STATE STREET RESEARCH SECURITIES TRUST
485BPOS, 1996-08-16
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         As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 16, 1996
    
                       1933 Act Registration No. 33-74628
                           1940 Act File No. 811-8322
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C. 20549
                             --------------------
   
                                  FORM N-1A
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933        [ ]
                        Pre-Effective Amendment No. __                     [ ]
                        Post-Effective Amendment No. 4                     [X]
                                    and/or
        REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940    [ ]
                                Amendment No. 5                            [X]
                             --------------------
    
                    STATE STREET RESEARCH SECURITIES TRUST
              (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

              One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111
             (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)

      Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code: (617) 357-1200

                            Francis J. McNamara, III
              Senior Vice President, Secretary & General Counsel
                  State Street Research & Management Company
                             One Financial Center
                         Boston, Massachusetts 02111
                   (Name and Address of Agent for Service)

                         Copies of Communications to:

   
                            Donald J. Evans, P.C.
                            Edward T. O'Dell, P.C.
                          Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP
                                Exchange Place
                         Boston, Massachusetts 02109
    

It is proposed that this filing will become effective (check appropriate box):
   
[ ] Immediately upon filing pursuant to paragraph (b)
[X] On August 19, 1996 pursuant to paragraph (b)
[ ] 60 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[ ] On _____________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(1)
[ ] 75 days after filing pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
[ ] On __________ pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)
    
If appropriate, check the following box:

[ ] This post-effective amendment designates a new effective date for a
previously filed post-effective amendment.

   
                             --------------------
     The Registrant hereby declares that, pursuant to Rule 24f-2(a)(1) under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"), it has registered
an indefinite number of shares of beneficial interest, par value $.001 per
share, in the State Street Research Intermediate Bond Fund series of the
Registrant, which shares are designated as Class A shares, Class B shares, Class
C shares and Class D shares of such series.
     A Rule 24f-2 Notice for the fiscal period ended April 30, 1996 was filed by
the Registrant on or about June 30, 1996 with respect to such shares.
     The Registrant hereby declares its intention to register, pursuant to Rule
24f-2(a)(1) promulgated under the 1940 Act, an indefinite number of Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class D shares of beneficial interest, par value $.001 per
share, of the State Street Research Strategic Income Fund series.
    


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<PAGE>

     The Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of State Street
Research Strategic Income Fund are included herein.

     The Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information of State Street
Research Intermediate Bond Fund are included in Post-Effective Amendment No. 2
to this Registration Statement.

<PAGE>



                     STATE STREET RESEARCH SECURITIES TRUST

                              CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                             Pursuant to Rule 481(a)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   
                                            Caption or Location in Prospectus         Caption or Location in Prospectus
      Form N-1A Item No.                    for State Street Research                 for State Street Research 
                                            Intermediate Bond Fund                    Strategic Income Fund
PART A                                                                          
    
                                                                                
<S>                                         <C>                                       <C>
 1.   Cover Page......................      Same                                      Same
                                                                                
 2.   Synopsis........................      Table of Expenses                         Table of Expenses
                                                                                
 3.   Condensed Financial                                                       
      Information ....................      Financial Highlights; Calculation of      Calculation of
                                            Performance Data                          Performance Data
                                                                                
 4.   General Description                                                       
      of Registrant ..................      The Fund's Investments; Investment        The Fund's Investments; Limiting 
                                            Practices; The Fund and its Shares;       Investment Risk; The Fund and its Shares;
                                            Appendix Debt/Bond Ratings                Appendix Debt/Bond Ratings
                                                                                
 5.   Management of the Fund..........      Management of the Fund; Purchase of       Management of the Fund; Purchase of
                                            Shares; Shareholder Services              Shares; Shareholder Services
 5A.  Management's Discussion of                                                
      Fund Performance ...............      [To be included in Annual Report to       [To be included in Annual Report to
                                            Shareholders]                             Shareholders]
                                                                                
 6.   Capital Stock and                                                         
      Other Securities ...............      The Fund and its Shares; Management of    The Fund and its Shares; Management of
                                            the Fund; Dividends and Distributions;    the Fund; Dividends and Distributions;
                                            Taxes; Shareholder Services               Taxes; Shareholder Services
 7.   Purchase of Securities                                                    
      Being Offered  .................      Purchase of Shares; Shareholder           Purchase of Shares; Shareholder
                                            Services; Management of the Fund          Services; Management of the Fund
                                                                                
 8.   Redemption or Repurchase .......      Redemption of Shares; Shareholder         Redemption of Shares; Shareholder
                                            Services                                  Services
                                                                                
 9.   Legal Proceedings...............      Not Applicable                            Not Applicable
</TABLE>



                                      i

<PAGE>


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                            Caption or Location in Statement          Caption or Location in Statement
                                            of Additional Information for             of Additional Information for
                                            State Street Research Intermediate        State Street Research Strategic
      Form N-1A Item No.                    Bond Fund                                 Income Fund

PART B                                                                          
                                                                                
<S>                                         <C>                                       <C>
10.   Cover Page......................      Same                                      Same
                                                                                
11.   Table of Contents...............      Same                                      Same
                                                                                
12.   General Information and                                                   
      History ........................      Not Applicable                            Not Applicable
                                                                                
13.   Investment Objectives                                                     
      and Policies ...................      Additional Investment Policies and        Investment Policies and
                                            Restrictions; Additional Information      Restrictions; Additional Information
                                            Concerning Certain Investment             Concerning Certain Investment
                                            Techniques; Debt Instruments and          Techniques; Debt Instruments and
                                            Permitted Cash Investments;               Permitted Cash Investments;
                                            Portfolio Transactions                    Portfolio Transactions
                                                                                
14.   Management of the Registrant ...      Trustees and Officers                     Trustees and Officers
                                                                                
15.   Control Persons and Principal                                             
      Holders of Securities ..........      Trustees and Officers                     Trustees and Officers
                                                                                
16.   Investment Advisory and Other                                             
      Services .......................      Investment Advisory Services;             Investment Advisory Services;
                                            Custodian; Independent Accountants;       Custodian; Independent Accountants;
                                            Distribution of Shares of the Fund        Distribution of Shares of the Fund
                                                                                
17.   Brokerage Allocation............      Portfolio Transactions                    Portfolio Transactions
                                                                                
18.   Capital Stock and                                                         
      Other Securities ...............      Not Applicable (Description in            Not Applicable (Description in
                                            Prospectus)                               Prospectus)
                                                                                
19.   Purchase, Redemption and Pricing                                          
      of Securities Being Offered ....      Purchase of Shares; Net Asset Value       Purchase of Shares; Redemption of Shares;
                                                                                      Net Asset Value
                                                                                
20.   Tax Status .....................      Certain Tax Matters                       Certain Tax Matters
                                                                                
21.   Underwriters ...................      Distribution of Shares of the Fund        Distribution of Shares of the Fund
                                                                                
22.   Calculation of Performance                                                
      Data ...........................      Calculation of Performance Data           Calculation of Performance Data
                                                                                
23.   Financial Statements ...........      Financial Statements                      Financial Statements
</TABLE>




                                       ii





<PAGE>

State Street Research
Strategic Income Fund

   
Prospectus
August 19, 1996

      The investment objective of State Street Research Strategic Income Fund
(the "Fund") is to provide high current income consistent with overall total
return. In seeking to achieve its investment objective, the Fund invests
primarily in U.S. Government securities; high yield, high risk debt securities
(commonly known as "junk bonds"), as well as investment grade debt, of U.S.
issuers; and international debt securities of governmental and private issuers.
For further information, see "The Fund's Investments."

      State Street Research & Management Company (the "Investment Manager")
serves as investment adviser to the Fund. As of June 30, 1996 the Investment
Manager had assets of approximately $34.9 billion under management. State Street
Research Investment Services, Inc. serves as distributor (the "Distributor") for
the Fund.
    

      There are risks in any investment program, including the risk of changing
economic and market conditions, and there is no assurance that the Fund will
achieve its investment objective. The net asset value of the Fund's shares
fluctuates as market conditions change.

      Because of the Fund's investment policies, the Fund is subject to
above-average risks; it may invest substantial amounts in foreign securities and
high yield, high risk bonds. An investment in the Fund should be part of a
balanced investment program which includes more conservative investments. For
further information, see "The Fund's Investments."

   
      This Prospectus sets forth concisely the information a prospective
investor ought to know about the Fund before investing. It should be retained
for future reference. A Statement of Additional Information about the Fund dated
August 19, 1996 has been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and
is incorporated by reference into this Prospectus. It is available at no charge
upon request to the Fund at the address indicated on the cover or by calling
1-800-562-0032.
    

      The Fund is a diversified (as defined under the Investment Company Act of
1940) series of State Street Research Securities Trust (the "Trust"), an
open-end management investment company.

   
      Shareholders may have their shares redeemed directly by the Fund at net
asset value plus the applicable contingent deferred sales charge, if any;
redemptions processed through securities dealers may be subject to processing
charges.
    

      THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES
AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED ON
THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY
IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

   
      THE FUND CAN INVEST UP TO 60% OF ITS TOTAL ASSETS IN LOWER RATED BONDS,
COMMONLY KNOWN AS "JUNK BONDS," THAT ENTAIL GREATER RISKS, INCLUDING DEFAULT
RISKS, THAN THOSE FOUND IN HIGHER RATED SECURITIES. INVESTORS SHOULD CAREFULLY
CONSIDER THESE RISKS BEFORE INVESTING. SEE "THE FUND'S INVESTMENTS," PAGES 3 TO
9 AND "APPENDIX - DESCRIPTION OF DEBT/BOND RATINGS," PAGES 29 TO 30.
    




<PAGE>


Table of Contents                                                        Page

   
Table of Expenses ......................................................    2
The Fund's Investments .................................................    3
Limiting Investment Risk ...............................................    9
Purchase of Shares .....................................................   10
Redemption of Shares ...................................................   18
Shareholder Services ...................................................   20
The Fund and its Shares ................................................   24
Management of the Fund .................................................   25
Dividends and Distributions; Taxes .....................................   26
Calculation of Performance Data ........................................   27
Appendix-Description of Debt/Bond Ratings...............................   29
    


      The Fund offers four classes of shares which may be purchased at the next
determined net asset value per share plus, in the case of all classes except
Class C shares, a sales charge which, at the election of the investor, may be
imposed (i) at the time of purchase (the Class A shares) or (ii) on a deferred
basis (the Class B and Class D shares).

      Class A shares are subject to (i) an initial sales charge of up to 4.5%
and (ii) an annual service fee of 0.25% of the average daily net asset value of
the Class A shares.

      Class B shares are subject (i) to a contingent deferred sales charge
(declining from 5% to 2%), which will be imposed on most redemptions made within
five years of purchase and (ii) annual distribution and service fees of 1% of
the average daily net asset value of such shares. Class B shares automatically
convert into Class A shares (which pay lower ongoing expenses) at the end of
eight years after purchase. No contingent deferred sales charge applies after
the fifth year following the purchase of Class B shares.

      Class C shares are offered only to certain employee benefit plans and
large institutions. No sales charge is imposed at the time of purchase or
redemption of Class C shares. Class C shares do not pay any distribution or
service fees.

      Class D shares are subject to (i) a contingent deferred sales charge of 1%
if redeemed within one year following purchase and (ii) annual distribution and
service fees of 1% of the average daily net asset value of such shares.

   
    

<PAGE>


Table of Expenses
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

                                                            Class A   Class B   Class C    Class D
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>       <C>        <C>
Shareholder Transaction Expenses(1)
   Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Purchases (as
     percentage of offering price) .........................  4.5%      None      None       None
   Maximum Sales Charge Imposed on Reinvested
     Dividends (as a percentage of offering price) .........  None      None      None       None
   Maximum Deferred Sales Charge (as a
     percentage of original purchase price or
     redemption proceeds, as applicable) ...................  None(2)     5%      None         1%
   Redemption Fees (as a percentage of amount
     redeemed, if applicable) ..............................  None      None      None       None
   Exchange Fees ...........................................  None      None      None       None
</TABLE>

(1)   Reduced sales charge purchase plans are available for Class A shares. The
      maximum 5% contingent deferred sales charge on Class B shares applies to
      redemptions during the first year after purchase; the charge declines
      thereafter and no contingent deferred sales charge is imposed after the
      fifth year. Class D shares are subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales
      charge on any portion of the purchase redeemed within one year of the
      sale. Long-term investors in a class of shares with a distribution fee
      may, over a period of years, pay more than the economic equivalent of the
      maximum sales charge permissible under applicable rules. See "Purchase of
      Shares."

(2)   Purchases of Class A shares of $1 million or more are not subject to a
      sales charge. If such shares are redeemed within 12 months of purchase, a
      contingent deferred sales charge of 1% will be applied to the redemption.
      See "Purchase of Shares."

   
    

<PAGE>

                                      Class A     Class B     Class C    Class D
Annual Fund Operating Expenses
   (as a percentage of average net assets)
     Management Fees .................  0.75%       0.75%        0.75%    0.75%
     12b-1 Fees ....................    0.25%       1.00%        None     1.00%
     Other Expenses ..................  0.75%       0.75%        0.75%    0.75%
     Less Voluntary Reduction ........ (0.40%)     (0.40%)      (0.40%)  (0.40%)
                                       -------     -------     --------  ------
        Total Fund Operating Expenses
         (after voluntary reduction)    1.35%       2.10%        1.10%    2.10%
                                       =======     ======      =======   ======


   
Example:                                                   1 Year    3 Years
                                                           ------    -------
    

You would pay the following expenses on a $1,000 investment including, for 
   Class A shares, the maximum applicable initial sales charge and assuming 
   (1) 5% annual return and (2) redemption of the entire investment at the end
   of each time period:

     Class A shares ..................................     $58       $86
     Class B shares ..................................     $71       $96
     Class C shares ..................................     $11       $35
     Class D shares ..................................     $31       $66


   
You would pay the following expenses on the same investment, assuming no
redemption:
                                                           1 Year    3 Years
                                                           ------    -------
     Class B shares ..................................     $21       $66
     Class D shares ..................................     $21       $66
- --------------------
    

The example should not be considered as a representation of past or future
return or expenses. Actual return or expenses may be greater or less than shown.

      The purpose of the table above is to assist the investor in understanding
the various costs and expenses that an investor will bear directly or
indirectly. Because the Fund is newly organized, the percentage expense levels
shown in the table as "Other Expenses" are based on estimated amounts for the
current year. Actual expense levels for the current fiscal year and future years
may vary from the amounts shown. The table does not reflect charges for optional
services elected by certain shareholders, such as the $7.50 fee for remittance
of redemption proceeds by wire. For further information on sales charges, see
"Purchase of Shares -- Alternative Purchase Program"; for further information on

   
    

<PAGE>

management fees, see "Management of the Fund"; and for further information on
12b-1 fees, see "Purchase of Shares -- Distribution Plan."

      The Fund has been advised that the Distributor and its affiliates may from
time to time and in varying amounts voluntarily assume some portion of fees or
expenses relating to the Fund. The Fund presently expects such assistance to be
provided for the next 12 months or until the Fund's net assets reach $100
million, whichever first occurs. However, the Fund has not received any firm
commitment that such assistance will in fact be provided.

      For the current fiscal year, Total Fund Operating Expenses as a percentage
of average net assets of Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares of the
Fund are estimated to be 1.75%, 2.50%, 1.50% and 2.50%, respectively, in the
absence of the voluntary assumption of fees or expenses by the Distributor and
its affiliates.

The Fund's Investments

      The Fund's investment objective is to provide high current income
consistent with overall total return. The investment objective is a fundamental
policy that may not be changed without approval of the Fund's shareholders.

      In seeking to achieve its investment objective, the Fund invests, under
normal circumstances, primarily in U.S. Government securities; high yield, high
risk, as well as investment grade, debt securities of U.S. issuers; and
international debt securities of governmental and private issuers.

   
      The Investment Manager believes that assets can be diversified and
allocated among the three sectors, U.S. Government securities, high yield, high
risk securities, and international debt securities, to take advantage of the
different ways that such sectors have performed in economic cycles. As interest
rates rise and fall in the United States, the volatility of the prices of U.S.
Government securities has historically been greater than the volatility of high
yield, high risk U.S. corporate debt. When the U.S. economy is at a particular
point in the economic growth and interest rate cycle, a given foreign economy
may be at a different point in the economic cycle; in general, the U.S. and
foreign economies do not coincide. Foreign monetary policies and movements in
the exchange rates among the world's currencies also affect investments. There
is no assurance that the asset allocation made by the Fund will be effective.
The allocation to a given sector will vary as domestic and international market
conditions warrant. Up to 100% of the Fund's assets could be allocated to any
one sector depending on circumstances, except that not more than 60% may be
invested in high yield, high risk securities.
    

      The three sectors encompass virtually all types of traditional debt
securities as well as other securities which are treated as debt securities
including, but not limited to, bonds, notes, bills, debentures, commercial
paper, bank instruments and depository accounts, collateralized mortgage
obligations

   
    

<PAGE>
and other mortgage related or backed obligations, asset-backed securities,
variable and floating rate instruments, payment-in-kind securities,
participation interests in trusts and other entities, interest only and
principal only stripped securities, convertible debt securities, and preferred
stocks. The stated or effective maturity of the instruments can range from very
short-term to very long-term.

   
      The Fund will seek high current income consistent with overall total
return through interest earned on debt securities and through gains from the
purchase and sale of the underlying securities at different prices. There is no
assurance that the Fund will obtain such income or gains. All bonds are subject
to relative degrees of interest rate risk and related market volatility. As
interest rates rise, the value of debt securities held by the Fund and thus,
shares of the Fund, can be expected to decline. As interest rates decline, the
value of debt securities held by the Fund and thus, shares of the Fund, can be
expected to increase. The magnitude of these fluctuations will be greater when
the average maturity of the portfolio securities is longer. In addition, the
value of portfolio securities can be affected by changes in the creditworthiness
of the issuer, especially of high yield, high risk debt, resulting from, for
example, positive or negative changes in the issuer's financial condition, its
business operations, or outside economic factors impacting the issuer. Thus, as
interest rates move up or down and the creditworthiness of issuers change, the
amount of possible interest income and the value of the underlying debt security
can both be subject to change. Under normal circumstances, the Fund expects to
be fully invested in debt securities in the three sectors as described. However
the Fund may, consistent with its investment objective, make other investments,
including common stocks and warrants up to 15% of the Fund's total assets.
    

      Although the Fund's investments are discussed below in three broad
sectors, many instruments are available in more than one sector, such as
mortgage-related securities which can be a U.S. Government security when issued
by a U.S. agency, or a non-governmental debt security when issued by a private
trust.

Government Securities

      U.S. Government securities are securities which are issued or guaranteed
as to principal or interest by the U.S. Government, a U.S. Government agency or
instrumentality, or certain mixed-ownership Government corporations or sponsored
enterprises. The U.S. Government securities in which the Fund invests include,
among others, direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury, i.e., U.S. Treasury
bills, notes, certificates and bonds; obligations of U.S. Government agencies or
instrumentalities such as the Federal Home Loan Banks, Federal Farm Credit
Banks, including mortgage-backed obligations of the Government National Mortgage
Association, Federal National Mortgage Association and Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation; and obligations of mixed-ownership Government corporations
such as Resolution Funding Corporation.

   
    

<PAGE>


   
      The Fund may invest in mortgage-related securities. Mortgage-related
securities represent interests in pools of commercial or residential mortgage
loans and provide the Fund with a flow-through of interest and principal
payments as such payments are received with respect to the mortgages in the
pool. Mortgage-related securities may be issued by U.S. Government agencies,
instrumentalities or mixed-ownership corporations or sponsored enterprises, and
the securities may or may not be supported by the credit of such entities.
Mortgage-related securities may also be issued by private entities such as
investment banking firms, insurance companies, mortgage bankers and home
builders. An issuer may offer senior or subordinated securities backed by the
same pool of mortgages. The senior securities have priority to the interest
and/or principal payments on the mortgages in the pool; the subordinate
securities have a lower priority with respect to such payments on the mortgages
in the pool. See "Risk Factors" below.
    

      The Fund may invest in stripped securities. Stripped securities are issued
by governmental or private issuers. U.S. Government securities may be acquired
by the Fund in the form of separately traded principal and interest components
of securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury. The principal and
interest components of selected securities are traded independently under the
Separate Trading of Registered Interest and Principal of Securities ("STRIPS")
program. Under the STRIPS program, the principal and interest components are
individually numbered and separately issued by the U.S. Treasury at the request
of depository financial institutions, which then trade the component parts
independently. Obligations of Resolution Funding Corporation are similarly
divided into principal and interest components and maintained as such on the
book entry records of the Federal Reserve Banks. 

   
      Stripped securities also include mortgage-related securities which have
been divided into separate interest and principal components. Holders of the
interest components of mortgage related securities will receive payments of the
interest only on the current face amount of the mortgages and holders of the
principal components will receive payments of the principal on the mortgages.
"Interest only" securities are known as IOs; "principal only" securities are
known as POs. See "Risk Factors" below.

Risk Factors

      In the case of mortgage-related securities, the possibility of prepayment
of the underlying mortgages which might be motivated, for instance, by declining
interest rates, could lessen the potential for total return in mortgage-backed
securities. When pre-payments of mortgages occur during periods of declining
interest rates, the Fund will have to reinvest the proceeds in instruments with
lower effective interest rates.

      In the case of stripped securities, in periods of low interest rates and
rapid mortgage prepayments, the value of IOs for mortgage-related securities can
decrease significantly. The market for IOs and POs is new and there is no
assurance it will operate efficiently or provide liquidity in the future.
Stripped securities are extremely volatile in certain interest rate
environments.
    

U.S. Corporate High Yield, High Risk, Investment Grade and Other Debt Securities

   
      High yield, high risk debt includes corporate bonds, convertible bonds and
preferred stocks, rated at the time of purchase in categories BB through D by
Standard & Poor's Corporation ("S&P") or Ba through C by Moody's Investors
Service, Inc. ("Moody's"), commonly known as "junk bonds", or which are unrated
but believed by the Investment Manager to be of comparable quality. Where an
investment is split rated, the Fund may invest on the basis of the higher
rating. Where an investment is only rated by one rating agency, the Fund may
invest on the basis of a higher

    


<PAGE>

rating derived from its own analysis. 

      The Fund may also invest in higher rated, lower yield debt securities of
domestic issuers. Higher rated securities include those rated AAA through BBB by
S&P or Aaa through Baa by Moody's. Securities rated BBB by S&P or Baa by Moody's
can have speculative characteristics. Investment grade securities are generally
issued by larger or more established issuers, compared to lower rated
securities, and are less volatile. The Fund will invest in investment grade
securities when appropriate given the spread between higher and lower quality
debt, market expectations, and overall portfolio composition. Investment grade
debt can lessen a potential decline in the Fund's net asset value, but may also
reduce the Fund's current income and total return.

      In addition to the ratings from S&P and Moody's, ratings by other
nationally recognized statistical rating organizations may be used, such as
Fitch's Investors Services and Duff & Phelps Credit Rating Company.

Risk Factors

      Lower rated high yield, high risk securities generally involve more credit
risk than higher rated securities and are considered by S&P and Moody's to be
predominantly speculative with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay
principal in accordance with the terms of the obligation. Such securities may
also be subject to greater market price fluctuations than lower yielding, higher
rated debt securities; credit ratings do not reflect this market risk. In
addition, these ratings may not reflect the effect of recent developments on an
issuer's ability to make interest and principal payments. Bonds rated in the
lowest category and in default may never resume interest payments or repay
principal and their market value may be difficult to determine. In the event the
rating of a security is downgraded, the Investment Manager will determine
whether the security should be retained or sold depending on an assessment of
all facts and circumstances at that time. For further information concerning the
ratings of debt securities, see the Appendix to this Prospectus.

      Additional risks of such securities include (i) limited liquidity and
secondary market support, particularly in the case of securities that are not
rated or are subject to restrictions on resale, which may limit the ability of
the Fund to sell portfolio securities either to meet redemption requests or in
response to changes in the economy or the financial markets, and make selection
and valuation of portfolio securities more subjective and dependent upon the
Investment Manager's credit analysis; (ii) the potential for the insolvency of
issuers during periods of changing interest rates and economic difficulty; (iii)
subordination to the prior claims of senior lenders; and (iv) the possibility
that earnings of the issuer may be insufficient to meet its debt service. Growth
in the market for this type of security has paralleled a general expansion in
certain sectors in the U.S. economy, and the effects of adverse economic changes
(including a recession) are unclear.

Other Debt Securities

      The Fund may also invest in other debt-related obligations issued by
corporations, trusts and similar entities such as beneficial interests in
asset-backed pools, zero coupon securities, pay-in-kind ("PIK") securities,
Yankee bonds and Government trust certificates. The credit quality of the issuer
of such securities can range across the entire spectrum from high quality to
highly speculative.

      Asset-backed (other than mortgage-related) securities represent interests
in pools of consumer loans such as credit card receivables, automobile loans and
leases, leases on equipment such as computers, and other financial instruments.

   
    

<PAGE>

These securities provide a flow-through of interest and principal payments as
payments are received on the loans or leases and may be supported by letters of
credit or similar guarantees of payment by a financial institution.

      Zero coupon securities pay no interest for all or a portion of their life
but are purchased at a discount to face value at maturity. Their return consists
of the amortization of the discount between their purchase price and their
maturity value, plus any fixed rate interest income. Zero coupon securities pay
no interest to holders prior to maturity even though interest on these
securities is reported as income to the Fund. PIK debt securities permit the
issuer to pay the interest thereon either in cash or as additional debt
obligations. The reporting of interest for zero coupon and PIK securities is
similar. The Fund will be required to distribute all or substantially all of
such amounts annually to its shareholders. These distributions may cause the
Fund to liquidate portfolio assets in order to make such distributions at a time
when the Fund may have otherwise chosen not to sell such securities. The market
for zero coupon and payment-in-kind securities is more volatile than that of
securities which pay interest at regular intervals.

      Yankee bonds are bonds denominated in U.S. dollars and issued by foreign
entities for sale in the United States. Yankee bonds are affected by interest
rates in the U.S. and by the economic, political and other forces which impact
the issuer locally.

      The Fund may invest from time to time in collective investment vehicles,
such as Government trusts whose assets consist principally of U.S. Government
securities, or other assets, such as U.S. Government loans to foreign countries,
substantially collateralized or supported by such securities.

International Debt Securities

      The Fund may invest in debt obligations denominated in foreign currencies
issued or guaranteed by governments, governmental agencies and similar bodies,
and supranational organizations, corporations, financial institutions, trusts,
and other entities. The Fund expects to invest predominantly in investment grade
debt of issuers in Developed Nations, although no limits apply as to quality or
geography.

      The Fund invests in foreign debt based on the attractiveness of the
issuer, the general economic climate, the interest rate environment, and the
relative strength of the U.S. dollar and relevant currency. The obligations of
foreign governmental entities have various kinds of government support and
include obligations issued or guaranteed by foreign governmental entities with
taxing powers. These obligations may or may not be supported by the full faith
and credit of a foreign government. The obligations of foreign corporations are
subject to many of the same business, industry and other fundamental variables
that affect the creditworthiness of domestic corporations. All foreign debt
obligation, both governmental and nongovernmental, are also affected by the
interrelationships of interest rates in the U.S. and abroad and exchange rates
among currencies.

   
    
<PAGE>

      Supranational debt may be denominated in U.S. dollars, a foreign currency
or a multi-national currency unit. Examples of supranational entities include
the World Bank, the European Investment Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the
Inter-American Development Bank. The governmental members, or "stockholders",
usually make initial capital contributions to the supranational entity and in
many cases are committed to make additional capital contributions if the
supranational entity is unable to repay its borrowings.

      The Fund may invest in securities denominated in a multi-national currency
unit. An illustration of a multi-national currency unit is the European Currency
Unit (the "ECU"), which is a "basket" consisting of specified amounts of the
currencies of the member states of the European Community, a Western European
economic cooperative organization that includes Germany, France, the United
Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium and Italy, among others. European
supranational entities, in particular, issue ECU-denominated obligations.

      The Fund may invest in American Depositary Receipts ("ADRs") and European
Depositary Receipts ("EDRs"). ADRs are dollar denominated receipts, typically
issued by a U.S. bank or trust company, which evidence ownership of underlying
securities issued by a foreign corporation or other entity. EDRs are foreign
currency denominated receipts issued in Europe which evidence a similar
ownership arrangement. The Fund may also invest in bonds denominated in U.S.
dollars issued outside the United States by corporations and others, for
example, "Eurodollar" bonds.

   
    
<PAGE>

Risk Factors

      The risks associated with investments in foreign securities include those
resulting from fluctuations in currency exchange rates, revaluation of
currencies, future political and economic developments, including the risks of
nationalization or expropriation, the possible imposition of currency exchange
blockages, higher operating expenses, foreign withholding and other taxes which
may reduce investment return, reduced availability of public information
concerning issuers and the fact that foreign issuers are not generally subject
to uniform accounting, auditing and financial reporting standards or to other
regulatory practices and requirements comparable to those applicable to domestic
issuers. Moreover, securities of many foreign issuers may be less liquid and
their prices more volatile than those of securities of comparable domestic
issuers.

      The Fund may also invest in the securities of issuers in countries with
less developed economies as deemed appropriate by the Investment Manager,
although the Fund does not presently expect to invest more than 5% of its total
assets in issuers in such less developed countries. Such countries include
countries that have an emerging securities market that trades a small number of
securities; countries with low- to middle-income economies; and/or countries
with economies that are based on only a few industries. Eastern European
countries are considered to have less developed capital markets.

      For further information regarding foreign investments, see the Statement
of Additional Information.

Currency Transactions

   
      In order to protect against the effect of uncertain future exchange rates
on securities denominated in foreign currencies, the Fund may engage in currency
exchange transactions either on a spot (i.e., cash) basis at the rate prevailing
in the currency exchange market or by entering into forward contracts to
purchase or sell currencies. The Fund may simultaneously engage in such
transactions in the denomination currency of the underlying investment in
another currency in respect to the denomination currency; sometimes called
"cross hedging". Although such contracts tend to minimize the risk of loss
resulting from a correctly predicted decline in value of hedged currency, they
tend to limit any potential gain that might result should the value of such
currency increase. In entering a forward currency transaction, the Fund is
dependent upon the creditworthiness and good faith of the counterparty. The Fund
attempts to reduce the risks of nonperformance by the counterparty by dealing
only with established, large institutions with which the Investment Manager has
done substantial business in the past. For further information, see the
Statement of Additional Information.

    

<PAGE>

Other Investment Policies

      The Fund may lend portfolio securities with a value of up to 33 1/3% of
its total assets. The Fund will receive cash or cash equivalents (e.g., U.S.
Government obligations) as collateral in an amount equal to at least 100% of the
current market value of the loaned securities plus accrued interest. Collateral
received by the Fund will generally be held in the form tendered, although cash
may be invested in securities issued or guaranteed by the U.S. Government or its
agencies or instrumentalities, irrevocable stand-by letters of credit issued by
a bank, or any combination thereof. The investing of cash collateral received
from loaning portfolio securities involves leverage which magnifies the
potential for gain or loss on monies invested and, therefore, results in an
increase in the volatility of the Fund's outstanding securities. Such loans may
be terminated at any time.

      The Fund will retain most rights of ownership including rights to
dividends, interest or other distributions on the loaned securities. Voting
rights pass with the lending, although the Fund may call loans to vote proxies
if desired. Should the borrower of the securities fail financially, there is a
risk of delay in recovery of the securities or loss of rights in the collateral.
Loans are made only to borrowers which are deemed by the Investment Manager to
be of good financial standing.

   
      The Fund may buy and sell options, futures contracts and options on
futures contracts on securities, securities indices and currencies, and enter
into closing transactions with respect thereto; such instruments are commonly
known as derivatives because they derive their value from underlying assets,
such as the assets on which they are based. The Fund may not establish a
position in a commodity futures contract or purchase or sell a commodity option
contract for other than bona fide hedging purposes if immediately thereafter the
sum of the amount of initial margin deposits and premiums required to establish
such derivative positions for nonhedging purposes would exceed 5% of the market
value of the Fund's net assets; similar policies apply to options which are not
commodities. The Fund may also invest in derivatives through various forms of
swap arrangements, which have simultaneously the characteristics of a security
and a futures contract, although the Fund does not presently expect to invest
more than 5% of its total assets in such derivatives. These swap arrangements
include interest rate swaps, currency swaps and index swaps. For a more detailed
discussion of derivatives, see the Statement of Additional Information. The Fund
may also enter into repurchase agreements and reverse repurchase agreements.
    

      The Fund may purchase "when-issued" securities, which are traded on a
price basis prior to actual issuance. Such purchases will be made only to
achieve the Fund's investment objective and not for leverage. The when-issued
trading period generally lasts from a few days to months or over a year or more.
No income accrues to the Fund prior to the time it takes delivery. When-issued
trading frequently occurs with governmental or private mortgage pools which are
traded prior to the actual finalization of pool arrangements. Such transactions
may involve a risk of loss if the value of the securities fall below the price
committed to prior to the actual issuance. The Trust's custodian will establish
a segregated account for the Fund when it purchases securities on a when-issued
basis consisting of cash or liquid securities equal to the amount of the
when-issued commitments. Securities transactions involving delayed deliveries or
forward commitments are frequently characterized as when-issued transactions and
are similarly treated by the Fund.

      The Fund may invest in restricted securities in accordance with Rule 144A
under the Securities Act of 1933, which allows for the resale of such securities
among certain qualified institutional buyers. Because the market for such
securities is still developing, such securities could possibly become illiquid

   
    
<PAGE>

in particular circumstances. See the Statement of Additional Information.

      The Fund anticipates that its portfolio turnover rate will generally not
exceed 200% under normal conditions. The Fund does, however, reserve full
freedom with respect to portfolio turnover. In periods when there are rapid
changes in economic conditions or security price levels or when investment
strategy changes significantly, portfolio turnover may be higher than during
times of economic and market price stability or when investment strategy remains
relatively constant. An actual portfolio turnover rate of 100% or more may
result in greater transaction costs, relative to other funds of all types in
general, and may have tax and other consequences as well. See the Statement of
Additional Information.


Limiting Investment Risk

      In seeking to lessen investment risk, the Fund operates under certain
fundamental and nonfundamental investment restrictions.

      Under the fundamental investment restrictions, the Fund may not (a)
purchase a security of any one issuer (other than securities issued or
guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. Government or its agencies or
instrumentalities or mixed-ownership Government corporations or sponsored
enterprises) if such purchase would, with respect to 75% of the Fund's total
assets, cause more than 5% of the Fund's total assets to be invested in the
securities of such issuer or cause more than 10% of the voting securities of
such issuer to be held by the Fund; or (b) invest more than 25% of the Fund's
total assets in securities of issuers principally engaged in any one industry.

      The foregoing fundamental investment restrictions do not apply in the
event the Fund invests in other mutual funds, subject to future changes in law
and regulatory requirements (see "The Fund and its Shares"); otherwise, the
foregoing restrictions may not be changed except by vote of the holders of a
majority of the outstanding voting securities of the Fund, as defined under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act").

      Under the nonfundamental investment restrictions, the Fund may not invest
more than 15% of its net assets in illiquid securities including repurchase
agreements extending for more than seven days and may not invest more than 5% of
its total assets in restricted securities excluding securities eligible for
resale under Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933. Although many illiquid
securities may also be restricted, and vice versa, compliance with each of these
policies will be determined independently. The foregoing nonfundamental
investment restriction may be changed without a shareholder vote.

   
    
<PAGE>

      For further information on the above and other fundamental and
nonfundamental investment restrictions, see the Statement of Additional
Information.

      The Fund may hold up to 100% of its assets in cash or certain short-term
securities for temporary defensive purposes when, in the opinion of the
Investment Manager, such a position is more likely to provide protection against
adverse market conditions. To the extent that the Fund's assets are held in a
temporary defensive position, the Fund will not be achieving its investment
objective. The types of short-term instruments in which the Fund may invest for
such purposes are, as more fully described in the Statement of Additional
Information: U.S. Government securities, time deposits and corporate commercial
paper rated at least "A" by S&P or "Prime" by Moody's (or, if not rated, issued
by companies having an outstanding unsecured debt issue rated at least "A" by
S&P or Moody's).

   
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Information on the Purchase of Shares, Redemption of Shares and Shareholder
Services is set forth on pages 10 to 24 below.
    


The Fund is available for investment by many kinds of investors including
participants investing through 401(k) or other retirement plan sponsors,
employees investing through savings plans sponsored by employers, Individual
Retirement Accounts ("IRAs"), trusts, corporations, individuals, etc. The
applicability of the general information and administrative procedures set
forth below accordingly will vary depending on the investor and the
recordkeeping system established for a shareholder's investment in the Fund.
Participants in 401(k) and other plans should first consult with the
appropriate person at their employer or refer to the plan materials before
following any of the procedures below. For more information or assistance,
anyone may call 1-800-562-0032.
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Purchase of Shares

Methods of Purchase

Through Dealers

      Shares of the Fund are continuously offered through securities dealers who
have entered into sales agreements with the Distributor. Purchases through
dealers are confirmed at the offering price, which is the net asset value plus
the applicable sales charge, next determined after the order is duly received by
State Street Research Shareholder Services ("Shareholder Services"), a division
of State Street Research Investment Services, Inc., from the dealer. ("Duly
received" for purposes herein means in accordance with the conditions of the
applicable method of purchase as described below.) The dealer is responsible

   
    
<PAGE>

for transmitting the order promptly to Shareholder Services in order to permit
the investor to obtain the current price. See "Purchase of Shares -- Net Asset
Value" herein.

By Mail

      Initial investments in the Fund may be made by mailing or delivering to
the investor's securities dealer a completed Application (accompanying this
Prospectus), together with a check for the total purchase price payable to the
Fund. The dealer must forward the Application and check in accordance with the
instructions on the Application. Additional shares may be purchased by mailing
to Shareholder Services a check payable to the Fund in the amount of the total
purchase price together with any one of the following: (i) an Application; (ii)
the stub from the shareholder's account statement; or (iii) a letter setting
forth the name of the Fund, the class of shares and the account name and number.
Shareholder Services will deliver the purchase order to the transfer agent and
dividend paying agent, State Street Bank and Trust Company (the "Transfer
Agent").

      If the check is not honored for its full amount, the purchaser could be
subject to additional charges to cover collection costs and any investment loss,
and the purchase may be cancelled.

By Wire

      An investor may purchase shares by wiring Federal Funds of not less than
$5,000 to State Street Bank and Trust Company, which also serves as the Trust's
custodian (the "Custodian"), as set forth below. Prior to making an investment
by wire, an investor must notify Shareholder Services at 1-800-521-6548 and
obtain a control number and instructions. Following such notification, Federal
Funds should be wired through the Federal Reserve System to: 

        ABA #011000028
        State Street Bank and Trust Company 
        Boston, MA 
BNF =   State Street Research
        Strategic Income Fund and class of shares (A, B, C or D)
AC  =   99029761
OBI =   Shareholder Name
        Shareholder Account Number
        Control #K (assigned by State Street
        Research Shareholder Services)

      In order for a wire investment to be processed on the same day (i) the
investor must notify Shareholder Services of his or her intention to make such
investment by 12 noon Boston time on the day of his or her investment; and (ii)
the wire must be received by 4 P.M. Boston time that same day.

   
    
<PAGE>

      An investor making an initial investment by wire must promptly complete
the Application accompanying this Prospectus and deliver it to his or her
securities dealer, who should forward it as required. No redemptions will be
effected until the Application has been duly processed.

      The Fund may in its discretion discontinue, suspend or change the practice
of accepting orders by any of the methods described above. Orders for the
purchase of shares are subject to acceptance by the Fund. The Fund reserves the
right to suspend the sale of shares, or reject any orders in connection with
exchanges for any reason.

Minimum Investment

                                               Class of Shares
                            ---------------------------------------------------
                                 A             B              C         D
                            ------------  -------------  ----------  ----------

Minimum Initial
Investment
   By Wire                     $5,000        $5,000          (a)      $5,000
   IRAs                        $2,000        $2,000          (a)      $2,000
   By Investamatic             $1,000        $1,000          (a)      $1,000
   All other                   $2,500        $2,500          (a)      $2,500
Minimum Subsequent
Investment                     $5,000        $5,000          (a)      $5,000
   By Wire                        $50           $50          (a)         $50
   IRAs                           $50           $50          (a)         $50
   By Investamatic                $50           $50          (a)         $50
   All other

(a)   Special conditions apply; contact the Distributor.

   
The Fund reserves the right to vary the minimums for initial or subsequent
investments as in the case of, for example, exchanges and investments under
various retirement and employee benefit plans, sponsored arrangements involving
group solicitations of the members of an organization, or other investment plans
for reinvestment of dividends and distributions or for periodic investments
(e.g., Investamatic Check Program).

    

<PAGE>

Alternative Purchase Program

General

      Alternative classes of shares permit investors to select a purchase
program which they believe will be the most advantageous for them, given the
amount of their purchase, the length of time they anticipate holding Fund
shares, or the flexibility they desire in this regard, and other relevant
circumstances. Investors will be able to determine whether in their particular
circumstances it is more advantageous to incur an initial sales charge and not
be subject to certain ongoing charges or to have their entire initial purchase
price invested in the Fund with the investment being subject thereafter to
ongoing service fees and distribution fees. As described in greater detail
below, securities dealers are paid differing amounts of commissions and other
compensation depending on which class of shares they sell.


   
    
<PAGE>



      The major differences among the various classes of shares are as follows:

              Class A         Class B         Class C     Class D

Sales         Initial sales   Contingent      None        Contingent
Charges       charge at time  deferred sales              deferred sales
              of investment   charge of 5%                charge of 1%
              of up to 4.5%   to 2% applies               applies to any
              depending on    to any shares               shares
              amount of       redeemed                    redeemed
              investment      within first                within one
                              five years                  year following
                              following                   their purchase
                              their
                              purchase; no
                              contingent
                              deferred sales
                              charge after
                              five years

              On investments of
              $1 million or more,
              no initial sales
              charge; but
              contingent deferred
              sales charge of 1%
              applies to any
              shares redeemed
              within one year
              following their
              purchase

Distribution  None            0.75% for       None        0.75% each
Fee                           first eight                 year
                              years; Class B
                              shares convert
                              automatically
                              to Class A
                              shares after
                              eight years

Service Fee   0.25% each year 0.25% each year None        0.25% each
                                                          year

Initial       Above           4%              None        1%
Commission    described
Received by   initial sales
Selling       charge less
Securities    0.25% to 0.50%
Dealers       retained by
              Distributor

   
              On investments
              of $1 million
              or more, 0.25%
              to 0.70% paid to
              dealer by
              Distributor
    


      In deciding which class of shares to purchase, the investor should
consider the amount of the investment, the length of time the investment is
expected to be held, and the ongoing service fee and distribution fee, among
other factors.

   
    
<PAGE>

      Class A shares are sold at net asset value plus an initial sales charge of
up to 4.5% of the public offering price. Because of the sales charge, not all of
an investor's purchase amount is invested unless the purchase equals $1,000,000
or more. Class B shareholders pay no initial sales charge, but a contingent
deferred sales charge of up to 5% generally applies to shares redeemed within
five years of purchase. Class D shareholders also pay no initial sales charge,
but a contingent deferred sales charge of 1% generally applies to redemptions
made within one year of purchase. For Class B and Class D shareholders,
therefore, the entire purchase amount is immediately invested in the Fund.

      An investor who qualifies for a significantly reduced initial sales
charge, or a complete waiver of the sales charge on investments of $1,000,000 or
more, on the purchase of Class A shares might elect that option to take
advantage of the lower ongoing service and distribution fees that characterize
Class A shares compared with Class B or Class D shares.

      Class A, Class B and Class D shares are assessed an annual service fee of
0.25% of average daily net assets. Class B shares are assessed an annual
distribution fee of 0.75% of daily net assets for an eight-year period following
the date of purchase and are then automatically converted to Class A shares.
Class D shares are assessed an annual distribution fee of 0.75% of daily net
assets for as long as the shares are held. The prospective investor should
consider these fees plus the initial or contingent deferred sales charges in
estimating the costs of investing in the various classes of Fund shares.

      Only certain employee benefit plans and large institutions may make
investments in Class C shares.

      Some of the service and distribution fees are allocated to dealers (see
"Distribution Plan" below). In addition, the Distributor will, at its expense,
provide additional cash and noncash incentives to securities dealers that sell
shares. Such incentives may be extended only to those dealers who have sold or
may sell significant amounts of shares and/or meet other conditions established
by the Distributor; for example, the Distributor may sponsor special promotions
to develop particular distribution channels or to reach certain investor groups.
The Distributor may also compensate brokers for maintaining investments over a
period of years. The incentives may include merchandise and trips to and
attendance at sales seminars at resorts.

Class A Shares -- Initial Sales Charges

Sales Charges

      The purchase price of a Class A share of the Fund is the Fund's per share
net asset value next determined after the

   
    
<PAGE>

purchase order is duly received, as defined herein, plus a sales charge which
varies depending on the dollar amount of the shares purchased as set forth in
the table below. A major portion of this sales charge is reallowed by the
Distributor to the securities dealer responsible for the sale.


Dollar          Sales          Sales             Dealer
Amount of       Charge         Charge            Concession
Purchase        Paid by        Paid by           As % of
Transaction     Investor       Investor          Purchase
                As % of        As % of           Price
                Purchase       Net Asset
                Price          Value

Less than       4.50%          4.71%             4.00%
$100,000

$100,000 or     3.50%          3.63%             3.00%
above but less
than $250,000

$250,000 or     2.50%          2.56%             2.00%
above but less
than $500,000

$500,000 or     2.00%          2.04%             1.75%
above but less
than
$1 million

$1 million and  0%             0%                See following discussion
above


      On any sale of Class A shares to a single investor in the amount of
$1,000,000 or more, the Distributor may pay the authorized securities dealer a
commission based on the aggregate of such sales as follows:

Amount of Sale                            Commission

   
(a)  $1 million to $3 million                 0.70%
(b)  Next $2 million                          0.50%
(c)  Amount over $5 million                   0.25%
    

      On such sales of $1,000,000 or more, unless the above commission is waived
by the dealer, the investor is subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge
on any portion of the purchase redeemed within one year of the sale. However,
such redeemed shares will not be subject to the contingent deferred sales charge
to the extent that their value represents (1) capital appreciation or (2)
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. In addition, the
contingent deferred sales charge will be waived for certain other redemptions as
described under "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Waivers" below (as otherwise
applicable to Class B shares).

   
    
<PAGE>

      Class A shares of the Fund that are purchased without a sales charge may
be exchanged for Class A shares of certain other Eligible Funds, as described
below, without the imposition of a contingent deferred sales charge, although
contingent deferred sales charges may apply upon a subsequent redemption within
one year of the Class A shares which are acquired through such exchange. For
federal income tax purposes, the amount of the contingent deferred sales charge
will reduce the gain or increase the loss, as the case may be, on the amount
realized on redemption. The amount of any contingent deferred sales charge will
be paid to the Distributor.


Reduced Sales Charges

      The reduced sales charges set forth in the table above are applicable to
purchases made at any one time by any "person," as defined in the Statement of
Additional Information, of $100,000 or more of Class A shares of the Fund or a
combination of "Eligible Funds." "Eligible Funds" include the Fund and other
funds so designated by the Distributor from time to time. Class B, Class C and
Class D shares may also be included in the combination under certain
circumstances. Securities dealers should call Shareholder Services for details
concerning the other Eligible Funds and any persons who may qualify for reduced
sales charges and related information. See the Statement of Additional
Information.


Letter of Intent

      Any investor who provides a Letter of Intent may qualify for a reduced
sales charge on purchases of no less than an aggregate of $100,000 of Class A
shares of the Fund and any other Eligible Funds within a 13-month period. Class
B, Class C and Class D shares may also be included in the combination under
certain circumstances. Additional information on a Letter of Intent is available
from dealers, or from the Distributor, and also appears in the Statement of
Additional Information.


Right of Accumulation

      Investors may purchase Class A shares of the Fund or a combination of
shares of the Fund and other Eligible Funds at reduced sales charges pursuant to
a Right of Accumulation. Under the Right of Accumulation, the sales charge is
determined by combining the current purchase with the value of the Class A
shares of other Eligible Funds held at the time of purchase. Class B, Class C
and Class D shares may also be included in the combination under certain
circumstances. See the Statement of Additional Information and call Shareholder
Services for details concerning the Right of Accumulation.

   
    
<PAGE>

Other Programs

      Class A shares of the Fund may be sold at a reduced sales charge or
without a sales charge pursuant to certain sponsored arrangements, which include
programs under which a company, employee benefit plan or other organization
makes recommendations to, or permits group solicitation of, its employees,
members or participants, except any organization created primarily for the
purpose of obtaining shares of the Fund at a reduced sales charge or without a
sales charge. Sales without a sales charge, or with a reduced sales charge, may
also be made through brokers, financial planners, institutions, and others,
under managed fee-based programs (e.g., "wrap fee" or similar programs) which
meet certain requirements established from time to time by the Distributor.
Information on such arrangements and further conditions and limitations is
available from the Distributor.

      In addition, no sales charge is imposed in connection with the sale of
Class A shares of the Fund to the following entities and persons: (A) the
Investment Manager, Distributor, or any affiliated entities, including any
direct or indirect parent companies and other subsidiaries of such parents
(collectively "Affiliated Companies"); (B) employees, officers, sales
representatives or current or retired directors or trustees of the Affiliated
Companies or any investment company managed by any of the Affiliated Companies,
any relatives of any such individuals whose relationship is directly verified by
such individuals to the Distributor, or any beneficial account for such
relatives or individuals; and (C) employees, officers, sales representatives or
directors of dealers and other entities with a selling agreement with the
Distributor to sell shares of any aforementioned investment company, any spouse
or child of such person, or any beneficial account for any of them. The purchase
must be made for investment and the shares purchased may not be resold except
through redemption. This purchase program is subject to such administrative
policies, regarding the qualification of purchasers and any other matters, as
may be adopted by the Distributor from time to time.

   
      The initial sales charge will also be waived on Class A shares purchased
and paid for with the proceeds of shares redeemed in the past 90 days from a
mutual fund (other than a fund managed by the Investment Manager or any of its
subsidiaries) on which an initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales
charge was paid; this waiver must be requested when the purchase order is placed
for the Class A shares and the Distributor may require evidence of qualification
for this waiver and establish other conditions. Availability of the waiver is
subject to completion of steps necessary to implement the purchase program.
    

Class B Shares -- Contingent Deferred Sales Charges

Contingent Deferred Sales Charges

      The public offering price of Class B shares is the net asset value per
share next determined after the purchase order is duly received, as defined
herein. No sales charge is imposed at the time of purchase; thus the full amount
of the investor's purchase payment will be invested in the Fund. However, a
contingent deferred sales charge may be imposed upon redemptions of Class B
shares as described below.

   
    

<PAGE>

      The Distributor will pay securities dealers at the time of sale a 4%
commission for selling Class B shares. The proceeds of the contingent deferred
sales charge and the distribution fee are used to offset distribution expenses
and thereby permit the sale of Class B shares without an initial sales charge.

      Class B shares that are redeemed within a five-year period after their
purchase will not be subject to a contingent deferred sales charge to the extent
that the value of such shares represents (1) capital appreciation of Fund assets
or (2) reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. The amount of
any applicable contingent deferred sales charge will be calculated by
multiplying the net asset value of such shares at the time of redemption or at
the time of purchase, whichever is lower, by the applicable percentage shown in
the table below:

                                           Contingent
                                            Deferred
                                          Sales Charge
                                       As A Percentage Of
                                         Net Asset Value
Redemption During                         At Redemption

1st Year Since Purchase                        5%
2nd Year Since Purchase                        4%
3rd Year Since Purchase                        3%
4th Year Since Purchase                        3%
5th Year Since Purchase                        2%
6th Year Since Purchase
  and Thereafter                              None

      In determining the applicability and rate of any contingent deferred sales
charge, it will be assumed that a redemption of Class B shares is made first of
those shares having the greatest capital appreciation, next of shares
representing reinvestment of dividends and capital gains distributions and
finally of remaining shares held by the shareholder for the longest period of
time. The holding period for purposes of applying a contingent deferred sales
charge on Class B shares of the Fund acquired through an exchange from another
Eligible Fund will be measured from the date that such shares were initially
acquired in the other Eligible Funds, and Class B shares being redeemed will be
considered to represent, as applicable, capital appreciation or dividend and
capital gains distribution reinvestments in such other Eligible Fund. These
determinations will result in any contingent deferred sales charge being imposed
at the lowest possible rate. For federal income tax purposes, the amount of the
contingent deferred sales charge will reduce the gain or increase the loss, as
the case may be, on the amount realized on redemption. The amount of any
contingent deferred sales charge will be paid to the Distributor.

   
    
<PAGE>

Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Waivers

      The contingent deferred sales charge does not apply to exchanges, or to
redemptions under a systematic withdrawal plan which meets certain conditions.
In addition, the contingent deferred sales charge will be waived for: (i)
redemptions made within one year of the death or total disability, as defined by
the Social Security Administration, of all shareholders of an account; (ii)
redemptions made after attainment of a specific age in an amount which
represents the minimum distribution required at such age under Section 401(a)(9)
of the Internal Revenue Code for retirement accounts or plans (e.g., age 70 1/2
for IRAs and Section 403(b) plans), calculated solely on the basis of assets
invested in the Fund or other Eligible Funds; and (iii) a redemption resulting
from a tax-free return of an excess contribution to an IRA. (The foregoing
waivers do not apply to a tax-free rollover or transfer of assets out of the
Fund.) The Fund may modify or terminate the waivers described above at any time;
for example, the Fund may limit the application of multiple waivers and
establish other conditions for employee benefit plans.


Conversion of Class B Shares to Class A Shares

      A shareholder's Class B shares, including all shares received as dividends
or distributions with respect to such shares, will automatically convert to
Class A shares of the Fund at the end of eight years following the issuance of
such Class B shares; consequently, they will no longer be subject to the higher
expenses borne by Class B shares. The conversion rate will be determined on the
basis of the relative per share net asset values of the two classes and may
result in a shareholder receiving either a greater or fewer number of Class A
shares than the Class B shares so converted. As noted above, holding periods for
Class B shares received in exchange for Class B shares of other Eligible Funds
will be counted toward the eight-year period.


Class C Shares -- Institutional; No Sales Charge

      The purchase price of a Class C share of the Fund is the Fund's per share
net asset value next determined after the purchase order is duly received, as
defined herein. No sales charge is imposed at the time of purchase or
redemption. The Fund will receive the full amount of the investor's purchase
payment.

      In general, Class C shares are only available for new investments by
certain large institutions, and employee benefit plans which acquire shares
through programs or products sponsored by Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
("Metropolitan") and/or its affiliates, for which Class C shares have been
designated. Information on the availability of Class C shares and further
conditions and limitations is available from the Distributor.

   
    
<PAGE>

      Class C shares may be issued directly or through exchanges to those
shareholders of the Fund or other Eligible Funds who previously held shares not
subject to any future sales charge or service fees or distribution fees. Class C
shares may be also issued in connection with mergers and acquisitions involving
the Fund.


Class D Shares -- Spread Sales Charges

      The purchase price of a Class D share of the Fund is the Fund's per share
net asset value next determined after the purchase order is duly received, as
defined herein. No sales charge is imposed at the time of purchase; thus the
full amount of the investor's purchase payment will be invested in the Fund.
Class D shares are subject to a 1% contingent deferred sales charge on any
portion of the purchase redeemed within one year of the sale. The contingent
deferred sales charge will be 1% of the lesser of the net asset value of the
shares at the time of purchase or at the time of redemption. The Distributor
pays securities dealers a 1% commission for selling Class D shares at the time
of purchase. The proceeds of the contingent deferred sales charge and the
distribution fee are used to offset distribution expenses and thereby permit the
sale of Class D shares without an initial sales charge.

      Class D shares that are redeemed within one year after purchase will not
be subject to the contingent deferred sales charge to the extent that the value
of such shares represents (1) capital appreciation of Fund assets or (2)
reinvestment of dividends or capital gains distributions. In addition, the
contingent deferred sales charge will be waived for certain other redemptions as
described under "Contingent Deferred Sales Charge Waivers" above (as otherwise
applicable to Class B shares). For federal income tax purposes, the amount of
the contingent deferred sales charge will reduce the gain or increase the loss,
as the case may be, on the amount realized on redemption. The amount of any
contingent deferred sales charge will be paid to the Distributor.


Net Asset Value

      The Fund's per share net asset values are determined Monday through Friday
as of the close of the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") exclusive of days on
which the NYSE is closed. The NYSE ordinarily closes at 4 P.M. New York City
time. Assets held by the Fund are valued at the last reported sale price as of
the close of business on the valuation date, except that securities and assets
for which market quotations are not readily available are valued as determined
in good faith by or under the authority of the Trustees of the Trust. In
determining the value of certain

   
    
<PAGE>

assets for which market quotations are not readily available, the Fund may use
one or more pricing services. The pricing services utilize information with
respect to market transactions, quotations from dealers and various
relationships among securities in determining value and may provide prices
determined as of times prior to the close of the NYSE. The Trustees have
authorized the use of the amortized cost method to value short-term debt
instruments issued with a maturity of one year or less that have a remaining
maturity of 60 days or less when the value obtained is fair value. Further
information with respect to the valuation of the Fund's assets is included in
the Statement of Additional Information.


Distribution Plan

      The Fund has adopted a Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (the
"Distribution Plan") in accordance with the regulations under the Investment
Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act"). Under the provisions of the
Distribution Plan, the Fund makes payments to the Distributor based on an annual
percentage of the average daily value of the net assets of each class of shares
as follows:

    Class          Service Fee          Distribution Fee

      A             0.25%                     None
      B             0.25%                     0.75%
      C              None                     None
      D             0.25%                     0.75%

      Some or all of the service fees are used to pay or reimburse securities
dealers (including securities dealers that are affiliates of the Distributor) or
others for personal services and/or the maintenance or servicing of shareholder
accounts. A portion of any initial commission paid to dealers for the sale of
shares of the Fund represents payment for personal services and/or the
maintenance of shareholder accounts by such dealers. Dealers who have sold Class
A shares are eligible for further reimbursement commencing as of the time of
such sale. Dealers who have sold Class B and Class D shares are eligible for
further reimbursement after the first year during which such shares have been
held of record by such dealer as nominee for its clients (or by such clients
directly). Any service fees received by the Distributor and not allocated to
dealers may be applied by the Distributor in reduction of expenses incurred by
it directly for personal services and the maintenance or servicing of
shareholder accounts.

      The distribution fees are used primarily to offset initial and ongoing
commissions paid to securities dealers for selling such shares. Any distribution
fees received by the Distributor and not allocated to dealers may be applied by
the Distributor in connection with sales or marketing efforts, including special

   
    
<PAGE>

promotional fees and cash and noncash incentives based upon sales by securities
dealers.

      The Distributor provides distribution services on behalf of other funds
having distribution plans and receives similar payments from, and incurs similar
expenses on behalf of, such other funds. When expenses of the Distributor cannot
be identified as relating to a specific fund, the Distributor allocates expenses
among the funds in a manner deemed fair and equitable to each fund.

      Commissions and other cash and noncash incentives and payments to dealers,
to the extent payable out of the general profits, revenues or other sources of
the Distributor (including the advisory fees paid by the Fund), have also been
authorized pursuant to the Distribution Plan.

      A rule of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD")
limits the annual expenditures which the Fund may incur under the Distribution
Plan to 1%, of which 0.75% may be used to pay distribution expenses and 0.25%
may be used to pay shareholder service fees. The NASD rule also limits the
aggregate amount which the Fund may pay for such distribution costs to 6.25% of
gross share sales of a class since the inception of any asset-based sales charge
plus interest at the prime rate plus 1% on unpaid amounts thereof (less any
contingent deferred sales charges). Such limitation does not apply to
shareholder service fees. Payments to the Distributor or to dealers funded under
the Distribution Plan may be discontinued at any time by the Trustees of the
Trust.


Redemption of Shares

      Shareholders may redeem all or any portion of their accounts on any day
the NYSE is open for business. Redemptions will be effective at the applicable
net asset value per share next determined (see "Purchase of Shares -- Net Asset
Value" herein) after receipt of the redemption request, in accordance with the
requirements described below, by Shareholder Services and delivery of the
request by Shareholder Services to the Transfer Agent. To allow time for the
clearance of checks used for the purchase of any shares which are tendered for
redemption shortly after purchase, the remittance of the redemption proceeds for
such shares could be delayed for 15 days or more after the purchase.
Shareholders who anticipate a potential need for immediate access to their
investments should, therefore, purchase shares by wire. Except as noted,
redemption proceeds from the Fund are normally remitted within seven days after
receipt of the redemption request by the Fund and any necessary documents in
good order.

   
    
<PAGE>

Methods of Redemption

Request By Mail

      A shareholder may request redemption of shares, with proceeds to be mailed
to the shareholder or wired to a predesignated bank account (see "Proceeds By
Wire" below), by sending to State Street Research Shareholder Services, P.O. Box
8408, Boston, Massachusetts 02266-8408: (1) a written request for redemption
signed by the registered owner(s) of the shares, exactly as the account is
registered; (2) an endorsed stock power in good order with respect to the shares
or, if issued, the share certificates for the shares endorsed for transfer or
accompanied by an endorsed stock power; (3) any required signature guarantees
(see "Redemption of Shares -- Signature Guarantees" below); and (4) any
additional documents which may be required for redemption in the case of
corporations, trustees, etc., such as certified copies of corporate resolutions,
governing instruments, powers of attorney, and the like. The Transfer Agent will
not process requests for redemption until it has received all necessary
documents in good order. A shareholder will be notified promptly if a redemption
request cannot be accepted. Shareholders having any questions about the
requirements for redemption should call Shareholder Services toll-free at
1-800-562-0032.


Request By Telephone

      Shareholders may request redemption by telephone with proceeds to be
transmitted by check or by wire (see "Proceeds By Wire" below). A shareholder
can request a redemption for $50,000 or less to be transmitted by check. Such
check for the proceeds will be made payable to the shareholder of record and
will be mailed to the address of record. There is no fee for this service. It is
not available for shares held in certificate form or if the address of record
has been changed within 30 days of the redemption request. The Fund may revoke
or suspend the telephone redemption privilege at any time and without notice.
See "Shareholder Services -- Telephone Services" for a discussion of the
conditions and risks associated with Telephone Privileges.

Request by Check (Class A Shares Only)

      Shareholders of Class A shares of the Fund may redeem shares by checks
drawn on State Street Bank and Trust Company. Checks may be made payable to the
order of any person or organization designated by the shareholder and must be
for amounts of at least $500 but not more than $100,000. Shareholders will
continue to earn dividends on the shares to be redeemed until the check clears.
There is no charge associated with redemption of shares by check. Checkbooks are
supplied for a $2 fee. Checks will be sent only to the registered owner at the
address of record. A $10 fee will be charged against an account in the event a
redemption

   
    
<PAGE>

check is presented for payment and not honored pursuant to the terms and
conditions established by State Street Bank and Trust Company.

      Shareholders can request the checkwriting privilege by completing the
signature card which is part of the Application. In order to arrange for
redemption-by-check after an account has been opened, a revised Application with
signature card and signatures guaranteed must be sent to Shareholder Services.
Cancelled checks will be returned to shareholders at the end of each month.

      The redemption-by-check service is subject to State Street Bank and Trust
Company's rules and regulations applicable to checking accounts (as amended from
time to time), and is governed by the Massachusetts Uniform Commercial Code. All
notices with respect to checks drawn on State Street Bank and Trust Company must
be given to State Street Bank and Trust Company. Stop payment instructions with
respect to checks must be given to State Street Bank and Trust Company by
calling 1-617-985-8543. Shareholders may not close out an account by check.

Proceeds By Wire

      Upon a shareholder's written request or by telephone if the shareholder
has Telephone Privileges (see "Shareholder Services -- Telephone Services"
herein), the Trust's custodian will wire redemption proceeds to the
shareholder's predesignated bank account. To make the request, the shareholder
should call 1-800-521-6548 prior to 4 P.M. Boston time. A $7.50 charge against
the shareholder's account will be imposed for each wire redemption. This charge
is subject to change without notice. The shareholder's bank may also impose a
charge for receiving wires of redemption proceeds. The minimum redemption by
wire is $5,000.


Request to Dealer to Repurchase

      For the convenience of shareholders, the Fund has authorized the
Distributor as its agent to accept orders from dealers by wire or telephone for
the repurchase of shares by the Distributor from the dealer. The Fund may revoke
or suspend this authorization at any time. The repurchase price is the net asset
value for the applicable shares next determined following the time at which the
shares are offered for repurchase by the dealer to the Distributor. The dealer
is responsible for promptly transmitting a shareholder's order to the
Distributor. Payment of the repurchase proceeds is made to the dealer who placed
the order promptly upon delivery of certificates for shares in proper form for
transfer or, for Open Accounts, upon the receipt of a stock power with
signatures guaranteed as described below, and, if required, any supporting
documents. Neither the Fund nor the Distributor imposes any charge upon such a
repurchase. However, a dealer may impose a charge as agent for a shareholder in
the

   
    
<PAGE>

repurchase of his or her shares. The Fund has reserved the right to change,
modify or terminate the services described above at any time.

Additional Information

      Because of the relatively high cost of maintaining small shareholder
accounts, the Fund reserves the right to involuntarily redeem at its option any
shareholder account which remains below $1,500 for a period of 60 days after
notice is mailed to the applicable shareholder, or to impose a maintenance fee
on such account after 60 days' notice. Such involuntary redemptions will be
subject to applicable sales charges, if any. The Fund may increase such minimum
account value above such amount in the future after notice to affected
shareholders. Involuntarily redeemed shares will be priced at the net asset
value on the date fixed for redemption by the Fund, and the proceeds of the
redemption will be mailed promptly to the affected shareholder at the address of
record. Currently, the maintenance fee is $18 annually, which is paid to the
Transfer Agent. The fee does not apply to certain retirement accounts or if the
shareholder has more than an aggregate $50,000 invested in the Fund and other
Eligible Funds combined. Imposition of a maintenance fee on a small account
could, over time, exhaust the assets of such account.

      To cover the cost of additional compliance administration, a $20 fee will
be charged against any shareholder account that has been determined to be
subject to escheat under applicable state laws.

      The Fund may not suspend the right of redemption or postpone the date of
payment of redemption proceeds for more than seven days, except that (a) it may
elect to suspend the redemption of shares or postpone the date of payment of
redemption proceeds: (1) during any period that the NYSE is closed (other than
customary weekend and holiday closings) or trading on the NYSE is restricted;
(2) during any period in which an emergency exists as a result of which disposal
of portfolio securities is not reasonably practicable or it is not reasonably
practicable for the Fund fairly to determine the value of its net assets; or (3)
during such other periods as the Securities and Exchange Commission may by order
permit for the protection of investors; and (b) the payment of redemption
proceeds may be postponed as otherwise provided under "Redemption of Shares"
herein.

Signature Guarantees

      To protect shareholder accounts, the Transfer Agent, the Fund, the
Investment Manager and the Distributor from possible fraud, signature guarantees
are required for certain redemptions. Signature guarantees help the Transfer
Agent determine that the person who has authorized a redemption from the account
is, in fact, the shareholder. Signature guarantees are required for,

   
    
<PAGE>

among other things: (1) written requests for redemptions for more than $50,000;
(2) written requests for redemptions for any amount if the proceeds are
transmitted to other than the current address of record (unchanged in the past
30 days); (3) written requests for redemptions for any amount submitted by
corporations and certain fiduciaries and other intermediaries; (4) requests to
transfer the registration of shares to another owner; and (5) authorizations to
establish the checkwriting privilege. Signatures must be guaranteed by a bank, a
member firm of a national stock exchange, or other eligible guarantor
institution. The Transfer Agent will not accept guarantees (or notarizations)
from notaries public. The above requirements may be waived in certain instances.
Please contact Shareholder Services at 1-800-562-0032 for specific requirements
relating to your account.

Shareholder Services

The Open Account System

      Under the Open Account System full and fractional shares of the Fund owned
by shareholders are credited to their accounts by the Transfer Agent, State
Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02110.
Certificates representing shares will not be issued. Shareholders will receive
periodic statements of transactions in their accounts.

      The Fund's Open Account System provides the following options:

      1.    Additional purchases of shares of the Fund may be made through
            dealers, by wire or by mailing a check, payable to the Fund, to
            Shareholder Services under the terms set forth above under "Purchase
            of Shares."

      2.    The following methods of receiving dividends from investment income
            and distributions from capital gains are available:

            (a)   All income dividends and capital gains distributions
                  reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.

            (b)   All income dividends in cash; all capital gains distributions
                  reinvested in additional shares of the Fund.

            (c)   All income dividends and capital gains distributions in
                  cash.

            (d)   All income dividends and capital gains distributions invested
                  in any one available Eligible Fund designated by the
                  shareholder as described below. See "Dividend Allocation Plan"
                  herein.

   
    
<PAGE>

      Dividend and distribution selections should be made on the Application
accompanying the initial investment. If no selection is indicated on the
Application, the account will automatically be coded for reinvestment of all
dividends and distributions in additional shares of the same class of the Fund.
Selections may be changed at any time by telephone or written notice to
Shareholder Services. Dividends and distributions are reinvested at net asset
value without a sales charge.


Exchange Privilege

      Shareholders of the Fund may exchange their shares for available shares
with corresponding characteristics of any of the other Eligible Funds at any
time on the basis of the relative net asset values of the respective shares to
be exchanged, subject to compliance with applicable securities laws.
Shareholders of any other Eligible Fund may similarly exchange their shares for
Fund shares with corresponding characteristics. Prior to making an exchange,
shareholders should obtain the Prospectus of the Eligible Fund into which they
are exchanging. Under the Direct Program, subject to certain conditions,
shareholders may make arrangements for regular exchanges from the Fund into
other Eligible Funds. To effect an exchange, Class A, Class B and Class D shares
may be redeemed without the payment of any contingent deferred sales charge that
might otherwise be due upon an ordinary redemption of such shares. The State
Street Research Money Market Fund issues Class E shares which are sold without
any sales charge. Exchanges of State Street Research Money Market Fund Class E
shares into Class A shares of the Fund or any other Eligible Fund are subject to
the initial sales charge or contingent deferred sales charge applicable to an
initial investment in such Class A shares, unless a prior Class A sales charge
has been paid directly or indirectly with respect to the shares redeemed. For
purposes of computing the contingent deferred sales charge that may be payable
upon disposition of the acquired Class A, Class B and Class D shares, the
holding period of the redeemed shares is "tacked" to the holding period of the
acquired shares. The period any Class E shares are held is not tacked to the
holding period of any acquired shares. No exchange transaction fee is currently
imposed on any exchange.

      Shares of the Fund may also be acquired or redeemed in exchange for shares
of the Summit Cash Reserves Fund ("Summit Cash Reserves") by customers of
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (subject to completion of
steps necessary to implement the program). The Fund and Summit Cash Reserves are
related mutual funds for purposes of investment and investor services. Upon the
acquisition of shares of Summit Cash Reserves by exchange for redeemed shares of
the Fund, (a) no sales charge is imposed by Summit Cash Reserves, (b) no
contingent deferred sales charge is imposed by the Fund on the Fund shares
redeemed, and (c) any applicable holding period of the Fund shares redeemed

   
    
<PAGE>

is "tolled," that is, the holding period clock stops running pending further
transactions. Upon the acquisition of shares of the Fund by exchange for
redeemed shares of Summit Cash Reserves, (a) the acquisition of Class A shares
shall be subject to the initial sales charges or contingent deferred sales
charges applicable to an initial investment in such Class A shares, unless a
prior Class A sales charge has been paid indirectly, and (b) the acquisition of
Class B or Class D shares of the Fund shall restart any holding period
previously tolled, or shall be subject to the contingent deferred sales charge
applicable to an initial investment in such shares.

      For the convenience of its shareholders who have Telephone Privileges, the
Fund permits exchanges by telephone request from either the shareholder or the
shareholder's dealer. Shares may be exchanged by telephone provided that the
registration of the two accounts is the same. The toll-free number for exchanges
is 1-800-521-6548. See "Telephone Services" herein for a discussion of
conditions and risks associated with Telephone Privileges.

      The exchange privilege may be exercised only in those states where shares
of the relevant other Eligible Fund may legally be sold. For tax purposes, each
exchange actually represents the sale of shares of one fund and the purchase of
shares of another. Accordingly, exchanges may produce a capital gain or loss for
tax purposes. The exchange privilege may be terminated or suspended or its terms
changed at any time, subject, if required under applicable regulations, to 60
days' prior notice. New accounts established for investments upon exchange from
an existing account in another fund will have the same Telephone Privileges as
the existing account, unless Shareholder Services is instructed otherwise.
Related administrative policies and procedures may also be adopted with regard
to a series of exchanges, street name accounts, sponsored arrangements and other
matters.

      The exchange privilege is not designed for use in connection with
short-term trading or "market timing" strategies. To protect the interests of
shareholders, the Fund reserves the right to temporarily or permanently
terminate the exchange privilege for any person who makes more than six
exchanges out of or into the Fund per calendar year. Accounts under common
ownership or control, including accounts with the same taxpayer identification
number, may be aggregated for purposes of the six exchange limit.
Notwithstanding the six exchange limit, the Fund reserves the right to refuse
exchanges by any person or group if, in the Investment Manager's judgment, the
Fund would be unable to invest effectively in accordance with its investment
objective and policies, or would otherwise potentially be adversely affected.
Exchanges may be restricted or refused if the Fund receives or anticipates
simultaneous orders affecting significant portions of the Fund's assets. In
particular, a pattern of exchanges that coincides with a market timing
strategy may be disruptive to the Fund. The Fund may impose these restrictions
at any time.

   
    
<PAGE>

The exchange limit may be modified for accounts in certain institutional
retirement plans because of plan exchange limits, Department of Labor
regulations or administrative and other considerations. Subject to the
foregoing, if an exchange request in good order is received by Shareholder
Services and delivered by Shareholder Services to the Transfer Agent by 12 noon
Boston time on any business day, the exchange usually will occur that day.
Consult Shareholder Services before requesting an exchange or for further
information.


Reinvestment Privilege

      A shareholder of the Fund who has redeemed shares or had shares
repurchased at his or her request may reinvest all or any portion of the
proceeds (plus that amount necessary to acquire a fractional share to round off
his or her reinvestment to full shares) in shares, of the same class as the
shares redeemed, of the Fund or any other Eligible Fund at net asset value and
without subjecting the reinvestment to an initial sales charge, provided such
reinvestment is made within 120 calendar days after a redemption or repurchase.
Upon such reinvestment, the shareholder will be credited with any contingent
deferred sales charge previously charged with respect to the amount reinvested.
The redemption of shares is, for federal income tax purposes, a sale on which
the shareholder may realize a gain or loss. If a redemption at a loss is
followed by a reinvestment within 30 days, the transaction may be a "wash sale"
resulting in a denial of the loss for federal income tax purposes.

      Any reinvestment pursuant to the reinvestment privilege will be subject to
any applicable minimum account standards imposed by the fund into which the
reinvestment is made. Shares are sold to a reinvesting shareholder at the net
asset value thereof next determined following timely receipt by Shareholder
Services of such shareholder's written purchase request and delivery of the
request by Shareholder Services to the Transfer Agent. A shareholder may
exercise this reinvestment privilege only once per 12-month period with respect
to his or her shares of the Fund. No charge is imposed by the Fund for such
reinvestments; however, dealers may charge fees in connection with the
reinvestment privilege. The reinvestment privilege may be exercised with respect
to an Eligible Fund only in those states where shares of the relevant other
Eligible Fund may legally be sold.


Investment Plans

      The Investamatic Check Program is available to Class A, Class B and Class
D shareholders. Under this Program, shareholders may make regular investments by
authorizing withdrawals from their bank accounts each month or quarter on the
Application available from Shareholder Services.

   
    
<PAGE>

      The Distributor also offers IRAs and retirement plans, including prototype
and other employee benefit plans for employees, sole proprietors, partnerships
and corporations. Details of these investment plans and their availability may
be obtained from securities dealers or from Shareholder Services.

Systematic Withdrawal Plan

      A shareholder who owns noncertificated Class A or Class C shares with a
value of $5,000 or more, or Class B or Class D shares with a value of $10,000 or
more, may elect, by participating in the Fund's Systematic Withdrawal Plan, to
have periodic checks issued for specified amounts. These amounts may not be less
than certain minimums, depending on the class of shares held. The Plan provides
that all income dividends and capital gains distributions of the Fund shall be
credited to participating shareholders in additional shares of the Fund. Thus,
the withdrawal amounts paid can only be realized by redeeming shares of the Fund
under the Plan. To the extent such amounts paid exceed dividends and
distributions from the Fund, a shareholder's investment will decrease and may
eventually be exhausted.

      In the case of shares otherwise subject to contingent deferred sales
charges, no such charges will be imposed on withdrawals of up to 8% annually of
either (a) the value, at the time the Plan is initiated, of the shares then in
the account or (b) the value, at the time of a withdrawal, of the same number of
shares as in the account when the Plan was initiated, whichever is higher.

      Expenses of the Plan are borne by the Fund. A participating shareholder
may withdraw from the Plan and the Fund may terminate the Plan at any time on
written notice. Purchase of additional shares while a shareholder is receiving
payments under a Plan is ordinarily disadvantageous because of duplicative sales
charges. For this reason, a shareholder may not participate in the Investamatic
Check Program and the Systematic Withdrawal Plan at the same time.

Dividend Allocation Plan

      The Dividend Allocation Plan allows shareholders to elect to have all of
their dividends and any other distributions from the Fund or any Eligible Fund
automatically invested at net asset value in one other such Eligible Fund
designated by the shareholder, provided the account into which the investment is
made is initially funded with the requisite minimum amount. The number of shares
purchased will be determined as of the dividend payment date. The Dividend
Allocation Plan is subject to state securities law requirements, to suspension
at any time, and to such policies, limitations and restrictions, as, for
instance,

   
    

<PAGE>

may be applicable to street name or master accounts, that may be adopted from
time to time.

Automatic Bank Connection

      A shareholder may elect, by participating in the Fund's Automatic Bank
Connection ("ABC"), to have dividends and other distributions, including
Systematic Withdrawal Plan payments, automatically deposited in the
shareholder's bank account by electronic funds transfer. Some contingent
deferred sales charges may apply. See "Systematic Withdrawal Plan" herein.

Reports

      Reports for the Fund will be sent to shareholders of record at least
semiannually. These reports will include a list of the securities owned by the
Fund as well as the Fund's financial statements.

Telephone Services

      The following telephone privileges ("Telephone Privileges") can be used:

      (1)   the privilege allowing the shareholder to make telephone redemptions
            for amounts up to $50,000 to be mailed to the shareholder's address
            of record is available automatically;

      (2)   the privilege allowing the shareholder or his or her dealer to
            make telephone exchanges is available automatically;

   
      (3)   the privilege allowing the shareholder to make telephone redemptions
            for amounts over $5,000, to be remitted by wire to the shareholder's
            predesignated bank account, is available by election on the
            Application accompanying this Prospectus. A current shareholder who
            did not previously request such telephone wire privilege on his or
            her original Application may request the privilege by completing a
            Telephone Redemption-by-Wire Form which may be obtained by calling
            1-800-562-0032. The Telephone Redemption-by-Wire form requires a
            signature guarantee; and

      (4)   the privilege allowing the shareholder to make telephone purchases
            or redemptions, transmitted via the Automated Clearing House system,
            into or from the shareholder's predesignated bank account, is 
            available upon completion of the requisite initial documentation.
            For details and forms, call 1-800-562-0032. The documentation 
            requires a signature guarantee.

    

<PAGE>

      A shareholder may decline the automatic Telephone Privileges set forth in
(1) and (2) above by so indicating on the Application accompanying this
Prospectus.

      A shareholder may discontinue any Telephone Privilege at any time by
advising Shareholder Services that the shareholder wishes to discontinue the use
of such privileges in the future.

      Unless such Telephone Privileges are declined, a shareholder is deemed to
authorize Shareholder Services and the Transfer Agent to: (1) act upon the
telephone instructions of any person purporting to be the shareholder to redeem,
or purporting to be the shareholder or the shareholder's dealer to exchange,
shares from any account; and (2) honor any written instructions for a change of
address regardless of whether such request is accompanied by a signature
guarantee. All telephone calls will be recorded. None of the Fund, the other
Eligible Funds, the Transfer Agent, the Investment Manager or the Distributor
will be liable for any loss, expense or cost arising out of any request,
including any fraudulent or unauthorized requests. Shareholders assume the risk
to the full extent of their accounts that telephone requests may be
unauthorized. Reasonable procedures must be followed to confirm that
instructions communicated by telephone are genuine. The shareholder will not be
liable for any losses due to unauthorized or fraudulent instructions if such
procedures are not followed.

      Shareholders may redeem or exchange shares by calling toll-free
1-800-521-6548. Although it is unlikely, during periods of extraordinary market
conditions, a shareholder may have difficulty in reaching Shareholder Services
at such telephone number. In that event, the shareholder should contact
Shareholder Services at 1-800-562-0032, 1-617-357-7805 or otherwise at its main
office at One Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111-2690.


Shareholder Account Inquiries:
  Please call 1-800-562-0032

      Call this number for assistance in answering general questions on your
account, including account balance, available shareholder services, statement
information and performance of the Fund. Account inquiries may also be made in
writing to State Street Research Shareholder Services, P.O. Box 8408, Boston,
Massachusetts 02266-8408. A fee of up to $10 will be charged against an account
for providing additional account transcripts or photocopies of paid redemption
checks or for researching records in response to special requests.


Shareholder Telephone Transactions:
  Please call 1-800-521-6548

   
    
<PAGE>

      Call this number for assistance in purchasing shares by wire and for
telephone redemptions or telephone exchange transactions. For more information
and/or requisite authorization forms for telephone redemption and exchange
privileges call 1-800-562-0032. Shareholder Services will require some form of
personal identification prior to acting upon instructions received by telephone.
Written confirmation of each transaction will be provided.


The Fund and its Shares

   
      The Fund was organized in August, 1996 as an additional series of State
Street Research Securities Trust (a Massachusetts business trust. The Trustees
have authorized shares of the Fund to be issued in four classes: Class A, Class
B, Class C and Class D. The Trust is registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the 1940 Act, as an open-end management investment company. The
fiscal year end of the Fund is April 30.
    

      Subject to a number of conditions, including the granting of an exemptive
order from the Securities and Exchange commission and/or possible changes in
applicable laws and regulatory policy, the Fund may choose to become a fund of
funds, that is, a mutual fund which invests in other mutual funds. For example,
the Fund could invest in an affiliated fund that invests primarily in U.S.
Government securities, a second affiliated fund that invests primarily in high
yield, high risk securities, and a third fund that invests in international
debt. Such an arrangement could offer advantages to the Fund through more
efficient operations and portfolio diversification.

      Except for those differences between the classes of shares described below
and elsewhere in the Prospectus, each share of the Fund has equal dividend,
redemption and liquidation rights with other shares of the Fund and when issued
is fully paid and nonassessable. In the future, certain classes may be
redesignated, for administrative purposes only, to conform to standard class
designations and common usage of terms which may develop in the mutual fund
industry. For example, Class C shares may be redesignated as Class Y shares and
Class D shares may be redesignated as Class C shares. Any redesignation would
not affect any substantive rights respecting the shares.

      Each share of each class of shares represents an identical legal interest
in the same portfolio of investments of the Fund, has the same rights and is
identical in all respects, except that Class A, Class B and Class D shares bear
the expenses of the deferred sales arrangement and any expenses (including the
higher service and distribution fees) resulting from such sales arrangement, and
certain other incremental expenses related to a class. Each class will have
exclusive voting rights with respect to provisions of the Rule 12b-1
distribution plan pursuant to

   
    

<PAGE>

which the service and distribution fees, if any, are paid. Although the legal
rights of holders of each class of shares are identical, it is likely that the
different expenses borne by each class will result in different net asset values
and dividends. The different classes of shares of the Fund also have different
exchange privileges.

      The rights of holders of shares may be modified by the Trustees at any
time, so long as such modifications do not have a material adverse effect on the
rights of any shareholder. The Trustees may reorganize, merge or liquidate the
Fund without prior shareholder approval and subject to compliance with
applicable law. On any matter submitted to the shareholders, the holder of each
Fund share is entitled to one vote per share (with proportionate voting for
fractional shares) regardless of the relative net asset value thereof. Under the
Master Trust Agreement of the Trust, no annual or regular meeting of
shareholders is required. Thus, there will ordinarily be no shareholder meetings
unless required by the 1940 Act or other reasons.

      Under Massachusetts law, the shareholders of the Trust could, under
certain circumstances, be held personally liable for the obligations of the
Trust. However, the Master Trust Agreement of the Trust disclaims shareholder
liability for acts or obligations of the Trust and provides for indemnification
for all losses and expenses of any shareholder of the Fund held personally
liable for the obligations of the Trust. Thus, the risk of a shareholder
incurring financial loss on account of shareholder liability is limited to
circumstances in which the Fund would be unable to meet its obligations. The
Investment Manager believes that, in view of the above, the risk of personal
liability to shareholders is remote.

      As of the approximate time of this Prospectus, the Investment Manager, the
Distributor and/or Metropolitan, their indirect parent, were the beneficial
owners of all or a substantial amount of the outstanding shares of the Fund, and
may be deemed to be in control of the Fund as "control" is defined in the 1940
Act. Such owners may acquire additional shares of the Fund. Although sales of
the Fund's shares to other investors will reduce their percentage ownership, so
long as 25% of the Fund's shares are so owned, such owners will be presumed to
be in control of the Fund for purposes of voting on certain matters submitted to
a vote of shareholders, such as any Distribution Plan for a given class.

Management of the Fund

      Under the provisions of the Master Trust Agreement and the laws of
Massachusetts, responsibility for the management and supervision of the Fund
rests with the Trustees. The Fund's investment manager is State Street Research
& Management Company. The Investment Manager is charged with the overall
responsibility

   
    

<PAGE>

for managing the investments and business affairs of the Fund, subject to the
authority of the Board of Trustees.

      The Investment Manager was founded by Paul Cabot, Richard Saltonstall and
Richard Paine to serve as investment adviser to one of the nation's first mutual
funds, presently known as State Street Research Investment Trust, which they had
formed in 1924. Their investment management philosophy, which continues to this
day, emphasized comprehensive fundamental research and analysis, including
meetings with the management of companies under consideration for investment.
The Investment Manager's portfolio management group has extensive investment
industry experience managing equity and debt securities. In managing debt
securities for a portfolio, the Investment Manager may consider yield curve
positioning, sector rotation and duration, among other factors.

      The Investment Manager and the Distributor are indirect wholly-owned
subsidiaries of Metropolitan, and both are located at One Financial Center,
Boston, Massachusetts 02111-2690.

      Under its Advisory Agreement with the Trust, the Investment Manager
receives a monthly investment advisory fee equal to 0.75% (on an annual basis)
of the average daily value of the net assets of the Fund. The Fund bears all
costs of its operation other than those incurred by the Investment Manager under
the Advisory Agreement. In particular, the Fund pays, among other expenses,
investment advisory fees, certain distribution expenses under the Fund's
Distribution Plan and the compensation and expenses of the Trustees who are not
otherwise currently affiliated with the Investment Manager or any of its
affiliates. The Fund also incurs expenses payable to various states in
connection with the offer and sale of the Fund's shares, and expenses for legal,
custodian and transfer agent services, among other costs. The Investment Manager
will reduce its management fee payable by the Fund up to the amount of any
expenses (excluding permissible items, such as brokerage commissions, Rule 12b-1
payments, interest, taxes and litigation expenses) paid or incurred in any year
in excess of the most restrictive expense limitation imposed by any state in
which the Fund sells shares, if any. Under the Advisory Agreement, the
Investment Manager provides the Fund with office space, facilities and
personnel. The Investment Manager compensates Trustees of the Trust if such
persons are employees or affiliates of the Investment Manager or its affiliates.

   
      John H. Kallis is primarily responsible for the day-to-day management of
the Fund's portfolio. He has managed the Fund since inception. Mr. Kallis has
investment discretion over the entire portfolio of the Fund, makes investment
decisions as to specific securities holdings, allocates and from time to time
adjusts such allocations of investments among different sectors, and delegates
responsibility for defined portions of the portfolio to others. Mr. Kallis
manages the U.S. government securities sector of the Fund. His principal
occupation currently is Senior Vice President of State Street Research &
Management Company. During the past five years

    


<PAGE>

   
he has also served as portfolio manager for State Street Research & Management
Company. Mr. Bartlett R. Geer has managed the high yield, high risk securities
sector of the Fund since inception. Mr. Geer's principal occupation is Senior
Vice President of State Street Research & Management Company. During the past
five years, he has also served as Vice President of State Street Research &
Management Company. Ms. Elizabeth M. Westvold has managed the international debt
sector of the Fund since inception. Ms. Westvold's principal occupation is
Senior Vice President of State Street Research & Management Company. During the
past five years, she has also served as Vice President and as a securities
analyst for State Street Research & Management Company.
    

      Subject to the policy of seeking best overall price and execution, sales
of shares of the Fund may be considered by the Investment Manager in the
selection of broker or dealer firms for the Fund's portfolio transactions.

      The Investment Manager has a Code of Ethics governing personal securities
transactions of certain of its employees; see the Statement of Additional
Information.


Dividends and Distributions; Taxes

      The Fund intends to qualify and elect to be treated as a regulated
investment company under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code, although it
cannot give complete assurance that it will do so. As long as it so qualifies
and satisfies certain distribution requirements, it will not be subject to
federal income taxes on its income (including capital gains, if any) distributed
to its shareholders. Consequently, the Fund intends to distribute annually to
its shareholders substantially all of its net investment income and any capital
gain net income (capital gains net of capital losses).

      Dividends from net investment income will be declared daily during each
calendar month and paid monthly; distributions of long-term and short-term
capital gain net income will generally be made on an annual basis (or as
otherwise required for compliance with applicable tax regulations), except to
the extent that net short-term gains, if any, are included in the monthly income
dividends for the purpose of stabilizing, to the extent possible, the amount of
net monthly distributions as described below. Both dividends from net investment
income and distributions of capital gain net income will be paid to shareholders
in additional shares of the Fund at net asset value, except in the case of
shareholders who elect a different available distribution method.

      The Fund will provide its shareholders of record with annual information
on a timely basis concerning the federal tax status of dividends and
distributions during the preceding calendar year.

      The Fund has adopted distribution procedures which differ from those which
have been customary for investment companies in general The Fund will declare a
dividend each day in an amount based on monthly projections of its future net
investment income and will pay such dividends monthly as described above.
Consequently, the amount of each daily dividend may differ from actual net
investment income as determined under generally accepted accounting principles.
The purpose of these distribution procedures is to attempt to eliminate, to the
extent

   
    

<PAGE>

possible, fluctuations in the level of monthly dividend payments that might
result if the Fund declared dividends in the exact amount of its daily net
investment income.

      Each daily dividend is payable to shareholders of record at the time of
its declaration (for this purpose, including only holders of shares purchased
for which payment has been received by the Transfer Agent and excluding holders
of shares redeemed on that day).

      Although not contemplated, it is possible that total distributions in a
year could exceed the total of the Fund's current and accumulated earnings and
profits as calculated for federal income tax purposes, because of technical tax
and accounting considerations and the distribution procedures described above,
among other reasons. This excess would first be treated as a "return of capital"
for federal income tax purposes and would reduce by its amount the shareholder's
cost or other basis in his or her shares. After the shareholder's cost or other
basis is reduced to zero, which is highly unlikely, the distribution will be
treated as gain from the sale of Fund shares.

      Dividends paid by the Fund from taxable net investment income and
distributions of net short-term capital gains, whether they are paid in cash or
reinvested in additional shares, will be taxable for federal income tax purposes
to shareholders as ordinary income. Distributions of net capital gains (the
excess of net long-term capital gains over net short-term capital losses) which
are designated as capital gains distributions, whether paid in cash or
reinvested in additional shares, will be taxable for federal income tax purposes
to shareholders as long-term capital gains, regardless of how long shareholders
have held their shares. If shares of the Fund which are sold at a loss have been
held six months or less, the loss will be considered as a long-term capital loss
to the extent of any capital gains distributions received.

      Dividends and other distributions and proceeds of redemptions of Fund
shares paid to individuals and other nonexempt payees will be subject to a 31%
federal backup withholding tax if the Transfer Agent is not provided with the
shareholder's correct taxpayer identification number and certification that the
shareholder is not subject to such backup withholding.

      The foregoing discussion relates only to generally applicable federal
income tax provisions in effect as of the date of this Prospectus. Therefore,
prospective shareholders are urged to consult their own tax advisers regarding
tax matters, including state and local tax consequences.


   
    

<PAGE>

Calculation of Performance Data

   
      From time to time, in advertisements or in communications to shareholders
or prospective investors, the Fund may compare the performance of its Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class D shares to that of other mutual funds with similar
investment objectives, to certificates of deposit and/or to other financial
alternatives. In addition, the Fund may state its weighted average portfolio
quality. The Fund may also compare its performance to appropriate indices such
as Lehman Brothers Non-U.S. Dollar Aggregate Bond Index, First Boston High Yield
Bond Index, Salomon Brothers World Government Bond Index, Merrill Lynch Domestic
Master Bond Index, Merrill Lynch Global Bond Index, Merrill Lynch High Yield
Master Index, Standard & Poor's 500 Stock Index (the "S&P 500"), Consumer Price
Index and Dow Jones Industrial Average and/or to appropriate rankings and
averages, such as the Lipper Multisector Income Funds average, compiled by
Lipper Analytical Services, Inc., or to those compiled by Morningstar, Inc.,
Money Magazine, Business Week, Forbes Magazine, the Wall Street Journal and
Investor's Daily.

      Total return is computed separately for each class of shares of the Fund.
The average annual total return ("standard total return") for shares of the Fund
is computed by determining the average annual compounded rate of return for a
designated historical period as applied to a hypothetical $1,000 initial
investment, which is redeemed in total at the end of such period. In making the
calculation, all dividends and distributions are assumed to be reinvested, and
all recurring expenses, including management and distribution fees, are
recognized. The calculation also reflects the maximum initial or contingent
deferred sales charge, which is to be determined as of the assumed date of
initial investment or the assumed date of redemption, as the case may be.
Standard total return will be calculated for the periods specified in applicable
regulations and may be accompanied by nonstandard total return information for
differing periods computed in the same manner with or without annualizing the
total return or taking sales charges into account. During the first year of
operations, the Fund may also advertise its aggregate total return without
annualization.
    

      The Fund's yield is computed separately for each class of shares by
dividing the net investment income, after recognition of all recurring charges,
per share earned during the most recent month or other specified 30-day period
by the applicable maximum offering price per share on the last day of such
period an annualizing the result. For purposes of the yield calculation,
interest income is computed based on the yield to maturity of each debt
obligation in the Fund's portfolio, and all recurring charges are recognized.

      The standard total returns and yield results take sales charges into
account, if applicable, but do not take into account recurring and nonrecurring
charges for optional services which only certain shareholders elect and which
involve nominal fees, such as the $7.50 fee for remittance of redemption
proceeds by wire. Where sales charges are not taken into account in the
calculation of nonstandard total return, the results will be increased. Any
voluntary waiver of management fees or assumption

   
    
<PAGE>

of expenses by the Fund's affiliates will also increase performance results.

      The Fund's distribution rate is calculated separately for each class of
shares by annualizing the latest distribution and dividing the result by the
maximum offering price per share as of the end of the period to which the
distribution relates. The distribution rate is not computed in the same manner
as the above described yield, and therefore can be significantly different from
it. In its supplemental sales literature, the Fund may quote its distribution
rate together with the above described standard total return and yield
information. The use of such distribution rates would be subject to an
appropriate explanation of how the components of the distribution rate differ
from the above described yield.

      Performance information may be useful in evaluating the Fund and for
providing a basis for comparison with other financial alternatives. Since the
performance of the Fund varies in response to fluctuations in economic and
market conditions, interest rates and Fund expenses, among other things, no
performance quotation should be considered a representation as to the Fund's
performance for any future period. In addition, the net asset value of shares of
the Fund will fluctuate, with the result that shares of the Fund, when redeemed,
may be worth more or less than their original cost. Neither an investment in the
Fund nor the Fund's performance is insured or guaranteed; such lack of insurance
or guarantees should accordingly be given appropriate consideration when
comparing the Fund to financial alternatives which have such features.
Performance data or rankings for a given class of shares should be interpreted
carefully by investors who hold or may invest in a different class of shares.


APPENDIX

Description of Debt/Bond Ratings

Standard & Poor's Corporation

      AAA:  Debt rated AAA has the highest rating assigned by S&P.  Capacity
to pay interest and repay principal is extremely strong.

      AA: Debt rated AA has a very strong capacity to pay interest and repay
principal and differs from the highest rated issues only in small degree.

      A: Debt rated A has a strong capacity to pay interest and repay principal,
although it is somewhat more susceptible to the adverse effects of changes in
circumstances and economic conditions than debt in higher rated categories.

   
    
<PAGE>

      BBB: Debt rated BBB is regarded as having an adequate capacity to pay
interest and repay principal. Whereas it normally exhibits adequate protection
parameters, adverse economic conditions or changing circumstances are more
likely to lead to a weakened capacity to pay interest and repay principal for
debt in this category than in higher rated categories.

      Debt rated BB, B, CCC, CC and C is regarded as having speculative
characteristics with respect to capacity to pay interest and repay principal. BB
indicates the least degree of speculation and C the highest. While such debt
will likely have some quality and protective characteristics, these are
outweighed by large uncertainties or major exposures to adverse conditions.

      BB: Debt rated BB has less near-term vulnerability to default than other
speculative issues. However, it faces major ongoing uncertainties or exposure to
adverse business, financial or economic conditions which could lead to
inadequate capacity to meet timely interest and principal payments. The BB
rating category is also used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is
assigned an actual or implied BBB rating.

      B: Debt rated B has a greater vulnerability to default but currently has
the capacity to meet interest payments and principal repayments. Adverse
business, financial or economic conditions will likely impair capacity or
willingness to pay interest and repay principal. The B rating category is also
used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied
BB or BB- rating.

      CCC: Debt rated CCC has a currently identifiable vulnerability to default,
and is dependent upon favorable business, financial and economic conditions to
meet timely payment of interest and repayment of principal. In the event of
adverse business, financial or economic conditions, it is not likely to have the
capacity to pay interest and repay principal. The CCC rating category is also
used for debt subordinated to senior debt that is assigned an actual or implied
B or B- rating.

      CC:  The rating CC is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior
debt which is assigned an actual or implied CCC debt rating.

      C: The rating C is typically applied to debt subordinated to senior debt
which is assigned an actual or implied CCC- debt rating. The C rating may be
used to cover a situation where a bankruptcy petition has been filed, but debt
service payments are continued.

      CI:  The rating CI is reserved for income bonds on which no interest is
being paid.

      D: Debt rated D is in payment default. The D rating category is used when
interest payments or principal payments are

   
    

<PAGE>

not made on the date due even if the applicable grace period has not expired,
unless S&P believes that such payments will be made during such grace period.
The D rating also will be used upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition if debt
service payments are jeopardized.

      Plus (+) or Minus (-): The ratings from AA to CCC may be modified by the
addition of a plus or minus sign to show relative standing within the major
rating categories.

      S&P may attach the "r" symbol to derivative, hybrid, and certain other
obligations that S&P believes may experience high volatility or high variability
in expected returns due to noncredit risks created by the terms of the
obligation, such as securities whose principal or interest return is indexed to
equities, commodities, or currencies; certain swaps and options; and interest
only (IO) and principal only (PO) mortgage securities.

Moody's Investors Service, Inc.

      Aaa: Bonds which are rated Aaa are judged to be of the best quality. They
carry the smallest degree of investment risk and are generally referred to as
"gilt-edge." Interest payments are protected by a large or by an exceptionally
stable margin, and principal is secure. While the various protective elements
are likely to change, such changes as can be visualized are most unlikely to
impair the fundamentally strong position of such issues.

      Aa: Bonds which are rated Aa are judged to be of high quality by all
standards. Together with the Aaa group they comprise what are generally known as
high-grade bonds. They are rated lower than the best bonds because margins of
protection may not be as large as in Aaa securities or fluctuation of protective
elements may be of greater amplitude or there may be other elements present
which make the long-term risks appear somewhat larger than in Aaa securities.

      A: Bonds which are rated A possess many favorable investment attributes
and are to be considered as upper medium grade obligations. Factors giving
security to principal and interest are considered adequate, but elements may be
present which suggest a susceptibility to impairment sometime in the future.

      Baa: Bonds which are rated Baa are considered as medium grade obligations,
i.e., they are neither highly protected nor poorly secured. Interest payments
and principal security appear adequate for the present, but certain protective
elements may be lacking or may be characteristically unreliable over any great
length of time. Such bonds lack outstanding investment

   
    

<PAGE>

characteristics and in fact have speculative characteristics as well.

      Ba: Bonds which are rated Ba are judged to have speculative elements;
their future cannot be considered as well assured. Often the protection of
interest and principal payments may be very moderate and thereby not well
safeguarded during other good and bad times over the future. Uncertainty of
position characterizes bonds in this class.

      B: Bonds which are rated B generally lack characteristics of the desirable
investment. Assurance of interest and principal payments or of maintenance of
other terms of the contract over any long period of time may be small.

      Caa:  Bonds which are rated Caa are of poor standing.  Such issues may
be in default or there may be present elements of danger with respect to
principal or interest.

      Ca:  Bonds which are rated Ca represent obligations which are
speculative in a high degree.  Such issues are often in default or have other
marked shortcomings.

      C: Bonds which are rated C are the lowest rated class of bonds, and issues
so rated can be regarded as having extremely poor prospects of ever attaining
any real investment standing.

      1, 2 or 3: The ratings from Aa through B may be modified by the addition
of a numeral indicating a bond's rank within its rating category.


   
    

<PAGE>


State Street Research
Strategic Income Fund

   
August 19, 1996
    

P R O S P E C T U S


STATE STREET RESEARCH
STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111

INVESTMENT ADVISER
State Street Research &
Management Company
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111

DISTRIBUTOR
State Street Research
Investment Services, Inc.
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111

SHAREHOLDER SERVICES
State Street Research
Shareholder Services
P.O. Box 8408
Boston, MA 02266
1-800-562-0032

CUSTODIAN
State Street Bank and
Trust Company
225 Franklin Street
Boston, MA 02110

LEGAL COUNSEL
Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP
Exchange Place
Boston, MA 02109

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
One Post Office Square
Boston, MA 02109


   
    
<PAGE>


                 STATE STREET RESEARCH STRATEGIC INCOME FUND
                                 a series of
                    STATE STREET RESEARCH SECURITIES TRUST

   
                     STATEMENT OF ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
                                 August 19, 1996

                              TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                                                    Page
INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS ..............................    2

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING
      CERTAIN INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES ...............................    5

DEBT INSTRUMENTS AND PERMITTED CASH INVESTMENTS ...................   12

TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS .............................................   16

INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES ......................................   19

PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES .................................   20

NET ASSET VALUE ...................................................   22

PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS ............................................   23

CERTAIN TAX MATTERS ...............................................   25

DISTRIBUTION OF SHARES OF THE FUND ................................   27

CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE DATA ...................................   29

CUSTODIAN .........................................................   32

INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS ...........................................   32

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ..............................................   32


      The following Statement of Additional Information is not a Prospectus. It
should be read in conjunction with the Prospectus of State Street Research
Strategic Income Fund, dated August 19, 1996, which may be obtained without
charge from the offices of State Street Research Securities Trust (the "Trust")
or State Street Research Investment Services, Inc. (the "Distributor"), One
Financial Center, Boston, Massachusetts 02111-2690.
    

CONTROL NUMBER:

<PAGE>

                     INVESTMENT POLICIES AND RESTRICTIONS

      As set forth in part under "The Fund's Investments" and "Limiting
Investment Risk" in the Fund's Prospectus, the Fund has adopted certain
investment restrictions.

   
      The fundamental and nonfundamental policies of the Fund do not apply to
                                                              ------         
any matters involving the issuance of multiple classes of shares of the Fund or
the creation or use of structures (e.g., fund of funds, master-feeder structure)
allowing the Fund to invest substantially all its assets in collective
investment vehicles or allowing the Fund to serve as such a collective
investment vehicle for other funds, to the extent permitted by law and
regulatory authorities.*
    

      All of the Fund's fundamental investment restrictions are set forth below.
These fundamental investment restrictions may not be changed except by the
affirmative vote of a majority of the Fund's outstanding voting securities as
defined in the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended (the "1940 Act").
(Under the 1940 Act, a "vote of the majority of the outstanding voting
securities" means the vote, at a meeting of security holders duly called, (i) of
67% or more of the voting securities present at a meeting if the holders of more
than 50% of the outstanding voting securities are present or represented by
proxy or (ii) of more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities, whichever
is less.) Under these restrictions, it is the Fund's policy:

      (1)   not to purchase a security of any one issuer (other than securities
            issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S.
            Government or its agencies or instrumentalities or mixed-ownership
            Government corporations or sponsored enterprises) if such purchase
            would, with respect to 75% of the Fund's total assets, cause more
            than 5% of the Fund's total assets to be invested in the securities
            of such issuer or cause more than 10% of the voting securities of
            such issuer to be held by the Fund;

      (2)   not to issue senior securities as defined in the 1940 Act, except as
            permitted by that Act and the rules thereunder or as permitted by
            the Securities and Exchange Commission (the creation of general
            liens or security interests under industry practices for
            transactions in portfolio assets are not deemed to involve the
            issuance of senior securities);

      (3)   not to underwrite or participate in the marketing of securities
            of other issuers, except (a) the Fund may, acting alone or in
            syndicates or groups, purchase or otherwise acquire securities of
            other issuers for investment, either from the issuers or from
            persons in a control relationship with the issuers or from
            underwriters of such securities; and (b) to the extent that, in
            connection with the disposition of the Fund's securities, the
            Fund may be a selling shareholder in an offering or deemed to be
            an underwriter under certain federal securities laws;

      (4)   not to purchase fee simple interests in real estate unless acquired
            as a result of ownership of securities or other instruments,
            although the Fund may purchase and sell other interests in real
            estate including securities which are secured by real estate, or
            securities of companies which make real estate loans or own, or
            invest or deal in, real estate;

                                       2
<PAGE>


   
      (5)   not to invest in physical commodities or physical commodity
            contracts or options in excess of 10% of the Fund's total assets,
            except that investments in essentially financial items or
            arrangements such as, but not limited to, swap arrangements,
            hybrids, currencies, currency and other forward contracts,
            delayed delivery and when-issued contracts, futures contracts and
            options on futures contracts on securities, securities indices,
            interest rates and currencies shall not be deemed investments in
            commodities or commodities contracts;**
    

      (6)   not to lend money; however, the Fund may lend portfolio securities
            and purchase bonds, debentures, notes, bills and any other debt
            related instruments or interests (and enter into repurchase
            agreements with respect thereto);

      (7)   not to make any investment which would cause more than 25% of the
            value of the Fund's total assets to be invested in securities of
            nongovernment-related issuers principally engaged in any one
            industry, as described in the Fund's Prospectus or Statement of
            Additional Information as amended from time to time; and

      (8)   not to borrow money, including reverse repurchase agreements in so
            far as such agreements may be regarded as borrowings, except for
            borrowings not in an amount in excess of 33 1/3% of the value of its
            total assets.

   
      *     In connection with the creation or use of structures (e.g., fund of
            funds or master-feeder structure) allowing the Fund to invest 
            substantially all its assets in collective investment vehicles or
            allowing the Fund to serve as such a collective investment vehicle
            for other funds and pursuant to the policies of a state securities
            authority, if the Fund's shares are then required to be registered
            for sale in that state, the Fund will notify nonaccredited (as
            defined in Regulation 501(a) under the Securities Act of 1933)
            recordholders of that state, prior to use of such structure.

      **    In connection with clause (5), pursuant to the policies of a state
            securities authority, the Fund will, as a matter of nonfundamental
            operating policy, restrict its investment in those commodities which
            are subject to the 10% limit of the Fund's total assets, to precious
            metals for so long as Fund shares are required to be registered for
            sale in that state.
    

      The following nonfundamental investment restrictions may be changed
without shareholder approval. Under these restrictions, it is the Fund's policy:

      (1)   not to purchase any security or enter into a repurchase agreement if
            as a result more than 15% of its net assets would be invested in
            securities that are illiquid (including repurchase agreements not
            entitling the holder to payment of principal and interest within
            seven days);

      (2)   not to invest more than 15% of its net assets in restricted
            securities of all types (including not more than 5% of its net
            assets in restricted securities which are not eligible for resale
            pursuant to Rule 144A, Regulation S or other exemptive provisions
            under the Securities Act of 1933);

      (3)   not to invest more than 5% of its total assets in securities of
            private companies including predecessors with less than three
            years' continuous operations except (a) securities guaranteed or
            backed by an affiliate of the issuer with three years of
            continuous operations, (b) securities issued or guaranteed as to
            principal or interest by the U.S. Government, or its agencies or
            instrumentalities, or a mixed-ownership Government corporation,
            (c) securities of issuers with debt securities rated at least
            "BBB" by Standard & Poor's Corporation or "Baa" by Moody's
            Investor's Service, Inc. (or their equivalent by any other
            nationally recognized statistical rating organization), or
            securities of issuers considered by the Investment Manager to be

                                       3
<PAGE>

            equivalent, (d) securities issued by a holding company with at
            least 50% of its assets invested in companies with three years of
            continuous operations including predecessors, and (e) securities
            which generate income which is exempt from local, state or
            federal taxes; provided that the Fund may invest up to 15% in
            such issuers so long as such investments plus investments in
            restricted securities (other than those which are eligible for
            resale under Rule 144A, Regulation S or other exemptive
            provisions as noted above) do not exceed 15% of the Fund's total
            assets;

      (4)   not to engage in transactions in options except in connection with
            options on securities, securities indices, currencies and interest
            rates, and options on futures on securities, securities indices,
            currencies and interest rates;

      (5)   not to purchase securities on margin or make short sales of
            securities or maintain a short position except for short sales
            "against the box" (as a matter of current operating policy, the
            Fund will not make short sales or maintain a short position
            unless not more than 5% of the Fund's net assets (taken at
            current value) are held as collateral for such sales at any time;
            and for the purpose of this restriction, escrow or custodian
            receipts or letters, margin or safekeeping accounts, or similar
            arrangements used in the industry in connection with the trading
            of futures, options and forward commitments are not deemed to
            involve the use of margin);

      (6)   not to purchase a security issued by another investment company,
            except to the extent permitted under the 1940 Act or except by
            purchases in the open market involving only customary brokers'
            commissions, or securities acquired as dividends or distributions or
            in connection with a merger, consolidation or similar transaction or
            other exchange;

      (7)   not to purchase or retain any security of an issuer if those of its
            officers and Trustees and officers and directors of its investment
            adviser who individually own more than 1/2 of 1% of the securities
            of such issuer, when combined, own more than 5% of the securities of
            such issuer taken at market;

      (8)   not to invest directly as a joint venturer or general partner in
            oil, gas or other mineral exploration or development joint ventures
            or general partnerships (provided that the Fund may invest in
            securities issued by companies which invest in or sponsor such
            programs and in securities indexed to the price of oil, gas or other
            minerals);

      (9)   not to make an investment in warrants, valued at the lower of
            cost or market, which causes the Fund to own, at the time of such
            investment, warrants in excess of 5% of its net assets, provided
            that warrants not listed on the New York or American Stock
            Exchange shall be further limited to 2% of the Fund's net assets
            (warrants initially attached to securities and acquired by the
            Fund upon original issuance thereof shall be deemed to be without
            value); and

      Compliance with the above nonfundamental investment restrictions (1) and
(2) will be determined independently.

                                       4
<PAGE>


                      ADDITIONAL INFORMATION CONCERNING
                        CERTAIN INVESTMENT TECHNIQUES

      Among other investments described below, the Fund may buy and sell
domestic and foreign options, futures contracts, and options on futures
contracts, with respect to securities, securities indices, currencies and
interest rates, and may enter into closing transactions with respect to each of
the foregoing under circumstances in which the use of such instruments and
techniques are expected by State Street Research & Management Company (the
"Investment Manager") to aid in achieving the investment objective of the Fund.
The Fund on occasion may also purchase instruments with characteristics of both
futures and securities (e.g., debt instruments with interest and principal
payments determined by reference to the value of a commodity or a currency at a
future time) and which, therefore, possess the risks of both futures and
securities investments.

Futures Contracts

      Futures contracts are publicly traded contracts to buy or sell underlying
assets, such as certain securities, currencies or an index of securities, at a
future time at a specified price. A contract to buy establishes a "long"
position while a contract to sell establishes a "short" position.

      The purchase of a futures contract on securities or an index of securities
normally enables a buyer to participate in the market movement of the underlying
asset or index after paying a transaction charge and posting margin in an amount
equal to a small percentage of the value of the underlying asset or index. The
Fund will initially be required to deposit with the Trust's custodian or the
broker effecting the futures transaction an amount of "initial margin" in cash
or U.S. Treasury obligations.

      Initial margin in futures transactions is different from margin in
securities transactions in that the former does not involve the borrowing of
funds by the customer to finance the transaction. Rather, the initial margin is
like a performance bond or good faith deposit on the contract. Subsequent
payments (called "maintenance margin") to and from the broker will be made on a
daily basis as the price of the underlying asset fluctuates. This process is
known as "marking to market." For example, when the Fund has taken a long
position in a futures contract and the value of the underlying asset has risen,
that position will have increased in value and the Fund will receive from the
broker a maintenance margin payment equal to the increase in value of the
underlying asset. Conversely, when the Fund has taken a long position in a
futures contract and the value of the underlying instrument has declined, the
position would be less valuable, and the Fund would be required to make a
maintenance margin payment to the broker.

      At any time prior to expiration of the futures contract, the Fund may
elect to close the position by taking an opposite position which will terminate
the Fund's position in the futures contract. A final determination of
maintenance margin is then made, additional cash is required to be paid by or
released to the Fund, and the Fund realizes a loss or a gain. While futures
contracts with respect to securities do provide for the delivery and acceptance
of such securities, such delivery and acceptance are seldom made.

      Futures contracts will be executed primarily (a) to establish a short
position, and thus protect the Fund from experiencing the full impact of an
expected decline in market value of portfolio holdings without requiring the
sale of holdings, or (b) to establish a long position, and thus to participate
in an expected rise in market value of securities or currencies which the Fund
intends to purchase. Subject to the limitations described below, the Fund may
also enter into futures contracts for purposes of

                                       5

<PAGE>

enhancing return. In transactions establishing a long position in a futures
contract, money market instruments equal to the face value of the futures
contract will be identified by the Fund to the Trust's custodian for maintenance
in a separate account to insure that the use of such futures contracts is
unleveraged. Similarly, a representative portfolio of securities having a value
equal to the aggregate face value of the futures contract will be identified
with respect to each short position. The Fund will employ any other appropriate
method of cover which is consistent with applicable regulatory and exchange
requirements.

Options on Securities

      The Fund may use options on securities to implement its investment
strategy. A call option on a security, for example, gives the purchaser of the
option the right to buy, and the writer the obligation to sell, the underlying
asset at the exercise price during the option period. Conversely, a put option
on a security gives the purchaser the right to sell, and the writer the
obligation to buy, the underlying asset at the exercise price during the option
period.

      Purchased options have defined risk, i.e., the premium paid for the
option, no matter how adversely the price of the underlying asset moves, while
affording an opportunity for gain corresponding to the increase or decrease in
the value of the optioned asset.

      Written options have varying degrees of risk. An uncovered written call
option theoretically carries unlimited risk, as the market price of the
underlying asset could rise far above the exercise price before its expiration.
This risk is tempered when the call option is covered, i.e., when the option
writer owns the underlying asset. In this case, the writer runs the risk of the
lost opportunity to participate in the appreciation in value of the asset rather
than the risk of an out-of-pocket loss. A written put option has defined risk,
i.e., the difference between the agreed-upon price that the Fund must pay to the
buyer upon exercise of the put and the value, which could be zero, of the asset
at the time of exercise.

      The obligation of the writer of an option continues until the writer
effects a closing purchase transaction or until the option expires. To secure
his obligation to deliver the underlying asset in the case of a call option, or
to pay for the underlying asset in the case of a put option, a covered writer is
required to deposit in escrow the underlying security or other assets in
accordance with the rules of the applicable clearing corporation and exchanges.

Options on Securities Indices

      The Fund may engage in transactions in call and put options on securities
indices. For example, the Fund may purchase put options on indices of securities
in anticipation of or during a market decline to attempt to offset the decrease
in market value of its securities that might otherwise result.

      Put options on indices of securities are similar to put options on the
securities themselves except that the delivery requirements are different.
Instead of giving the right to make delivery of a security at a specified price,
a put option on an index of securities gives the holder the right to receive an
amount of cash upon exercise of the option if the value of the underlying index
has fallen below the exercise price. The amount of cash received will be equal
to the difference between the closing price of the index and the exercise price
of the option expressed in dollars times a specified multiple. As with options
on securities or futures contracts, the Fund may offset its position in index
options prior

                                       6
<PAGE>


to expiration by entering into a closing transaction on an exchange or it may
let the option expire unexercised.

      A securities index assigns relative values to the securities included in
the index and the index options are based on a broad market index. Although
there are at present few available options on indices of fixed income
securities, other than tax-exempt securities, or futures and related options
based on such indices, such instruments may become available in the future. In
connection with the use of such options, the Fund may cover its position by
identifying a representative portfolio of securities having a value equal to the
aggregate face value of the option position taken. However, the Fund may employ
any appropriate method to cover its positions that is consistent with applicable
regulatory and exchange requirements.

Options on Futures Contracts

      An option on a futures contract gives the purchaser the right, in return
for the premium paid, to assume a position in a futures contract (a long
position if the option is a call and a short position if the option is a put) at
a specified exercise price at any time during the period of the option.

Options Strategy

      A basic option strategy for protecting the Fund against a decline in
securities prices could involve (a) the purchase of a put -- thus "locking in"
the selling price of the underlying securities or securities indices -- or (b)
the writing of a call on securities or securities indices held by the Fund --
thereby generating income (the premium paid by the buyer) by giving the holder
of such call the option to buy the underlying asset at a fixed price. The
premium will offset, in whole or in part, a decline in portfolio value; however,
if prices of the relevant securities or securities indices rose instead of
falling, the call might be exercised, thereby resulting in a potential loss of
appreciation in the underlying securities or securities indices.

      A basic option strategy when a rise in securities prices is anticipated is
the purchase of a call -- thus "locking in" the purchase price of the underlying
security or other asset. In transactions involving the purchase of call options
by the Fund, money market instruments equal to the aggregate exercise price of
the options will be identified by the Fund to the Trust's custodian to insure
that the use of such investments is unleveraged.

      The Fund may write options in connection with buy-and-write transactions;
that is, the Fund may purchase a security and concurrently write a call option
against that security. If the call option is exercised in such a transaction,
the Fund's maximum gain will be the premium received by it for writing the
option, adjusted upward or downward by the difference between the Fund's
purchase price of the security and the exercise price of the option. If the
option is not exercised and the price of the underlying security declines, the
amount of such decline will be offset in part, or entirely, by the premium
received.

      The writing of covered put options is similar in terms of risk/return
characteristics to buy-and-write transactions. If the market price of the
underlying security rises or otherwise is above the exercise price, the put
option will expire worthless and the Fund's gain will be limited to the premium
received. If the market price of the underlying security declines or otherwise
is below the exercise price, the Fund's return will be the premium received from
writing the put option minus the amount by which the market price of the
security is below the exercise price.

                                       7
<PAGE>

Limitations and Risks of Options and Futures Activity

      The Fund will engage in transactions in futures contracts or options as a
hedge against changes resulting from market conditions which produce changes in
the values of their securities or the securities which it intends to purchase
(e.g., to replace portfolio securities which will mature in the near future)
and, subject to the limitations described below, to enhance return. The Fund
will not purchase any futures contract or purchase any call option if,
immediately thereafter, more than one third of the Fund's net assets would be
represented by long futures contracts or call options. The Fund will not write a
covered call or put option if, immediately thereafter, the aggregate value of
the assets (securities in the case of written calls and cash or cash equivalents
in the case of written puts) underlying all such options, determined as of the
dates such options were written, would exceed 25% of that Fund's net assets. The
Fund may not establish a position in a commodity futures contract or purchase or
sell a commodity option contract for other than bona fide hedging purposes if
immediately thereafter the sum of the amount of initial margin deposits and
premiums required to establish such positions for such nonhedging purposes would
exceed 5% of the market value of the Fund's net assets.

      Although effective hedging can generally capture the bulk of a desired
risk adjustment, no hedge is completely effective. The Fund's ability to hedge
effectively through transactions in futures and options depends on the degree to
which price movements in its holdings correlate with price movements of the
futures and options.

      Some positions in futures and options may be closed out only on an
exchange which provides a secondary market therefor. There can be no assurance
that a liquid secondary market will exist for any particular futures contract or
option at any specific time. Thus, it may not be possible to close such an
option or futures position prior to maturity. The inability to close options and
futures positions also could have an adverse impact on the Fund's ability to
effectively hedge its securities and might, in some cases, require the Fund to
deposit cash to meet applicable margin requirements. The Fund will enter into an
option or futures position only if it appears to be a liquid investment.

Foreign Investments

      Generally, ADRs in registered form are designed for use in U.S. securities
markets and EDRs are designed for use in European securities markets. ADRs are
available through facilities which may be either "sponsored" or "unsponsored."
In a sponsored arrangement, the foreign issuer establishes the facility, pays
some or all of the depository's fees, and usually agrees to provide shareholder
communications. In an unsponsored arrangement, the foreign issuer is not
involved, and the ADR holders pay the fees of the depository. Sponsored ADRs are
generally more advantageous to the ADR holders and the issuer than are
unsponsored ADRs. More and higher fees are generally charged in an unsponsored
program. Only sponsored ADRs may be listed on the New York or American Stock
Exchanges. Unsponsored ADRs may prove to be more risky due to (a) the additional
costs to the Fund; (b) the relative illiquidity of the issue in U.S. markets;
and (c) the possibility of higher trading costs in the over-the-counter market
as opposed to exchange-based trading. The Fund will take these and other risk
considerations into account before making an investment in an unsponsored ADR.

      To the extent the Fund invests in securities of issuers in less developed
countries or emerging foreign markets, it will be subject to a variety of
additional risks, including risks associated with political instability,
economies based on relatively few industries, lesser market liquidity, high
rates of inflation, significant price volatility of portfolio holdings and high
levels of external debt in the relevant country.

      Although the Fund may invest in securities denominated in foreign
currencies, the Fund values its securities and other assets in U.S. dollars. As
a result, the net asset value of the Fund's shares may fluctuate with U.S.
dollar exchange rates as well as with price changes of the Fund's securities in
the various local markets and currencies. Thus, an increase in the value of the
U.S. dollar compared to the currencies in which the Fund makes its investments
could reduce the effect of increases and magnify the effect of decreases in the
prices of the Fund's securities in their local markets. Conversely, a decrease
in the value of the U.S. dollar will have the opposite effect of magnifying the
effect of increases and reducing the effect of decreases in the prices of the
Fund's securities in the local markets.

                                       8
<PAGE>

Currency Transactions

      The Fund's dealings in forward currency exchange contracts will be limited
primarily to hedging involving either specific transactions or aggregate
portfolio positions, although the Fund reserves the right to seek return through
currency investments. A forward currency contract involves an obligation to
purchase or sell a specific currency at a future date, which may be any fixed
number of days from the date of the contract agreed upon by the parties, at a
price set at the time of the contract. These contracts are not commodities and
are entered into in the interbank market conducted directly between currency
traders (usually large commercial banks) and their customers. Although spot and
forward contracts will be used primarily to protect the Fund from adverse
currency movements, they also involve the risk that anticipated currency
movements will not be accurately predicted, which may result in losses to the
Fund. This method of protecting the value of the Fund's portfolio securities
against a decline in the value of a currency does not eliminate fluctuations in
the underlying prices of the securities. It simply establishes a rate of
exchange that can be achieved at some future point in time. Although such
contracts tend to minimize the risk of loss due to a decline in the value of
hedged currency, they tend to limit any potential gain that might result should
the value of such currency increase.

Repurchase Agreements

      The Fund may enter into repurchase agreements. Repurchase agreements occur
when the Fund acquires a security and the seller, which may be either (i) a
primary dealer in U.S. Government securities or (ii) an FDIC-insured bank having
gross assets in excess of $500 million, simultaneously commits to repurchase it
at an agreed-upon price on an agreed-upon date within a specified number of days
(usually not more than seven) from the date of purchase. The repurchase price
reflects the purchase price plus an agreed-upon market rate of interest which is
unrelated to the coupon rate or maturity of the acquired security. The Fund will
only enter into repurchase agreements involving U.S. Government securities.
Repurchase agreements could involve certain risks in the event of default or
insolvency of the other party, including possible delays or restrictions upon
the Fund's ability to dispose of the underlying securities. Repurchase
agreements will be limited to 30% of the Fund's total assets, except that
repurchase agreements extending for more than seven days when combined with
other illiquid securities will be limited to 15% of the Fund's net assets.
Currently, the Fund does not expect to invest more than 5% of its net assets in
repurchase agreements.

Reverse Repurchase Agreements

      The Fund may enter into reverse repurchase agreements. However, the Fund
has no present intention of engaging in reverse repurchase agreements in excess
of 5% of the Fund's total assets. In a reverse repurchase agreement the Fund
transfers a portfolio instrument to another person, such as a financial
institution, broker or dealer, in return for a percentage of the instrument's
market value in cash, and agrees that on a stipulated date in the future the
Fund will repurchase the portfolio instrument by remitting the original
consideration plus interest at an agreed-upon rate. The ability to use reverse
repurchase agreements may enable, but does not ensure the ability of, the Fund
to avoid selling portfolio instruments at a time when a sale may be deemed to be
disadvantageous.

      When effecting reverse repurchase agreements, assets of the Fund in a
dollar amount sufficient to make payment of the obligations to be purchased are
segregated on the Fund's records at the trade date and maintained until the
transaction is settled.

                                       9
<PAGE>

Rule 144A Securities

      The Fund may buy or sell restricted securities in accordance with Rule
144A under the Securities Act of 1933 ("Rule 144A Securities"). Securities may
be resold pursuant to Rule 144A under certain circumstances only to qualified
institutional buyers as defined in the rule, and the markets and trading
practices for such securities are relatively new and still developing; depending
on the development of such markets, such Rule 144A Securities may be deemed to
be liquid as determined by or in accordance with methods adopted by the
Trustees. Under such methods the following factors are considered, among others:
the frequency of trades and quotes for the security, the number of dealers and
potential purchasers in the market, marketmaking activity, and the nature of the
security and marketplace trades. Investments in Rule 144A Securities could have
the effect of increasing the level of the Fund's illiquidity to the extent that
qualified institutional buyers become, for a time, uninterested in purchasing
such securities. Also, the Fund may be adversely impacted by the possible
illiquidity and subjective valuation of such securities in the absence of a
market for them.

Indexed Securities

      The Fund may purchase securities the value of which is indexed to interest
rates, foreign currencies and various indices and financial indicators. These
securities are generally short- to intermediate-term debt securities. The
interest rates or values at maturity fluctuate with the index to which they are
connected and may be more volatile than such index.

Swap Arrangements

      The Fund may enter into various forms of swap arrangements with
counterparties with respect to interest rates, currency rates or indices,
including purchase of caps, floors and collars as described below. In an
interest rate swap the Fund could agree for a specified period to pay a bank or
investment banker the floating rate of interest on a so-called notional
principal amount (i.e., an assumed figure selected by the parties for this
purpose) in exchange for agreement by the bank or investment banker to pay the
Fund a fixed rate of interest on the notional principal amount. In a currency
swap the Fund would agree with the other party to exchange cash flows based on
the relative differences in values of a notional amount of two (or more)
currencies; in an index swap, the Fund would agree to exchange cash flows on a
notional amount based on changes in the values of the


                                       10
<PAGE>

selected indices. Purchase of a cap entitles the purchaser to receive payments
from the seller on a notional amount to the extent that the selected index
exceeds an agreed upon interest rate or amount whereas purchase of a floor
entitles the purchaser to receive such payments to the extent the selected index
falls below an agreed upon interest rate or amount. A collar combines a cap and
a floor.

      Most swaps entered into by the Fund will be on a net basis; for example,
in an interest rate swap, amounts generated by application of the fixed rate and
the floating rate to the notional principal amount would first offset one
another, with the Fund either receiving or paying the difference between such
amounts. In order to be in a position to meet any obligations resulting from
swaps, the Fund will set up a segregated custodial account to hold appropriate
liquid assets, including cash; for swaps entered into on a net basis, assets
will be segregated having a daily net asset value equal to any excess of the
Fund's accrued obligations over the accrued obligations of the other party,
while for swaps on other than a net basis assets will be segregated having a
value equal to the total amount of the Fund's obligations.

      These arrangements will be made primarily for hedging purposes, to
preserve the return on an investment or on a part of the Fund's portfolio.
However, the Fund may enter into such arrangements for income purposes to the
extent permitted by the CFTC for entities which are not commodity pool
operators, such as the Fund. In entering a swap arrangement, the Fund is
dependent upon the creditworthiness and good faith of the counterparty. The Fund
attempts to reduce the risks of nonperformance by the counterparty by dealing
only with established, reputable institutions. The swap market is still
relatively new and emerging; positions in swap arrangements may become illiquid
to the extent that nonstandard arrangements with one counterparty are not
readily transferable to another counterparty or if a market for the transfer of
swap positions does not develop. The use of interest rate swaps is a highly
specialized activity which involves investment techniques and risks different
from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. If the
Investment Manager is incorrect in its forecasts of market values, interest
rates and other applicable factors, the investment performance of the Fund would
diminish compared with what it would have been if these investment techniques
were not used. Moreover, even if the Investment Manager is correct in its
forecasts, there is a risk that the swap position may correlate imperfectly with
the price of the asset or liability being hedged.

Industry Classifications

   
      In determining how much of the Fund's portfolio is invested in a given
industry, the following industry classifications are currently used. Securities
issued or guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. Government or its
agencies or instrumentalities or mixed-ownership Government corporations
(including repurchase agreements involving U.S. Government securities to the
extent excludable under relevant regulatory interpretations) are excluded.
Securities issued by foreign governments are also excluded. Companies engaged in
the business of financing will be classified according to the industries of
their parent companies or industries that otherwise most affect such financing
companies. Issuers of asset-backed pools will be classified as separate
industries based on the nature of the underlying assets, such as mortgages,
credit card receivables, etc. "Asset-backed -- Mortgages" includes private pools
of nongovernment backed mortgages.
    

<TABLE>
<S>                           <C>                           <C>
Aerospace                     Electronic Components         Oil Service
Airline                       Electronic Equipment          Paper Products
Asset-backed--Mortgages       Entertainment                 Personal Care
Asset-backed--Credit Card     Financial Service             Photography
   Receivables                Food & Beverage               Plastics
Automotive                    Forest Products               Printing & Publishing
Automotive Parts              Gaming & Lodging              Railroad
Bank                          Gas                           Real Estate & Building
Building                      Gas Transmission              Recreation
Business Service              Grocery                       Retail Trade
Cable                         Healthcare & Hospital         Savings & Loan
Capital Goods & Equipment        Management                 Shipping & Transportation
Chemical                      Hospital Supply               Technology & Communications
Computer Software & Service   Hotel & Restaurant            Telephone
Conglomerate                  Insurance                     Textile & Apparel
Consumer Goods & Services     Machinery                     Tobacco
Container                     Media                         Truckers
Cosmetics                     Metal & Mining                Trust Certificates--
Diversified                   Office Equipment                 Government Related Lending
Drug                          Oil Production
Electric                      Oil Refining & Marketing
Electric Equipment
</TABLE>

                                       11
<PAGE>


Other Investment Limitations

      Pursuant to the policies of certain state securities authorities, the Fund
will not invest in real estate limited partnerships, oil, gas or mineral
development limited partnerships, or in oil, gas or mineral leases for so long
as Fund shares are required to be registered for sale in the relevant state.


               DEBT INSTRUMENTS AND PERMITTED CASH INVESTMENTS

      As indicated in the Fund's Prospectus, the Fund may invest in long-term
and short-term debt securities. The Fund may invest in cash and short-term
securities for temporary defensive purposes when, in the opinion of the
Investment Manager, such a position is more likely to provide protection against
unfavorable market conditions than adherence to other investment policies.
Certain debt securities and money market instruments in which the Fund may
invest are described below.

U.S. Government and Related Securities

      U.S. Government securities are securities which are issued or
guaranteed as to principal or interest by the U.S. Government, a U.S.
Government agency or instrumentality, or certain mixed-ownership Government
corporations as described herein.  The U.S. Government securities in which
the Fund invests include, among others:

      o  direct obligations of the U.S. Treasury, i.e., U.S. Treasury
         bills, notes, certificates and bonds;

      o  obligations of U.S. Government agencies or instrumentalities such
         as the Federal Home Loan Banks, the Farmers Home Administration, the
         Federal Farm Credit Banks, the Federal National Mortgage Association,
         the Government National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan
         Mortgage Corporation; and

                                       12
<PAGE>

      o  obligations of mixed-ownership Government corporations such as
         Resolution Funding Corporation.

      U.S. Government securities which the Fund may buy are backed in a variety
of ways by the U.S. Government, its agencies or instrumentalities. Some of these
obligations, such as Government National Mortgage Association mortgage-backed
securities, are backed by the full faith and credit of the U.S. Treasury. Other
obligations, such as those of the Federal National Mortgage Association, are
backed by the discretionary authority of the U.S. Government to purchase certain
obligations of agencies or instrumentalities, although the U.S. Government has
no legal obligation to do so. Obligations such as those of the Federal Home Loan
Banks, the Federal Farm Credit Banks, the Federal National Mortgage Association
and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation are backed by the credit of the
agency or instrumentality issuing the obligations. Certain obligations of
Resolution Funding Corporation, a mixed-ownership Government corporation, are
backed with respect to interest payments by the U.S. Treasury, and with respect
to principal payments by U.S. Treasury obligations held in a segregated account
with a Federal Reserve Bank. Except for certain mortgage-related securities, the
Fund will only invest in obligations issued by mixed-ownership Government
corporations where such securities are guaranteed as to payment of principal or
interest by the U.S. Government or a U.S. Government agency or instrumentality,
and any unguaranteed principal or interest is otherwise supported by U.S.
Government obligations held in a segregated account.

      U.S. Government securities may be acquired by the Fund in the form of
separately traded principal and interest components of securities issued or
guaranteed by the U.S. Treasury. The principal and interest components of
selected securities are traded independently under the Separate Trading of
Registered Interest and Principal of Securities ("STRIPS") program. Under the
STRIPS program, the principal and interest components are individually numbered
and separately issued by the U.S. Treasury at the request of depository
financial institutions, which then trade the component parts independently.
Obligations of Resolution Funding Corporation are similarly divided into
principal and interest components and maintained as such on the book entry
records of the Federal Reserve Banks.

      In addition, the Fund may invest in custodial receipts that evidence
ownership of future interest payments, principal payments or both on certain
U.S. Treasury notes or bonds in connection with programs sponsored by banks and
brokerage firms. Such notes and bonds are held in custody by a bank on behalf of
the owners of the receipts. These custodial receipts are known by various names,
including "Treasury Receipts" ("TRs"), "Treasury Investment Growth Receipts"
("TIGRs") and "Certificates of Accrual on Treasury Securities" ("CATS"), and may
not be deemed U.S. Government securities.

      The Fund may also invest from time to time in collective investment
vehicles, the assets of which consist principally of U.S. Government securities
or other assets substantially collateralized or supported by such securities,
such as Government trust certificates.

Bank Money Investments

      Bank money investments include but are not limited to certificates of
deposit, bankers' acceptances and time deposits. Certificates of deposit are
generally short-term (i.e., less than one year), interest-bearing negotiable
certificates issued by commercial banks or savings and loan associations against
funds deposited in the issuing institution. A banker's acceptance is a time
draft drawn on a commercial bank by a borrower, usually in connection with an
international commercial

                                       13
<PAGE>

transaction (to finance the import, export, transfer or storage of goods). A
banker's acceptance may be obtained from a domestic or foreign bank, including a
U.S. branch or agency of a foreign bank. The borrower is liable for payment as
well as the bank, which unconditionally guarantees to pay the draft at its face
amount on the maturity date. Most acceptances have maturities of six months or
less and are traded in secondary markets prior to maturity. Time deposits are
nonnegotiable deposits for a fixed period of time at a stated interest rate. The
Fund will not invest in any such bank money investment unless the investment is
issued by a U.S. bank that is a member of the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation ("FDIC"), including any foreign branch thereof, a U.S. branch or
agency of a foreign bank, a foreign branch of a foreign bank, or a savings bank
or savings and loan association that is a member of the FDIC and which at the
date of investment has capital, surplus and undivided profits (as of the date of
its most recently published financial statements) in excess of $50 million. The
Fund will not invest in time deposits maturing in more than seven days and will
not invest more than 10% of its total assets in time deposits maturing in two to
seven days.

      U.S. branches and agencies of foreign banks are offices of foreign
banks and are not separately incorporated entities.  They are chartered and
regulated either federally or under state law.  U.S. federal branches or
agencies of foreign banks are chartered and regulated by the Comptroller of
the Currency, while state branches and agencies are chartered and regulated
by authorities of the respective states or the District of Columbia.  U.S.
branches of foreign banks may accept deposits and thus are eligible for FDIC
insurance; however, not all such branches elect FDIC insurance.  Unlike U.S.
branches of foreign banks, U.S. agencies of foreign banks may not accept
deposits and thus are not eligible for FDIC insurance.  Both branches and
agencies can maintain credit balances, which are funds received by the office
incidental to or arising out of the exercise of their banking powers and can
exercise other commercial functions, such as lending activities.

Short-Term Corporate Debt Instruments

      Short-term corporate debt instruments include commercial paper to finance
short-term credit needs (i.e., short-term, unsecured promissory notes) issued by
corporations including but not limited to (a) domestic or foreign bank holding
companies or (b) their subsidiaries or affiliates where the debt instrument is
guaranteed by the bank holding company or an affiliated bank or where the bank
holding company or the affiliated bank is unconditionally liable for the debt
instrument. Commercial paper is usually sold on a discounted basis and has a
maturity at the time of issuance not exceeding nine months.

Commercial Paper Ratings

      Commercial paper investments at the time of purchase will be rated A by
S&P or Prime by Moody's, or, if not rated, issued by companies having an
outstanding long-term unsecured debt issue rated at least A by S&P or by
Moody's. The money market investments in corporate bonds and debentures (which
must have maturities at the date of settlement of one year or less) must be
rated at the time of purchase at least A by S&P or by Moody's.

      Commercial paper rated A (highest quality) by S&P is issued by entities
which have liquidity ratios which are adequate to meet cash requirements.
Long-term senior debt is rated A or better, although in some cases BBB credits
may be allowed. The issuer has access to at least two additional channels of
borrowing. Basic earnings and cash flow have an upward trend with allowance made
for unusual circumstances. Typically, the issuer's industry is well established
and the issuer has a strong position within the industry. The reliability and
quality of management are unquestioned. The relative

                                       14
<PAGE>

strength or weakness of the above factors determines whether the issuer's
commercial paper is rated A-1, A-2 or A-3. (Those A-1 issues determined to
possess overwhelming safety characteristics are denoted with a plus (+) sign:
A-1+.)

      The rating Prime is the highest commercial paper rating assigned by
Moody's. Among the factors considered by Moody's in assigning ratings are the
following: evaluation of the management of the issuer; economic evaluation of
the issuer's industry or industries and an appraisal of speculative-type risks
which may be inherent in certain areas; evaluation of the issuer's products in
relation to competition and customer acceptance; liquidity; amount and quality
of long-term debt; trend of earnings over a period of 10 years; financial
management of obligations which may be present or may arise as a result of
public interest questions and preparations to meet such obligations. These
factors are all considered in determining whether the commercial paper is rated
Prime-1, Prime-2 or Prime-3.

      In the event the lowering of ratings of debt instruments held by the Fund
by applicable rating agencies results in a material decline in the overall
quality of the Fund's portfolio, the Trustees of the Trust will review the
situation and take such action as they deem in the best interests of the Fund's
shareholders, including, if necessary, changing the composition of the
portfolio.


                                       15
<PAGE>


                            TRUSTEES AND OFFICERS

      The Trustees and officers of the Trust, their addresses, and their
principal occupations and positions with certain affiliates of the Investment
Manager are set forth below.

      *+Bartlett R. Geer, One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111 serves as Vice
President of the Trust. He is 41. His principal occupation is Senior Vice
President of State Street Research & Management Company. During the past five
years he has also served as Vice President of State Street Research & Management
Company.

   
      *+John H. Kallis, One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111, serves as Vice
President of the Trust. He is 55. His principal occupation is Senior Vice
President of State Street Research & Management Company. During the past five
years he has also served as Portfolio Manager for State Street Research &
Management Company.
    

      +Edward M. Lamont, Box 1234, Moores Hill Road, Syosset, NY  11791,
serves as Trustee of the Trust.  He is 69.  He is engaged principally in
private investments and civic affairs, and is an author of business history.
Previously, he was with Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York.

   
      +Robert A. Lawrence, Saltonstall & Co., 50 Congress Street, Boston, MA
02109, serves as Trustee of the Trust. He is 70. His principal occupation during
the past five years has been Partner, Saltonstall & Co., a private investment
firm.
    

      *+Gerard P. Maus, One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111, serves as
Treasurer of the Trust. He is 45. His principal occupation is Executive Vice
President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Director of State Street
Research & Management Company. During the past five years he has also served as
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of New England Investment
Companies and as Senior Vice President and Vice President of New England Mutual
Life Insurance Company. Mr. Maus's other principal business affiliations include
Executive Vice President, Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer and Director of
State Street Research Investment Services, Inc.

   
      *+Francis J. McNamara, III, One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111, serves
as Secretary and General Counsel of the Trust. He is 41. His principal
occupation is Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of State
Street Research & Management Company. During the past five years he has also
served as Senior Vice President of State Street Research & Management Company
and as Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Assistant Secretary of The
Boston Company, Inc., Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company and The Boston
Company Advisors, Inc. Mr. McNamara's other principal business affiliations
include Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Clerk of State Street
Research Investment Services, Inc.
    

      +Dean O. Morton, 3200 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94304, serves as
Trustee of the Trust. He is 64. He is retired, having served during the past
five years, until October 1992, as Executive Vice President, Chief Operating
Officer and Director of Hewlett-Packard Company.


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

   
* or + See footnotes on page 17.
    

                                       16
<PAGE>

      +Thomas L. Phillips, 141 Spring Street, Lexington, MA 02173, serves as
Trustee of the Trust. He is 72. He is retired and was formerly Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer of Raytheon Company, of which he remains a
Director.

      +Toby Rosenblatt, 3409 Pacific Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94118, serves as
Trustee of the Trust. He is 58. His principal occupations during the past five
years have been President of The Glen Ellen company, a private investment
company, and Vice President of Founders Investments Ltd.

   
      +Michael S. Scott Morton, Massachusetts Institute of Technology,
77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, serves as Trustee of the
Trust.  He is 58.  His principal occupation during the past five
years has been Jay W. Forrester Professor of Management at Sloan School of
Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

      *+Thomas A. Shively, One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111, serves as
Vice President of the Trust. He is 42. His principal occupation is Executive
Vice President and Director of State Street Research & Management Company.
During the past five years he has also served as Senior Vice President of State
Street Research & Management Company. Mr. Shively's other business affiliations
include Director of State Street Research Investment Services, Inc.
    

      *+Ralph F. Verni, One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111, serves as
Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of the
Trust. He is 53. His principal occupation is Chairman of the Board, President,
Chief Executive Officer and Director of State Street Research & Management
Company. During the past five years he has also served as President and Chief
Executive Officer of New England Investment Companies and as Chief Investment
Officer and Director of New England Mutual Life Insurance Company. Mr. Verni's
other principal business affiliations include Chairman of the Board and Director
of State Street Research Investment Services, Inc.

   
      +Jeptha H. Wade, 251 Old Billerica Road, Bedford, MA 01730, serves as
Trustee of the Trust. He is 71. He is retired and was formerly Of Counsel for
the law firm Choate, Hall & Stewart. He was a partner of that firm from 1960 to
1987.

      *Elizabeth M. Westvold, One Financial Center, Boston, MA 02111, serves as
Vice President of the Trust. She is 36. Her principal occupation is Senior Vice
President of State Street Research & Management Company. During the past five
years she has also served as Vice President and as an analyst for State Street
Research & Management Company.
    

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


*  These Trustees and/or officers are or may be deemed to be interested persons
   of the Trust under the 1940 Act because of their affiliations with the Fund's
   investment adviser.

+  Serves as a Trustee and/or officer of one or more of the following
   investment companies, each of which has an advisory relationship with the
   Investment Manager or its affiliates: State Street Research Equity Trust,
   State Street Research Financial Trust, State Street Research Income Trust,
   State Street Research Money Market Trust, State Street Research Tax-Exempt
   Trust, State Street Research Capital Trust, State Street Research Exchange
   Trust, State Street Research Growth Trust, State Street Research Master
   Investment Trust, State Street Research Securities Trust, State Street
   Research Portfolios, Inc. and Metropolitan Series Fund, Inc.

                                       17
<PAGE>


   
      The Trustees have been compensated as follows:
                                                      Total
                                                  Compensation
                          Aggregate              From Trust and
                        Compensation              Complex Paid
   Name of Trustee     From Trust (a)(c)         to Trustees (b)
   ---------------     -------------             --------------
Edward M. Lamont          $3,800                     $ 63,510
Robert A. Lawrence        $3,800                     $ 91,685
Dean O. Morton            $4,300                     $103,085
Thomas L. Phillips        $3,800                     $ 67,185
Toby Rosenblatt           $3,800                     $ 63,510
Michael S. Scott Morton   $4,900                     $109,035
Ralph F. Verni            $    0                     $      0
Jeptha H. Wade            $4,200                     $ 76,285
    

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

(a)Includes compensation from multiple series of the Trust for the fiscal year
   ended April 30, 1996.  See "Distribution of Shares" for a listing of series.

   
(b)Includes compensation from 30 series, including series of Metropolitan Series
   Fund, Inc., for which the Investment Manager serves as sub-investment
   adviser, State Street Research Portfolios, Inc., for which State Street
   Research Investment Services, Inc. serves as distributor, and all investment
   companies for which the Investment Manager serves as primary investment
   adviser. "Total Compensation from Trust and Complex" is for the 12 months
   ended December 31, 1995. The Trust does not provide any pension or retirement
   benefits for the Trustees.

(c)This information includes another series of the Trust through its fiscal year
   ended April 30, 1996, and includes estimates of compensation from the Fund
   for the current fiscal year ending April 30, 1997. The Fund was organized in
   August, 1996.
    

      Except as otherwise provided under said Act, the Board of Trustees will be
a self-perpetuating body until fewer than two thirds of the Trustees serving as
such are Trustees who were elected by shareholders of the Trust. In the event
less than a majority of the Trustees serving as such were elected by
shareholders of the Trust, a meeting of shareholders will be called to elect
Trustees. Under the Master Trust Agreement, any Trustee may be removed by vote
of two thirds of the outstanding Trust shares; holders of 10% or more of the
outstanding Trust shares can require that the Trustees call a meeting of
shareholders for purposes of voting on the removal of one or more Trustees. In
connection with such meetings called by shareholders, shareholders will be
assisted to the extent required by applicable law.

      As of the approximate time of this Statement of Additional Information,
the Investment Manager, the Distributor and/or Metropolitan Life Insurance
Company ("Metropolitan"), their indirect parent, were the beneficial owners of
all or a substantial amount of the outstanding Class A, Class B, Class C and
Class D shares of the Fund, and may be deemed to be in control of the Fund as
control is defined in the 1940 Act. Such owners may acquire additional shares of
the Fund. Although sales of the Fund's shares to other investors will reduce
their percentage ownership, so long as 25% of a class of shares is so owned,
such owner will be presumed to be in control of such class of shares for


                                       18
<PAGE>

purposes of voting on certain matters submitted to a vote of shareholders, such
as any Distribution Plan for a given class.


                         INVESTMENT ADVISORY SERVICES

   State Street Research & Management Company, the Investment Manager, a
Delaware corporation, with offices at One Financial Center, Boston,
Massachusetts 02111-2690, acts as investment adviser to the Fund. The Advisory
Agreement provides that the Investment Manager shall furnish the Fund with an
investment program, suitable office space and facilities and such investment
advisory, research and administrative services as may be required from time to
time. The Investment Manager compensates all executive and clerical personnel
and Trustees of the Trust if such persons are employees of the Investment
Manager or its affiliates. The Investment Manager is an indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary of Metropolitan.

   The advisory fee payable monthly by the Fund to the Investment Manager is
computed as a percentage of the average of the value of the net assets of the
Fund, as determined at the close of the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE") on
each day the NYSE is open for trading, at the annual rate of 0.75% of the net
assets of the Fund. The Distributor and its affiliates may from time to time and
in varying amounts voluntarily assume some portion of fees or expenses relating
to the Fund.

   Further, to the extent required under applicable state regulatory
requirements, the Investment Manager will reduce its management fee up to the
amount of any expenses (excluding permissible items, such as brokerage
commissions, Rule 12b-1 payments, interest, taxes and litigation expenses) paid
or incurred by the Fund in any fiscal year which exceed specified percentages of
the average daily net assets of the Fund for such fiscal year. The most
restrictive of such percentage limitations is currently 2.5% of the first $30
million of average net assets, 2.0% of the next $70 million of average net
assets and 1.5% of the remaining average net assets. These commitments may be
amended or rescinded in response to changes in the requirements of the various
states by the Trustees without shareholder approval.

   The Advisory Agreement provides that it shall continue in effect with respect
to the Fund for a period of two years after its initial effectiveness and will
continue from year to year thereafter as long as it is approved at least
annually both (i) by a vote of a majority of the outstanding voting securities
of the Fund (as defined in the 1940 Act) or by the Trustees of the Trust, and
(ii) in either event by a vote of a majority of the Trustees who are not parties
to the Advisory Agreement or "interested persons" of any party thereto, cast in
person at a meeting called for the purpose of voting on such approval. The
Advisory Agreement may be terminated on 60 days' written notice by either party
and will terminate automatically in the event of its assignment, as defined
under the 1940 Act and regulations thereunder. Such regulations provide that a
transaction which does not result in a change of actual control or management of
an adviser is not deemed an assignment.

   Under a Funds Administration Agreement between the Investment Manager and the
Distributor, the Distributor provides assistance to the Investment Manager in
performing certain fund administration services for the Trust, such as
assistance in determining the daily net asset value of shares of series of the
Trust and in preparing various reports required by regulations.

   Under a Shareholders' Administrative Services Agreement between the Trust and
the Distributor, the Distributor provides shareholders' administrative services,
such as responding to inquiries and

                                       19
<PAGE>

instructions from investors respecting the purchase and redemption of shares of
the Fund, and is entitled to reimbursements of its costs for providing such
services. Under certain arrangements for Metropolitan to provide
subadministration services, Metropolitan may receive a fee for the maintenance
of certain share ownership records for participants in sponsored arrangements,
such as employee benefit plans, through or under which the Fund's shares may be
purchased.

   Under the Code of Ethics of the Investment Manager, its employees in Boston,
where investment management operations are conducted, are only permitted to
engage in personal securities transactions in accordance with certain conditions
relating to an employee's position, the identity of the security, the timing of
the transactions, and similar factors. Such employees must report their personal
securities transactions quarterly and supply broker confirmations to the
Investment Manager.


                      PURCHASE AND REDEMPTION OF SHARES

   Shares of the Fund are distributed by the Distributor. The Fund offers four
classes of shares which may be purchased at the next determined net asset value
per share plus, in the case of all classes except Class C shares, a sales charge
which, at the election of the investor, may be imposed (i) at the time of
purchase (the Class A shares) or (ii) on a deferred basis (the Class B and Class
D shares). General information on how to buy shares of the Fund, as well as
sales charges involved, are set forth under "Purchase of Shares" in the
Prospectus. The following supplements that information.

Public Offering Price

   The public offering price for each class of shares of the Fund is based on
their net asset value determined as of the close of the NYSE on the day the
purchase order is received by State Street Research Shareholder Services
provided that the order is received prior to the close of the NYSE on that day;
otherwise the net asset value used is that determined as of the close of the
NYSE on the next day it is open for unrestricted trading. When a purchase order
is placed through a dealer, that dealer is responsible for transmitting the
order promptly to State Street Research Shareholder Services in order to permit
the investor to obtain the current price. Any loss suffered by an investor which
results from a dealer's failure to transmit an order promptly is a matter for
settlement between the investor and the dealer.

Reduced Sales Charges

   For purposes of determining whether a purchase of Class A shares qualifies
for reduced sales charges, the term "person" includes: (i) an individual, or an
individual combining with his or her spouse and their children and purchasing
for his, her or their own account; (ii) a "company" as defined in Section
2(a)(8) of the 1940 Act; (iii) a trustee or other fiduciary purchasing for a
single trust estate or single fiduciary account (including a pension, profit
sharing or other employee benefit trust created pursuant to a plan qualified
under Section 401 of the Internal Revenue Code); (iv) a tax-exempt organization
under Section 501(c)(3) or (13) of the Internal Revenue Code; and (v) an
employee benefit plan of a single employer or of affiliated employers.

   Investors may purchase Class A shares of the Fund at reduced sales charges by
executing a Letter of Intent to purchase no less than an aggregate of $100,000
of the Fund or any combination of Class A shares of "Eligible Funds" as
designated by the Distributor within a 13-month period. The sales charge
applicable to each purchase made pursuant to a Letter of Intent will be that
which would apply

                                       20

<PAGE>

if the total dollar amount set forth in the Letter of Intent were being bought
in a single transaction. Purchases made within a 90-day period prior to the
execution of a Letter of Intent may be included therein; in such case the date
of the earliest of such purchases marks the commencement of the 13-month period.

   An investor may include toward completion of a Letter of Intent the value (at
the current public offering price) of all of his or her Class A shares of the
Funds and of any of the other Class A shares of Eligible Funds held of record as
of the date of his or her Letter of Intent, plus the value (at the current
offering price) as of such date of all of such shares held by any "person"
described herein as eligible to join with the investor in a single purchase.
Class B, Class C and Class D shares may also be included in the combination
under certain circumstances.

   A Letter of Intent does not bind the investor to purchase the specified
amount. Shares equivalent to 5% of the specified amount will, however, be taken
from the initial purchase (or, if necessary, subsequent purchases) and held in
escrow in the investor's account as collateral against the higher sales charge
which would apply if the total purchase is not completed within the allotted
time. The escrowed shares will be released when the Letter of Intent is
completed or, if it is not completed, when the balance of the higher sales
charge is, upon notice, remitted by the investor. All dividends and capital
gains distributions with respect to the escrowed shares will be credited to the
investor's account.

   Investors may purchase Class A shares of the Fund or a combination of
Eligible Funds at reduced sales charges pursuant to a Right of Accumulation. The
applicable sales charge under the right is determined on the amount arrived at
by combining the dollar amount of the purchase with the value (at the current
public offering price) of all Class A shares of the other Eligible Funds owned
as of the purchase date by the investor plus the value (at the current public
offering price) of all such shares owned as of such date by any "person"
described herein as eligible to join with the investor in a single purchase.
Class B, Class C and Class D shares may also be included in the combination
under certain circumstances. Investors must submit to the Distributor sufficient
information to show that they qualify for this Right of Accumulation.

Class C Shares

   
   Class C shares are currently available to certain employee benefit plans such
as qualified retirement plans which meet criteria relating to number of
participants (currently a minimum of 100 eligible employees), service
arrangements or similar factors; insurance companies; investment companies;
endowment funds of nonprofit organizations with substantial minimum assets
(currently a minimum of $10,000,000); and other similar institutional investors.
    

Reorganizations

   In the event of mergers or reorganizations with other public or private
collective investment entities, including investment companies as defined in the
1940 Act, as amended, the Fund may issue its shares at net asset value (or more)
to such entities or to their security holders.

Redemptions

   The Fund reserves the right to pay redemptions in kind with portfolio
securities in lieu of cash. In accordance with its election pursuant to Rule
18f-1 under the 1940 Act, the Fund may limit the amount

                                       21
<PAGE>

of redemption proceeds paid in cash. Although it has no present intention to do
so, the Fund may, under unusual circumstances, limit redemptions in cash with
respect to each shareholder during any ninety-day period to the lesser of (i)
$250,000 or (ii) 1% of the net asset value of the Fund at the beginning of such
period. In connection with any redemptions paid in kind with portfolio
securities, brokerage and other costs may be incurred by the redeeming
shareholder in the sale of the securities received.

                               NET ASSET VALUE

   The net asset values of the shares of the Fund are determined once daily as
of the close of the NYSE, ordinarily 4 P.M. New York City time, Monday through
Friday, on each day during which the NYSE is open for unrestricted trading. The
NYSE is currently closed on New Year's Day, Presidents Day, Good Friday,
Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and
Christmas Day.

   The net asset value per share of the Fund is computed by dividing the sum of
the value of the securities held by the Fund plus any cash or other assets minus
all liabilities by the total number of outstanding shares of the Fund at such
time. Any expenses, except for extraordinary or nonrecurring expenses, borne by
the Fund, including the investment management fee payable to the Investment
Manager, are accrued daily.

   In determining the values of portfolio assets as provided below, the Trustees
utilize one or more pricing services to value debt securities for which market
quotations are not readily available on a daily basis. Most debt securities are
valued on the basis of data provided by such pricing services. Since the Fund is
comprised substantially of debt securities under normal circumstances, most of
the Fund's assets are therefore valued on the basis of such data from the
pricing services. The pricing services may provide prices determined as of times
prior to the close of the NYSE.

   In general, securities are valued as follows. Securities which are listed or
traded on the New York or American Stock Exchange are valued at the price of the
last quoted sale on the respective exchange for that day. Securities which are
listed or traded on a national securities exchange or exchanges, but not on the
New York or American Stock Exchange, are valued at the price of the last quoted
sale on the exchange for that day prior to the close of the NYSE. Securities not
listed on any national securities exchange which are traded "over the counter"
and for which quotations are available on the National Association of Securities
Dealers' NASDAQ System, or other system, are valued at the closing price
supplied through such system for that day at the close of the NYSE. Other
securities are, in general, valued at the mean of the bid and asked quotations
last quoted prior to the close of the NYSE if there are market quotations
readily available, or in the absence of such market quotations, then at the fair
value thereof as determined by or under authority of the Trustees of the Trust
utilizing such pricing services as may be deemed appropriate as described above.
Securities deemed restricted as to resale are valued at the fair value thereof
as determined by or in accordance with methods adopted by the Trustees of the
Trust.

   Short-term debt instruments issued with a maturity of one year or less which
have a remaining maturity of 60 days or less are valued using the amortized cost
method, provided that during any period in which more than 25% of the Fund's
total assets is invested in short-term debt securities the current market value
of such securities will be used in calculating net asset value per share in lieu
of the amortized cost method. The amortized cost method is used when the value
obtained is fair value. Under the amortized cost method of valuation, the
security is initially valued at cost on the date of

                                       22
<PAGE>

purchase (or in the case of short-term debt instruments purchased with more than
60 days remaining to maturity, the market value on the 61st day prior to
maturity), and thereafter a constant amortization to maturity of any discount or
premium is assumed regardless of the impact of fluctuating interest rates on the
market value of the security.


                            PORTFOLIO TRANSACTIONS

Portfolio Turnover

   The Fund's portfolio turnover rate is determined by dividing the lesser of
securities purchases or sales for a year by the monthly average value of
securities held by the Fund (excluding, for purposes of this determination,
securities the maturities of which as of the time of their acquisition were one
year or less). The Fund reserves full freedom with respect to portfolio
turnover, as described in the Prospectus.

Brokerage Allocation

      The Investment Manager's policy is to seek for its clients, including the
Fund, what in the Investment Manager's judgment will be the best overall
execution of purchase or sale orders and the most favorable net prices in
securities transactions consistent with its judgment as to the business
qualifications of the various broker or dealer firms with whom the Investment
Manager may do business, and the Investment Manager may not necessarily choose
the broker offering the lowest available commission rate. Decisions with respect
to the market where the transaction is to be completed, to the form of
transaction (whether principal or agency), and to the allocation of orders among
brokers or dealers are made in accordance with this policy. In selecting brokers
or dealers to effect portfolio transactions, consideration is given to their
proven integrity and financial responsibility, their demonstrated execution
experience and capabilities both generally and with respect to particular
markets or securities, the competitiveness of their commission rates in agency
transactions (and their net prices in principal transactions), their willingness
to commit capital, and their clearance and settlement capability. The Investment
Manager makes every effort to keep informed of commission rate structures and
prevalent bid/ask spread characteristics of the markets and securities in which
transactions for the Fund occur. Against this background, the Investment Manager
evaluates the reasonableness of a commission or a net price with respect to a
particular transaction by considering such factors as difficulty of execution or
security positioning by the executing firm. The Investment Manager may or may
not solicit competitive bids based on its judgment of the expected benefit or
harm to the execution process for that transaction.

      When it appears that a number of firms could satisfy the required
standards in respect of a particular transaction, consideration may also be
given to services other than execution services which certain of such firms have
provided in the past or may provide in the future. Negotiated commission rates
and prices, however, are based upon the Investment Manager's judgment of the
rate which reflects the execution requirements of the transaction without regard
to whether the broker provides services in addition to execution. Among such
other services are the supplying of supplemental investment research; general
economic, political and business information; analytical and statistical data;
relevant market information, quotation equipment and services; reports and
information about specific companies, industries and securities; purchase and
sale recommendations for stocks and bonds; portfolio strategy services;
historical statistical information; market data services providing information
on specific issues and prices; financial publications; proxy voting data and
analysis services; technical

                                       23
<PAGE>

analysis of various aspects of the securities markets, including technical
charts; computer hardware used for brokerage and research purposes; computer
software and databases, including those used for portfolio analysis and
modelling; and portfolio evaluation services and relative performance of
accounts.

      Certain nonexecution services provided by broker-dealers may in turn be
obtained by the broker-dealers from third parties who are paid for such services
by the broker-dealers. The Investment Manager has an investment of less than ten
percent of the outstanding equity of one such third party which provides
portfolio analysis and modelling and other research and investment
decision-making services integrated into a trading system developed and licensed
by the third party to others. The Investment Manager could be said to benefit
indirectly if in the future it allocates brokerage to a broker-dealer who in
turn pays this third party for services to be provided to the Investment
Manager.

      The Investment Manager regularly reviews and evaluates the services
furnished by broker-dealers. Some services may be used for research and
investment decision-making purposes, and also for marketing or administrative
purposes. Under these circumstances, the Investment Manager allocates the cost
of such services to determine the appropriate proportion of the cost which is
allocable to purposes other than research or investment decision-making and is
therefore paid directly by the Investment Manager. Some research and execution
services may benefit the Investment Manager's clients as a whole, while others
may benefit a specific segment of clients. Not all such services will
necessarily be used exclusively in connection with the accounts which pay the
commissions to the broker-dealer producing the services.

   The Investment Manager has no fixed agreements or understandings with any
broker-dealer as to the amount of brokerage business which that firm may expect
to receive for services supplied to the Investment Manager or otherwise. There
may be, however, understandings with certain firms that in order for such firms
to be able to continuously supply certain services, they need to receive
allocation of a specified amount of brokerage business. These understandings are
honored to the extent possible in accordance with the policies set forth above.

      It is not the Investment Manager's policy to intentionally pay a firm a
brokerage commission higher than that which another firm would charge for
handling the same transaction in recognition of services (other than execution
services) provided. However, the Investment Manager is aware that this is an
area where differences of opinion as to fact and circumstances may exist, and in
such circumstances, if any, relies on the provisions of Section 28(e) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, to the extent applicable.

      In the case of the purchase of fixed income securities in underwriting
transactions, the Investment Manager follows any instructions received from its
clients as to the allocation of new issue discounts, selling concessions and
designations to brokers or dealers which provide the client with research,
performance evaluation, master trustee and other services. In the absence of
instructions from the client, the Investment Manager may make such allocations
to broker-dealers which have provided the Investment Manager with research and
brokerage services.

      When more than one client of the Investment Manager is seeking to buy or
sell the same security, the sale or purchase is carried out in a manner which is
considered fair and equitable to all accounts. In allocating investments among
various clients (including in what sequence orders for trades are placed), the
Investment Manager will use its best business judgment and will take into
account such factors as the investment objectives of the clients, the amount of
investment funds

                                       24
<PAGE>

available to each, the amount already committed for each client to a specific
investment and the relative risks of the investments, all in order to provide on
balance a fair and equitable result to each client over time. Although sharing
in large transactions may sometimes affect price or volume of shares acquired or
sold, overall it is believed there may be an advantage in execution. The
Investment Manager may follow the practice of grouping orders of various clients
for execution to get the benefit of lower prices or commission rates. In certain
cases where the aggregate order may be executed in a series of transactions at
various prices, the transactions are allocated as to amount and price in a
manner considered equitable to each so that each receives, to the extent
practicable, the average price of such transactions. Exceptions may be made
based on such factors as the size of the account and the size of the trade. For
example, the Investment Manager may not aggregate trades where it believes that
it is in the best interests of clients not to do so, including situations where
aggregation might result in a large number of small transactions with consequent
increased custodial and other transactional costs which may disproportionately
impact smaller accounts. Such disaggregation, depending on the circumstances,
may or may not result in such accounts receiving more or less favorable
execution relative to other clients.

                             CERTAIN TAX MATTERS

Federal Income Taxation of the Fund -- In General

   The Fund intends to qualify and elect to be treated each taxable year as a
"regulated investment company" under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), although it cannot give complete assurance
that it will do so. Accordingly, the Fund must, among other things, (a) derive
at least 90% of its gross income in each taxable year from dividends, interest,
payments with respect to securities loans, gains from the sale or other
disposition of stock, securities or foreign currencies, or other income
(including, but not limited to, gains from options, futures or forward
contracts) derived with respect to its business of investing in such stock,
securities or currencies (the "90% test"); (b) derive less than 30% of its gross
income in each taxable year from the sale or other disposition of any of the
following held for less than three months (the "30% test"): (i) stock or
securities, (ii) options, futures, or forward contracts (other than options,
futures or forward contracts on foreign currencies), or (iii) foreign currencies
(or options, futures, or forward contracts on foreign currencies) but only if
such currencies (or options, futures, or forward contracts) are not directly
related to the Fund's principal business of investing in stocks or securities
(or options and futures with respect to stocks or securities); (c) satisfy
certain diversification requirements; and (d) in order to be entitled to utilize
the dividends paid deduction, distribute annually at least 90% of its investment
company taxable income (determined without regard to the deduction for dividends
paid).

   The 30% test will limit the extent to which the Fund may sell securities held
for less than three months, write options which expire in less than three
months, and effect closing transactions with respect to call or put options that
have been written or purchased within the preceding three months. (If the Fund
purchases a put option for the purpose of hedging an underlying portfolio
security, the acquisition of the option is treated as a short sale of the
underlying security unless, for purposes only of the 30% test, the option and
the security are acquired on the same date.) Finally, as discussed below, this
requirement may also limit investments by the Fund in options on stock indices,
listed options on nonconvertible debt securities, futures contracts, options on
interest rate futures contracts and certain foreign currency contracts.

   If the Fund should fail to qualify as a regulated investment company in any
year, it would lose the beneficial tax treatment accorded regulated investment
companies under Subchapter M of the Code

                                       25
<PAGE>

and all of its taxable income would be subject to tax at regular corporate rates
without any deduction for distributions to shareholders, and such distributions
will be taxable to shareholders as ordinary income to the extent of such Fund's
current or accumulated earnings and profits. Also, the shareholders, if they
received a distribution in excess of current or accumulated earnings and
profits, would receive a return of capital that would reduce the basis of their
shares of the Fund to the extent thereof. Any distribution in excess of a
shareholder's basis in the shareholder's shares would be taxable as gain
realized from the sale of such shares.

   The Fund will be liable for a nondeductible 4% excise tax on amounts not
distributed on a timely basis in accordance with a calendar year distribution
requirement. To avoid the tax, during each calendar year the Fund must
distribute an amount equal to at least 98% of the sum of its ordinary income
(not taking into account any capital gains or losses) for the calendar year, and
its capital gain net income for the 12-month period ending on October 31, in
addition to any undistributed portion of the respective balances from the prior
year. The Fund intends to make sufficient distributions to avoid this 4% excise
tax.

Federal Income Taxation of the Fund's Investments

   Original Issue Discount. For federal income tax purposes, debt securities
purchased by the Fund may be treated as having original issue discount. Original
issue discount represents interest for federal income tax purposes and can
generally be defined as the excess of the stated redemption price at maturity of
a debt obligation over the issue price. Original issue discount is treated for
federal income tax purposes as income earned by the Fund, whether or not any
income is actually received, and therefore is subject to the distribution
requirements of the Code. Generally, the amount of original issue discount is
determined on the basis of a constant yield to maturity which takes into account
the compounding of accrued interest. Under section 1286 of the Code, an
investment in a stripped bond or stripped coupon may result in original issue
discount.

   Debt securities may be purchased by the Fund at a discount that exceeds the
original issue discount plus previously accrued original issue discount
remaining on the securities, if any, at the time the Fund purchases the
securities. This additional discount represents market discount for income tax
purposes. In the case of any debt security issued after July 18, 1984, having a
fixed maturity date of more than one year from the date of issue and having
market discount, the gain realized on disposition will be treated as interest to
the extent it does not exceed the accrued market discount on the security
(unless the Fund elects to include such accrued market discount in income in the
tax year to which it is attributable). Generally, market discount is accrued on
a daily basis. The Fund may be required to capitalize, rather than deduct
currently, part or all of any direct interest expense incurred to purchase or
carry any debt security having market discount, unless the Fund makes the
election to include market discount currently. Because the Fund must include
original issue discount in income, it will be more difficult for the Fund to
make the distributions required for the Fund to maintain its status as a
regulated investment company under Subchapter M of the Code or to avoid the 4%
excise tax described above.

   Options and Futures Transactions. Certain of the Fund's investments may be
subject to provisions of the Code that (i) require inclusion of unrealized gains
or losses in the Fund's income for purposes of the 90% test, the 30% test, the
excise tax and the distribution requirements applicable to regulated investment
companies; (ii) defer recognition of realized losses; and (iii) characterize
both realized and unrealized gain or loss as short-term or long-term gain or
loss. Such provisions generally apply to, among other investments, options on
debt securities, indices on securities and futures contracts.

                                       26
<PAGE>

Federal Income Taxation of Shareholders

   Distributions by the Fund can result in a reduction in the fair market value
of such Fund's shares. Should a distribution reduce the fair market value below
a shareholder's cost basis, such distribution nevertheless may be taxable to the
shareholder as ordinary income or long-term capital gain, even though, from an
investment standpoint, it may constitute a partial return of capital. In
particular, investors should be careful to consider the tax implications of
buying shares just prior to a taxable distribution. The price of shares
purchased at that time includes the amount of any forthcoming distribution.
Those investors purchasing shares just prior to a taxable distribution will then
receive a return of investment upon distribution which will nevertheless be
taxable to them.


                      DISTRIBUTION OF SHARES OF THE FUND

   State Street Research Securities Trust is currently comprised of the
following series: State Street Research Intermediate Bond Fund and State Street
Research Strategic Income Fund. The Trustees have authorized shares of the Fund
to be issued in four classes: Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares. The
Trustees of the Trust have authority to issue an unlimited number of shares of
beneficial interest of separate series, $.001 par value per share. A "series" is
a separate pool of assets of the Trust which is separately managed and has a
different investment objective and different investment policies from those of
another series. The Trustees have authority, without the necessity of a
shareholder vote, to create any number of new series or classes or to commence
the public offering of shares of any previously established series or class.

   The Trust has entered into a Distribution Agreement with State Street
Research Investment Services, Inc., as Distributor, whereby the Distributor acts
as agent to sell and distribute shares of the Fund. Shares of the Fund are sold
through dealers who have entered into sales agreements with the Distributor. The
Distributor distributes shares of the Fund on a continuous basis at an offering
price which is based on the net asset value per share of the Fund plus (subject
to certain exceptions) a sales charge which, at the election of the investor,
may be imposed (i) at the time of purchase (the Class A shares) or (ii) on a
deferred basis (the Class B and Class D shares). The Distributor may reallow all
or portions of such sales charges as concessions to dealers.

   The differences in the price at which the Fund's Class A shares are offered
due to scheduled variations in sales charges, as described in the Fund's
Prospectus, result from cost savings inherent in economies of scale. Management
believes that the cost of sales efforts of the Distributor and broker-dealers
tends to decrease as the size of purchases increases, or does not involve any
incremental sales expenses as in the case of, for example, exchanges,
reinvestments or dividend investments at net asset value. Similarly, no
significant sales effort is necessary for sales of shares at net asset value to
certain Directors, Trustees, officers, employees, their relatives and other
persons directly or indirectly related to the Fund or associated entities. Where
shares of the Fund are offered at a reduced sales charge or without a sales
charge pursuant to sponsored arrangements, the amount of the sales charge
reduction will similarly reflect the anticipated reduction in sales expenses
associated with such sponsored arrangements. The reductions in sales expenses,
and therefore the reduction in sales charge, will vary depending on factors such
as the size and stability of the organization, the term of the organization's
existence and certain characteristics of its members. The Fund reserves the
right to make variations in, or eliminate, sales charges at any time or to
revise the terms of or to suspend or discontinue sales pursuant to sponsored
arrangements at any time.

                                       27
<PAGE>

   
   On any sale of Class A shares to a single investor in the amount of
$1,000,000 or more, the Distributor will pay the authorized securities dealer
making such sale a commission based on the aggregate of such sales. Such
commission also is payable to authorized securities dealers upon sales of Class
A shares made pursuant to a Letter of Intent to purchase shares having a net
asset value of $1,000,000 or more. Shares sold with such commissions payable are
subject to a one-year contingent deferred sales charge of 1.00% on any portion
of such shares redeemed within one year following their sale. After a particular
purchase of Class A shares is made under the Letter of Intent, the commission
will be paid only in respect of that particular purchase of shares. If the
Letter of Intent is not completed, the commission paid will be deducted from any
discounts or commissions otherwise payable to such dealer in respect of shares
actually sold. If an investor is eligible to purchase shares at net asset value
on account of the Right of Accumulation, the commission will be paid only in
respect of the incremental purchase at net asset value.
    

   The Fund has adopted a "Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1" (the
"Distribution Plan") under which the Fund may engage, directly or indirectly, in
financing any activities primarily intended to result in the sale of Class A,
Class B and Class D shares, including, but not limited to, (1) the payment of
commissions and/or reimbursement to underwriters, securities dealers and others
engaged in the sale of shares, including payments to the Distributor to be used
to pay commissions and/or reimbursement to securities dealers (which securities
dealers may be affiliates of the Distributor) engaged in the distribution and
marketing of shares and furnishing ongoing assistance to investors, (2)
reimbursement of direct out-of-pocket expenditures incurred by the Distributor
in connection with the distribution and marketing of shares and the servicing of
investor accounts including expenses relating to the formulation and
implementation of marketing strategies and promotional activities such as direct
mail promotions and television, radio, newspaper, magazine and other mass media
advertising, the preparation, printing and distribution of Prospectuses of the
Fund and reports for recipients other than existing shareholders of the Fund,
and obtaining such information, analyses and reports with respect to marketing
and promotional activities and investor accounts as the Fund may, from time to
time, deem advisable, and (3) reimbursement of expenses incurred by the
Distributor in connection with the servicing of shareholder accounts including
payments to securities dealers and others in consideration of the provision of
personal services to investors and/or the maintenance of shareholder accounts
and expenses associated with the provision of personal services by the
Distributor directly to investors. In addition, the Distribution Plan is deemed
to authorize the Distributor to make payments out of general profits, revenues
or other sources to underwriters, securities dealers and others in connection
with sales of shares, to the extent, if any, that such payments may be deemed to
be within the scope of Rule 12b-1 under the 1940 Act.

   The expenditures to be made pursuant to the Distribution Plan may not exceed
(i) with respect to Class A shares, an annual rate of 0.25% of the average daily
value of net assets represented by such Class A shares, and (ii) with respect to
Class B and Class D shares, an annual rate of 0.75% of the average daily value
of the net assets represented by such Class B or Class D shares (as the case may
be) to finance sales or promotion expenses and an annual rate of 0.25% of the
average daily value of the net assets represented by such Class B or Class D
shares (as the case may be) to make payments for personal services and/or the
maintenance of shareholder accounts. Proceeds from the service fee will be used
by the Distributor to compensate securities dealers and others selling shares of
the Fund for rendering service to shareholders on an ongoing basis. Such amounts
are based on the net asset value of shares of the Fund held by such dealers as
nominee for their customers or which are owned directly by such customers for so
long as such shares are outstanding and the Distribution Plan remains in effect
with respect to the Fund. Any amounts received by the Distributor and not so
allocated may be

                                       28
<PAGE>

applied by the Distributor as reimbursement for expenses incurred in connection
with the servicing of investor accounts. The distribution and servicing expenses
of a particular class will be borne solely by that class.

   The Distributor may also use additional resources of its own for further
expenses on behalf of the Fund.

   No interested Trustee of the Trust has any direct or indirect financial
interest in the operation of the Distribution Plan or any related agreements
thereunder. The Distributor's interest in the Distribution Plan is described
above.

   To the extent that the Glass-Steagall Act may be interpreted as prohibiting
banks and other depository institutions from being paid for performing services
under the Distribution Plan, the Fund will make alternative arrangements for
such services for shareholders who acquired shares through such institutions.


                       CALCULATION OF PERFORMANCE DATA

   The average annual total return ("standard total return") of the Class A,
Class B, Class C and Class D shares of the Fund will be calculated as set forth
below. Total return is computed separately for each class of shares of the Fund.

   All calculations of performance data in this section would reflect the
voluntary measures, if any, by the Fund's affiliates to reduce fees or expenses
relating to the Fund; see "Accrued Expenses" later in this section.

Total Return

   Standard total return is computed separately for each class of shares by
determining the average annual compounded rates of return over the designated
periods that, if applied to the initial amount invested, would produce the
ending redeemable value in accordance with the following formula:

                        P(1+T)n = ERV

   Where:   P     =     a hypothetical initial payment of $1,000

            T     =     average annual total return

            n     =     number of years

            ERV         = ending redeemable value at the end of the designated
                        period assuming a hypothetical $1,000 payment made at
                        the beginning of the designated period


   The calculation is based on the further assumptions that the maximum initial
or contingent deferred sales charge applicable to the investment is deducted,
and that all dividends and distributions by the

                                       29
<PAGE>

Fund are reinvested at net asset value on the reinvestment dates during the
periods. All accrued expenses are also taken into account as described later
herein.

Yield

   Yield for each of the Fund's Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares is
computed by dividing the net investment income per share earned during a recent
month or other specified 30-day period by the maximum offering price per share
on the last day of the period and annualizing the result, in accordance with the
following formula:



                           YIELD = 2[(a-b + 1)6 -1]
                                      ---
                                      cd

      Where:      a   =   dividends and interest earned during
                          the period

                  b   =   expenses accrued for the period

                  c   =   the average daily number of shares
                          outstanding during the period that
                          were entitled to receive dividends

                  d   =   the maximum offering price per share
                          on the last day of the period

      To calculate interest earned (for purposes of "a" above) on debt
obligations, the Fund computes the yield to maturity of each obligation held by
the Fund based on the market value of the obligation (including actual accrued
interest) at the close of the last business day of the preceding period, or,
with respect to obligations purchased during the period, the purchase price
(plus actual accrued interest). The yield to maturity is then divided by 360 and
the quotient is multiplied by the market value of the obligation (including
actual accrued interest) to determine the interest income on the obligation for
each day of the period that the obligation is in the portfolio. Dividend income
is recognized daily based on published rates.

      With respect to the treatment of discount and premium on mortgage or other
receivables-backed obligations which are expected to be subject to monthly
payments of principal and interest ("paydowns"), the Fund accounts for gain or
loss attributable to actual monthly paydowns as a realized capital gain or loss
during the period. The Fund has elected not to amortize discount or premium on
such securities.

      Undeclared earned income, computed in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, may be subtracted from the maximum offering price.
Undeclared earned income is the net investment income which, at the end of the
base period, has not been declared as a dividend, but is reasonably expected to
be declared as a dividend shortly thereafter. The maximum offering price
includes a maximum sales charge of 4.5% with respect to Class A shares.

      All accrued expenses are taken into account as described later herein.

                                       30
<PAGE>

      Yield information is useful in reviewing the Fund's performance, but
because yields fluctuate, such information cannot necessarily be used to compare
an investment in the Fund's shares with bank deposits, savings accounts and
similar investment alternatives which often provide an agreed or guaranteed
fixed yield for a stated period of time. Shareholders should remember that yield
is a function of the kind and quality of the instruments in the Fund's
portfolio, portfolio maturity and operating expenses and market conditions.


Accrued Expenses

   Accrued expenses include all recurring expenses that are charged to all
shareholder accounts in proportion to the length of the base period. The
standard total return results take sales charges, if applicable, into account,
although the results do not take into account recurring and nonrecurring charges
for optional services which only certain shareholders elect and which involve
nominal fees, such as the $7.50 fee for wire orders.

   Accrued expenses do not include the subsidization, if any, by affiliates of
fees or expenses relating to the Fund, during the subject period. In the absence
of such subsidization, the performance of the Fund will be lower.

Nonstandardized Total Return

   The Fund may provide the above described standard total return results for
Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D shares for periods which end no earlier
than the most recent calendar quarter end and which begin twelve months before
and at the time of commencement of such Fund's operations. In addition, the Fund
may provide nonstandardized total return results for differing periods, such as
for the most recent six months, and/or without taking sales charges into
account. Such nonstandardized total return is computed as otherwise described
under "Total Return" except the result may or may not be annualized, and as
noted any applicable sales charge may not be taken into account and therefore
not deducted from the hypothetical initial payment of $1,000 or ending value.

Distribution Rates

   The Fund may also quote its distribution rate for each class of shares. The
distribution rate is calculated by annualizing the latest per-shares
distribution from ordinary income and dividing the result by the maximum
offering price per share as of the end of the period to which the distribution
relates. A distribution can include gross investment income from debt
obligations purchased at a premium and in effect include a portion of the
premium paid. A distribution can also include nonrecurring, gross short-term
capital gains without recognition of any unrealized capital losses. Further, a
distribution can include income from the sale of options by the Fund even though
such option income is not considered investment income under generally accepted
accounting principles.

   Because a distribution can include such premiums, capital gains and option
income, the amount of the distribution may be susceptible to control by the
Investment Manager through transactions designed to increase the amount of such
items. Also, because the distribution rate is calculated in part by dividing the
latest distribution by the offering price, which is based on net asset value
plus any applicable sales charge, the distribution rate will increase as the net
asset value declines. A distribution rate can be greater than the yield rate
calculated as described above.

   
                                       31
    

<PAGE>
                                  CUSTODIAN

   State Street Bank and Trust Company, 225 Franklin Street, Boston,
Massachusetts 02110, is the Trust's custodian. As custodian, State Street Bank
and Trust Company is responsible for, among other things, safeguarding and
controlling the Fund's cash and securities, handling the receipt and delivery of
securities and collecting interest and dividends on the Fund's investments.
State Street Bank and Trust Company is not an affiliate of the Investment
Manager or its affiliates.


                           INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

   Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., One Post Office Square, Boston, Massachusetts
02109, serves as the Trust's independent accountants, providing professional
services including (1) audits of the Fund's annual financial statements, (2)
assistance and consultation in connection with Securities and Exchange
Commission filings and (3) review of the annual income tax returns filed on
behalf of the Fund.


                             FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

   In addition to the reports provided to holders of record on a semiannual
basis, other supplementary financial reports may be made available from time to
time and holders of record may request a copy of a current supplementary report,
if any, by calling State Street Research Shareholder Services.




   
                                       32
    


<PAGE>



                    STATE STREET RESEARCH SECURITIES TRUST

                                    PART C
                               OTHER INFORMATION


Item 24:  Financial Statements and Exhibits

      (a)   Financial Statements

            (1)   Financial Statements included in PART A (Prospectus) of this
                  Registration Statement:

                        Financial Highlights for the State Street Research
                        Intermediate Bond Fund for the period May 16, 1994
                        (commencement of operations) through April 30, 1995
                        incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment
                        No. 2

            (2)   Financial Statements included in PART B (Statement of
                  Additional Information) of this Registration Statement:

                        Financial Statements for the State Street Research
                        Intermediate Bond Fund for the period May 16, 1994
                        (commencement of operations) through April 30, 1995
                        incorporated by reference from Post-Effective Amendment
                        No. 2

                              Investment Portfolio
                              Statement of Assets and Liabilities
                              Statement of Operations
                              Statement of Changes in Net Assets
                                (for the period May 16, 1994 (commencement of
                                operations) through April 30, 1995)
                              Notes to Financial Statements
                                 (including financial highlights)
                              Report of Independent Accountants
                              Management's Discussion of Fund Performance
      (b)   Exhibits

   
             (1)(a) Master Trust Agreement and Amendment No. 1 to Master Trust 
                    Agreement (5)
             (1)(b) Form of Amendment No. 2 to the Master Trust Agreement (5)
    
             (2)    By-Laws of the Registrant (1)
             (3)    Not applicable
             (4)    Not applicable
   
             (5)(a) Advisory Agreement with State Street Research & Management
                    Company (5)
             (5)(b) Form of Letter Agreement with respect to the Advisory 
                    Agreement relating to State Street Research Strategic
                    Income Fund (5)
    


                                    C-1

<PAGE>

   
          (6)(a)  Distribution Agreement with State Street Research Investment
                  Services, Inc. (5)
          (6)(b)  Form of Selected Dealer Agreement (4) 
          (6)(c)  Form of Bank and Bank-Affiliated Broker-Dealer Agreement (3)
          (6)(d)  Form of revised Supplement No. 1 to Selected Dealer 
                  Agreement (5)
          (6)(e)  Form of Letter Agreement with respect to the Distribution
                  Agreement relating to State Street Research Strategic
                  Income Fund (5)
             (7)  Not applicable
          (8)(a)  Custodian Contract with State Street Bank and Trust
                  Company (5)
          (8)(b)  Form of Letter Agreement with respect to the Custodian
                  Agreement relating to State Street Research Strategic Income
                  Fund (5)
             (9)  Not applicable
         (10)(a)  Opinion and Consent of Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP with 
                  respect to State Street Research Intermediate Bond Fund (2)
         (10)(b)  Opinion and Consent of Goodwin, Proctor and Hoar LLP with 
                  respect to State Street Research Strategic Income Fund 
            (11)  Consent of Independent Accountants (4)
            (12)  Not applicable
         (13)(a)  Form of Purchase Agreement and Investment Letter with respect
                  to State Street Research Intermediate Bond Fund (1)
         (13)(b)  Form of Purchase Agreement and Investment Letter with respect
                  to State Street Research Strategic Income Fund (5)
         (14)(a)  State Street Research IRA: Disclosure Statement; Forms
                  Booklet; Transfer of Assets/Direct Rollover Form (4)
         (14)(b)  State Street Research 403(b): Brochure, Maximum Salary 
                  Reduction Worksheet, Account Application, Salary Reduction 
                  Agreement and Transfer of 403(b) Assets Form (5)
         (15)(a)  Plan of Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 (4)
         (15)(b)  Form of Letter Agreement with respect to the Plan of 
                  Distribution Pursuant to Rule 12b-1 relating to State Street
                  Research Strategic Income Fund (5)
            (16)  Calculation of Performance Data (4)
         (17)(a)  Powers of Attorney (4)
            (18)  Certificate of Board Resolution Respecting Powers of 
                  Attorney (4)
            (19)  Application Forms (3)
            (20)  First Amended and Restated Multiple Class Expense Allocation
                  Plan (5)
            (27)  Financial Data Schedules (4)
    

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

Filed as part of the Registration Statement as noted below and incorporated
herein by reference:

Footnote       Securities Act of 1933
Reference      Registration/Amendment                    Dated Filed
- ---------      ----------------------                    -----------

  1            Initial Registration                      January 31, 1994

  2            Pre-Effective Amendment No. 1             March 14, 1994

  3            Post-Effective Amendment No. 1            November 19, 1994

  4            Post-Effective Amendment No. 2            August 25, 1995

   
  5            Post-Effective Amendment No. 3            June 4, 1996
    

                                    C-2
<PAGE>



Item 25.  Persons Controlled by or Under Common Control with Registrant


           ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF METROPOLITAN AND SUBSIDIARIES
                             AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995

The following is a list of subsidiaries of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company
("Metropolitan") as of December 31, 1995. Those entities which are listed at the
left margin (labelled with capital letters) are direct subsidiaries of
Metropolitan. Unless otherwise indicated, each entity which is indented under
another entity is a subsidiary of such indented entity and, therefore, an
indirect subsidiary of Metropolitan. Certain inactive subsidiaries have been
omitted from the Metropolitan organizational listing. The voting securities
(excluding directors' qualifying shares, if any) of the subsidiaries listed are
100% owned by their respective parent corporations, unless otherwise indicated.
The jurisdiction of domicile of each subsidiary listed is set forth in the
parenthetical following such subsidiary.

A.   Metropolitan Tower Corp. (Delaware)

     1.   Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company (Delaware)

          a.   Metropolitan Group Property and Casualty Insurance Company
               (Delaware)

               i.   Metropolitan Reinsurance Company (U.K.) Limited (Great
                    Britain)

          b.   Metropolitan Casualty Insurance Company (Delaware)
          c.   Metropolitan General Insurance Company (Delaware)
          d.   First General Insurance Company (Georgia)
          e.   Metropolitan P&C Insurance Services, Inc. (California)
          f.   Metropolitan Lloyds, Inc. (Texas)

     2.   Metropolitan Insurance and Annuity Company (Delaware)

          a.   MetLife Europe I, Inc. (Delaware)
          b.   MetLife Europe II, Inc. (Delaware)
          c.   MetLife Europe III, Inc. (Delaware)
          d.   MetLife Europe IV, Inc. (Delaware)
          e.   MetLife Europe V, Inc. (Delaware)

     3.   MetLife General Insurance Agency, Inc. (Delaware)

          a.   MetLife General Insurance Agency of Alabama, Inc. (Alabama)
          b.   MetLife General Insurance Agency of Kentucky, Inc. (Kentucky)
          c.   MetLife General Insurance Agency of Mississippi, Inc.
               (Mississippi)
          d.   MetLife General Insurance Agency of Texas, Inc. (Texas)
          e.   MetLife General Insurance Agency of North Carolina, Inc. (North
               Carolina)


                                      C-3

<PAGE>


     4.   Metropolitan Asset Management Corporation (Delaware)

          a.   MetLife Capital Holdings, Inc. (Delaware)

               i.   MetLife Capital Corporation (Delaware)

                    (1)  Searles Cogeneration, Inc. (Delaware)
                    (2)  MLYC Cogen, Inc. (Delaware)
                    (3)  MCC Yerkes Inc. (Washington)
                    (4)  MetLife Capital, Limited Partnership (Delaware).
                         Partnership interests in MetLife Capital, Limited
                         Partnership are held by Metropolitan (90%) and MetLife
                         Capital Corporation (10%).
                    (5)  CLJ Finco, Inc. (Delaware)

                         (a)  MetLife Capital Credit L.P. (Delaware).
                              Partnership interests in MetLife Capital Credit
                              L.P. are held by Metropolitan (90%) and 
                              CLJ Finco, Inc. (10%).

                    (6)  MetLife Capital Portfolio Investments, Inc. (Nevada)

                         (a)  MetLife Capital Funding Corp. (Delaware)

               ii.  MetLife Capital Financial Corporation (Delaware)


                                      C-4

<PAGE>



               iii. MetLife Financial Acceptance Corporation (Delaware).
                    MetLife Capital Holdings, Inc. holds 100% of the voting
                    preferred stock of MetLife Financial Acceptance Corporation.
                    Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company holds
                    100% of the common stock of MetLife Financial Acceptance
                    Corporation.

          b.   MetLife Investment Management Corporation (Delaware)

               i.   MetLife Investments Limited (United Kingdom).  23rd Street
                    Investments, Inc. holds one share of MetLife Investments
                    Limited.

          c.   MetLife Realty Group, Inc. (Delaware)

          d.   GFM International Investors Limited (United Kingdom).  The common
               stock of GFM International Investors Limited ("GFM") is held by
               Metropolitan (99.5%) and by an employee of GFM (.5%).  GFM is a
               sub-investment manager for the International Stock Portfolio of
               Metropolitan Series Fund, Inc.

               i.   GFM Investments Limited (United Kingdom)

     5.   SSRM Holdings, Inc. (Delaware)

          a.   State Street Research & Management Company (Delaware). Is a sub-
               investment manager for the Growth, Income, Diversified and
               Aggressive Growth Portfolios of Metropolitan Series Fund, Inc.

               i.   State Street Research Energy, Inc. (Massachusetts)
               ii.  State Street Research Investment Services, Inc.
                    (Massachusetts)

          b.   Metric Holdings, Inc. (Delaware)

               i.   Metric Management Inc. (Delaware)
               ii.  Metric Realty Corp. (Delaware)
               iii. Metric Realty (Illinois).  Metric Realty Corp. and Metric
                    Holdings, Inc. each holds 50% of the common stock of Metric
                    Realty.

                    (1)  Metric Capital Corporation (California)
                    (2)  Metric Assignor, Inc. (California)
                    (3)  Metric Institutional Realty Advisors, Inc. (California)
                    (4)  Metric Institutional Realty Advisors, L.P.
                         (California).
                         Metric Realty holds a 99% limited partnership interest
                         and Metric Institutional Realty Advisors, Inc. holds a
                         1%


                                      C-5


<PAGE>



                         interest as general partner in Metric Institutional
                         Realty Advisors, L.P.
                    (5)  Metric Realty Services, Inc. (Delaware) Metric Holdings
                         Inc. and Metric Realty Corp. each holds 50% of the
                         common stock of Metric Realty Services, Inc.
                    (6)  Metric Institutional Apartment Fund II, L.P.
                         (California). Metric Realty holds a 1% interest as
                         general partner and Metropolitan holds an approximately
                         14.6% limited partnership interest in Metric
                         Institutional Apartment Fund II, L.P.

     6.   MetLife Holdings, Inc. (Delaware)

          a.   MetLife Funding, Inc. (Delaware)
          b.   MetLife Credit Corp. (Delaware)

     7.   Metropolitan Tower Realty Company, Inc. (Delaware)

     8.   MetLife Real Estate Advisors, Inc. (California)

     9.   MetLife HealthCare Holdings, Inc.

B.   Metropolitan Tower Life Insurance Company (Delaware)

C.   MetLife Security Insurance Company of Louisiana (Louisiana)

D.   MetLife Texas Holdings, Inc. (Delaware)

     1.   Texas Life Insurance Company (Texas)

          a.   Texas Life Agency Services, Inc. (Texas)

          b.   Texas Life Agency Services of Kansas, Inc. (Kansas)

E.   MetLife Securities, Inc. (Delaware)

F.   23rd Street Investments, Inc. (Delaware)

G.   Metropolitan Life Holdings Limited (Ontario, Canada)

     1.   Metropolitan Life Financial Services Limited (Ontario, Canada)

     2.   Metropolitan Life Financial Management Limited (Ontario, Canada)

          a.   Metropolitan Life Insurance Company of Canada (Canada)
          b.   Metropolitan Life Operations Limited (Canada)


                                      C-6


<PAGE>



     3.   Morguard Investments Limited (Ontario, Canada)
          Shares of Morguard Investments Limited ("Morguard") are held by
          Metropolitan Life Holdings Limited (82%) and by employees of Morguard
          (18%).
     4.   Services La Metropolitaine Quebec, Inc. (Quebec, Canada)
     5.   167080 Canada, Inc. (Canada)

          a.   446068 B.C. Ltd. (British Columbia, Canada)

H.   MetLife (UK) Limited (Great Britain)

     1.   Albany Life Assurance Company Limited (Great Britain)

          a.   Albany Pension Managers and Trustees Limited (Great Britain)

     2.   Albany Home Loans Limited (Great Britain)
     3.   ACFC Corporate Finance Limited (Great Britain)
     4.   Metropolitan Unit Trust Managers Limited (Great Britain)
     5.   Albany International Assurance Limited (Isle of Man)
     6.   MetLife Group Services Limited (Great Britain)

I.   Santander Met, S.A. (Spain).  Shares of Santander Met, S.A. are held by
     Metropolitan (50%) and by an entity (50%) unaffiliated with Metropolitan.

     1.   Seguros Genesis, S.A. (Spain)
     2.   Genesis Seguros Generales, Sociedad Anomina de Seguros y Reaseguros
          (Spain)

J.   Kolon-Met Life Insurance Company (Korea). Shares of Kolon-MetLife Insurance
     Company are held by Metropolitan (51%) and by an entity (49%) unaffiliated
     with Metropolitan.


                                      C-7


<PAGE>



K.   Genesis Seguros de Vida S.A. (Argentina)

L.   Genesis Seguros de Retiro S.A. (Argentina). Shares of Genesis Seguros de
     Retiro S.A. are held by Metropolitan (39%) and by an entity (61%)
     unaffiliated with Metropolitan.

M.   2945835 Canada Inc. (Canada)

N.   Metropolitan Marine Way Investments Limited (British Columbia, Canada)

O.   Met Life Holdings Luxembourg (Luxembourg)

P.   Metropolitan Life Holdings, Netherlands BV (Netherlands)

Q.   MetLife International Holdings, Inc. (Delaware)

R.   Metropolitan Life Insurance Company of Hong Kong Limited (Hong Kong)



                                      C-8


<PAGE>



S.   Metropolitan Realty Management, Inc. (Delaware)

     1.   Edison Supply and Distribution, Inc. (Delaware)
     2.   Cross & Brown Company (New York)

          a.   Cross & Brown Residentials, Inc. (New York)
          b.   Cross & Brown Company of Florida, Inc. (Florida)
          c.   Cross & Brown Associates of New York, Inc. (New York)
          d.   Cross & Brown Associates of New Jersey, Inc. (New Jersey)
          e.   Subrown Corp. (New York)
          f.   Cross & Brown Construction Corp. (New York)
          g.   CBNJ, Inc. (New Jersey)
          h.   Cross & Brown of Connecticut, Inc. (Connecticut)

T.   MetPark Funding, Inc. (Delaware)

U.   2154 Trading Corporation (New York)

V.   Transmountain Land & Livestock Company (Montana)

W.   Met West Agribusiness, Inc. (Delaware)

Y.   Farmers National Company (Nebraska)

     1.   Farmers National Commodities, Inc. (Nebraska)


                                      C-9


<PAGE>

Z.   Nebraska Farms, Inc. (Nebraska)

AA.  MetFarm and Ranch Properties, Inc. (Delaware)

AB.  City Trust Services, National Association (United States)

In addition to the entities listed above, Metropolitan (or where indicated an
affiliate) also owns an interest in the following entities, among others:

1) CP&S Communications, Inc., a New York corporation, holds federal radio
communications licenses for equipment used in Metropolitan owned facilities and
airplanes. It is not engaged in any business.

2) Quadreal Corp., a New York corporation, is the fee holder of a parcel of real
property subject to a 999 year prepaid lease. It is wholly-owned by
Metropolitan, having been acquired by a wholly-owned subsidiary of Metropolitan
in 1973 for $10 in connection with a real estate investment and transferred to
Metropolitan in 1988.

3) Met Life International Real Estate Equity Shares, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, is a real estate investment trust. Metropolitan owns approximately
18.4% of the outstanding common stock of this company and has the right to
designate 2 of the 5 members of its Board of Directors.

4)  Metropolitan Structures is a general partnership in which Metropolitan owns
a 50% interest.   Metropolitan Structures owns 100% of the common stock of
Cicero/Cermak Corporation, an Illinois corporation, which owns and manages a
shopping center in Illinois.  Metropolitan Structures, Inc., an Illinois
corporation, is a property manager.  Metropolitan Structures, Inc. is wholly
owned by Metropolitan Structures. Metropolitan Structures, Inc. is the sole
general partner of MS Management Services, L.P., an Illinois limited partnership
in which Metropolitan has a 49.5% interest as a limited partner.

5)  Metropolitan Structures West, Inc. (doing business as MS Management
Services), a California corporation, is a property manager in California.
Metropolitan owns 50% of the capital stock of Metropolitan Structures West, Inc.

6)  Seguros Genesis, S.A. (Mexico), is a Mexican insurer in which Metropolitan
and two of its subsidiaries collectively own a 24.5% interest and have the right
to designate 2 of the 9 members of the Board of Directors.

7) Interbroker, Correduria de Reaseguros, S.A., is a Spanish insurance brokerage
company in which Santander Met, S.A., a subsidiary of Metropolitan in which
Metropolitan owns a 50% interest, owns a 50% interest and has the right to
designate 2 of the 4 members of the Board of Directors.

8) Metropolitan owns varying interests in certain mutual funds distributed by
its affiliates. These ownership interests are generally expected to decrease as
shares of the funds are purchased by unaffiliated investors.

9) Metropolitan Lloyds Insurance Company of Texas, an affiliated association,
provides homeowner and related insurance for the Texas market. It is an
association of individuals designated as underwriters. Metropolitan Lloyds,
Inc., a subsidiary of Metropolitan Property and Casualty Insurance Company,
serves as the attorney-in-fact and manages the association.

10) Mezzanine Investment Limited Partnerships ("MILPs"), Delaware limited
partnerships, are investment vehicles through which investments in certain
entities are held. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Metropolitan serves as the
general partner of the limited partnerships and Metropolitan directly owns a 99%
limited partnership interest therein. The MILPs have various ownership interests
in certain companies. The various MILPs own, directly or indirectly, more than
50% of the common stock of the following companies: Coating Technologies
International, Inc., Dan River, Inc.; Igloo Holdings, Inc. and its subsidiary,
Igloo Products Corporation; Blodgett Holdings, Inc., and its subsidiaries, GS
Blodgett Corporation, GS Blodgett International Ltd., GS Blodgett Inc., Pitco
Frialator, Inc., Frialator International Limited, Magikitch'n, Inc., and
Cloverleaf Properties, Inc.; and Briggs Holdings, Inc., and its subsidiary,
Briggs Plumbing Products, Inc.

                                    C-10


<PAGE>



Item 26:  Number of Holders of Securities
- -----------------------------------------

   
      As of July 31, 1996, the number of record holders of the Registrant's
Fund were as follows:
    

           (1)                                         (2)
                                                    Number of
     Title of Class                              Record Holders

Shares of Beneficial Interest

State Street Research Intermediate Bond Fund

         Class A                                      7
         Class B                                     None
         Class C                                      6
         Class D                                     None

State Street Research Strategic Income Fund

         Class A                                       *
         Class B                                       *
         Class C                                       *
         Class D                                       *

- ----------
*The Registrant anticipates that State Street Research & Management Company will
be the sole initial record holder on or about the effective date.




                                    C-11

<PAGE>



Item 27:  Indemnification

      Under Article VI of the Registrant's Master Trust Agreement each of its
Trustees and officers or persons serving in such capacity with another entity at
the request of the Registrant ("Covered Person") shall be indemnified against
all liabilities, including, but not limited to, amounts paid in satisfaction of
judgments, in compromises or as fines and penalties, and expenses, including
reasonable accountants' and counsel fees, incurred by any Covered Person in
connection with the defense or disposition of any action, suit or other
proceeding, whether civil or criminal, before any court or administrative or
legislative body, in which such Covered Person may be or may have been involved
as a party or otherwise or with which such Covered Person may be or may have
been threatened, while in office or thereafter, by reason of being or having
been such a Covered Person, except with respect to any matter as to which it has
been determined that such Covered Person had acted with willful misfeasance, bad
faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of such Covered Person's office (such conduct being referred to
hereafter as "Disabling Conduct"). A determination that the Covered Person is
entitled to indemnification may be made by (i) a final decision on the merits by
a court or other body before which the proceeding was brought that the person to
be indemnified was not liable by reason of Disabling Conduct, (ii) dismissal of
a court action or an administrative proceeding against a Covered Person for
insufficiency of evidence of Disabling Conduct, or (iii) a reasonable
determination, based upon a review of the facts, that the indemnitee was not
liable by reason of Disabling Conduct by (a) a vote of a majority of a quorum of
Trustees who are neither "interested persons" of the Registrant as defined in
section 2(a)(19) of the 1940 Act nor parties to the proceeding, or (b) an
independent legal counsel in a written opinion.

      Under the Distribution Agreement between the Registrant and State Street
Research Investment Services, Inc., the Registrant's distributor, the Registrant
has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless State Street Research Investment
Services, Inc. and each person who has been, is, or may hereafter be an officer,
director, employee or agent of State Street Research Investment Services, Inc.
against any loss, damage or expense reasonably incurred by any of them in
connection with any claim or in connection with any action, suit or proceeding
to which any of them may be a party, which arises out of or is alleged to arise
out of or is based upon a violation of any of its covenants herein contained or
any untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact, or the omission or
alleged omission to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made
not misleading, in a Registration Statement or Prospectus of the Registrant, or
any amendment or supplement thereto, unless such statement or omission was made
in reliance upon written


                                    C-12

<PAGE>



information furnished by State Street Research Investment Services, Inc.

      Insofar as indemnification by the Registrant for liabilities arising under
the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to trustees, officers, underwriters
and controlling persons of the Registrant, pursuant to Article VI of the
Registrant's Master Trust Agreement, or otherwise, the Registrant has been
advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Act and is,
therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against
such liabilities (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses incurred
or paid by a trustee, officer or controlling person of the Registrant in the
successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted against the
Registrant by such trustee, officer or controlling person in connection with the
securities being registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its
counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court
of appropriate jurisdiction the question of whether such indemnification by it
is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the
final adjudication of such issue.





                                    C-13

<PAGE>


Item 28.  Business and Other Connections of Investment Adviser

    Describe any other business, profession, vocation or employment of a
substantial nature in which each investment adviser of the Registrant, and each
director, officer or partner of any such investment adviser, is or has been, at
any time during the past two fiscal years, engaged for his own account or in the
capacity of director, officer, employee, partner or trustee.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                            Principal business
Name                         Connection                            Organization                             address of organization
- ----                         ----------                            ------------                             -----------------------

<S>                          <C>                                   <C>                                              <C>
State Street Research &      Investment Adviser                    Various investment advisory                      Boston, MA
 Management Company                                                clients

   
Arpiarian, Tanya             None
    Vice President
    

Bangs, Linda L.              None
    Vice President

Barton, Michael E.           None
    Vice President

Bennett, Peter C.            Vice President                        State Street Research Capital Trust              Boston, MA
    Director and             Vice President                        State Street Research Exchange Trust             Boston, MA
    Executive Vice           Vice President                        State Street Research Growth Trust               Boston, MA
    President                Vice President                        State Street Research Master Investment Trust    Boston, MA
                             Vice President                        State Street Research Equity Trust               Boston, MA
                             Director                              State Street Research Investment Services, Inc   Boston, MA
                             Director                              Boston Private Bank & Trust Co.                  Boston, MA
                             President and Director                Christian Camps & Conferences, Inc.              Boston, MA
                             Chairman and Trustee                  Gordon College                                   Wenham, MA

   
Bochman, Kathleen            None
    Vice President
    

Brown, Susan H.              None
    Vice President

   
Burbank, John F.             None
    Senior Vice President
    (Vice President
     until 7/96)

Cabrera, Jesus A.            Vice President                        First Chicago Investment Management Co.          Chicago, IL
    Vice President           (until 5/96)
    

Canavan, Joseph W.           Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Equity Trust               Boston, MA
    Vice President           Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Financial Trust            Boston, MA
                             Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Income Trust               Boston, MA
                             Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Money Market Trust         Boston, MA
                             Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Tax-Exempt Trust           Boston, MA
                             Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Capital Trust              Boston, MA
                             Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Exchange Trust             Boston, MA
                             Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Growth Trust               Boston, MA
                             Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Master Investment Trust    Boston, MA
                             Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Securities Trust           Boston, MA
                             Assistant Controller                  State Street Research Portfolios, Inc.           New York, NY


                                      C-14

<PAGE>

   
                                                                                                            Principal business
Name                         Connection                            Organization                             address of organization
- ----                         ----------                            ------------                             -----------------------
    

Carstens, Linda C.           None
    Vice President

Clifford, Jr., Paul J.       Vice President                        State Street Research Tax-Exempt Trust           Boston, MA
    Vice President           Director                              Avalon, Inc.                                     Boston, MA

   
D'Vari, Ronald               None
    Vice President

DeVeuve, Donald              None
    Vice President
    

DiFazio, Susan M.W.          Senior Vice President                 State Street Research Investment Services, Inc.  Boston, MA
    Vice President           
                             

Dillman, Thomas J.           Director of Research                  Bank of New York                                 New York, NY
    Senior Vice President    (until 6/95)

Drake, Susan W.              Vice President                        State Street Research Tax-Exempt Trust           Boston, MA
    Vice President           (until 2/96)

Duggan, Peter J.             Vice President                        New England Mutual Life Insurance Company        Boston, MA
    Senior Vice President    (until  8/94)

Evans, Gordon                Senior Vice President                 State Street Research Investment Services, Inc.  Boston, MA
    Vice President           (Vice President until (3/96)

Federoff, Alex G.            None
    Vice President

   
Feliciano, Rosalina          None
    Vice President
    

Gardner, Michael D.          Partner                               Prism Group                                      Seattle, WA
    Senior Vice President    
    (Vice President until    
    6/95)

   
Geer, Bartlett R.            Vice President                        State Street Research Equity Trust               Boston, MA
    Senior Vice President    Vice President                        State Street Research Income Trust               Boston, MA
                             Vice President                        State Street Research Securities Trust           Boston, MA

Govoni, Electra              None
    Vice President
    

                                      C-15

<PAGE>



   
                                                                                                            Principal business
Name                         Connection                            Organization                             address of organization
- ----                         ----------                            ------------                             -----------------------

Granger, Allison             None
    Vice President
    

Hamilton, Jr., William A.    Treasurer and Director                Ellis Memorial and Eldredge House                Boston, MA
    Senior Vice President    Treasurer and Director                Nautical and Aviation Publishing Company, Inc.   Baltimore, MD
                             Treasurer and Director                North Conway Institute                           Boston, MA

   
Hanson, Phyllis              None
    Vice President
    

Haverty, Jr., Lawrence J.    None
    Senior Vice President

Heineke, George R.           None
    Vice President

Jackson, Jr.,                Trustee                               Certain trusts of related and
  F. Gardner                                                       non-related individuals
    Senior Vice President    Trustee                               Vincent Memorial Hospital                        Boston, MA

   
Jamieson, Frederick H.       Vice President and Asst. Treasurer    State Street Research Investment Services, Inc.  Boston, MA
    Senior Vice President    Vice President and Asst. Treasurer    SSRM Holdings, Inc.                              Boston, MA
    (Vice President          Vice President and Controller         MetLife Securities, Inc.                         New York, NY
    until 6/95)              Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Energy, Inc.               Boston, MA
    

Kallis, John H.              Vice President                        State Street Research Financial Trust           Boston, MA      
    Senior Vice President    Vice President                        State Street Research Income Trust              Boston, MA      
                             Vice President                        State Street Research Tax-Exempt Trust          Boston, MA      
                             Vice President                        State Street Research Securities Trust          Boston, MA      
                             Trustee                               705 Realty Trust                                Washington, D.C.
                             Director and President                K&G Enterprises                                 Washington, D.C.
                             

Kasper, M. Katherine         None
    Vice President

                                      C-16

<PAGE>


   
                                                                                                            Principal business
Name                         Connection                            Organization                             address of organization
- ----                         ----------                            ------------                             -----------------------
    

Kluiber, Rudolph K.          Vice President                        State Street Research Capital Trust             Boston, MA
    Vice President

Kobrick, Frederick R.        Vice President                        State Street Research Equity Trust              Boston, MA   
    Senior Vice              Vice President                        State Street Research Capital Trust             Boston, MA   
    President                Vice President                        State Street Research Growth Trust              Boston, MA   
                             Member                                Harvard Business School Association             Cambridge, MA
                             Member                                National Alumni Council, Boston University      Boston, MA   

   
Koski, Karen                 None
    Vice President

Langholn, Knut               None
    Vice President
    

Leary, Eileen M.             None
    Vice President

   
McNamara, III, Francis J.    Senior Vice President, Clerk          State Street Research Investment Services, Inc. Boston, MA
    Executive Vice           and General Counsel
    President, Secretary     Secretary and General Counsel         State Street Research Master Investment Trust   Boston, MA
    and General Counsel      Secretary and General Counsel         State Street Research Capital Trust             Boston, MA
    (Senior Vice President   Secretary and General Counsel         State Street Research Exchange Trust            Boston, MA
    until 7/96)              Secretary and General Counsel         State Street Research Growth Trust              Boston, MA
                             Secretary and General Counsel         State Street Research Securities Trust          Boston, MA
                             Secretary and General Counsel         State Street Research Equity Trust              Boston, MA
                             Secretary and General Counsel         State Street Research Financial Trust           Boston, MA
                             Secretary and General Counsel         State Street Research Income Trust              Boston, MA
                             Secretary and General Counsel         State Street Research Money Market Trust        Boston, MA
                             Secretary and General Counsel         State Street Research Tax-Exempt Trust          Boston, MA
                             Secretary and General Counsel         SSRM Holdings, Inc.                             Boston, MA
                             Clerk and Director                    State Street Research Energy, Inc.              Boston, MA
                             Senior Vice President, General        The Boston Company, Inc.                        Boston, MA
                             Counsel and Assistant Secretary
                             (until 5/95)
                             Senior Vice President, General        Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company           Boston, MA
                             Counsel and Asistant Secretary
                             (until 5/95)
                             Senior Vice President, General        The Boston Company Advisors, Inc.               Boston, MA
                             Counsel and Assistant Secretary
                             (until 5/95)
    

                                      C-17

<PAGE>


   
                                                                                                            Principal business
Name                         Connection                            Organization                             address of organization
- ----                         ----------                            ------------                             -----------------------
    

Maus, Gerard P.              Treasurer                             State Street Research Equity Trust              Boston, MA
    Director, Executive      Treasurer                             State Street Research Financial Trust           Boston, MA
    Vice President           Treasurer                             State Street Research Income Trust              Boston, MA
    and Treasurer            Treasurer                             State Street Research Money Market Trust        Boston, MA
                             Treasurer                             State Street Research Tax-Exempt Trust          Boston, MA
                             Treasurer                             State Street Research Capital Trust             Boston, MA
                             Treasurer                             State Street Research Exchange Trust            Boston, MA
                             Treasurer                             State Street Research Growth Trust              Boston, MA
                             Treasurer                             State Street Research Master Investment Trust   Boston, MA
                             Treasurer                             State Street Research Securities Trust          Boston, MA
                             Director, Executive Vice President,   State Street Research Investment Services, Inc. Boston, MA
                             Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer
                             Director and Treasurer                State Street Research Energy, Inc.              Boston, MA
                             Director                              Metric Holdings, Inc.                           San Francisco, CA
                             Director                              Certain wholly-owned subsidiaries
                                                                   of Metric Holdings, Inc.
                             Director (until 11/94)                GFM International Investors, Ltd.               London, England
                             Treasurer and Chief Financial         SSRM Holdings, Inc.                             Boston, MA
                             Officer
                             Treasurer                             MetLife Securities, Inc.                        New York, NY

Milder, Judith J.            None
    Senior Vice President
    (Vice President until 6/95)

   
Miller, Joan D.              Senior Vice President                 State Street Research Investment Services, Inc. Boston, MA
    Senior Vice President
    (Vice President until 7/96)
    

Moore, Jr., Thomas P.        Director                              Hibernia Savings Bank                           Quincy, MA
    Senior Vice              Vice President                        State Street Research Capital Trust             Boston, MA
    President                Vice President                        State Street Research Exchange Trust            Boston, MA
                             Vice President                        State Street Research Growth Trust              Boston, MA
                             Vice President                        State Street Research Master Investment Trust   Boston, MA
                             Vice President                        State Street Research Equity Trust              Boston, MA

   
Mulligan, JoAnne C.          Vice President                        State Street Research Money Market Trust        Boston, MA
    Senior Vice President
    (Vice President until 7/96)
    

Orr, Stephen C.              Member                                Technology Analysts of Boston                   Boston, MA
    Vice President           Member                                Electro-Science Analysts (of NYC)               New York, NY

                                      C-18

<PAGE>


   
                                                                                                            Principal business
Name                         Connection                            Organization                             address of organization
- ----                         ----------                            ------------                             -----------------------
    

Pannell, James C.            None
    Vice President

Peters, Kim M.               Vice President                        State Street Research Securities Trust          Boston, MA
    Senior Vice President
    (Vice President
    until 7/94)

   
Ragsdale, Easton             Senior Vice President                 Kidder, Peabody, & Co. Incorporated             New York, NY
    Senior Vice President    (until 12/94)
    (Vice President
    until 7/96)

Rawlins, Jeffrey A.          None
    Senior Vice President
    (Vice President
    until 7/96)
    

Rice III, Daniel Joseph      Vice President                        State Street Research Equity Trust              Boston, MA
    Senior Vice President

Richards, Scott              None
    Vice President

Romich, Douglas A.           Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Equity Trust              Boston, MA
    Vice President           Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Financial Trust           Boston, MA
                             Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Income Trust              Boston, MA
                             Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Money Market Trust        Boston, MA
                             Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Tax-Exempt Trust          Boston, MA
                             Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Capital Trust             Boston, MA
                             Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Exchange Trust
                             Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Growth Trust              Boston, MA
                             Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Master Investment Trust   Boston, MA
                             Assistant Treasurer                   State Street Research Securities Trust          Boston, MA
                             Assistant Controller                  State Street Research Portfolios, Inc.          New York, NY

   
Saperstone, Paul             None
    Vice President
    

                                      C-19

<PAGE>

   
                                                                                                            Principal business
Name                         Connection                            Organization                             address of organization
- ----                         ----------                            ------------                             -----------------------
    

Schrage, Michael             None
    Vice President

   
Schultz, David C.            Director (non-voting)                 Capital Trust, S.A.                             Luxembourg
    Executive Vice President Director                              Alex Brown Capital, Ltd.                        Hamilton, Bermuda
                             Director and Treasurer                Mafraq Hospital Association                     Mafraq, Jordan
                             Member                                Association of Investment
                                                                   Management Sales Executives                     Atlanta, GA
                             Member, Investment Committee          Lexington Christian Academy                     Lexington, MA
    

Shaver, Jr. C. Troy          President and Chief                   State Street Research Investment Services, Inc. Boston, MA
    Executive Vice           Executive Officer                     
    President                President and Chief                   John Hancock Funds, Inc.                        Boston, MA
                             Executive Officer
                             (until 1/96)

Shean, William G.            None
    Vice President

Shively, Thomas A.           Vice President                        State Street Research Financial Trust           Boston, MA
    Director and             Vice President                        State Street Research Money Market Trust        Boston, MA
    Executive Vice           Vice President                        State Street Research Tax-Exempt Trust          Boston, MA
    President                Director                              State Street Research Investment Services, Inc  Boston, MA
                             Vice President                        State Street Research Securities Trust          Boston, MA

Shoemaker, Richard D.        None
    Senior Vice President

Strelow, Dan R.              None
    Senior Vice President

Stuka, Paul                  U.S. Portfolio Consultant             Teton Partners                                  Boston, MA     
    Senior Vice President    (until 4/95)

                                      C-20

<PAGE>
   
                                                                                                            Principal business
Name                         Connection                            Organization                             address of organization
- ----                         ----------                            ------------                             -----------------------
    

Swanson, Amy McDermott       None
    Senior Vice President

Trebino, Anne M.             Vice President                        SSRM Holdings, Inc.                             Boston, MA
    Senior Vice President
    (Vice President until 6/95)

   
Verni, Ralph F.              Chairman, President, Chief            State Street Research Capital Trust             Boston, MA
    Chairman, President,     Executive Officer and Trustee
    Chief Executive          Chairman, President, Chief            State Street Research Exchange Trust            Boston, MA
    Officer and              Executive Officer and Trustee
    Director                 Chairman, President, Chief            State Street Research Growth Trust              Boston, MA
                             Executive Officer and Trustee
                             Chairman, President, Chief            State Street Research Master Investment Trust   Boston, MA
                             Executive Officer and Trustee
                             Chairman, President, Chief            State Street Research Securities Trust          Boston, MA
                             Executive Officer and Trustee
                             Chairman, President, Chief            State Street Research Equity Trust              Boston, MA
                             Executive Officer and Trustee
                             Chairman, President, Chief            State Street Research Financial Trust           Boston, MA
                             Executive Officer and Trustee
                             Chairman, President, Chief            State Street Research Income Trust              Boston, MA
                             Executive Officer and Trustee
                             Chairman, President, Chief            State Street Research Money Market Trust        Boston, MA
                             Executive Officer and Trustee
                             Chairman, President, Chief            State Street Research Tax-Exempt Trust          Boston, MA
                             Executive Officer and Trustee
                             Chairman and Director                 State Street Research Investment Services, Inc. Boston, MA
                             (President and Chief Executive
                             Officer until 2/96)
                             President and Director                State Street Research Energy, Inc.              Boston, MA
                             Chairman and Director                 Metric Holdings, Inc.                           San Francisco, CA
                             Director and Officer                  Certain wholly-owned subsidiaries
                                                                   of Metric Holdings, Inc.
                             Director                              MetLife Securities, Inc.                        New York, NY
                             Chairman and Director (until 11/94)   GFM International Investors, Ltd.               London, England
                             President, Chief Executive            SSRM Holdings, Inc.                             Boston, MA
                             Officer and Director
                             Director                              CML Group, Inc.                                 Boston, MA
    

                                      C-21

<PAGE>


   
                                                                                                            Principal business
Name                         Connection                            Organization                             address of organization
- ----                         ----------                            ------------                             -----------------------
    

Wade, Dudley                 Vice President                        State Street Research Growth Trust              Boston, MA
  Freeman                    Vice President                        State Street Research Master Investment Trust   Boston, MA
    Senior Vice
    President

Wallace, Julie K.            None
    Vice President

Ward, Geoffrey               None
    Senior Vice President

   
Weiss, James M.              Vice President                        State Street Research Equity Trust              Boston, MA
    Senior Vice President    Vice President                        State Street Research Master Investment Trust   Boston, MA
                             Chief Investment Officer              IDS Equity Advisors                             Minneapolis, MN
                             (until 12/95)

Westvold,                    Vice President                        State Street Research Securities Trust          Boston, MA
  Elizabeth McCombs          
    Senior Vice President
    (Vice President
    until 7/96)

Wilson, John T.              Vice President                        State Street Research Equity Trust              Boston, MA
    Vice President           Vice President                        State Street Research Master Investment Trust   Boston, MA
                             Vice President                        Phoenix Investment Counsel, Inc.                Hartford, CT
                             (until 6/96)
    

Wing, Darman A.              Senior Vice President and             State Street Research Investment Services, Inc. Boston, MA
    Vice President,          Asst. Clerk (Vice President
    Assistant Secretary      until 6/95)
    and Assistant            Assistant Secretary                   State Street Research Capital Trust             Boston, MA
    General Counsel          Assistant Secretary                   State Street Research Exchange Trust            Boston, MA
                             Assistant Secretary                   State Street Research Growth Trust              Boston, MA
                             Assistant Secretary                   State Street Research Master Investment Trust   Boston, MA
                             Assistant Secretary                   State Street Research Securities Trust          Boston, MA
                             Assistant Secretary                   State Street Research Equity Trust              Boston, MA
                             Assistant Secretary                   State Street Research Financial Trust           Boston, MA
                             Assistant Secretary                   State Street Research Income Trust              Boston, MA
                             Assistant Secretary                   State Street Research Money Market Trust        Boston, MA
                             Assistant Secretary                   State Street Research Tax-Exempt Trust          Boston, MA
                             Assistant Secretary                   SSRM Holdings, Inc.                             Boston, MA
Woodbury, Robert S.          Employee                              Metropolitan Life Insurance Company             New York, NY
    Vice President
Woodworth, Jr., Kennard      Vice President                        State Street Research Exchange Trust            Boston, MA
    Senior Vice              Vice President                        State Street Research Growth Trust              Boston, MA
    President                (until 2/96)

                                      C-22

<PAGE>



   
                                                                                                            Principal business
Name                         Connection                            Organization                             address of organization
- ----                         ----------                            ------------                             -----------------------
    
Wu, Norman N.                Partner                               Atlantic-Acton Realty                           Framingham, MA
    Senior Vice President    Director                              Bond Analysts Society of Boston                 Boston, MA


Yogg, Michael Richard        Vice President                        State Street Research Financial Trust           Boston, MA
    Senior Vice              Vice President                        State Street Research Income Trust              Boston, MA
    President

</TABLE>

                                      C-23

<PAGE>



Item 29:  Principal Underwriters

      (a) State Street Research Investment Services, Inc., serves as principal
underwriter for State Street Research Equity Trust, State Street Research 
Financial Trust, State Street Research Income Trust, State Street Research
Money Market Trust, State Street Research Tax-Exempt Trust, State Street
Research Capital Trust, State Street Research Growth Trust, State Street
Research Master Investment Trust, State Street Research Securities Trust, and
State Street Research Portfolios, Inc.

      (b)   Directors and Officers of State Street Research Investment Services,
Inc. are as follows:

       (1)                          (2)                       (3)
                                 Positions
Name and Principal              and Offices             Positions and Offices
 Business Address             with Underwriter            with Registrant

Ralph F. Verni                Chairman of               Chairman of the
One Financial Center          the Board and             Board, President,
Boston, MA  02111             Director                  Chief Executive Officer
                                                        and Trustee

Peter C. Bennett              Director                  None
One Financial Center
Boston, MA  02111

Gerard P. Maus                Executive Vice President  Treasurer
One Financial Center          Treasurer, Chief
Boston, MA  02111             Financial Officer and
                              Director

Thomas A. Shively             Director                  Vice President
One Financial Center
Boston, MA  02111

C. Troy Shaver, Jr.           President and Chief       None
One Financial Center          Executive Officer
Boston, MA 02111

George B. Trotta              Executive Vice President  None
One Madison Avenue
New York, NY  10010

Dennis C. Barghaan            Senior Vice President     None
One Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010

Peter Borghi                  Senior Vice President     None
One Financial Center
Boston, MA  02111

Paul V. Daly                  Senior Vice President     None
One Financial Center
Boston, MA  02111


                                    C-24

<PAGE>


       (1)                          (2)                       (3)
                                 Positions
Name and Principal              and Offices             Positions and Offices
 Business Address             with Underwriter            with Registrant

Susan M.W. DiFazio            Senior Vice President     None
One Financial Center
Boston, MA  02111

Gordon Evans                  Senior Vice President     None
One Financial Center
Boston, MA  02111

Robert Haeusler               Senior Vice President     None
One Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010

Gregory R. McMahan            Senior Vice President     None
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111

   
Francis J. McNamara, III      Senior Vice President,  Secretary
One Financial Center          General Counsel
Boston, MA 02111              and Clerk
    

Joan D. Miller                Senior Vice President     None
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111

Richard P. Samartin           Senior Vice President     None
One Financial Center
Boston, MA  02111

   
Darman A. Wing                Senior Vice President,    Assistant Secretary
One Financial Center          Assistant General Counsel
Boston, MA  02111             and Assistant Clerk
    

Linda Grasso                  Vice President            None
One Financial Center
Boston, MA  02111

Robert M. Gunville            Vice President            None
One Financial Center     
Boston, MA 02111

Frederick H. Jamieson         Vice President            None
One Financial Center          and Assistant
Boston, MA  02111             Treasurer

   
Amy L. Simmons                Vice President            Assistant Secretary
One Financial Center
Boston, MA 02111
    

                                    C-25

<PAGE>



Item 30:  Location of Accounts and Records

      Gerard P. Maus
      State Street Research & Management Company
      One Financial Center
      Boston, MA 02111

Item 31:    Management Services

            Inapplicable.

Item 32:    Undertakings

            (a)   Inapplicable.

            (b)   Deleted

            (c) The Registrant has elected to include the information required
      by Item 5A of Form N-1A in its annual report to shareholders. The
      Registrant undertakes to furnish each person to whom a prospectus is
      delivered with a copy of the applicable fund's latest annual report to
      shareholders, upon request and without charge.

            (d) The Registrant undertakes to hold a special meeting of
      shareholders of the Trust for the purpose of voting upon the question of
      removal of any trustee or trustees when requested in writing to do so by
      the record holders of not less than 10 per centum of the outstanding
      shares of the Trust and, in connection with such meeting, to comply with
      the provisions of Section 16(c) of the Investment Company Act of 1940
      relating to shareholder communications.

            (e) The Registrant hereby undertakes to file a post-effective
      amendment to this Registration Statement, using financial statements with
      respect to State Street Research Strategic Income Fund which need not be
      certified, within four to six months after such Fund commences an offering
      to the general public, subject to applicable provisions of the Division of
      Investment Management generic comment letter dated February 25, 1994.

                                    C-26

<PAGE>



                                    Notice


      A copy of the Master Trust Agreement of the Registrant is on file with the
Secretary of State of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and notice is hereby
given that the obligations of the Registrant hereunder, and the authorization,
execution and delivery of this amendment to the Registrant's Registration
Statement, shall not be binding upon any of the Trustees, shareholders,
nominees, officers, agents or employees of the Registrant as individuals or
personally, but shall bind only the property of the Funds of the Registrant, as
provided in the Master Trust Agreement. Each Fund of the Registrant shall be
solely and exclusively responsible for all of its direct or indirect debts,
liabilities and obligations, and no other Fund shall be responsible for the
same.



                                    C-27

<PAGE>



                                  SIGNATURES

   
      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 and the
Investment Company Act of 1940, the Registrant certifies that it meets all of
the requirements for effectiveness of this Registration Statement pursuant to
Rule 485(b) under the Securities Act of 1933 and has duly caused this
Post-Effective Amendment No. 4 to its Registration Statement on Form N-1A to be
signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly authorized, in the City of
Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, on the 15th day of August, 1996.
    

                                    STATE STREET RESEARCH SECURITIES TRUST

                                    By:                    *
                                          ------------------------
                                          Ralph F. Verni
                                          Chief Executive Officer

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Post-Effective Amendment to the Registration Statement has been signed on the
above date by the following persons in the capacities indicated.

               Signature                         Title
               ---------                         -----

                   *                      Trustee, Chairman of the Board and
        ---------------------             Chief Executive Officer
            Ralph F. Verni                (Principal Executive Officer)

                   *                      Treasurer (Principal Financial and
        ---------------------             Accounting Officer)
            Gerard P. Maus

                   *                      Trustee
        ---------------------
           Edward M. Lamont


                   *                      Trustee
        ---------------------
          Robert A. Lawrence


                   *                      Trustee
        ---------------------
            Dean O. Morton


                   *                      Trustee
        ---------------------
          Thomas L. Phillips



                                      C-28
<PAGE>


                   *                      Trustee
        ---------------------
            Toby Rosenblatt


                   *                      Trustee
        ---------------------
       Michael S. Scott Morton


                   *                      Trustee
        ---------------------
            Jeptha H. Wade



*By: /s/ Francis J. McNamara, III
     -------------------------------
     Francis J. McNamara, III
     Attorney-in-Fact
     under Powers of Attorney
     dated August 24, 1995
     incorporated by reference 
     from Post-Effective 
     Amendment No. 2.



                                    C-29



<PAGE>



                                              1933 Act Registration No. 33-74628
                                                      1940 Act File No. 811-8322

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


                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

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


                                    FORM N-1A



                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                      UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933                  [ ]


                        Pre-Effective Amendment No. __                  [ ]

   
                        Post-Effective Amendment No. 4                  [X]

                                     and/or


                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                  UNDER THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940              [ ]


                                Amendment No. 5                         [X]
    
                             --------------------

                    STATE STREET RESEARCH SECURITIES TRUST
        (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Declaration of Trust)

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

                                    EXHIBITS





<PAGE>


                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS


   
     (10)(b)    Opinion and Consent of Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP
                with respect to State Street Research Strategic Income Fund
    


                                       2


                                                                 Exhibit (10)(b)

[Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP letterhead]


                                                    August 19, 1996


State Street Research Securities Trust
One Financial Center
Boston, Massachusetts 02111

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         As counsel to State Street Research Securities Trust, a business trust
organized under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (the "Trust"), we
have been asked to render our opinion in connection with the proposed issuance
by the Trust of shares of beneficial interest of State Street Research Strategic
Income Fund (the "Fund"), which is a series of the Trust that has been
established and designated pursuant to Section 4.1 of Article IV of the Trust's
Master Trust Agreement dated January 24, 1994, as amended, all as more fully
described in the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information contained in
Post-Effective Amendment No. 3 under the Securities Act of 1933 to the
Registration Statement on Form N-1A (Securities Act File No. 33- 74628) filed on
June 4, 1996 by the Trust with the Securities and Exchange Commission (as
amended, the "Registration Statement").

         We wish to advise you that we have examined such documents and
questions of law as we have deemed necessary for purposes of this opinion. Based
upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that:

         1. The Trust has been duly organized and is validly existing pursuant
to the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; and

         2. The shares of beneficial interest of the Fund which are described in
the foregoing Registration Statement will, when sold in accordance with the
terms of the Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information in effect at the
time of the sale, be legally issued, fully paid and non-assessable by the Trust.

         We consent to a copy of this opinion being filed as an exhibit to the
foregoing Registration Statement.

                                               Very truly yours,

                                               /s/ Goodwin, Procter & Hoar LLP

                                               GOODWIN, PROCTER & HOAR LLP

306320.c1





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