        (2.09%)              (4.13%)
</TABLE>

     * COMMENCEMENT OF OPERATIONS
    ** NON-ANNUALIZED
   (1) TOTAL RETURN IS CALCULATED EXCLUSIVE OF SALES CHARGES OR DEFERRED SALES
       CHARGES.
     # CHANGES PER SHARE ARE BASED UPON DAILY AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING.

                                       26
<PAGE>
                               BOARD OF DIRECTORS
                                  AND OFFICERS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

<TABLE>
<S>                             <C>
J. Miles Branagan               Richard F. Powers, III*
Jerry D. Choate                 Phillip B. Rooney
Linda Hutton Heagy              Fernando Sisto
R. Craig Kennedy                Wayne W. Whalen*
Mitchell M. Merin*              Suzanne H. Woolsey
Jack E. Nelson
</TABLE>

OFFICERS

Richard F. Powers, III*
PRESIDENT

Stephen L. Boyd*
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER

A. Thomas Smith III*
VICE PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY

John H. Zimmermann, III*
VICE PRESIDENT

Michael H. Santo*
VICE PRESIDENT

Richard A. Ciccarone*
VICE PRESIDENT

John R. Reynoldson*
VICE PRESIDENT

Joseph P. Stadler*
VICE PRESIDENT

John L. Sullivan*
VICE PRESIDENT, CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND TREASURER

*  "Interested persons" of the Fund, as defined in the Investment Company Act of
   1940, as amended.

                              FOR MORE INFORMATION

EXISTING SHAREHOLDERS OR PROSPECTIVE INVESTORS
Call your broker or (800) 341-2911
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central time Monday through Friday

DEALERS
For dealer information, selling agreements, wire orders, or
redemptions, call the Distributor at (800) 421-5666

TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEVICE FOR THE DEAF
For shareholder and dealer inquiries through Telecommunications Device for the
Deaf (TDD), call
(800) 421-2833

FUNDINFO-REGISTERED TRADEMARK-
For automated telephone services, call (800) 847-2424

WEB SITE
www.vankampen.com

VAN KAMPEN EUROPEAN EQUITY FUND
1 Parkview Plaza
PO Box 5555
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181-5555

INVESTMENT ADVISER AND ADMINISTRATOR
VAN KAMPEN INVESTMENT ADVISORY CORP.
1 Parkview Plaza
PO Box 5555
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181-5555

INVESTMENT SUBADVISER
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT INC.
1221 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10020

DISTRIBUTOR
VAN KAMPEN FUNDS INC.
1 Parkview Plaza
PO Box 5555
Oakbrook Terrace, IL 60181-5555

TRANSFER AGENT
VAN KAMPEN INVESTOR SERVICES INC.
PO Box 218256
Kansas City, MO 64121-8256
Attn: Van Kampen European Equity Fund

CUSTODIAN
THE CHASE MANHATTAN BANK
3 MetroTech Center
Brooklyn, NY 11245
Attn: Van Kampen European Equity Fund

LEGAL COUNSEL
SKADDEN, ARPS, SLATE, MEAGHER & FLOM (ILLINOIS)
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60606

INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
Two Prudential Plaza
180 North Stetson Avenue
Chicago, IL 60601
<PAGE>

                                   VAN KAMPEN
                              EUROPEAN EQUITY FUND

                                   PROSPECTUS

                                OCTOBER 27, 2000

                            A Statement of
                            Additional Information,
                            which contains more
                            details about the Fund,
                            is incorporated by
                            reference in its
                            entirety into this
                            prospectus.

                            You will find additional
                            information about the
                            Fund in its annual and
                            semiannual reports to
                            shareholders. The annual
                            report explains the
                            market conditions and
                            investment strategies
                            affecting the Fund's
                            performance during its
                            last fiscal year.

                            You can ask questions or
                            obtain a free copy of
                            the Fund's reports or
                            its Statement of
                            Additional Information
                            by calling (800)
                            341-2911 from 7:00 a.m.
                            to 7:00 p.m., Central
                            time, Monday through
                            Friday.
                            Telecommunications
                            Device for the Deaf
                            users may call (800)
                            421-2833. A free copy of
                            the Fund's reports can
                            also be ordered from our
                            web site at
                            www.vankampen.com.

                            Information about the
                            Fund, including its
                            reports and Statement of
                            Additional Information,
                            has been filed with the
                            Securities and Exchange
                            Commission (SEC). It can
                            be reviewed and copied
                            at the SEC's Public
                            Reference Room in
                            Washington, DC or on the
                            EDGAR database on the
                            SEC's internet site
                            (http://www.sec.gov).
                            Information on the
                            operation of the SEC's
                            Public Reference Room
                            may be obtained by
                            calling the SEC at
                            1-202-942-8090. You can
                            also request copies of
                            these materials, upon
                            payment of a duplicating
                            fee, by electronic
                            request at the SEC's
                            e-mail address
                            ([email protected]), or
                            by writing the Public
                            Reference Section of the
                            SEC, Washington, DC
                            20549-0102.

                                     [LOGO]

            THE FUND'S INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. IS 811-7140.
                                                                   EEQ PRO 10/00
                                                                       #65106


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