VAN KAMPEN MERRITT SELECT SECTOR MUNICIPAL TRUST, N-30D, 1995-06-29

VAN KAMPEN MERRITT SELECT SECTOR MUNICIPAL TRUST
N-30D, 1995-06-29

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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Table of Contents
<S> <C>
Letter to Shareholders ................ 1
Performance Results ................... 3
Portfolio of Investments ............. 4
Statement of Assets and Liabilities ... 7
Statement of Operations ............... 8
Statement of Changes in Net Assets .... 9
Financial Highlights ................. 10
Notes to Financial Statements ......... 11
</TABLE>

Page: 1

Letter to Shareholders

June 16, 1995

Dear Shareholder:

During the six-month period covered by this report, November 1, 1994 through
April 30, 1995, we saw the close of a challenging and difficult year in the
financial markets -- and the beginning of a new year, with renewed optimism and
strength on many fronts.

Market Overview

Most of 1994 was a difficult period for fixed-income investors as the Federal
Reserve Board's crusade against inflation drove interest rates markedly higher.
The yield on 30-year Treasury securities, for example, climbed from 6.35
percent as the year began to a high of 8.16 percent by early November. As
interest rates rose, fixed-income investments declined in value.

The fixed-income markets have rebounded considerably since late 1994, however,
with growing confidence that the Fed's inflation fighting initiatives have taken
hold. The yield on 30-year Treasury securities fell to 7.34 percent by the end
of April 1995 and to approximately 6.50 percent at the time of this writing.
This rate reversal has pushed bond prices back to February 1994 levels.
Closed-end municipal bond funds, in particular, have been among the greatest
beneficiaries in this rally, earning back virtually all of last year's losses
and posting attractive returns.

Performance Summary

The Trust achieved a six-month total return of 20.05 percent <F1>, based on
market price, for the period ended April 30, 1995. This robust performance can
be partially attributed to the Trust's leveraged capital structure, which has
helped it to more fully benefit from a fall in long- term interest rates over
the last six months. While leveraging adds certain financing risks and
volatility, it is designed, over time, to provide shareholders with enhanced
returns by taking advantage of the yield differential between long-term and
short-term interest rates.

Clearly, the Trust has recovered from the difficult previous six-month period
and made significant price gains. The Trust's closing stock price, for example,
gained more than 15.5 percent from its $9.625 level on October 31, 1994, to
$11.125 on April 30, 1995. As the graph on the following page shows, we've also
seen the Trust's net asset value rebound during the last six months.

Although intermediate- and long-term interest rates eased during this
reporting period, short-term interest rates have remained persistently high,
placing continued pressure on the Trust's preferred rates and common dividend.
After careful consideration, the Trust's Board of Trustees approved a new
annualized dividend level of $0.72 per common share, effective May 1 and payable
May 31, 1995. This new dividend level, which more closely reflects the Trust's
earnings, provides a tax-exempt distribution rate of 6.47 percent, based on the
closing stock price of $11.125 per share on April 30, 1995. For shareholders in
the 36 percent federal income tax bracket, this distribution rate represents a
yield equivalent to a taxable investment earning 10.11 percent <F4>.

[PHOTO]

Dennis J. McDonnell and Don G. Powell

(Continued on page two)

Page: 2

Outlook

The outlook for fixed-income securities appears favorable. To date, inflation
remains under control, and recent economic data continues to suggest a slowdown
in the economy. First- quarter gross domestic product, for example, grew at an
annual rate of 2.8 percent, substantially lower than its fourth-quarter rate of
5.1 percent last year. Many analysts now expect GDP to grow at an annual rate
between 1 and 2 percent in the second half of this year. Should this scenario
play out, we suspect that the Fed is more likely to lower than raise short-term
rates, which would be a positive development for all fixed-income investors.

Regarding the municipal market, we remain optimistic about the current supply-
and-demand dynamics. With much of the refinancing by municipal issuers behind
us, we expect new-issue supply to remain low in 1995 and demand for municipals
to be steady, if not strong. A decline in supply combined with steady demand
should lend price stability and price support to this market. We believe the
Trust will continue to provide shareholders with long-term value as we seek to
maintain a high level of current income over time.

[GRAPH]

Trust Rebounds in 1995

<TABLE>
COMPARISON OF NAV AND MARKET PRICE OF THE TRUST
<CAPTION>
Measurement Market
Period NAV Price
<S> <C> <C>
30-Apr-94 $12.34 11.625
31-May-94 $12.46 11.250
30-Jun-94 $12.25 11.375
31-Jul-94 $12.49 11.250
31-Aug-94 $12.46 11.125
30-Sep-94 $12.00 10.125
31-Oct-94 $11.51 9.625
30-Nov-94 $11.01 10.000
31-Dec-94 $11.44 9.875
31-Jan-95 $11.86 10.500
28-Feb-95 $12.36 11.250
31-Mar-95 $12.42 11.250
30-Apr-95 $12.29 11.125
</TABLE>

Corporate News

As you may have already noticed, we have adopted a new design for our
shareholder reports that reflects our new identity as Van Kampen American
Capital. Going forward, we will continue to look for new ways to improve upon
the presentation of information in your Trust's report. In addition, we have
developed a new corporate advertising campaign introducing Van Kampen American
Capital. Full page ads appeared in The Wall Street Journal in the first
quarter of 1995 -- watch for more advertising throughout the year.

We look forward to communicating with you on a regular basis, providing
information about your Trust's performance, new investment opportunities, and
our newly created company. We appreciate your continued confidence in your
investment with Van Kampen American Capital.

Sincerely,

Don G. Powell
Chief Executive Officer
Van Kampen American Capital
Investment Advisory Corp.

Dennis J. McDonnell
President
Van Kampen American Capital
Investment Advisory Corp.

Page: 3

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Performance Results for the Period Ended April 30, 1995
Van Kampen Merritt Select Sector Municipal Trust
(AMEX Ticker Symbol-VKL)
<S> <C>
Total Returns
Six-month total return based on market price<F1> .................................. 20.05%
Six-month total return based on NAV<F2> ........................................... 10.55%

Distribution Rates
Distribution rate as a % of initial offer stock price<F3> ......................... 5.52%
Taxable-equivalent distribution rate as a % of initial offer stock price<F4> ...... 8.63%
Distribution rate as a % of 04/30/95 closing stock price<F3> ...................... 7.44%
Taxable-equivalent distribution rate as a % of 04/30/95 closing stock price<F4> ... 11.63%

Share Valuations
Net asset value as of 04/30/95 .................................................... $ 12.29
Preferred share (A Series) rate as of 04/30/95<F5> ................................ 4.275%
Preferred share (B Series) rate as of 04/30/95<F5> ................................ 4.070%
Closing common stock price as of 04/30/95 ........................................ $ 11.125
Six-month high common stock price (03/31/95) ..................................... $ 11.875
Six-month low common stock price (11/14/94) ...................................... $ 9.000

<FN>
<F1> Total return based on market price assumes an investment at the market
price at the beginning of the period indicated, reinvestment of all distributions
for the period in accordance with the Trust's dividend reinvestment plan, and sale
of all shares at the closing stock price at the end of the period indicated.

<F2> Total return based on Net Asset Value (NAV) assumes an investment at the
beginning of the period indicated, reinvestment of all distributions for the
period, and sale of all shares at the end of the period, all at net asset value.

<F3> Distribution rate represents the monthly annualized distributions of the
Trust at the end of April 1995, and not the earnings of the Trust.

<F4> The taxable-equivalent distribution rate is calculated assuming a 36%
federal tax bracket.

<F5> See "Notes to Financial Statements" footnote #6, for more information
concerning Preferred Share reset periods.

A portion of the interest income may be taxable for those investors subject to
the federal alternative minimum tax (AMT).

Past performance does not guarantee future results. Investment return, stock
price and net asset value will fluctuate with market conditions. Trust shares,
when sold,may be worth more or less than their original cost.
</TABLE>

Page: 4

<TABLE>
Portfolio of Investments
<CAPTION>
April 30, 1995 (Unaudited)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Par
Amount
(000) Description Coupon Maturity Market Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Municipal Bonds
Alaska 1.4%
$ 1,500 Alaska St Hsg Fin Corp Ser A Rfdg ..................... 5.000% 12/01/18 $ 1,241,265
------------
California 14.2%
3,000 California Pollutn Ctl Fin Auth Pollutn Ctl Rev Pacific
Gas & Elec Co Ser B (MBIA Insd) ....................... 5.850 12/01/23 2,803,110
2,000 California Statewide Cmnty Dev Auth Rev Ctfs Partn
Insd Hlth Fac Unihealth Ser A (AMBAC Insd) ........... 5.500 10/01/06 1,969,940
1,500 California St Pub Wks Brd Lease Rev Dept Correction
CA St Prison Ser B Coalinga (MBIA Insd) ............... 5.375 12/01/19 1,346,505
4,500 Los Angeles Cnty, CA Metro Tran Auth Sales Tax
Rev Ser A Rfdg (FGIC Insd) ........................... 5.000 07/01/21 3,809,880
3,000 Los Angeles, CA Regl Arpts Impt Corp Lease Rev
Los Angeles Intl Arpt (FSA Insd) ...................... 6.700 01/01/22 3,076,890
------------
13,006,325
------------
Colorado 7.5%
2,995 Colorado Hsg Fin Auth Single Family Prog Sr Ser E ..... 8.125 12/01/24 3,311,242
2,500 Meridian Metro Dist CO Rfdg ........................... 7.000 12/01/01 2,632,875
1,000 Montrose Cnty, CO Ctfs Partn .......................... 6.100 06/15/02 964,130
------------
6,908,247
------------
Hawaii 1.2%
1,000 Hawaii St Arpts Sys Rev (FGIC Insd) ................... 7.000 07/01/10 1,075,480
------------
Illinois 2.6%
1,200 Evergreen Park, IL Hosp Fac Rev Little Co of Mary
Hosp I Rfdg (MBIA Insd) .............................. 7.750 02/15/09 1,302,624
1,000 Illinois Hlth Fac Auth Rev Ravenswood Hosp Med
Cent Ser A Rfdg ....................................... 8.800 06/01/06 1,083,170
------------
2,385,794
------------
Kentucky 4.0%
4,000 Louisville & Jefferson Cnty, KY Metro Swr Dist
Drainage Rev Rfdg (MBIA Insd) ........................ 5.300 05/15/19 3,631,640
------------
Louisiana 9.1%
2,000 Lafourche Parish, LA Hosp Svc Dist No 003 Hosp Rev .... 6.000 10/01/23 1,702,680
1,000 Louisiana Pub Fac Auth Rev Multi Family Hsg
Oakleigh Apt Ser A Rfdg ............................... 5.950 03/15/19 994,020
3,500 Saint Charles Parish, LA Pollutn Ctl Rev LA
Pwr &Lt Co Proj A (FSA Insd) .......................... 7.500 06/01/21 3,809,400
1,750 Saint Charles Parish, LA Environmental Impt Rev
LA Pwr & Lt Co Proj A (AMBAC Insd) ................... 6.875 07/01/24 1,833,930
------------
8,340,030
------------
Maine 4.2%
4,000 Maine Muni Bond Bk Ser A Rfdg ........................ 5.375 11/01/08 3,853,120
------------
</TABLE>

See Notes to Financial Statements

Page: 5

<TABLE>
Portfolio of Investments (Continued)
<CAPTION>
April 30, 1995 (Unaudited)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Par
Amount
(000) Description Coupon Maturity Market Value
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Massachusetts 1.7%
$ 2,295 Massachusetts St Hlth & Edl Fac Auth Rev
Saint Mem Med Cent Ser A ............................. 6.000% 10/01/23 $ 1,578,685
------------
Michigan 4.8%
1,580 Michigan Higher Edl Fac Auth Ltd Oblig Rev Hope
College Rfdg (Connie Lee Insd) ....................... 7.000 10/01/13 1,708,549
2,500 Michigan St Strategic Fund Ltd Oblig Rev Detroit
Edison Co College Rfdg (FGIC Insd) .................... 6.950 09/01/21 2,661,925
------------
4,370,474
------------
Missouri 4.5%
3,855 Missouri St Hlth & Edl Fac Auth Hlth Fac Rev
SSM Hlth Care Ser AA Rfdg (MBIA Insd) ................ 6.400 06/01/10 4,085,220
------------
Nevada 2.1%
1,855 Nevada Hsg Div Single Family Prog Ser E (FHA Insd) .... 6.900 10/01/14 1,922,540
------------
New Jersey 3.5%
1,340 New Jersey Econ Dev Auth Dist Heating & Cooling
Rev Trigen Trenton Proj Ser A ......................... 6.200 12/01/10 1,264,558
2,000 New Jersey Hlth Care Fac Fin Auth Rev Genl Hosp
Cent at Passaic (FSA Insd) ............................ 6.000 07/01/14 1,990,780
------------
3,255,338
------------
New York 13.7%
1,000 New York City, NY Ser H (Cap Guar Insd) ............... 7.000 02/01/21 1,086,610
2,500 New York City, NY Hsg Dev Corp Mtg Rev
Multi Family Ser A Rfdg (FHA Insd) ................... 6.550 10/01/15 2,530,725
2,500 New York St Dorm Auth Rev St Univ Edl Fac Ser B Rfd ... 5.250 05/15/09 2,268,400
4,000 New York St Dorm Auth Rev City Univ Ser F ............. 5.000 07/01/14 3,358,840
3,100 New York St Med Care Fac Fin Agy Rev NY Hosp
Ser A (AMBAC Insd) ................................... 6.800 08/15/24 3,312,567
------------
12,557,142
------------
Puerto Rico 3.5%
3,000 Puerto Rico Elec Pwr Auth Pwr Rev Ser N Rfdg .......... 7.000 07/01/07 3,186,930
------------
Texas 14.6%
3,485 Brazosport, TX Wtr Auth Rev Wtr Supply Rfdg
(AMBAC Insd) .......................................... 5.500 09/01/18 3,216,028
2,000 San Antonio, TX Arpt Sys Rev Rfdg (AMBAC Insd) ....... 7.125 07/01/07 2,223,120
2,645 San Antonio, TX Arpt Sys Rev Rfdg (AMBAC Insd) ....... 7.125 07/01/08 2,945,631
1,425 Tarrant Cnty, TX Jr College Dist ..................... 5.050 02/15/10 1,289,425
3,520 Texas Hsg Agy Residential Dev Rev Mtg Ser D .......... 8.400 01/01/21 3,694,522
------------
13,368,726
------------
</TABLE>

See Notes to Financial Statements

Page: 6

Total Long-Term Investments 98.3%
(Cost $88,019,372) <F1> .................................................... 89,969,642
Other Assets in Excess of Liabilities 1.7% ................................ 1,566,611
-------------
Net Assets 100% ........................................................... $ 91,536,253
-------------

<FN>
<F1> At April 30, 1995, the cost for federal income tax purposes is $88,019,372;
the aggregate gross unrealized appreciation is $2,786,677 and the aggregate gross
unrealized depreciation is $1,596,630, resulting in net unrealized appreciation
including futures transactions of $1,190,047.
</TABLE>

The following schedule shows the breakdown of the Trust's long-term investments
by municipal securities market sector as of April 30, 1995.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Municipal Securities Percentage of
Market Sector Long-Term Portfolio
<S> <C>
Utilities ............. 21.9%
Healthcare ........... 20.2
Housing ............... 17.8
Transportation ........ 14.6
Education ............. 9.6
General Obligation ... 8.7
Other ................. 7.2
-------
100.0%
-------
</TABLE>

The following table summarizes the portfolio composition at April 30, 1995,
based upon quality ratings issued by Standard & Poor's. For securities not rated
by Standard & Poor's, the Moody's rating is used.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Portfolio Composition by Credit Quality

See Notes to Financial Statements

Page: 7

<TABLE>
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
<CAPTION>
April 30,1995 (Unaudited)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Assets:
Investments, at Market Value (Cost $88,019,372) (Note 1) ..................................... $ 89,969,642
Receivables:
Investments Sold ............................................................................. 3,221,967
Interest ..................................................................................... 1,938,578
Unamortized Organizational Expenses (Note 1) ................................................ 28,585
--------------
Total Assets ................................................................................. 95,158,772
--------------
Liabilities:
Payables:
Investments Purchased ........................................................................ 3,270,333
Income Distributions - Common and Preferred Shares .......................................... 159,741
Investment Advisory and Administrative Fees (Note 2) ......................................... 53,261
Margin on Futures (Note 5) .................................................................. 15,625
Custodian Bank ............................................................................... 14,268
Accrued Expenses ............................................................................. 109,291
--------------
Total Liabilities ............................................................................ 3,622,519
--------------
Net Assets ................................................................................... $ 91,536,253
--------------
Net Assets Consist of:
Preferred Shares ($.01 par value, authorized 100,000,000 shares, 1,360 issued with liquidation
preference of $25,000 per share) (Note 6) .................................................... $ 34,000,000
--------------
Common Shares ($.01 par value with an unlimited number of shares authorized,
4,682,128 shares issued and outstanding) (Note 3) ............................................ 46,821
Paid in Surplus ............................................................................. 64,486,179
Net Unrealized Appreciation on Investments .................................................. 1,190,047
Accumulated Undistributed Net Investment Income ............................................. 204,696
Accumulated Net Realized Loss on Investments ................................................. (8,391,490)
--------------
Net Assets Applicable to Common Shares ....................................................... 57,536,253
--------------
Net Assets ................................................................................... $ 91,536,253
--------------
Net Asset Value Per Common Share($57,536,253 divided
by 4,682,128 shares outstanding) ............................................................. $ 12.29
--------------
</TABLE>

See Notes to Financial Statements

Page: 8

<TABLE>
Statement of Operations
<CAPTION>
For the Six Months Ended April 30,1995 (Unaudited)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Investment Income:
Interest ............................................................................. $ 2,800,835
---------------
Expenses:
Investment Advisory and Administrative Fees (Note 2) ................................. 309,696
Preferred Share Maintenance (Note 6) ................................................. 42,111
Trustees Fees and Expenses (Note 2) .................................................. 11,577
Legal (Note 2) ...................................................................... 8,458
Amortization of Organizational Expenses (Note 1) .................................... 3,966
Other ................................................................................ 77,749
---------------
Total Expenses ....................................................................... 453,557
---------------
Net Investment Income ................................................................ $ 2,347,278
---------------
Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss on Investments:
Realized Gain/Loss on Investments:
Proceeds from Sales .................................................................. $ 54,649,750
Cost of Securities Sold .............................................................. (58,677,142)
---------------
Net Realized Loss on Investments (Including realized loss on closed and expired option
and futures transactions of $2,667 and $1,543,923, respectively) .................... (4,027,392)
---------------
Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments:
Beginning of the Period ............................................................. (6,762,850)
End of the Period (Including unrealized depreciation on
open futures transactions of $760,223) ............................................... 1,190,047
---------------
Net Unrealized Appreciation on Investments During the Period ......................... 7,952,897
---------------
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain on Investments ...................................... $ 3,925,505
---------------
Net Increase in Net Assets from Operations ........................................... $ 6,272,783
---------------
</TABLE>

See Notes to Financial Statements

Page: 9

<TABLE>
Statement of Changes in Net Assets

For the Six Months Ended April 30,1995 and the Period November 26,1993
(Commencement of Investment Operations)
through October 31,1994 (Unaudited)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended Period Ended
April 30,1995 October 31,1994
---------------- ---------------
<S> <C> <C>
From Investment Activities:
Operations:
Net Investment Income .................................... $ 2,347,278 $ 4,184,940
Net Realized Loss on Investments ......................... (4,027,392) (4,364,098)
Net Unrealized Appreciation/Depreciation on Investments
During the Period ....................................... 7,952,897 (6,762,850)
---------------- ---------------
Change in Net Assets from Operations .................... 6,272,783 (6,942,008)
---------------- ---------------
Distributions from Net Investment Income:
Common Shares ............................................ (1,938,386) (2,907,599)
Preferred Shares ........................................ (676,754) (804,783)
---------------- ---------------
Total Distributions ..................................... (2,615,140) (3,712,382)
---------------- ---------------
Net Change in Net Assets from Investment Activities ...... 3,657,643 (10,654,390)
---------------- ---------------
From Capital Transactions (Notes 3 and 6):
Proceeds from Common Shares Sold ......................... -0- 65,142,500
Proceeds from Preferred Shares Sold ...................... -0- 33,290,000
---------------- ---------------
Net Change in Net Assets from Capital Transactions ....... -0- 98,432,500
---------------- ---------------
Total Increase in Net Assets ............................ 3,657,643 87,778,110
Net Assets:
Beginning of the Period ................................. 87,878,610 100,500
---------------- ---------------
End of the Period (Including undistributed net investment
income of $204,696 and $472,558, respectively) .......... $ 91,536,253 $ 87,878,610
---------------- ---------------
</TABLE>

See Notes to Financial Statements

Page: 10

<TABLE>
Financial Highlights

The following schedule presents financial highlights for one common share of the
Trust outstanding throughout the periods indicated.(Unaudited)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<CAPTION>
November 26,1993
Six Months (Commencement
Ended of Investment
April 30, Operations) through
1995 October 31,1994
---------- -------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net Asset Value, Beginning of Period <F1> ........................ $ 11.507 $ 13.783
---------- -------------------
Net Investment Income ............................................ .501 .894
Net Realized and Unrealized Gain/Loss on Investments ............. .838 (2.377)
---------- -------------------
Total from Investment Operations ................................ 1.339 (1.483)
---------- -------------------
Less:
Distributions from Net Investment Income:
Paid to Common Shareholders ...................................... .414 .621
Common Share Equivalent of Distributions Paid
to Preferred Shareholders ....................................... .144 .172
---------- -------------------
Total Distributions ............................................. .558 .793
---------- -------------------
Net Asset Value, End of Period ................................... $ 12.288 $ 11.507
---------- -------------------
Market Price Per Share at End of Period .......................... $ 11.125 $ 9.625
Total Investment Return at Market Price (Non-Annualized) <F2> ... 20.05% (27.90%)
Total Return at Net Asset Value (Non-Annualized) <F3> ............ 10.55% (14.18%)
Net Assets at End of Period (In millions) ........................ $ 91.5 $ 87.9
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets Applicable to
Common Shares (Annualized) ...................................... 1.64% 1.58%
Ratio of Expenses to Average Net Assets (Annualized) ............. 1.01% 1.04%
Ratio of Net Investment Income to Average Net Assets
Applicable to Common Shares (Annualized) <F4> ................... 6.03% 6.06%
Portfolio Turnover ............................................... 65.56% 224.04%

<FN>
<F1> Net asset value at November 26, 1993 is adjusted for common and preferred
share offering costs of $.317 per common share.

<F2> Total investment return at market price reflects the change in market value
of the common shares for the period indicated with reinvestment of dividends in
accordance with the Trust's dividend reinvestment plan.

<F3> Total return at net asset value (NAV) reflects the change in value of the
Trust's assets with reinvestment of dividends based upon NAV.

<F4> Net investment income is adjusted for the common share equivalent of
distributions paid to preferred shareholders.
</TABLE>

See Notes to Financial Statements

Page: 11

Notes to Financial Statements

April 30,1995 (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Significant Accounting Policies

Van Kampen Merritt Select Sector Municipal Trust (the "Trust") is registered as
a non-diversified closed-end management investment company under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended. The Trust commenced investment operations on
November 26, 1993.

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies consistently
followed by the Trust in the preparation of its financial statements.

A. Security Valuation-Investments are stated at value using market quotations
or, if such valuations are not available, estimates obtained from yield data
relating to instruments or securities with similar characteristics in accordance
with procedures established in good faith by the Board of Trustees. Short-term
securities with remaining maturities of less than 60 days are valued at
amortized cost.

B. Security Transactions-Security transactions are recorded on a trade date
basis. Realized gains and losses are determined on an identified cost basis. The
Trust may purchase and sell securities on a "when issued" or "delayed delivery"
basis with settlement to occur at a later date. The value of the security so
purchased is subject to market fluctuations during this period. The Trust will
maintain, in a segregated account with its custodian, assets having an aggregate
value at least equal to the amount of the when issued or delayed delivery
purchase commitments until payment is made. At April 30, 1995, there were no
when issued or delayed delivery purchase commitments.

C. Investment Income-Interest income is recorded on an accrual basis. Bond
premium and original issue discount are amortized over the expected life of each
applicable security.

D. Organizational Expenses-The Trust has reimbursed Van Kampen American Capital
Distributors, Inc. or its affiliates ("VKAC") for costs incurred in connection
with the Trust's organization and initial registration in the amount of $40,000.
These costs are being amortized on a straight line basis over the 60 month
period ending November 25, 1998. Van Kampen American Capital Investment Advisory
Corp. (the "Adviser") has agreed that in the event any of the initial shares of
the Trust originally purchased by VKAC are redeemed during the amortization
period, the Trust will be reimbursed for any unamortized organizational expenses
in the same proportion as the number of shares redeemed bears to the number of
initial shares held at the time of redemption.

Page: 12

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

April 30,1995 (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

E. Federal Income Taxes-It is the Trust's policy to comply with the requirements
of the Internal Revenue Code applicable to regulated investment companies and to
distribute substantially all of its taxable income to its shareholders.
Therefore, no provision for federal income taxes is required.

The Trust intends to utilize provisions of the federal income tax laws which
allow it to carry a realized capital loss forward for eight years following the
year of the loss and offset such losses against any future realized capital
gains. At October 31, 1994, the Trust had an accumulated capital loss
carryforward for tax purposes of $4,364,098 which will expire on October 31,
2002.

F. Distribution of Income and Gains-The Trust declares and pays dividends from
net investment income to common shareholders monthly. Net realized gains, if
any, are distributed annually on a pro rata basis to common and preferred
shareholders.

2. Investment Advisory Agreement and Other Transactions with Affiliates

Under the terms of the Trust's Investment Advisory and Administrative Agreement,
the Adviser will provide investment advice, administrative services and
facilities to the Trust for an annual fee payable monthly of .70% of the average
net assets of the Trust.

Certain legal expenses are paid to Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom,
counsel to the Trust, of which a trustee of the Trust is an affiliated person.

For the six months ended April 30, 1995, the Trust recognized expenses of
approximately $5,800 representing VKAC's cost of providing accounting and legal
services to the Trust.

Certain officers and trustees of the Trust are also officers and directors of
VKAC. The Trust does not compensate its officers or trustees who are officers of
VKAC.

The Trust has implemented deferred compensation and retirement plans for its
Trustees. Under the deferred compensation plan, Trustees may elect to defer all
or a portion of their compensation to a later date. The retirement plan covers
those Trustees who are not officers of VKAC. The Trust's liability under the
deferred compensation and retirement plans at
April 30, 1995, was approximately $13,100.

At April 30, 1995, VKAC owned 7,128 common shares of the Trust.

Page: 13

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

April 30,1995 (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

3. Capital Transactions

At April 30, 1995 and October 31, 1994, paid in surplus related to common shares
aggregated $64,486,179 and $64,486,179, respectively. Transactions in common
shares were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Six Months Ended Period Ended
April 30, 1995 October 31, 1994
---------------- ----------------
<S> <C> <C>
Beginning Shares ... 4,682,128 7,128
Shares Sold ........ -0- 4,675,000
---------------- ----------------
Ending Shares ...... 4,682,128 4,682,128
---------------- ----------------
</TABLE>

4. Investment Transactions

Aggregate purchases and cost of sales of investment securities, excluding
short-term notes, for the six months ended April 30, 1995, were $56,536,486 and
$58,677,142, respectively.

5. Derivative Financial Instruments

A derivative financial instrument in very general terms refers to a security
whose value is "derived" from the value of an underlying asset, reference rate
or index.

The Trust has a variety of reasons to use derivative instruments, such as to
attempt to protect the Trust against possible changes in the market value of its
portfolio, manage the portfolio's effective yield, maturity and duration. All of
the Trust's portfolio holdings, including derivative instruments, are marked to
market each day with the change in value reflected in the unrealized
appreciation/depreciation on investments. Upon disposition, a realized gain or
loss is recognized accordingly, except for exercised option contracts where the
recognition of gain or loss is postponed until the disposal of the security
underlying the option contract.

Summarized below are the specific types of derivative financial instruments
used by the Trust.

A. Option Contracts-An option contract gives the buyer the right, but not the
obligation to buy (call) or sell (put) an underlying item at a fixed exercise
price during a specified period. These contracts are generally used by the Trust
to manage the portfolio's effective maturity and duration.

Page: 14

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

April 30,1995 (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Transactions in options for the six months ended April 30, 1995, were as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Contracts Premium
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Outstanding at October 31, 1994 .................... -0- $ -0-
Options Written and Purchased (Net) ................ 800 457,241
Options Terminated in Closing Transactions (Net) ... (300) (219,610)
Options Expired (Net) .............................. (500) (237,631)
--------- ------------
Outstanding at April 30, 1995 ...................... -0- $ -0-
--------- ------------
</TABLE>

B. Futures Contracts-A futures contract is an agreement involving the delivery
of a particular asset on a specified future date at an agreed upon price. The
Trust generally invests in futures on U.S. Treasury Bonds and the Municipal Bond
Index and typically closes the contract prior to the delivery date. These
contracts are generally used to manage the portfolio's effective maturity and
duration.

The fluctuation in market value of the contracts is settled daily through a
cash margin account. Realized gains and losses are recognized when the contracts
are closed or expire.

Transactions in futures contracts for the six months ended April 30, 1995,
were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Contracts
- ----------------------------------------------
<S> <C>
Outstanding at October 31, 1994 ... 2,515
Futures Opened .................... 3,230
Futures Closed .................... (4,730)
--------
Outstanding at April 30, 1995 ..... 1,015
--------
</TABLE>

The futures contracts outstanding at April 30, 1995, and the descriptions and
unrealized appreciation/depreciation are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Unrealized
Appreciation/
Contracts Depreciation
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Municipal Bond Futures
June 1995-Buys to Open ......... 50 $ (36,341)
5-Year U.S. Treasury Bond Futures
June 1995-Buys to Open ......... 250 657,358
June 1995-Sells to Open ........ 465 (1,376,097)
Sept. 1995-Buys to Open ......... 150 106,602
Sept. 1995-Sells to Open ........ 100 (111,745)
--------- --------------
1,015 $ (760,223)
--------- --------------
</TABLE>

Page: 15

Notes to Financial Statements (Continued)

April 30,1995 (Unaudited)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

6. Preferred Shares

The Trust has outstanding 1,360 Auction Preferred Shares ("APS") in two series
of 680 shares each. Dividends are cumulative and the dividend rate is
periodically reset through an auction process. The dividend period for Series A
is 7 days while Series B is 28 days. The average rate in effect on April 30,
1995, was 4.173%. During the six months ended April 30, 1995, the rates ranged
from 3.30% to 5.75%.

The Trust pays annual fees equivalent to .25% of the preferred share
liquidation value for the remarketing efforts associated with the preferred
auctions. These fees are included as a component of Preferred Share Maintenance
expense.

The APS are redeemable at the option of the Trust in whole or in part at the
liquidation value of $25,000 per share plus accumulated and unpaid dividends.
The Trust is subject to certain asset coverage tests and the APS are subject to
mandatory redemption if the tests are not met.

Page: 16

Funds Distributed by Van Kampen American Capital

GLOBAL AND
INTERNATIONAL

Govett Emerging Markets Fund
AC Global Equity Fund
Govett Global Government Income Fund
AC Global Government Securities
AC Global Managed Assets Fund
Govett International Equity Fund
Govett Latin America Fund
Govett Pacific Strategy Fund
VKM Short-Term Global Income Fund
VKM Strategic Income Fund

EQUITY

Growth

AC Emerging Growth Fund
AC Enterprise Fund
AC Pace Fund
Govett Smaller Companies Fund

Growth & Income

VKM Balanced Fund
AC Comstock Fund
AC Equity Income Fund
AC Growth and Income Fund
VKM Growth and Income Fund
AC Harbor Fund
AC Real Estate Securities Fund
VKM Utility Fund
AC Utilities Income Fund

FIXED INCOME

VKM Adjustable Rate U.S. Government Fund
AC Corporate Bond Fund
AC Federal Mortgage Trust
AC Government Securities
VKM High Yield Fund
AC High Yield Investments
VKM Money Market Fund
VKM Prime Rate Income Trust
AC Reserve Fund
VKM U.S. Government Fund
AC U.S. Government Trust for Income

TAX-FREE

VKM California Insured Tax Free Fund
VKM Florida Insured Tax Free Income Fund
VKM Insured Tax Free Income Fund
VKM Limited Term Municipal Income Fund
AC Municipal Bond Fund
VKM Municipal Income Fund
VKM New Jersey Tax Free Income Fund
VKM New York Tax Free Income Fund
VKM Pennsylvania Tax Free Income Fund
AC Tax-Exempt Trust
-- High Yield Municipal Portfolio
-- Insured Municipal Portfolio
VKM Tax Free High Income Fund
VKM Tax Free Money Fund
AC Texas Municipal Securities

Ask your investment representative for a prospectus containing more complete
information, including sales charges and expenses. Please read it carefully
before you invest or send money. Or call us direct at 1-800-421-5666 weekdays
from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central time.

Page: 17

Van Kampen Merritt Select Sector Municipal Trust

Officers and Trustees

Don G. Powell*
Chairman and Trustee

Dennis J. McDonnell*
President and Trustee

David C. Arch
Trustee

Rod Dammeyer
Trustee

Howard J Kerr
Trustee

Theodore A. Myers
Trustee

Hugo F. Sonnenschein
Trustee

Wayne W. Whalen*
Trustee

Peter W. Hegel*
Vice President

Ronald A. Nyberg*
Vice President and Secretary

Edward C. Wood, III*
Vice President and Treasurer

Scott E. Martin*
Assistant Secretary

Weston B. Wetherell*
Assistant Secretary

Nicholas Dalmaso*
Assistant Secretary

John L. Sullivan*
Controller

Steven M. Hill*
Assistant Treasurer

Investment Adviser

Van Kampen American Capital Investment Advisory Corp.
One Parkview Plaza
Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois 60181

Custodian and Transfer Agent

State Street Bank
and Trust Company
225 Franklin Street
P.O. Box 1713
Boston, Massachusetts 02105

Legal Counsel

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom
333 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60606

Independent Auditors

KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Peat Marwick Plaza
303 East Wacker Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60601

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

SM denotes a service mark of
Van Kampen American Capital Distributors, Inc.