<PAGE>
Filed Pursuant to Rule 497(e)
Registration File No.: 33-81012
PROSPECTUS - SEPTEMBER 29, 1999
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
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TOTAL RETURN TRUST
A MUTUAL FUND THAT SEEKS HIGH TOTAL
RETURN FROM CAPITAL GROWTH AND INCOME
The Securities and Exchange Commission has not approved or disapproved these
securities or passed upon the adequacy of this Prospectus. Any
representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
<PAGE>
CONTENTS
The Fund Investment Objective................................1
Principal Investment Strategies.....................1
Principal Risks.....................................1
Past Performance....................................2
Fees and Expenses...................................3
Additional Investment Strategy Information..........4
Additional Risk Information.........................5
Fund Management.....................................7
Shareholder Information Pricing Fund Shares.................................8
How to Buy Shares...................................8
How to Exchange Shares..............................9
How1 to Sell Shares................................12
Distributions......................................13
Tax Consequences...................................14
Share Class Arrangements...........................14
Financial Highlights ..................................................21
Our Family of Funds ....................................Inside Back Cover
This Prospectus contains important information about
the Fund. Please read it carefully and keep it for
future reference.
<PAGE>
THE FUND
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
INVESTMENT OBJECTIVE
- --------------------
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Total Return Trust seeks high total return from
capital growth and income.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
(side bar)
GROWTH & INCOME
An investment objective having the goal of selecting securities with the
potential to rise in price and pay out income.
(end sider bar)
PRINCIPAL INVESTMENT STRATEGIES
- -------------------------------
The Fund will normally invest at least 65% of its total assets in common stocks
and convertible securities of domestic and foreign companies. In selecting
investments to buy, hold or sell, the Fund's "Sub-Advisor," TCW Funds
Management, Inc., typically uses a "top-down" investment process that considers
the overall economic outlook, the development of industry/sector preferences,
and, lastly, specific stock selections. Generally, at least 85% of the Fund's
total assets will be invested in companies that have a market capitalization of
at least $1 billion, and the Sub-Advisor expects them to pay dividend or
interest income. Up to 5% of the Fund's convertible securities investments may
be below investment grade.
Common stock is a share ownership or equity interest in a corporation. It may
or may not pay dividends, as some companies reinvest all of their profits back
into their businesses, while others pay out some of their profits to
shareholders as dividends. A convertible security is a bond, preferred stock or
other security that may be converted into a prescribed amount of common stock
at a particular time and price.
In addition, the Fund's investments may include fixed-income securities.
In pursuing the Fund's investment objective, the Sub-Advisor has considerable
leeway in deciding which investments it buys, holds or sells on a day-to-day
basis -- and which trading or investment strategies it uses. For example, the
Sub-Advisor in its discretion may determine to use some permitted trading or
investment strategies while not using others.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
PRINCIPAL RISKS
- ---------------
There is no assurance that the Fund will achieve its investment objective. The
Fund's share price will fluctuate with changes in the market value of the
Fund's portfolio securities. When you sell Fund shares, they may be worth less
than what you paid for them and, accordingly, you can lose money investing in
this Fund.
COMMON STOCKS. A principal risk of investing in the Fund is associated with its
common stock investments. In general, stock values fluctuate in response to
activities specific to the company as well as general market, economic and
political conditions. Stocks can fluctuate widely in response to these factors.
CONVERTIBLE SECURITIES. Any Fund investments in convertible securities subject
the Fund to the risks associated with both fixed-income securities and common
stocks. To the extent that a convertible security's investment value is greater
than its conversion value, its price will be likely to increase when interest
rates fall and decrease when interest rates rise, as with a fixed-income
security. If the conversion value exceeds the investment value, the price of
the convertible security will tend to fluctuate directly with the price of the
underlying equity security. A portion of the convertible securities
1
<PAGE>
in which the Fund may invest may be below investment grade. Securities below
investment grade are commonly known as "junk bonds" and have speculative
characteristics.
OTHER RISKS. The performance of the Fund also will depend on whether the
Sub-Advisor is successful in pursuing the Fund's investment strategy. The Fund
is also subject to other risks from its permissible investments including the
risks associated with its foreign and fixed-income investments. For more
information about these risks, see the "Additional Risk Information" section.
Shares of the Fund are not bank deposits and are not guaranteed or insured by
the FDIC or any other government agency.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
PAST PERFORMANCE
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The bar chart and table below provide some indication of the risks of investing
in the Fund. The Fund's past performance does not indicate how the Fund will
perform in the future.
(side bar)
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS
This chart shows how the performance of the Fund's Class B shares has varied
from year to year for the past 4 calendar years.
(end side bar)
ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS -- CALENDAR YEARS
1995 27.75%
'96 20.53%
'97 27.44%
'98 16.86%
The bar chart reflects the performance of Class B shares; the performance of
the other Classes will differ because the Classes have different ongoing fees.
The performance information in the bar chart does not reflect the deduction of
sales charges; if these amounts were reflected, returns would be less than
shown. Year-to-date total return as of June 30, 1999 was 21.25%.
During the periods shown in the bar chart, the highest return for a calendar
quarter was 19.65% (quarter ended December 31, 1998) and the lowest return for
a calendar quarter was -11.54% (quarter ended September 30, 1998).
2
<PAGE>
(side bar)
AVERAGE ANNUAL
TOTAL RETURNS
This table compares the Fund's average annual returns with those of a broad
measure of market performance over time, as well as with an index of funds with
similar investment objectives. The Fund's returns include the maximum
applicable sales charge for each Class and assume you sold your shares at the
end of each period.
(end side bar)
AVERAGE ANNUAL TOTAL RETURNS (AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1998)
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LIFE OF FUND
PAST 1 YEAR (SINCE 11/30/94)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class A(1) 11.42% --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Class B 11.86% 22.24%
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Class C(1) 15.67% --
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Class D(1) 17.83% --
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S&P 500 Index(2) 28.58% 30.24%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Lipper Growth and Income Funds Index(3) 13.58% 22.68%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Classes A, C and D commenced operations on July 28, 1997.
(2) The Standard & Poor's (Registered Trademark) 500 Composite Stock Price Index
is a broad-based index, the performance of which is based on the average
performance of 500 widely held common stocks. The performance of the Index
does not include any expenses, fees or charges. The Index is unmanaged and
should not be considered an investment.
(3) The Lipper Growth and Income Funds Index is an equally-weighted performance
index of the largest qualifying funds (based on net assets) in the Lipper
Growth and Income Funds objective. The Index, which is adjusted for capital
gains distributions and income dividends, is unmanaged and should not be
considered an investment. There are currently 30 Funds represented in this
Index.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
FEES AND EXPENSES
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The table below briefly describes the fees and expenses that you may pay if you
buy and hold shares of the Fund. The Fund offers four Classes of shares:
Classes A, B, C and D. Each Class has a different combination of fees, expenses
and other features. The Fund does not charge account or exchange fees. See the
"Share Class Arrangements" section for further fee and expense information.
(side bar)
SHAREHOLDER FEES
These fees are paid directly from your investment.
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
These expenses are deducted from the Fund's assets and are based on expenses
paid for the fiscal year ended July 31, 1999.
(end side bar)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS A CLASS B CLASS C CLASS D
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<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
SHAREHOLDER FEES
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Maximum sales charge (load) imposed on 5.25%(1) None None None
purchases (as a percentage of offering price)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Maximum deferred sales charge (load) (as a
percentage based on the lesser of the offering None(2) 5.00%(3) 1.00%(4) None
price or net asset value at redemption)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ANNUAL FUND OPERATING EXPENSES
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Management fee 0.75% 0.75% 0.75% 0.75%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Distribution and service (12b-1) fees 0.24% 0.84% 0.66% None
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Other expenses 0.31% 0.31% 0.31% 0.31%
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Total annual Fund operating expenses 1.30% 1.90% 1.72% 1.06%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
(1) Reduced for purchases of $25,000 and over.
(2) Investments that are not subject to any sales charge at the time of purchase
are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge ("CDSC") of 1.00% that
will be imposed if you sell your shares within one year after purchase,
except for certain specific circumstances.
(3) The CDSC is scaled down to 1.00% during the sixth year, reaching zero
thereafter. See "Share Class Arrangements" for a complete discussion of the
CDSC.
(4) Only applicable if you sell your shares within one year after purchase.
3
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EXAMPLE
This example is intended to help you compare the cost of investing in the Fund
with the cost of investing in other mutual funds.
The example assumes that you invest $10,000 in the Fund, your investment has a
5% return each year, and the Fund's operating expenses remain the same.
Although your actual costs may be higher or lower, the tables below show your
costs at the end of each period based on these assumptions depending upon
whether or not you sell your shares at the end of each period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
IF YOU SOLD YOUR SHARES: IF YOU HELD YOUR SHARES:
- ---------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years 1 Year 3 Years 5 Years 10 Years
- ---------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS A $650 $ 915 $1,200 $ 2,010 $650 $ 915 $1,200 $ 2,010
- ---------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
CLASS B $693 $ 897 $1,226 $ 2,222 $193 $ 597 $1,026 $ 2,222
- ---------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
CLASS C $275 $ 542 $ 933 $ 2,030 $175 $ 542 $933 $ 2,030
- ---------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
CLASS D $108 $ 337 $ 585 $ 1,294 $108 $ 337 $585 $ 1,294
- ---------------------------------------------------------- --------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
Long-term shareholders of Class B and Class C may pay more in sales charges,
including distribution fees, than the economic equivalent of the maximum
front-end sales charges permitted by the NASD.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT STRATEGY INFORMATION
- ------------------------------------------
This section provides additional information relating to the Fund's principal
strategies.
FOREIGN SECURITIES. The Fund may invest up to 35% of its assets in equity or
investment grade fixed-income securities (including depository receipts) of
foreign companies.
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. The Fund also may invest up to 35% of its assets in
investment grade corporate debt securities and fixed-income securities issued
or guaranteed by the U.S. government, its agencies or instrumentalities.
DEFENSIVE INVESTING. The Fund may take temporary "defensive" positions in
attempting to respond to adverse market conditions. The Fund may invest any
amount of its assets in cash or money market instruments in a defensive posture
when the Sub-Advisor believes it is advisable to do so. Although taking a
defensive posture is designed to protect the Fund from an anticipated market
downturn, it could have the effect of reducing the benefit from any upswing in
the market. When the Fund takes a defensive position, it may not achieve its
investment objective.
PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. The Fund may engage in active and frequent trading of
portfolio securities to achieve its principal investment strategies. The
portfolio turnover rate is not expected to exceed 300% annually under normal
circumstances. A high turnover rate, such as 300%, will increase Fund brokerage
costs. It also may increase the Fund's capital gains, which are passed along to
Fund shareholders as distributions. This, in turn, may increase your tax
liability as a Fund shareholder. See the sections on "Distributions" and "Tax
Consequences."
The percentage limitations relating to the composition of the Fund's portfolio
apply at the time the Fund acquires an investment and refer to the Fund's net
assets, unless otherwise noted. Subsequent percentage changes that result from
market fluctuations
4
<PAGE>
will not require the Fund to sell any portfolio security. The Fund may change
its principal investment strategies without shareholder approval; however, you
would be notified of any changes.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
ADDITIONAL RISK INFORMATION
- ---------------------------
This section provides additional information relating to the principal risks of
investing in the Fund.
FOREIGN SECURITIES. The Fund's investments in foreign securities (including
depository receipts) may involve risks in addition to the risks associated with
domestic securities. One additional risk is currency risk. While the price of
Fund shares is quoted in U.S. dollars, the Fund generally converts U.S. dollars
to a foreign market's local currency to purchase a security in that market. If
the value of that local currency falls relative to the U.S. dollar, the U.S.
dollar value of the foreign security will decrease. This is true even if the
foreign security's local price remains unchanged.
Foreign securities also have risks related to economic and political
developments abroad, including expropriations, confiscatory taxation, exchange
control regulation, limitations on the use or transfer of Fund assets and any
effects of foreign social, economic or political instability. Foreign
companies, in general, are not subject to the regulatory requirements of U.S.
companies and, as such, there may be less publicly available information about
these companies. Moreover, foreign accounting, auditing and financial reporting
standards generally are different from those applicable to U.S. companies.
Finally, in the event of a default of any foreign debt obligations, it may be
more difficult for the Fund to obtain or enforce a judgment against the issuers
of the securities.
Securities of foreign issuers may be less liquid than comparable securities of
U.S. issuers and, as such, their price changes may be more volatile.
Furthermore, foreign exchanges and broker-dealers are generally subject to less
government and exchange scrutiny and regulation than their U.S. counterparts.
In addition, differences in clearance and settlement procedures in foreign
markets may occasion delays in settlements of the Fund's trades effected in
those markets.
Many European countries have adopted or are in the process of adopting a single
European currency, referred to as the "euro." The long-term consequences of the
euro conversion for foreign exchange rates, interest rates and the value of
European securities the Fund may purchase are unclear. The consequences may
adversely affect the value and/or increase the volatility of securities held by
the Fund.
FIXED-INCOME SECURITIES. Principal risks of investing in the Fund are also
associated with its fixed-income investments. All fixed-income securities are
subject to two types of risk: credit risk and interest rate risk. Credit risk
refers to the possibility that the issuer of a security will be unable to make
interest payments and/or repay the principal on its debt.
Interest rate risk refers to fluctuations in the value of a fixed-income
security resulting from changes in the general level of interest rates. When
the general level of interest rates goes up, the prices of most fixed-income
securities go down. When the general level of interest rates goes down, the
prices of most fixed-income securities go up.
5
<PAGE>
YEAR 2000. The Fund could be adversely affected if the computer systems
necessary for the efficient operation of the Investment Manager, the
Sub-Advisor and the Fund's other service providers, as well as the markets and
corporate and governmental issuers in which the Fund invests do not properly
process and calculate date-related information from and after January 1, 2000.
While year 2000-related computer problems could have a negative effect on the
Fund, the Investment Manager, Sub-Advisor and their affiliates are working hard
to avoid any problems and to obtain assurances from their service providers
that they are taking similar steps.
In addition, it is possible that the markets for securities in which the Fund
invests may be detrimentally affected by computer failures throughout the
financial services industry beginning January 1, 2000. Improperly functioning
trading systems may result in settlement problems and liquidity issues. In
addition, corporate and governmental data processing errors may also result in
production problems for individual companies and overall economic
uncertainties. Earnings or revenues of individual issuers will be affected by
remediation costs, which may be substantial and may be reported inconsistently
in U.S. and foreign financial statements. Accordingly, the Fund's investments
may be adversely affected.
6
<PAGE>
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
FUND MANAGEMENT
- ---------------
(side bar)
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER ADVISORS INC.
The Investment Manager is widely recognized as a leader in the mutual fund
industry and together with Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Services Company Inc.,
its wholly-owned subsidiary, has more than $136 billion in assets under
management or administration as of August 31, 1999.
(end side bar)
Effective June 28, 1999, the Fund has retained the Investment Manager - Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Advisors Inc. - to provide administrative services, manage
its business affairs and supervise the investment of its assets. The Investment
Manager has, in turn, contracted with the Sub-Advisor - TCW Funds Management,
Inc. - to invest the Fund's assets, including the placing of orders for the
purchase and sale of portfolio securities. Prior to June 28, 1999, TCW Funds
Management, Inc. acted as the Fund's advisor and Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Services Company Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Investment Manager,
served as the Fund's manager. The Investment Manager is a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co., a preeminent global financial
services firm that maintains leading market positions in each of its three
primary businesses: securities, asset management and credit services. Its main
business office is located at Two World Trade Center, New York, New York 10048.
The Sub-Advisor is a wholly-owned subsidiary of TCW Group, Inc., whose direct
and indirect subsidiaries provide a variety of trust, investment management and
investment advisory services. The Sub-Advisor's main business office is located
at 865 South Figueroa Street, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, California 90017.
James A. Tilton, a Managing Director of the Sub-Advisor and Thomas K.
McKissick, also a Managing Director of the Sub-Advisor and a member of the
Equity Policy Committee of the TCW Group, are the primary portfolio managers of
the Fund. Mr. Tilton and Mr. McKissick have been portfolio managers of the Fund
since its inception in November 1994. Mr. Tilton has been a portfolio manager
with affiliates of the Sub-Advisor since 1980. Mr. McKissick has been employed
by the TCW Group since 1985, first as an equity analyst and since 1990 as a
portfolio manager in the TCW Group's Large Cap Equity Group.
The Fund pays the Investment Manager a monthly management fee as full
compensation for the services and facilities furnished to the Fund, and for
Fund expenses assumed by the Investment Manager. The fee is based on the Fund's
average daily net assets. The Investment Manager pays the Sub-Advisor monthly
compensation equal to 40% of this fee. For the fiscal period August 1, 1998
through June 25, 1999, the Fund accrued aggregate total compensation to Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Services Company Inc. (at that time the Fund's manager) and
TCW Funds Management, Inc. (at that time acting as the Fund's advisor, rather
than sub-advisor) in the amount of 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net assets
(0.45% to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Services Company Inc. and 0.30% to TCW
Funds Management, Inc.). For the fiscal period June 28, 1999 through July 31,
1999 the Fund accrued aggregate total compensation to the Investment Manager in
the amount of 0.75% of the Fund's average daily net assets.
7
<PAGE>
SHAREHOLDER INFORMATION
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
PRICING FUND SHARES
- -------------------
The price of Fund shares (excluding sales charges), called "net asset value,"
is based on the value of the Fund's portfolio securities. The net asset value
of each Class, however, will differ because the Classes have different ongoing
distribution fees.
The net asset value per share of the Fund is determined once daily at 4:00 p.m.
Eastern time on each day that the New York Stock Exchange is open (or, on days
when the New York Stock Exchange closes prior to 4:00 p.m., at such earlier
time). Shares will not be priced on days that the New York Stock Exchange is
closed.
The value of the Fund's portfolio securities is based on the securities' market
price when available. When a market price is not readily available, including
circumstances under which the Investment Manager and/or Sub-Advisor determines
that a security's market price is not accurate, a portfolio security is valued
at its fair value, as determined under procedures established by the Fund's
Board of Trustees. In these cases, the Fund's net asset value will reflect
certain portfolio securities' fair value rather than their market price.
An exception to the Fund's general policy of using market prices concerns its
short-term debt portfolio securities. Debt securities with remaining maturities
of sixty days or less at the time of purchase are valued at amortized cost.
However, if the cost does not reflect the securities' market value, these
securities will be valued at their fair value.
(side bar)
CONTACTING A FINANCIAL ADVISOR
If you are new to the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Family of Funds and would like
to contact a Financial Advisor, call (800) THE-DEAN for the telephone number of
the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter office nearest you. You may also access our
office locator on our Internet site at: www.msdw.com/individual/funds
(end side bar)
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
HOW TO BUY SHARES
- -----------------
You may open a new account to buy Fund shares or buy additional Fund shares for
an existing account by contacting your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial
Advisor or other authorized financial representative. Your Financial Advisor
will assist you, step-by-step, with the procedures to invest in the Fund. You
may also purchase shares directly by calling the Fund's transfer agent and
requesting an application.
Because every investor has different immediate financial needs and long-term
investment goals, the Fund offers investors four Classes of shares: Classes A,
B, C and D. Class D shares are only offered to a limited group of investors.
Each Class of shares offers a distinct structure of sales charges, distribution
and service fees, and other features that are designed to address a variety of
needs. Your Financial Advisor or other authorized financial representative can
help you decide which Class may be most appropriate for you. When purchasing
Fund shares, you must specify which Class of shares you wish to purchase.
When you buy Fund shares, the shares are purchased at the next share price
calculated (less any applicable front-end sales charge for Class A shares)
after we receive your purchase order. Your payment is due on the third business
day after you place your purchase order. We reserve the right to reject any
order for the purchase of Fund shares.
8
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
MINIMUM INVESTMENT AMOUNTS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MINIMUM INVESTMENT
-----------------------------
INVESTMENT OPTIONS INITIAL ADDITIONAL
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Regular Accounts $1,000 $ 100
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Individual Retirement Accounts: Regular IRAs $1,000 $ 100
Education IRAs $ 500 $ 100
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EasyInvest(SM) (Automatically from your
checking or savings account or
Money Market Fund) $ 100* $ 100*
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Provided your schedule of investments totals $1,000 in twelve months.
(side bar)
EASYINVEST(SM)
A purchase plan that allows you to transfer money automatically from your
checking or savings account or from a Money Market Fund on a semi-monthly,
monthly or quarterly basis. Contact your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial
Advisor for further information about this service.
(end side bar)
There is no minimum investment amount if you purchase Fund shares through: (1)
the Investment Manager's mutual fund asset allocation plan, (2) a program,
approved by the Fund's distributor, in which you pay an asset-based fee for
advisory, administrative and/or brokerage services, or (3) employer-sponsored
employee benefit plan accounts.
INVESTMENT OPTIONS FOR CERTAIN INSTITUTIONAL AND OTHER INVESTORS/CLASS D
SHARES.
To be eligible to purchase Class D shares, you must qualify under one of the
investor categories specified in the "Share Class Arrangements" section of this
Prospectus.
SUBSEQUENT INVESTMENTS SENT DIRECTLY TO THE FUND. In addition to buying
additional Fund shares for an existing account by contacting your Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor, you may send a check directly to the
Fund. To buy additional shares in this manner:
o Write a "letter of instruction" to the Fund specifying the name(s) on the
account, the account number, the social security or tax identification
number, the Class of shares you wish to purchase and the investment amount
(which would include any applicable front-end sales charge). The letter must
be signed by the account owner(s).
o Make out a check for the total amount payable to: Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Total Return Trust.
o Mail the letter and check to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB at P.O.
Box 1040, Jersey City, NJ 07303.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
HOW TO EXCHANGE SHARES
- ----------------------
PERMISSIBLE FUND EXCHANGES. You may exchange shares of any Class of the Fund
for the same Class of any other continuously offered Multi-Class Fund, or for
shares of a No-Load Fund, a Money Market Fund, North American Government Income
Trust or Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust, without the imposition of an exchange
fee. See the inside back cover of this Prospectus for each Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Fund's designation as a Multi-Class Fund, No-Load Fund or Money Market
Fund. If a Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund is not listed, consult the inside
back cover of that Fund's Prospectus for its designation. For purposes of
exchanges, shares of FSC Funds (subject to a front-end sales charge) are
treated as Class A shares of a Multi-Class Fund.
9
<PAGE>
Exchanges may be made after shares of the Fund acquired by purchase have been
held for thirty days. There is no waiting period for exchanges of shares
acquired by exchange or dividend reinvestment. The current Prospectus for each
Fund describes its investment objective, policies and investment minimums and
should be read before investment. Since exchanges are available only into
continuously offered Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds, exchanges are not
available into any new Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund during its initial
offering period, or when shares of a particular Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund
are not being offered for purchase.
EXCHANGE PROCEDURES. You can process an exchange by contacting your Morgan
Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or other authorized financial
representative. Otherwise, you must forward an exchange privilege authorization
form to the Fund's transfer agent -- Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB --
and then write the transfer agent or call (800) 869-NEWS to place an exchange
order. You can obtain an exchange privilege authorization form by contacting
your Financial Advisor or other authorized financial representative or by
calling (800) 869-NEWS. If you hold share certificates, no exchanges may be
processed until we have received all applicable share certificates.
An exchange to any Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund (except a Money Market Fund)
is made on the basis of the next calculated net asset values of the Funds
involved after the exchange instructions are accepted. When exchanging into a
Money Market Fund, the Fund's shares are sold at their next calculated net
asset value and the Money Market Fund's shares are purchased at their net asset
value on the following business day.
The Fund may terminate or revise the exchange privilege upon required notice.
The check writing privilege is not available for Money Market Fund shares you
acquire in an exchange.
TELEPHONE EXCHANGES. For your protection when calling Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Trust FSB, we will employ reasonable procedures to confirm that exchange
instructions communicated over the telephone are genuine. These procedures may
include requiring various forms of personal identification such as name,
mailing address, social security or other tax identification number. Telephone
instructions also may be recorded.
Telephone instructions will be accepted if received by the Fund's transfer
agent between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eastern time on any day the New York
Stock Exchange is open for business. During periods of drastic economic or
market changes, it is possible that the telephone exchange procedures may be
difficult to implement, although this has not been the case with the Fund in
the past.
MARGIN ACCOUNTS. If you have pledged your Fund shares in a margin account,
contact your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or other authorized
financial representative regarding restrictions on the exchange of such shares.
TAX CONSIDERATIONS OF EXCHANGES. If you exchange shares of the Fund for shares
of another Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund there are important tax
considerations. For
10
<PAGE>
tax purposes, the exchange out of the Fund is considered a sale of Fund shares
- -- and the exchange into the other Fund is considered a purchase. As a result,
you may realize a capital gain or loss.
You should review the "Tax Consequences" section and consult your own tax
professional about the tax consequences of an exchange.
FREQUENT EXCHANGES. A pattern of frequent exchanges may result in the Fund
limiting or prohibiting, at its discretion, additional purchases and/or
exchanges. The Fund will notify you in advance of limiting your exchange
privileges.
CDSC CALCULATIONS ON EXCHANGES. See the "Share Class Arrangements" section of
this Prospectus for a further discussion of how applicable contingent deferred
sales charges (CDSCs) are calculated for shares of one Fund that are exchanged
for shares of another.
For further information regarding exchange privileges, you should contact your
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or call (800) 869-NEWS.
11
<PAGE>
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
HOW TO SELL SHARES
- ------------------
You can sell some or all of your Fund shares at any time. If you sell Class A,
Class B or Class C shares, your net sale proceeds are reduced by the amount of
any applicable CDSC. Your shares will be sold at the next price calculated
after we receive your order to sell as described below.
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
OPTIONS PROCEDURES
- -------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contact Your To sell your shares, simply call your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial
Financial Advisor Advisor or other authorized financial representative.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] Payment will be sent to the address to which the account is registered or
deposited in your brokerage account.
- -------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Letter You can also sell your shares by writing a "letter of instruction" that includes:
o your account number;
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] o the dollar amount or the number of shares you wish to sell;
o the Class of shares you wish to sell; and
o the signature of each owner as it appears on the account.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
If you are requesting payment to anyone other than the registered owner(s) or
that payment be sent to any address other than the address of the registered
owner(s) or pre-designated bank account, you will need a signature guarantee.
You can obtain a signature guarantee from an eligible guarantor acceptable to
Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB. (You should contact Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Trust FSB at (800) 869-NEWS for a determination as to whether a
particular institution is an eligible guarantor.) A notary public cannot provide a
signature guarantee. Additional documentation may be required for shares held
by a corporation, partnership, trustee or executor.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mail the letter to Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB at P.O. Box 983, Jersey
City, NJ 07303. If you hold share certificates, you must return the certificates,
along with the letter and any required additional documentation.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A check will be mailed to the name(s) and address in which the account is
registered, or otherwise according to your instructions.
- -------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Systematic If your investment in all of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Family of Funds has
Withdrawal Plan a total market value of at least $10,000, you may elect to withdraw amounts of
$25 or more, or in any whole percentage of a Fund's balance (provided the
[GRAPHIC OMITTED] amount is at least $25), on a monthly, quarterly, semi-annual or annual basis,
from any Fund with a balance of at least $1,000. Each time you add a Fund to the
plan, you must meet the plan requirements.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Amounts withdrawn are subject to any applicable CDSC. A CDSC may be
waived under certain circumstances. See the Class B waiver categories listed in
the "Share Class Arrangements" section of this Prospectus.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
To sign up for the Systematic Withdrawal Plan, contact your Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Financial Advisor or call (800) 869-NEWS. You may terminate or
suspend your plan at any time. Please remember that withdrawals from the plan
are sales of shares, not Fund "distributions," and ultimately may exhaust your
account balance. The Fund may terminate or revise the plan at any time.
- -------------------- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
PAYMENT FOR SOLD SHARES. After we receive your complete instruction to sell as
described above, a check will be mailed to you within seven days, although we
will attempt to make payment within one business day. Payment may also be sent
to your brokerage account.
Payment may be postponed or the right to sell your shares suspended, however,
under unusual circumstances. If you request to sell shares that were recently
purchased by check, payment of the sale proceeds may be delayed for the minimum
time needed to verify that the check has been honored (not more than fifteen
days from the time we receive the check).
12
<PAGE>
TAX CONSIDERATIONS. Normally, your sale of Fund shares is subject to federal
and state income tax. You should review the "Tax Consequences" section of this
Prospectus and consult your own tax professional about the tax consequences of
a sale.
REINSTATEMENT PRIVILEGE. If you sell Fund shares and have not previously
exercised the reinstatement privilege, you may, within 35 days after the date
of sale, invest any portion of the proceeds in the same Class of Fund shares at
their net asset value and receive a pro rata credit for any CDSC paid in
connection with the sale.
INVOLUNTARY SALES. The Fund reserves the right, on sixty days' notice, to sell
the shares of any shareholder (other than shares held in an IRA or 403(b)
Custodial Account) whose shares, due to sales by the shareholder, have a value
below $100, or in the case of an account opened through EasyInvest(SM), if after
12 months the shareholder has invested less than $1,000 in the account.
However, before the Fund sells your shares in this manner, we will notify you
and allow you sixty days to make an additional investment in an amount that
will increase the value of your account to at least the required amount before
the sale is processed. No CDSC will be imposed on any involuntary sale.
MARGIN ACCOUNTS. If you have pledged your Fund shares in a margin account,
contact your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or other authorized
financial representative regarding restrictions on the sale of such shares.
(side bar)
TARGETED DIVIDENDS(SM)
You may select to have your Fund distributions automatically invested in other
Classes of Fund shares or Classes of another Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund
that you own. Contact your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor for
further information about this service.
(end side bar)
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
DISTRIBUTIONS
- -------------
The Fund passes substantially all of its earnings from income and capital gains
along to its investors as "distributions." The Fund earns income from stocks and
interest from fixed-income investments. These amounts are passed along to Fund
shareholders as "income dividend distributions." The Fund realizes capital gains
whenever it sells securities for a higher price than it paid for them. These
amounts are passed along as "capital gain distributions."
The Fund declares income dividends separately for each Class. Distributions
paid on Class A and Class D shares will be higher than for Class B and Class C
because distribution fees that Class B and Class C pay are higher. Normally,
income dividends are distributed to shareholders annually. Capital gains, if
any, are usually distributed in December. The Fund, however, may retain and
reinvest any long-term capital gains. The Fund may at times make payments from
sources other than income or capital gains that represent a return of a portion
of your investment.
Distributions are reinvested automatically in additional shares of the same
Class and automatically credited to your account, unless you request in writing
that all distributions be paid in cash. If you elect the cash option, the Fund
will mail a check to you no later than seven business days after the
distribution is declared. No interest will accrue on uncashed checks. If you
wish to change how your distributions are paid, your request should be received
by the Fund's transfer agent, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB, at least
five business days prior to the record date of the distributions.
13
<PAGE>
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
TAX CONSEQUENCES
- ----------------
As with any investment, you should consider how your Fund investment will be
taxed. The tax information in this Prospectus is provided as general
information. You should consult your own tax professional about the tax
consequences of an investment in the Fund.
Unless your investment in the Fund is through a tax-deferred retirement
account, such as a 401(k) plan or IRA, you need to be aware of the possible tax
consequences when:
o The Fund makes distributions; and
o You sell Fund shares, including an exchange to another Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Fund.
TAXES ON DISTRIBUTIONS. Your distributions are normally subject to federal and
state income tax when they are paid, whether you take them in cash or reinvest
them in Fund shares. A distribution also may be subject to local income tax.
Any income dividend distributions and any short-term capital gain distributions
are taxable to you as ordinary income. Any long-term capital gain distributions
are taxable as long-term capital gains, no matter how long you have owned
shares in the Fund.
Every January, you will be sent a statement (IRS Form 1099-DIV) showing the
taxable distributions paid to you in the previous year. The statement provides
full information on your dividends and capital gains for tax purposes.
TAXES ON SALES. Your sale of Fund shares normally is subject to federal and
state income tax and may result in a taxable gain or loss to you. A sale also
may be subject to local income tax. Your exchange of Fund shares for shares of
another Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund is treated for tax purposes like a sale
of your original shares and a purchase of your new shares. Thus, the exchange
may, like a sale, result in a taxable gain or loss to you and will give you a
new tax basis for your new shares.
When you open your Fund account, you should provide your social security or tax
identification number on your investment application. By providing this
information, you will avoid being subject to a federal backup withholding tax
of 31% on taxable distributions and redemption proceeds. Any withheld amount
would be sent to the IRS as an advance tax payment.
[GRAPHIC OMITTED]
SHARE CLASS ARRANGEMENTS
- ------------------------
The Fund offers several Classes of shares having different distribution
arrangements designed to provide you with different purchase options according
to your investment needs. Your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or
other authorized financial representative can help you decide which Class may
be appropriate for you.
The general public is offered three Classes: Class A shares, Class B shares and
Class C shares, which differ principally in terms of sales charges and ongoing
expenses. A fourth Class, Class D shares, is offered only to a limited category
of investors. Shares that you acquire through reinvested distributions will not
be subject to any front-end sales charge or CDSC -- contingent deferred sales
charge. Sales personnel may receive different compensation for selling each
Class of shares. The sales charges applicable to each Class provide for the
distribution financing of shares of that Class.
14
<PAGE>
The chart below compares the sales charge and maximum annual 12b-1 fee
applicable to each Class:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
CLASS SALES CHARGE MAXIMUM ANNUAL 12B-1FEE
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
A Maximum 5.25% initial sales charge reduced for purchase of
$25,000 or more; shares sold without an initial sales charge are
generally subject to a 1.0% CDSC during the first year 0.25%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
B Maximum 5.0% CDSC during the first year decreasing to 0%
after six years 1.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
C 1.0% CDSC during the first year 1.0%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
D None None
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
CLASS A SHARES Class A shares are sold at net asset value plus an initial sales
charge of up to 5.25%. The initial sales charge is reduced for purchases of
$25,000 or more according to the schedule below. Investments of $1 million or
more are not subject to an initial sales charge, but are generally subject to a
contingent deferred sales charge, or CDSC, of 1.0% on sales made within one year
after the last day of the month of purchase. The CDSC will be assessed in the
same manner and with the same CDSC waivers as with Class B shares. Class A
shares are also subject to a distribution (12b-1) fee of up to 0.25% of the
average daily net assets of the Class.
The offering price of Class A shares includes a sales charge (expressed as a
percentage of the offering price) on a single transaction as shown in the
following table:
(side bar)
FRONT-END SALES CHARGE OR FSC
An initial sales charge you pay when purchasing Class A shares that is based on
a percentage of the offering price. The percentage declines based upon the
dollar value of Class A shares you purchase. We offer three ways to reduce your
Class A sales charges -- the Combined Purchase Privilege, Right of Accumulation
and Letter of Intent.
(end side bar)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FRONT-END SALES CHARGE
--------------------------------------------------
PERCENTAGE OF APPROXIMATE PERCENTAGE
AMOUNT OF SINGLE TRANSACTION PUBLIC OFFERING PRICE OF NET AMOUNT INVESTED
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
Less than $25,000 5.25% 5.54%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$25,000 but less than $50,000 4.75% 4.99%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$50,000 but less than $100,000 4.00% 4.17%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$100,000 but less than $250,000 3.00% 3.09%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$250,000 but less than $1 million 2.00% 2.04%
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$1 million and over 0 0
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
The reduced sales charge schedule is applicable to purchases of Class A shares
in a single transaction by:
o A single account (including an individual, trust or fiduciary account).
o Family member accounts (limited to husband, wife and children under the age
of 21).
o Pension, profit sharing or other employee benefit plans of companies and
their affiliates.
o Tax-exempt organizations.
o Groups organized for a purpose other than to buy mutual fund shares.
15
<PAGE>
COMBINED PURCHASE PRIVILEGE. You also will have the benefit of reduced sales
charges by combining purchases of Class A shares of the Fund in a single
transaction with purchases of Class A shares of other Multi-Class Funds and
shares of FSC Funds.
RIGHT OF ACCUMULATION. You also may benefit from a reduction of sales charges
if the cumulative net asset value of Class A shares of the Fund purchased in a
single transaction, together with shares of other Funds you currently own which
were previously purchased at a price including a front-end sales charge
(including shares acquired through reinvestment of distributions), amounts to
$25,000 or more. Also, if you have a cumulative net asset value of all your
Class A and Class D shares equal to at least $5 million (or $25 million for
certain employee benefit plans), you are eligible to purchase Class D shares of
any Fund subject to the Fund's minimum initial investment requirement.
You must notify your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or other
authorized financial representative (or Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB if
you purchase directly through the Fund), at the time a purchase order is
placed, that the purchase qualifies for the reduced charge under the Right of
Accumulation. Similar notification must be made in writing when an order is
placed by mail. The reduced sales charge will not be granted if: (i)
notification is not furnished at the time of the order; or (ii) a review of the
records of Dean Witter Reynolds or other authorized dealer of Fund shares or
the Fund's transfer agent does not confirm your represented holdings.
LETTER OF INTENT. The schedule of reduced sales charges for larger purchases
also will be available to you if you enter into a written "letter of intent." A
letter of intent provides for the purchase of Class A shares of the Fund or
other Multi-Class Funds or shares of FSC Funds within a thirteen month period.
The initial purchase under a letter of intent must be at least 5% of the stated
investment goal. To determine the applicable sales charge reduction, you may
also include: (1) the cost of shares of other Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Multi-Class Funds which were previously purchased at a price including a
front-end sales charge during the 90-day period prior to the distributor
receiving the letter of intent, and (2) the cost of shares of other Funds you
currently own acquired in exchange for shares of Funds purchased during that
period at a price including a front-end sales charge. You can obtain a letter
of intent by contacting your Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor or
other authorized financial representative, or by calling (800) 869-NEWS. If you
do not achieve the stated investment goal within the thirteen-month period, you
are required to pay the difference between the sales charges otherwise
applicable and sales charges actually paid, which may be deducted from your
investment.
OTHER SALES CHARGE WAIVERS. In addition to investments of $1 million or more,
your purchase of Class A shares is not subject to a front-end sales charge (or
a CDSC upon sale) if your account qualifies under one of the following
categories:
o A trust for which Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB provides
discretionary trustee services.
16
<PAGE>
o Persons participating in a fee-based investment program (subject to all of
its terms and conditions, including mandatory sale or transfer restrictions
on termination) approved by the Fund's distributor pursuant to which they
pay an asset-based fee for investment advisory, administrative and/or
brokerage services.
o Employer-sponsored employee benefit plans, whether or not qualified under
the Internal Revenue Code, for which Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Trust FSB
serves as trustee or Dean Witter Reynolds' Retirement Plan Services serves
as recordkeeper under a written Recordkeeping Services Agreement ("MSDW
Eligible Plans") which have at least 200 eligible employees.
o An MSDW Eligible Plan whose Class B shares have converted to Class A shares,
regardless of the plan's asset size or number of eligible employees.
o A client of a Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Financial Advisor who joined us
from another investment firm within six months prior to the date of purchase
of Fund shares, and you used the proceeds from the sale of shares of a
proprietary mutual fund of that Financial Advisor's previous firm that
imposed either a front-end or deferred sales charge to purchase Class A
shares, provided that: (1) you sold the shares not more than 60 days prior
to the purchase of Fund shares, and (2) the sale proceeds were maintained in
the interim in cash or a money market fund.
o Current or retired Directors/Trustees of the Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Funds, such persons' spouses and children under the age of 21, and trust
accounts for which any of such persons is a beneficiary.
o Current or retired directors, officers and employees of Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter & Co. and any of its subsidiaries, such persons' spouses and children
under the age of 21 and trust accounts for which any of such persons is a
beneficiary.
CLASS B SHARES Class B shares are offered at net asset value with no initial
sales charge but are subject to a contingent deferred sales charge, or CDSC, as
set forth in the table below. For the purpose of calculating the CDSC, shares
are deemed to have been purchased on the last day of the month during which they
were purchased.
(side bar)
CONTINGENT DEFERRED SALES CHARGE OR CDSC
A fee you pay when you sell shares of certain Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds
purchased without an initial sales charge. This fee declines the longer you hold
your shares as set forth in the table.
(end side bar)
YEAR SINCE PURCHASE PAYMENT MADE CDSC AS A PERCENTAGE OF AMOUNT REDEEMED
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
First 5.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second 4.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Third 3.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fourth 2.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fifth 2.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Sixth 1.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seventh and thereafter None
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Each time you place an order to sell or exchange shares, shares with no CDSC
will be sold or exchanged first, then shares with the lowest CDSC will be sold
or exchanged next. For any shares subject to a CDSC, the CDSC will be assessed
on an amount equal to the lesser of the current market value or the cost of the
shares being sold.
17
<PAGE>
CDSC WAIVERS. A CDSC, if otherwise applicable, will be waived in the case of:
o Sales of shares held at the time you die or become disabled (within the
definition in Section 72(m)(7) of the Internal Revenue Code which relates to
the ability to engage in gainful employment), if the shares are: (i)
registered either in your name (not a trust) or in the names of you and your
spouse as joint tenants with right of survivorship; or (ii) held in a
qualified corporate or self-employed retirement plan, IRA or 403(b)
Custodial Account, provided in either case that the sale is requested within
one year of your death or initial determination of disability.
o Sales in connection with the following retirement plan "distributions:" (i)
lump-sum or other distributions from a qualified corporate or self-employed
retirement plan following retirement (or, in the case of a "key employee" of
a "top heavy" plan, following attainment of age 591/2); (ii) distributions
from an IRA or 403(b) Custodial Account following attainment of age 591/2;
or (iii) a tax-free return of an excess IRA contribution (a "distribution"
does not include a direct transfer of IRA, 403(b) Custodial Account or
retirement plan assets to a successor custodian or trustee).
o Sales of shares held for you as a participant in a MSDW Eligible Plan.
o Sales of shares in connection with the Systematic Withdrawal Plan of up to
12% annually of the value of each Fund from which plan sales are made. The
percentage is determined on the date you establish the Systematic Withdrawal
Plan and based on the next calculated share price. You may have this CDSC
waiver applied in amounts up to 1% per month, 3% per quarter, 6%
semi-annually or 12% annually. Shares with no CDSC will be sold first,
followed by those with the lowest CDSC. As such, the waiver benefit will be
reduced by the amount of your shares that are not subject to a CDSC. If you
suspend your participation in the plan, you may later resume plan payments
without requiring a new determination of the account value for the 12% CDSC
waiver.
All waivers will be granted only following the Fund's distributor receiving
confirmation of your entitlement. If you believe you are eligible for a CDSC
waiver, please contact your Financial Advisor or call (800) 869-NEWS.
DISTRIBUTION FEE. Class B shares are subject to an annual 12b-1 fee of 1.0% of
the lesser of: (a) the average daily aggregate gross purchases by all
shareholders of the Fund's Class B shares since the inception of the Fund (not
including reinvestments of dividends or capital gains distributions), less the
average daily aggregate net asset value of the Fund's Class B shares sold by
all shareholders since the Fund's inception upon which a CDSC has been imposed
or waived, or (b) the average daily net assets of Class B.
CONVERSION FEATURE. After ten (10) years, Class B shares will convert
automatically to Class A shares of the Fund with no initial sales charge. The
ten year period runs from the last day of the month in which the shares were
purchased, or in the case of Class B shares acquired through an exchange, from
the last day of the month in which the original Class B shares were purchased;
the shares will convert to Class A shares based on their relative net asset
values in the month following the ten year period. At the same time, an equal
proportion of Class B shares acquired through automatically reinvested
distributions will convert to Class A shares on the same basis. (Class B shares
held before May 1, 1997, however, will convert to Class A shares in May 2007.)
18
<PAGE>
In the case of Class B shares held in a MSDW Eligible Plan, the plan is treated
as a single investor and all Class B shares will convert to Class A shares on
the conversion date of the Class B shares of a Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund
purchased by that plan.
Currently, the Class B share conversion is not a taxable event; the conversion
feature may be cancelled if it is deemed a taxable event in the future by the
Internal Revenue Service.
If you exchange your Class B shares for shares of a Money Market Fund, a
No-Load Fund, North American Government Income Trust or Short-Term U.S.
Treasury Trust, the holding period for conversion is frozen as of the last day
of the month of the exchange and resumes on the last day of the month you
exchange back into Class B shares.
EXCHANGING SHARES SUBJECT TO A CDSC. There are special considerations when you
exchange Fund shares that are subject to a CDSC. When determining the length of
time you held the shares and the corresponding CDSC rate, any period (starting
at the end of the month) during which you held shares of a fund that does not
charge a CDSC will not be counted. Thus, in effect the "holding period" for
purposes of calculating the CDSC is frozen upon exchanging into a fund that
does not charge a CDSC.
For example, if you held Class B shares of the Fund in a regular account for
one year, exchanged to Class B of another Morgan Stanley Dean Witter
Multi-Class Fund for another year, then sold your shares, a CDSC rate of 4%
would be imposed on the shares based on a two year holding period -- one year
for each Fund. However, if you had exchanged the shares of the Fund for a Money
Market Fund (which does not charge a CDSC) instead of the Multi-Class Fund,
then sold your shares, a CDSC rate of 5% would be imposed on the shares based
on a one year holding period. The one year in the Money Market Fund would not
be counted. Nevertheless, if shares subject to a CDSC are exchanged for a Fund
that does not charge a CDSC, you will receive a credit when you sell the shares
equal to the distribution (12b-1) fees, if any, you paid on those shares while
in that Fund up to the amount of any applicable CDSC.
In addition, shares that are exchanged into or from a Morgan Stanley Dean
Witter Fund subject to a higher CDSC rate will be subject to the higher rate,
even if the shares are re-exchanged into a Fund with a lower CDSC rate.
CLASS C SHARES Class C shares are sold at net asset value with no initial sales
charge but are subject to a CDSC of 1.0% on sales made within one year after the
last day of the month of purchase. The CDSC will be assessed in the same manner
and with the same CDSC waivers as with Class B shares.
DISTRIBUTION FEE. Class C shares are subject to an annual distribution (12b-1)
fee of up to 1.0% of the average daily net assets of that Class. The Class C
shares' distribution fee may cause that Class to have higher expenses and pay
lower dividends than Class A or Class D shares. Unlike Class B shares, Class C
shares have no conversion feature and, accordingly, an investor that purchases
Class C shares may be subject to distribution (12b-1) fees applicable to Class
C shares for an indefinite period.
19
<PAGE>
CLASS D SHARES Class D shares are offered without any sales charge on purchases
or sales and without any distribution (12b-1) fee. Class D shares are offered
only to investors meeting an initial investment minimum of $5 million ($25
million for MSDW Eligible Plans) and the following investor categories:
o Investors participating in the Investment Manager's mutual fund asset
allocation program (subject to all of its terms and conditions, including
mandatory sale or transfer restrictions on termination) pursuant to which
they pay an asset-based fee.
o Persons participating in a fee-based investment program (subject to all of
its terms and conditions, including mandatory sale or transfer restrictions
on termination) approved by the Fund's distributor pursuant to which they
pay an asset-based fee for investment advisory, administrative and/or
brokerage services.
o Employee benefit plans maintained by Morgan Stanley Dean Witter & Co. or any
of its subsidiaries for the benefit of certain employees of Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter & Co. and its subsidiaries.
o Certain unit investment trusts sponsored by Dean Witter Reynolds.
o Certain other open-end investment companies whose shares are distributed by
the Fund's distributor.
MEETING CLASS D ELIGIBILITY MINIMUMS. To meet the $5 million ($25 million for
MSDW Eligible Plans) initial investment to qualify to purchase Class D shares
you may combine: (1) purchases in a single transaction of Class D shares of the
Fund and other Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Multi-Class Funds and/or (2) previous
purchases of Class A and Class D shares of Multi-Class Funds and shares of FSC
Funds you currently own, along with shares of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Funds
you currently own that you acquired in exchange for those shares.
NO SALES CHARGES FOR REINVESTED CASH DISTRIBUTIONS If you receive a cash
payment representing an income dividend or capital gain and you reinvest that
amount in the applicable Class of shares by returning the check within 30 days
of the payment date, the purchased shares would not be subject to an initial
sales charge or CDSC.
PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION (RULE 12B-1 FEES) The Fund has adopted a Plan of
Distribution in accordance with Rule 12b-1 under the Investment Company Act of
1940 with respect to the distribution of Class A, Class B and Class C shares.
The Plan allows the Fund to pay distribution fees for the sale and distribution
of these shares. It also allows the Fund to pay for services to shareholders of
Class A, Class B and Class C shares. Because these fees are paid out of the
Fund's assets on an ongoing basis, over time these fees will increase the cost
of your investment in these Classes and may cost you more than paying other
types of sales charges.
20
<PAGE>
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Selected ratios and per share data for a share of beneficial interest
outstanding throughout each period:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
JULY 28, 1997*
THROUGH
YEARS ENDED JULY 31 1999 1998 JULY 31, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS A++
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
Net asset value, beginning of period $16.78 $16.59 $16.07
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) from investment operations
Net investment income (loss) -- (0.01) 0.01
Net realized and unrealized gain 4.47 1.34 0.51
--------- ------- --------
Total income from investment operations 4.47 1.33 0.52
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from net realized gain (0.89) (1.14) --
Net asset value, end of period $20.36 $16.78 $16.59
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN+ 27.78% 8.94% 3.24%(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 1.30%(3) 1.31% 1.31%(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (0.10)%(3) (0.07)% 4.08%(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period, in thousands $4,079 $1,254 $10
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate 79% 93% 198%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The date shares were first issued.
++ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
outstanding during the period.
+ Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the net
asset value as of the last business day of the period.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific
expenses.
21
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
NOVEMBER 30,
1994*
THROUGH
YEARS ENDED JULY 31 1999++ 1998++ 1997** 1996 JULY 31, 1995
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS B
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $ 16.68 $ 16.59 $ 12.00 $ 11.75 $ 10.00
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) from investment operations
Net investment income (loss) (0.12) (0.08) 0.04 0.15 0.21
Net realized and unrealized gain 4.43 1.31 5.81 0.80 1.68
--------- ------- ------- -------- -----------
Total income from investment operations 4.31 1.23 5.85 0.95 1.89
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less dividends and distributions from
Net investment income -- -- (0.06) (0.21) (0.14)
Net realized gain (0.89) (1.14) (1.20) (0.49) --
--------- ------- -------- -------- -----------
Total dividends and distributions (0.89) (1.14) (1.26) (0.70) (0.14)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, end of period $ 20.10 $ 16.68 $ 16.59 $ 12.00 $ 11.75
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN+ 27.04% 8.25% 51.66% 8.23% 19.04%(1)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 1.90%(4) 1.90% 2.05% 1.98%(3) 0.94%(2)(3)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (0.70)%(4) (0.50)% 0.28% 1.30%(3) 3.19%(2)(3)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period, in thousands $ 194,763 $152,358 $117,041 $ 48,524 $ 36,018
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate 79% 93% 198% 261% 91%(1)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* Commencement of operations.
** Prior to July 28, 1997, the Fund issued one class of shares. All shares
of the Fund held prior to that date have been designated Class B shares.
++ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
outstanding during the period.
+ Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the
net asset value as of the last business day of the period.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) If the Fund had borne all of its expenses that were reimbursed or waived
by Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Services Company Inc. (the then current
Manager) and TCW Funds Management, Inc. (the then current Adviser), the
above annualized expense and net investment income ratios would have been
2.21% and 1.07%, respectively, for the year ended July 31, 1996 and 2.66%
and 1.47%, respectively, for the period ended July 31, 1995.
(4) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific
expenses.
22
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
JULY 28, 1997*
THROUGH
YEARS ENDED JULY 31 1999 1998 JULY 31, 1997
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS C++
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $16.66 $16.59 $16.07
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) from investment operations
Net investment income (loss) (0.09) (0.12) 0.01
Net realized and unrealized gain 4.44 1.33 0.51
--------- ------- --------
Total income from investment operations 4.35 1.21 0.52
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from net realized gain (0.89) (1.14) --
Net asset value, end of period $20.12 $16.66 $16.59
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN+ 27.33% 8.12% 3.24%(1)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 1.72%(3) 2.06% 2.06%(2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income (loss) (0.52)%(3) (0.70)% 2.75%(2)
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period, in thousands $1,609 $700 $38
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate 79% 93% 198%
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The date shares were first issued.
++ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
outstanding during the period.
+ Does not reflect the deduction of sales charge. Calculated based on the
net asset value as of the last business day of the period.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific
expenses.
23
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
FOR THE PERIOD
JULY 28, 1997*
THROUGH
YEARS ENDED JULY 31 1999 1998 JULY 31, 1997
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
CLASS D++
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SELECTED PER SHARE DATA
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net asset value, beginning of period $16.83 $16.59 $16.07
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income (loss) from investment operations
Net investment income (loss) 0.02 0.06 0.01
Net realized and unrealized gain 4.50 1.32 0.51
-------- ------- --------
Total income from investment operations 4.52 1.38 0.52
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less distributions from net realized gain (0.89) (1.14) --
Net asset value, end of period $20.46 $16.83 $16.59
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETURN+ 28.08% 9.20% 3.24%(1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
RATIOS TO AVERAGE NET ASSETS
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Expenses 1.06%(3) 1.06% 1.06%(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net investment income 0.14%(3) 0.34% 4.33%(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPPLEMENTAL DATA
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net assets, end of period, in thousands $1,990 $11 $10
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Portfolio turnover rate 79% 93% 198%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
* The date shares were first issued.
++ The per share amounts were computed using an average number of shares
outstanding during the period.
+ Calculated based on the net asset value as of the last business day of
the period.
(1) Not annualized.
(2) Annualized.
(3) Reflects overall Fund ratios for investment income and non-class specific
expenses.
24
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
FAMILY OF FUNDS
The Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Family of Funds offers investors a wide range of
investment choices. Come on in and meet the family!
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
GROWTH FUNDS GROWTH FUNDS Information Fund
Aggressive Equity Fund Natural Resource Development Securities
American Opportunities Fund Precious Metals and Minerals Trust
Capital Growth Securities GLOBAL/INTERNATIONAL FUNDS
Developing Growth Securities Competitive Edge Fund - "Best Ideas" Portfolio
Growth Fund European Growth Fund
Market Leader Trust Fund of Funds - International Portfolio
Mid-Cap Equity Trust International Fund
Next Generation Trust International SmallCap Fund
Small Cap Growth Fund Japan Fund
Special Value Fund Latin American Growth Fund
THEME FUNDS Pacific Growth Fund
Financial Services Trust
Health Sciences Trust
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROWTH & INCOME FUNDS Balanced Growth Fund Total Market Index Fund
Balanced Income Fund Total Return Trust
Convertible Securities Trust Value Fund
Dividend Growth Securities Value/Added Market Series/Equity Portfolio
Equity Fund THEME FUNDS
Fund of Funds - Domestic Portfolio Global Utilities Fund
Income Builder Fund Utilities Fund
Mid-Cap Dividend Growth Securities GLOBAL FUNDS
S&P 500 Index Fund Global Dividend Growth Securities
S&P 500 Select Fund
Strategist Fund
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME FUNDS GOVERNMENT INCOME FUNDS GLOBAL INCOME FUNDS
Federal Securities Trust North American Government Income Trust
Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust World Wide Income Trust
U.S. Government Securities Trust TAX-FREE INCOME FUNDS
DIVERSIFIED INCOME FUNDS California Tax-Free Income Fund
Diversified Income Trust Hawaii Municipal Trust(FSC)
CORPORATE INCOME FUNDS Limited Term Municipal Trust(NL)
High Yield Securities Multi-State Municipal Series Trust(FSC)
Intermediate Income Securities New York Tax-Free Income Fund
Short-Term Bond Fund(NL) Tax-Exempt Securities Trust
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MONEY MARKET FUNDS TAXABLE MONEY MARKET FUNDS TAX-FREE MONEY MARKET FUNDS
Liquid Asset Fund(MM) California Tax-Free Daily Income Trust(MM)
U.S. Government Money Market Trust(MM) New York Municipal Money Market Trust(MM)
Tax-Free Daily Income Trust(MM)
</TABLE>
There may be Funds created after this Prospectus was published. Please consult
the inside back cover of a new Fund's prospectus for its designations, e.g.,
Multi-Class Fund or Money Market Fund.
Unless otherwise noted, each listed Morgan Stanley Dean Witter Fund, except for
North American Government Income Trust and Short-Term U.S. Treasury Trust, is a
Multi-Class Fund. A Multi-Class Fund is a mutual fund offering multiple Classes
of shares. The other types of Funds are: NL -- No-Load (Mutual) Fund; MM --
Money Market Fund; FSC -- A mutual fund sold with a front-end sales charge and
a distribution (12b-1) fee.
<PAGE>
MORGAN STANLEY DEAN WITTER
TOTAL RETURN FUND
Additional information about the Fund's investments is available in the Fund's
Annual and Semi-Annual Reports to Shareholders. In the Fund's Annual Report,
you will find a discussion of the market conditions and investment strategies
that significantly affected the Fund's performance during its last fiscal year.
The Fund's Statement of Additional Information also provides additional
information about the Fund. The Statement of Additional Information is
incorporated herein by reference (legally is part of this Prospectus). For a
free copy of any of these documents, to request other information about the
Fund, or to make shareholder inquiries, please call:
(800) 869-NEWS
You also may obtain information about the Fund by calling your Morgan Stanley
Dean Witter Financial Advisor or by visiting our Internet site at:
WWW.MSDW.COM/INDIVIDUAL/FUNDS
Information about the Fund (including the Statement of Additional Information)
can be viewed and copied at the Securities and Exchange Commission's Public
Reference Room in Washington, DC. Information about the Reference Room's
operations may be obtained by calling the SEC at (800) SEC-0\!330. Reports and
other information about the Fund are available on the SEC's Internet site
(www.sec.gov) and copies of this information may be obtained, upon payment of a
duplicating fee, by writing the Public Reference Section of the SEC,
Washington, DC 20549-6009.
(side bar)
TICKER SYMBOLS:
Class A: TRFAX
- ------------------------------
Class B: TRFBX
- ------------------------------
Class C: TRFCX
- ------------------------------
Class D: TRFDX
- ------------------------------
(end side bar)
(THE FUND'S INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT FILE NO. IS 811-8600)
